bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of clinical risk factors for adolescent scoliosis caused by spinal cord abnormalities in China: Proposal for a selective whole-spine MRI examination scheme
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Xiangyang , Zhu Ying , li zhikun , Zhu Xiaodong , Li Dachuan , Jia Jianjun , Chen Liwei , Wang Silian , Bai Yushu , Li Ming
Published: November 2019

Background This study examined the risk factors for non-idiopathic scoliosis with intramedullary abnormalities, explored the feasibility of whole-spine MRI, and provided a theoretical basis for the routine diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Method The clinical data of adolescent scoliosis patients who were admitted to Shanghai Tongren Hospital and Shanghai Changhai Hospital between July 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, were reviewed. According to the whole-spine MRI results, the patients were divided into either the idiopathic group or the intramedullary abnormality group. Sex, age, main curvature angle, main curvature direction, kyphosis angle, scoliosis type, coronal plane balance, sagittal plane balance, abdominal wall reflex, sensory abnormality, ankle clonus and tendon reflexes were compared between the two groups. Student’s t test was used to evaluate the differences in the continuous variables, and the chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences in the categorical variables. Fisher’s exact test was applied to detect the difference in the rate of intraspinal anomalies between the groups. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlation between the multivariate risk factors and intramedullary abnormalities.
Result A total of 714 adolescent scoliosis patients with a mean age of 13.5 (10-18 years) were included in the study, and intramedullary abnormalities were found in 68 (9.5%) patients. There were statistically significant differences in the incidence rates of intramedullary abnormalities between males and females, left and right thoracic curvatures, angular scoliosis and smooth scoliosis, and abnormal abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus (P<0.01). Logistic regression showed that the ratios for sex, scoliosis direction, scoliosis type, abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus were 2.987, 3.493, 4.823, 3.94 and 8.083, respectively. The ROC curve showed a sensitivity of 66.18% and a specificity of 89.01%, and the Youden index corresponding to the optimal critical point was 0.5519.
Conclusion Risk factors associated with adolescent scoliosis caused by abnormal intramedullary abnormalities included male sex, thoracic scoliosis on the left side, sharp curvature of the spine, abnormal abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus. These clinical indicators suggest that there is a high-risk adolescent scoliosis population who should undergo whole-spinal MRI preoperatively to rule out intramedullary abnormalities.
Biomechanical Evaluation of strategies for Adjacent Segment Disease after Lateral lumbar interbody fusion: is extension of pedicle screw necessary?
Authors: Liang Ziyang , Cui Jianchao , Zhang Jiarui , He Jiahui , Tang Jingjing , Ren Hui , Ye Linqiang , Liang De , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: November 2019

Background: Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a well-known complication after interbody fusion. Pedicle screw-rod revision possessed sufficient strength and rigidity. However, is a surgical segment with rigid fixation necessary for ASD reoperation? This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effect on LLIF with different instrumentation for ASD treatment.Methods: A validated L2~5 finite element (FE) model was modified to simulate. ASD was considered the level cranial to the upper-instrumented segment(L3/4). Bonegraft fusion in LLIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPS) has occurred at the L4/5. The ASD segment for each group was underwent a) LLIF + posterior extension of BPS, b) PLIF + posterior extension of BPS, c) LLIF + lateral screw, d) Stand-alone LLIF. L3/4 Range of motion (ROM), interbody cage stress and strain, screw-boneinterface stress, cage-endplate interface stress, and L2/3 nucleus pulposus of intradiscal pressure (NP-IDP) analysis were calculated for the comparisons among fourmodels.Results: All reconstructive models displayed decreased motion at L3/4. In each loading condition, difference was not significant between model a and b, which providedthe maximum ROM reduction (73.8% to 97.7%, 68.3% to 98.4%, respectively). Model c also provided a significant ROM reduction (64.9% to 77.5%). Model d provided a minimal restriction of ROM (18.3% to 90.1%), which exceeded that of model a by 13.1 times in flexion-extension, 10.3 times in lateral bending and 4.8 times in rotation. Model b generated greater cage stress than other models, particularly in flexion. The maximum displacement of the cage and the peak stress of cage-endplate interface were found to be the highest in the model d in all loading conditions. For the screw bone interface, the stress was significantly greater in lateral instrumentation than that of posterior instrumentation.Conclusions: Stand-alone LLIF is likely to have limited stability, particularly in lateral bending and axial rotation. Posterior extension of BPS can provide the reliablystability and excellently protective effect on instrumentation and endplate. However, LLIF with in situ screw may be an alternative for ASD reoperation.
Role of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells and human papilloma virus infection in Egyptian Women with breast cancer
Authors: Tawfeik Amany , Mora Ahmed , Osman Ahmed , Elsheikh Nabila , Elrefaei Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Several subsets of regulatory CD4+ T cells (CD4+ Tregs) have been described in peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment and blood of breast cancer (BC) patients and may play a key role in the progression of BC. High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) have a causal role in a significant proportion of cervical, and head, and neck tumors and may play an important role in evoking neoplasia in BC. In this study we assessed the prevalence of CD4+Tregs (CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+ cells) and CD8+T cells by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from a total of 55 Egyptian women, including 20 treatment-naïve BC, 15 with breast benign lesions (BBL) and 20 healthy volunteers (HV). High-risk HPV genotype type 16, 18, and 31 was investigated in breast tissue from all BC and BBL patients using Real-Time PCR. HPV was detected in 4 BC, but in none of BBL patients. The frequency of CD4+ Tregs was significantly higher in BC compared to BBL and HV, (p < 0.001). In addition, we observed a significantly higher frequency of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of patients with late stage III compared to early stage I and II BC (p = 0.011). However, there was no significant association between the ratio of CD8+ T cell to CD4+ Tregs frequencies and the expression of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2). In conclusion, CD4+ Tregs may contribute to progression BC in Egyptian women with HPV infection. The potential role CD4+ Tregs as a prognostic or predictive parameter should be analyzed in a larger longitudinal study with sufficient follow-up time.
Promotion of Euro Introduction in Slovakia: Financial Literacy of Generation X and Y
Authors: Korcsmaros Eniko , Seben Zoltan , Machova Renata , Feher Lilla
Published: November 2019

The basic goal of the research is to map the financial literacy of generation X and Y in the context of the euro introduction in Slovakia 10 years following the introduction of the single currency. In order to achieve the research objectives we applied primary data collection to obtain information about the researched issue. An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among the respondents. Data collection among the residents was realized with the help of an agent, but also an online questionnaire was provided for the respondents in time interval of 6-20th December, 2018. Basic statistic indicators (crosstabs, distribution, homogeneity of variances and ANOVA) were used to verify our assumptions. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis which showed differences between the generations X and Y in relation to the financial literacy connected with the context of euro introduction.
Marketing of Ukrainian higher educational institutions representation based on modeling of webometrics ranking
Authors: Kvitka Sergiy , Starushenko Galina , Koval Viktor , Deforzh Hanna , Prokopenko Olha
Published: November 2019

The objective of the article is constructing of the two-factor model on the basis of the statistical material of the Webometric Rating of Universities, which analytically describes the status of Ukrainian higher educational institutions in terms of Webometrics indicators, provides an opportunity for its quantitative and qualitative analysis and forecasting of development trends of market educational services and marketing research in this area. The statistical analysis of the data of the Webometric Rating of Universities was conducted using the professional statistical information processing program STATGRAPHICS Centurion XV.I. Analytical relations are obtained using the Pade approximation technique. Mathematical editor Maple has been used to visualize the results of research and illustrate a qualitative picture of the rating of Ukrainian universities in the Internet space using the Webometric Indicators system. A two-factor model of the state and forecast of academic representation of Ukrainian universities according to Webometric rating is constructed. Using the proposed model, an analytical expression is obtained that allows for quantitative and qualitative assessments of the world ranking of higher educational institutions of Ukraine in the Web-indicators system Webometrix in order to increase their academic presence on the Internet, to strengthen the international authority and raise the national science school as a whole for a qualitatively new degree of development. The scientific novelty of the work is in the inclusion in the model of the time factor, the availability of which makes it possible, firstly, to extend the statistical material used in time and, secondly, to predict the trends and prospects of presentation in the Internet space of Ukrainian universities as advanced research centers. The main results of the work can be useful as a methodological material during the educational process in higher educational institutions, in the training and improvement of the skills of management personnel, in developing programs for reforming the educational process in higher education in order to bring it closer to European requirements and achieve the level of the best world universities. The presented methodology and data analysis algorithm can be generalized to evaluate rating systems of other nature: when evaluating students' educational and community work, financial analysis, in particular, to assess the probability of default of non-lending organizations, to determine the reliability of commercial banks, to conduct sociological tests, and surveys, medical and biological research and other areas of public administration.
Small and medium enterprises and eco-innovations: empirical study of Slovak SME´s
Authors: Lesakova Ľubica
Published: November 2019

Eco-innovation and green technologies are key to Europe´s future and they are at the heart of the
European Union (EU) policies. The EU´s economic prosperity and well being are linked to its natural environment and
the global demand for renewable energy and resource-efficient solutions will be a source of new jobs and economic
growth in the years to come. As the numerous practical examples from industry demonstrate, eco-innovation is a
powerful instrument that combines reduced negative impact on the environment with a positive impact on the economy
and society. Eco-innovation call attention to the positive contribution that the small and medium enterprises can make
to sustainable development and a competitive economy. To step towards sustainable economic growth, there is a
need for much more eco-innovations to appear in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aim of the paper is to
present the results of empirical research aimed at SME´s involvement in eco-innovation activities in Slovakia and to
compare them with the EU 28 average. Our analysis is aimed at five eco-innovation activities contributing deeply to
the circular economy. That is a) waste recycling and minimizing waste generation; b) re-planned energy usage to
minimize consumption; c) redesigning products and services to minimize the use of materials or using recycled
materials; d) changes to the use of water to minimize consumption and to maximize water re-usage; e) usage of
renewable energy sources. Identified will be the actual and perceived issues (problems, difficulties) encountered by
Slovak SMEs with regard to undertaking eco-innovations. Based on the research results formulated are the
implications for SMEs managers and policymakers in Slovakia concerned with the SME´s involvement in ecoinnovation. Our study is qualitative and descriptive in nature and most of the data is based on secondary sources. The
data used to assess the SME´s involvement in eco-innovation activities come from the survey commissioned by the
EC in the year 2016 with the aim to explore SME´s activities in relation to the circular economy (including the ecoinnovation activities) in the period of years 2014-2016. As to the Slovakia 383 SMEs operating in manufacturing,
services and in the industry sector has been interviewed. The methods used in the paper are the methods of causal
analysis, deduction, abstraction, comparison as well as synthesis.
High‐Throughput Approaches for Phenotyping Alfalfa Germplasm under Abiotic Stress in the Field
Authors: Cazenave Alexandre‐Brice , Shah Kushendra , Trammell Tresa , Komp Michael , Hoffman Justin , Motes Christy M. , Monteros Maria J.
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

Remote sensing technologies enable rapid and nondestructive phenotyping of plants in the field.

Biomass estimate accuracy from images and sensors was similar to yields harvested manually.

Biomass yield variation identified the most productive accessions under low‐input conditions.

High‐throughput phenotyping technologies enable monitoring plant growth and development nondestructively throughout the growing season. Crop losses associated with abiotic and biotic factors threaten the sustainability of crops used for feed, fiber, and fuel. The process to develop improved cultivars with enhanced crop yields includes phenotyping hundreds of plants under a target set of conditions. However, the manual collection of data is often laborious and time consuming. Strategies that integrate remote sensing technologies including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and sensors mounted on “phenomobiles” can streamline phenotyping efforts in plant breeding programs. The objectives of this study were to compare the phenotypic data collected from the field using UAVs, sensors, and manual approaches and to assess the potential of high‐throughput approaches to rank the productivity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) accessions growing in the field. Phenotypic data were collected from 100 alfalfa accessions established and grown under low‐input conditions. Specific traits evaluated using both UAVs and sensors mounted on a phenomobile prior to physically harvesting the biomass during four harvests include biomass yield, plant height, normalized difference vegetation index, leaf area index, and ground coverage. The results from both the UAV and the sensors were highly correlated to the physical measurements obtained for the multiple traits evaluated. Therefore, field‐based high‐throughput phenotyping strategies represent a viable option for efficiently screening germplasm in the field to increase phenotyping efficiencies in plant breeding programs.
Thermal decay without information loss in horizonless microstate geometries
Authors: Bena Iosif , Heidmann Pierre , Monten Ruben , Warner Nicholas
Published: November 2019

We develop a new hybrid WKB technique to compute boundary-to-boundary
scalar Green functions in asymptotically-AdS backgrounds in which the
scalar wave equation is separable and is explicitly solvable in the
asymptotic region. We apply this technique to a family of
six-dimensional \frac{1}{8}18-BPS
asymptotically AdS_3\,\times\,3×S^33
horizonless geometries that have the same charges and angular momenta as
a D1-D5-P black hole with a large horizon area. At large and
intermediate distances, these geometries very closely approximate the
extremal-BTZ\,\times\,×S^33
geometry of the black hole, but instead of having an event horizon,
these geometries have a smooth highly-redshifted
global-AdS_3\,\times\,3×S^33
cap in the IR. We show that the response function of a scalar probe, in
momentum space, is essentially given by the pole structure of the
highly-redshifted global-AdS_33
modulated by the BTZ response function. In position space, this
translates into a sharp exponential black-hole-like decay for times
shorter than N_1 N_5N1N5,
followed by the emergence of evenly spaced “echoes from the cap,” with
period \sim N_1 N_5∼N1N5.
Our result shows that horizonless microstate geometries can have the
same thermal decay as black holes without the associated information
loss.
Remuneration policy in terms of decent work at a regional level
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Svitlana , Wyrwa Dariusz , Shkoda Tetiana
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the paper is to develop indicators and standards for assessing the remuneration policy in terms of decent work at the regional level and to approbate the developed tools for assessing the data of remuneration policy research in Kyiv region. The analysis of the labor remuneration policy at the regional level has been based on the developed indicators using case study, statistical method, comparative analysis, analogy method and content analysis. The findings have shown negative trends, in particular the inefficiency of social standards, the low level of wages, the arrears of wages, the unsatisfactory wages structure and the low level of collective-contractual regulation of remuneration. The low level of remuneration, which does not provide an expanded reproduction of the labor force, is a significant drawback in wages in Kyiv region in comparison with wages in Kyiv city, which demotivates employees and leads to migration abroad. The necessity for remuneration policy improvement based on the decent work concept has been proved. Indicators and standards can be used by regional state administrations, state authorities, trade unions, employers’ organizations for analyzing the labor remuneration policy and identifying the directions for its improvement in order to implement the decent work concept and increase the welfare of employees. Public authorities can use the developed indicators for comparing and ranking the regions and finding out the leaders in the implementation of decent work concept.
Creatividad. Una revisión descriptiva sobre nuestra capacidad de invención e innovación
Authors: Diaz Abrahan Veronika , Justel Nadia
Published: November 2019

En el campo de las neurociencias, la creatividad es la capacidad de generar soluciones, ideas nuevas y útiles, o asociaciones múltiples, alternativas y variadas a un problema o estímulo dado. A esta capacidad de creación e innovación subyace una red neuronal cortical y subcortical que soporta la interacción dinámica y constante de funciones cognitivas superiores. Existen diferentes modelos cognitivos que explican cómo funciona nuestra capacidad de crear y diferentes factores asociados al rendimiento creativo como, por ejemplo, el sexo, la personalidad o el entrenamiento. El objetivo del presente trabajo está orientado a revisar los antecedentes científicos en torno a los sustratos neuroanatómicos y funcionales de la creatividad, y el efecto modulador que ejercen los aspectos biológicos, psicológicos y ambientales sobre esta capacidad del ser humano.
Characterization of an Intermediate Filament Protein from the Platyhelminth,Dugesia japonica
Authors: Yamamoto Akiko , Matsunaga Ken-ichiro , Anai Toyoaki , Kawano Hitoshi , Ueda Toshihisa , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Ando Shoji
Published: November 2019

Background:

Intermediate Filaments (IFs) are major constituents of the cytoskeletal systems in animal cells.

Objective:

To gain insights into the structure-function relationship of invertebrate cytoplasmic IF proteins, we characterized an IF protein from the platyhelminth, Dugesia japonica, termed Dif-1.

Method:

cDNA cloning, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical analysis, and IF assembly experiments in vitro using recombinant Dif-1, were performed for protein characterization.

Results:

The structure deduced from the cDNA sequence showed that Djf-1 comprises 568 amino acids and has a tripartite domain structure (N-terminal head, central rod, and C-terminal tail) that is characteristic of IF proteins. Similar to nuclear IF lamins, Djf-1 contains an extra 42 residues in the coil 1b subdomain of the rod domain that is absent from vertebrate cytoplasmic IF proteins and a nuclear lamin-homology segment of approximately 105 residues in the tail domain; however, it contains no nuclear localization signal. In situ hybridization analysis showed that Djf-1 mRNA is specifically expressed in cells located within the marginal region encircling the worm body. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Djf-1 protein forms cytoplasmic IFs located close to the microvilli of the cells. In vitro IF assembly experiments using recombinant proteins showed that Djf-1 alone polymerizes into IFs. Deletion of the extra 42 residues in the coil 1b subdomain resulted in the failure of IF formation.

Conclusions:

Together with data from other histological studies, our results suggest that Djf- 1 is expressed specifically in anchor cells within the glandular adhesive organs of the worm and that Djf-1 IFs may play a role in protecting the cells from mechanical stress.
Neurotoxic and Neuroprotective Role of Exosomes in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Longoni Biancamaria , Fasciani Irene , Kolachalam Shivakumar , Pietrantoni Ilaria , Marampon Francesco , Petragnano Francesco , Aloisi Gabriella , Coppolino Maria F. , Rossi Mario , Scarselli Marco , Maggio Roberto
Published: November 2019

:

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles produced by eukaryotic cells that are also found in most biological fluids and tissues. While they were initially thought to act as compartments for removal of cellular debris, they are now recognized as important tools for cell-to-cell communication and for the transfer of pathogens between the cells. They have attracted particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases for their potential role in transferring prion-like proteins between neurons, and in Parkinson’s disease (PD), they have been shown to spread oligomers of α-synuclein in the brain accelerating the progression of this pathology. A potential neuroprotective role of exosomes has also been equally proposed in PD as they could limit the toxicity of α-synuclein by clearing them out of the cells. Exosomes have also attracted considerable attention for use as drug vehicles. Being nonimmunogenic in nature, they provide an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the delivery of incorporated drugs to target cells. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the potential neurotoxic and neuroprotective role of exosomes and their potential application as drug delivery systems in PD.
Modern Catalysts in A3- Coupling Reactions
Authors: Ramazani Ali , Ahankar Hamideh , Nafeh Zahra T. , Joo Sang W.
Published: November 2019

:

Propargylamines are an important constituent of diverse, biologically active and industrially valuable compounds. These useful, convenient and effective compounds can be synthesized via the A3-coupling reactions between an aldehyde, amine, and alkyne in the presence of a catalyst. In the past years, most of the catalysts containing transition metals were applied in these reactions, but today, various heterogeneous catalysts, especially nanocatalysts are used. The purpose of this review was to introduce some modern catalysts for the A3-coupling reaction.
Development of Ubiquitin Tools for Studies of Complex Ubiquitin Processing Protein Machines
Authors: Sui Xin , Li Yi-Ming
Published: November 2019

:

Ubiquitination is one of the most extensive post-translational modifications in
eukaryotes and is involved in various physiological processes such as protein degradation,
autophagy, protein interaction, and protein localization. The ubiquitin (Ub)-related protein
machines include Ub-activating enzymes (E1s), Ub-conjugating enzymes (E2s), Ub ligases
(E3s), deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), p97, and the proteasomes. In recent years,
the role of DUBs has been extensively studied and relatively well understood. On the
other hand, the functional mechanisms of the other more complex ubiquitin-processing
protein machines (e.g., E3, p97, and proteasomes) are still to be sufficiently well explored
due to their intricate nature. One of the hurdles facing the studies of these complex protein
machines is the challenge of developing tailor-designed structurally defined model substrates,
which unfortunately cannot be directly obtained using recombinant technology. Consequently, the acquisition
and synthesis of the ubiquitin tool molecules are essential for the elucidation of the functions and
structures of the complex ubiquitin-processing protein machines. This paper aims to highlight recent studies on
these protein machines based on the synthetic ubiquitin tool molecules.
Neuroprotective Effect of β-secretase Inhibitory Peptide from Pacific Hake (Merluccius productus) Fish Protein Hydrolysate
Authors: Lee Jung Kwon , Li-Chan Eunice C.Y. , Cheung Imelda W.Y. , Jeon You-Jin , Ko Ju-Young , Byun Hee-Guk
Published: November 2019

Background:

Various methodologies have been employed for the therapeutic interpolation of
the progressive brain disorder Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, β-secretase inhibition is significant to prevent
disease progression in the early stages.

Objective:

This study seeks to purify and characterize a novel β-secretase inhibitory peptide from Pacific
hake enzymatic hydrolysate.

Methods:

A potent β-secretase inhibitory peptide was isolated by sequential purifications using Sephadex
G-25 column chromatography and octadecylsilane (ODS) C18 reversed-phase HPLC. A total of
seven peptides were synthesized using the isolated peptide sequences. SH-SY5Y cells stably transfected
with the human ‘‘Swedish’’ amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation APP695 (SH-SY5YAPP695swe)
were used as an in-vitro model system to investigate the effect of Leu-Asn peptide on APP
processing.

Results:

The β-secretase inhibitory activity (IC50) of the purified peptide (Ser-Leu-Ala-Phe-Val-Asp-
Asp-Val-Leu-Asn) from fish protein hydrolysate was 18.65 μM and dipeptide Leu-Asn was the most
potent β-secretase inhibitor (IC50 value = 8.82 µM). When comparing all the seven peptides, the inhibition
pattern of Leu-Asn dipeptide was found to be competitive by Lineweaver-Burk plot and Dixon plot
(Ki value = 4.24 µM). The 24 h treatment with Leu-Asn peptide in SH-SY5Y cells resulted in reducing
the β-amyloid (Aβ) production in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the results of this study suggest that β-secretase inhibitory peptides derived from
marine organisms could be potential candidates to develop nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals as antidementia
agents.
Tau PET Distributional Pattern in AD Patients with Visuospatial Dysfunction
Authors: Sun Xi , Nie Binbin , Zhao Shujun , Chen Qian , Li Panlong , Zhang Tianhao , Pan Tingting , Feng Ting , Wang Luying , Yin Xiaolong , Zhang Wei , Zhao Shilun , Shan Baoci , Liu Hua , Liang Shengxiang , Ai Lin , Wang Guihong
Published: November 2019

Background:

Visuospatial dysfunction is one predominant symptom in many atypical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, however, until now its neural correlates still remain unclear. For the accumulation of intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau proteins is a major pathogenic factor in neurodegeneration of AD, the distributional pattern of tau could highlight the affected brain regions associated with specific cognitive deficits.

Objective:

We investigated the brain regions particularly affected by tau accumulation in patients with visuospatial dysfunction to explore its neural correlates.

Methods:

Using 18F-AV-1451 tau positron emission tomography (PET), voxel-wise two-sample t-tests were performed between AD patients with obvious visuospatial dysfunction (VS-AD) and cognitively normal subjects, AD patients with little-to-no visuospatial dysfunction (non VS-AD) and cognitively normal subjects, respectively.

Results:

Results showed increased tau accumulations mainly located in occipitoparietal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, inferior and medial temporal cortex in VS-AD patients, while increased tau accumulations mainly occurred in the inferior and medial temporal cortex in non VS-AD patients.

Conclusion:

These findings suggested that occipitoparietal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus, which were particularly affected by increased tau accumulation in VS-AD patients, may associate with visuospatial dysfunction of AD.
Mechanism and Development of Modern General Anesthetics
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Luethy Anita , Zhang Honghai , Luo Yan , Xue Qingsheng , Yu Buwei , Lu Han
Published: November 2019

Background:

Before October 1846, surgery and pain were synonymous but not thereafter.
Conquering pain must be one of the very few strategies that has potentially affected every human being
in the world of all milestones in medicine.

Methods:

This review article describes how various general anesthetics were discovered historically and
how they work in the brain to induce sedative, hypnosis and immobility. Their advantages and disadvantages
will also be discussed.

Results:

Anesthesia is a relatively young field but is rapidly evolving. Currently used general anesthetics
are almost invariably effective, but nagging side effects, both short (e.g., cardiac depression) and long
(e.g., neurotoxicity) term, have reawakened the call for new drugs.

Conclusion:

Based on the deepening understanding of historical development and molecular targets and
actions of modern anesthetics, novel general anesthetics are being investigated as potentially improved
sedative-hypnotics or a key to understand the mechanism of anesthesia.
Medicinal Value and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino and Its Derivatives: An Overview
Authors: Li Kaijun , Ma Chao , Li Haoyu , Dev Sooranna , He JianFeng , Qu Xiaosheng
Published: November 2019

:

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GpM) and its derivatives, especially gypenosides
(Gyps), are widely used as safe and convenient natural herbal drugs for the treatment of many
diseases for a long time, and Gyps have different oral bioavailability (OB) values and low ability to
cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The effects of GpM and isolates on fibrosis, inflammation, oxidation,
proliferation and migration are proved. GpM shows bidirectional regulation effect on proliferation,
oxidation and apoptosis in tumor and non-tumor cells. GpM and its extractions can resist proliferation,
activate oxidation and apoptosis in tumor cells and have opposite effects on non-tumor cells. We succinctly
present some current views of medicinal value and potential therapeutic mechanisms of GpM
and its derivatives.
Nanophytomedicine Based Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Liver Cancer
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Fayaz Faizana , Pottoo Faheem Hyder , Bajaj Sakshi , Manchanda Satish , Bansal Himangini
Published: November 2019

Liver cancer is the fifth (6.3% of all cancers i.e., 548,000 cases/year) and ninth (2.8% of all cancers i.e., 244,000 cases/year) most prevalent cancer worldwide in men and women, respectively. Although multiple choices of therapies are offered for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) like liver resection or transplant, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, radioembolization, and systemic targeted agent, by the time of diagnosis, most of the cases of HCC are in an advanced stage, which renders therapies like liver transplant or resection and local ablation impractical; and targeted therapy has its shortcomings like general toxicity, imprecise selectivity, several adversative reactions, and resistance development. Therefore, novel drugs with specificity and selectivity are needed to provide the potential therapeutic response. Various researches have shown the potential of phytomedicines in liver cancer by modulating cell growth, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. However, their therapeutic potential is held up by their unfavorable properties like stability, poor water solubility, low absorption, and quick metabolism. Nonetheless, the advancement of nanotechnology-based innovative nanocarrier formulations has improved the phytomedicines’ profile to be used in the treatment of liver cancer. Nanocarriers not only improve the solubility and stability of phytomedicines but also extend their residence in plasma and accomplish specificity. In this review, we summarize the advancements introduced by nanotechnology in the treatment of liver cancer. In particular, we discuss quite a few applications of nanophytomedicines like curcumin, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, berberine, apigenin, triptolide, and resveratrol in liver cancer treatment.
ORO-Dental Manifestations in West Syndrome
Authors: della Vella Fedora , Contaldo Maria , Fucile Renato , Panza Francesco , Dibello Vittorio , Kalemaj Zamira , Ninivaggi Rossella , Petruzzi Massimo , Serpico Rosario
Published: November 2019

Background:

West Syndrome is a rare epileptic encephalopathy involving infantile spasms,
altered electroencephalographic pattern with hypsarrhythmia, and psychomotor development delay. It
arises in paediatric patients, generally within the first year of life, in symptomatic or idiopathic form
depending on the presence of hereditary features or not.

Case report:

In this report it is described the case of a West syndrome patient affected by multiple
caries, gingival enlargement, dental eruption abnormalities, high-arched palate and MIH, treated at the
dental clinic of University of Bari “Aldo Moro”.

Discussion:

West patients present with multiple oral abnormalities, including altered eruption timing,
teeth agenesis, teeth shape and position abnormalities, plaque and calculus accumulation, malocclusions
and bad oral habits (mouth breathing, nails biting).

Conclusion::

West Syndrome patients’ oral hygiene is generally bad due to their motor difficulty and to
their low compliance towards dentists, which entails general anaesthesia to perform dental treatment.
West Syndrome pharmacological treatment is usually based on antiepileptic drugs and/or ACTH.
These medications are well known for their ability to induce gingival enlargement, increasing the possibility
of plaque accumulation and gingivitis development.
In-silico Designing, ADMET Analysis, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Derivatives of Diosmin Against Urease Protein and Helicobacter pylori Bacterium
Authors: Kataria Ritu , Khatkar Anurag
Published: November 2019

Background:

Designing drug candidates against the urease enzyme, which has been found responsible for many pathological disorders in human beings as well as in animals, was done by insilico means.

Methods:

Studies were carried out on a designed library of diosmin derivatives with the help of Schrodinger’s maestro package of molecular docking software against a crystallographic complex of plant enzyme Jack bean urease (PDB ID: 3LA4). Best twelve derivatives of diosmin were selected for synthesis by considering their interaction energy along with docking score and were further investigated for antioxidant, urease inhibitory and Anti-H. pylori activity by in- vitro method along with ADMET analysis.

Results:

In-vitro results of series concluded compounds D2a, D2d and D7 (IC50 12.6 ± 0.002, 14.14 ± 0.001 and 15.64 ± 0.012 µM respectively in urease inhibition and 5.195 ± 0.036, 5.39 ± 0.020 and 5.64± 0.005 µM in antioxidant behavior against DPPH) were found to be significantly potent with excellent docking score -11.721, -10.795, -10.188 and binding energy -62.674, -63.352, -56.267 kJ/ mol as compared to standard drugs thiourea and acetohydroxamic acid (-3.459, -3.049 and -21.156 kJ/mol and - 17.454 kJ/mol) whereas compounds D2b, D5b, D5d and D6 were found moderate in urease inhibitory activity.

Conclusions:

Selected candidates from the outcome of in-vitro urease inhibitory were further examined for anti- H. pylori activity by a well diffusion method against H. pylori bacterium (DSM 4867). Compound D2a showed good anti-H. Pylori activity with a zone of inhibition 10.00 ± 0.00 mm and MIC value 500µg/mL as compared to standard drug acetohydroxamic acid having a zone of inhibition 9.00 ± 0.50mm and MIC 1000µg/mL. In- silico studies played an important role in designing the potent ligands against urease protein as well as in explaining the binding pattern of designed and synthesized ligand within the active pocket of jack bean urease protein. ADMET studies were also carried out to check the drug similarity of designed compounds by the means of quikprop module of molecular docking software. Hence, the present investigation studies will provide a new vision for the discovery of potent agents against H. pylori and urease associated diseases.
Structurally Related Edaravone Analogues: Synthesis, Antiradical, Antioxidant, and Copper-Chelating Properties
Authors: LeBlanc Alexandre , Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava , Morin Pier Jr. , Touaibia Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Background::

The current therapeutic options available to patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are limited and edaravone is a compound that has gained significant
interest for its therapeutic potential in this condition.

Objectives: :

The current work was thus undertaken to synthesize and characterize a series of edaravone
analogues.

Methods:

A total of 17 analogues were synthesized and characterized for their antioxidant properties,
radical scavenging potential and copper-chelating capabilities.

Results:

Radical scavenging and copper-chelating properties were notably observed for edaravone.
Analogues bearing hydrogen in position 1 and a phenyl at position 3 and a phenyl in both positions of
pyrazol-5 (4H)-one displayed substantial radical scavenging, antioxidants and copper-chelating properties.
High accessibility of electronegative groups combined with higher electronegativity and partial
charge of the carbonyl moiety in edaravone might explain the observed difference in the activity of
edaravone relative to the closely related analogues 6 and 7 bearing hydrogen at position 1 and a phenyl
at position 3 (6) and a phenyl in both positions (7).

Conclusion:

Overall, this study reveals a subset of edaravone analogues with interesting properties.
Further investigation of these compounds is foreseen in relevant models of oxidative stress-associated
diseases in order to assess their therapeutic potential in such conditions.
Concentration Dependent Luminescence and Energy Transfer Properties of Samarium Doped LLSZFB Glasses
Authors: Anjaiah Gudelly , Sasikala Thammisetty , Kistaiah Puram
Published: November 2019

Background:

Recently, great importance has been devoted to borate glass systems
doped with rare-earth ions because of their unique peculiar properties in the field of
photonics for optical applications.

Objective:

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of concentration of
Sm3+ ions on the luminescence properties of lead fluoroborate glasses through the energy
transfer mechanism.

Materials and Methods:

Samarium doped lead fluoroborate glasses with chemical composition
20PbF2 .10Li2O .5SrO .5ZnO. (60-x) B2O3. xSm2O3 (where x = 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and
2.0 mol %) were prepared by means of melt quenching method. The concentration dependent
luminescence properties were investigated in detail from the optical absorption, photoluminescence
and decay analysis. Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory was applied to analyze the optical
absorption spectra. The experimental oscillator strengths of absorption bands have been
used to determine the J-O parameters. Using the J-O parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4 and 6) and
luminescence data several radiative parameters were obtained.

Results:

From the luminescence spectra, it was noticed that luminescence quenching starts
at higher concentrations of Sm3+ ions (x ≥ 0.5 mol %). The decay curves of 4G5/2 → 6H7/2
transition exhibit a single exponential at lower dopant concentrations (x= 0.1 and 0.5 mol
%) and non-exponential at higher concentrations (x ≥ 1 mol %). The concentration
quenching was attributed to the energy transfer through the cross-relaxation between Sm3+
ions. The non-exponential curves were well fitted to Inokuti-Hirayama model for S = 6, indicating
that the energy transfer between Sm3+ - Sm3+ ions is of dipole-dipole type. The
calculated color coordinates of the as-prepared glasses fall within the reddish-orange region
of the CIE diagram.

Conclusion:

All the experimental results indicate that the 0.5 mol% Sm3+ ions doped
LLSZFB glass can be a possible choice for solid state lighting and display applications.
CAN ARGUMENT-DRIVEN INQUIRY MODELS HAVE IMPACT ON CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS FOR STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT PERSONALITY TYPES?
Authors: Rosidin Undang , Kadaritna Nina , Hasnunidah Neni
Published: November 2019

Critical thinking skills are important in the context of 21st-century learning, where students are able to express reasons that support the assumptions or conclusions they obtain. A preliminary study at 25 Bandar Lampung Middle Schools found that science learning had not been maximized in training critical thinking skills. This study aims to determine the effect of applying the Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) learning model on students' critical thinking skills based on differences in academic abilities, gender, and personality type. This study used Nonequivalent (Pretest and Posttest) Control Group Design and One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The data of pretest and posttest essay questions results analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests. The results showed that there was an effect of ADI learning on critical thinking skills in high and low academic students. Moreover, this model provided a greater influence on students' high academic abilities. The ADI model could also accommodate all male and female students with various types of personality types because the gender and personality type aspects do not show significant differences in students' critical thinking abilities, both between male and female students and students with different personality types. Overall, the ADI model is effective in improving students' critical thinking skills.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTITUDES OF MALAYSIAN STUDENT ON GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
Authors: Yusof Hamidah , Mohd Noor Mohd Asri , Mansor Mahaliza , Yunus Jamal
Published: November 2019

Student’s perception on the current global citizenship education might have evolved. This study aims to identify the level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of global citizenship from students’ perceptions. It also examined the relationship between students’ knowledge with the skills and attitudes of global citizenship. This study involved 155 first semester students in a public university in Malaysia. The selection of these respondents is to get their views on the education of global citizenship they received at schools. They were chosen because they had just finished secondary schools, and their experiences were still fresh in memory. They also came from various schools in Malaysia and able to draw on the experience of global citizenship education in Malaysia. This study was quantitative and used a questionnaire as the research instrument. The findings show that the level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students towards global citizenship is at a moderate level. The relationship between knowledge, skill, and attitude towards global citizenship is high, positive, and significant. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that skill and attitude are the predictors for the knowledge in the students. This study implies that global citizenship education is important to equip students to understand global issues and become global citizens.
MEASURING TEACHERS’ PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE USING MANY-FACET RASCH MODEL
Authors: Maryati Maryati , Prasetyo Zuhdan Kun , Wilujeng Insih , Sumintono Bambang
Published: November 2019

In the context of teacher professional development and teacher certification, an objective measurement of teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) is requried. This research is a case study to measure teachers’ PCK within prospective middle school science teachers participating in an Indonesian teacher professional development program. The study used quantitative approach which involved multirater assessment analysed by Many-Facet Rasch Model (MFRM) to assess teachers’ PCK in teaching a specific topic, i.e. “The Particulate Nature of Matter” (PNM). Researchers developed a rubric for items to measure teachers’ enactment PCK for teaching that specific topic. The MFRM analysis of the data revealed item reliability, item validity, separation and unidimensionality fall within good category. The findings show prospective teachers need to improve their PCK specifically in terms of “knowledge of instructional strategies and representations for teaching science” dimension. However, for knowledge of science curriculum and knowledge of students’ understanding in science dimension, the findings show that the participants were competent.
LEARNING GOAL-FREE PROBLEMS: COLLABORATIVELY OR INDIVIDUALLY?
Authors: Sugiman Sugiman , Retnowati Endah , Ayres Paul , Murdanu Murdanu
Published: November 2019

Goal-free is a learning strategy to present a problem without specific questions, in contrary to a goal-given problem. This research examined the goal-free effects during mathematics collaborative learning measured by cognitive load ratings and transfer performance. An experiment was conducted in authentic mathematics classrooms employing a factorial design with 2 problem presentations (goal-free vs. goal-given problems) ´ 2 learning environments (collaboratively vs. individually) using a Geometry topic. This consisted of four consecutive phases: introductory, acquisition, near and far transfer tests. 111 seventh graders (Average: 12.8 y.o.) who were novices, participated voluntary. The findings showed that students who learned by goal-free problems had significantly higher far-transfer scores than when the goal was given. Interestingly, in the acquisition phase, the students in goal-free problems experienced significantly higher cognitive load than their counterparts. Further, it was found that overall, individuals scored significantly higher in a far-transfer test than those who learned collaboratively; however, during the acquisition phase individuals experienced significantly higher cognitive load than collaborative learning. No pattern of interaction effects was indicated. Overall, it was concluded that goal-free problems may be learned either collaborativelly or individually. Nevertheless, the goal-free problems stimulated higher cognitive load during learning, which seemed to have a positive influence.