bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cochlear-Bioelectrode: Auditory response to cochlear implant can be improved by stem cell delivery into inner ear in a pig model
Authors: Yang Shiming , Chen Wei
Published: January 2021

Cochlear implant (CI) is the most successful auditory prosthesis and has changed the life for nearly half million people with profound hearing loss. The number and function of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the cochlea are crucial to CI performance. Clinically, some patients with SGNs degeneration fail to return to normal life due to unsatisfactory performance of their CIs. In this study, we show in a swine model that combined stem cell delivery and electrical stimulation (ES) via CI (defined as Cochlear-Bioelectrode) achieved stem cell enrichment near the SGNs and lowered CI stimulation thresholds. ES generated by the cochlear implant electrode array guided human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker to cross the osseous spiral lamina via naturally existing openings and congregate in the SGN region. In seven days, surprisingly efficient hiPSC migration into the SGN region was demonstrated, while hiPSC delivery and enrichment in the SGN region failed without ES. After two weeks of combined electric stimulation and stem cell delivery treatment, the number of SGNs increased significantly in the 60-day old pig model (mean number = 129.6/field), as compared to untreated deafness pigs of the same age (mean number = 6.2/field). With the replenished SGNs, CI stimulation thresholds were significantly reduced and hearing sensitivity and dynamic range extended, as demonstrated by electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses. Our findings provide the first evidence that in vivo Cochlear-Bioelectrode (CBe) may be feasible with broad promising clinical applications.
Association of the plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity with the metabolic parameters and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Okuyama Tomoko , Shirakawa Jun , Nakamura Takashi , Murase Takayo , Miyashita Daisuke , Inoue Ryota , Kyohara Mayu , Togashi Yu , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: December 2020

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine, and of xanthine to uric acid. XOR also enhances the production of reactive oxygen species and causes endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the association of XOR and its substrate with the vascular complications in 94 Japanese inpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).The plasma XOR activity and plasma xanthine levels were positively correlated with the body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-GTP, fasting plasma insulin, and the homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and negatively correlated with the high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The plasma XOR activity also showed a positive correlation with the serum triglyceride. Multivariate analyses identified AST, ALT, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR as being independently associated with the plasma XOR activity. The plasma XOR activity negatively correlated with the duration of diabetes, and positively correlatted with the coefficient of variation of the R-R interval and sensory nerve conduction velocity. Furthermore, the plasma XOR activity was significantly decreased in patients with coronary artery disease.Thus, the plasma XOR activity might be a surrogate marker for the development of vascular complications, as well as liver dysfunction and insulin resistance, in T2DM.Trial registration: This study is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000029970; https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm). The study was conducted from Nov 15, 2017.
Prognostic significance of surgery after chemotherapy in patients with type 4 gastric cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Arigami Takaaki , Matsushita Daisuke , Okubo Keishi , Tanaka Takako , Sasaki Ken , Noda Masahiro , Kita Yoshiaki , Mori Shinichiro , Kurahara Hiroshi , Yanagita Shigehiro , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Ishigami Sumiya , Ohtsuka Takao
Published: December 2020

Background: The majority of patients with type 4 gastric cancer have distant metastases with extremely poor prognosis. Consequently, considering a therapeutic strategy that improves the prognosis of these patients is clinically important. The present study aimed to assess the clinical indication and prognostic impact of surgery in patients with type 4 gastric cancer who underwent chemotherapy.Methods: A total of 67 patients with type 4 gastric cancer who underwent chemotherapy were retrospectively enrolled. All patients were grouped into progressive disease (PD) and non-PD groups by tumor response to chemotherapy.Results: Distant metastases occurred in 58 patients. With regard to tumor response, 16 and 51 patients had PD and non-PD, respectively. The prognosis was significantly poorer in patients with PD than in those with non-PD (p < 0.0001). Among 23 patients who underwent surgery after chemotherapy, 21 had a R0 resection. The presence or absence of surgery was significantly correlated with age, first-line chemotherapeutic regimen, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, number of distant metastatic sites, peritoneal dissemination, and tumor response (p = 0.0412, p = 0.0096, p = 0.0024, p = 0.0059, p = 0.0128, p = 0.0020, and p = 0.0066, respectively). Multivariate analysis selected tumor response and surgery as an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0009, respectively). Moreover, multivariate analysis for the surgery group demonstrated that metastatic nodal status (N0-1 vs. N2-3) and residual tumor status (R0 vs. R1-2) were significant independent prognostic factors (p = 0.0258 and p = 0.0458, respectively).Conclusions: Our retrospective study suggests that surgery after chemotherapy for type 4 gastric cancer may improve the prognosis of responders with N0-1 status and a curative R0 resection.
Perancangan Game First Person Shooter 3D “Saving Islamic Kingdom” dengan Menggunakan Finite State Machine (FSM)
Authors: Wahyu Saputra Muhammad Andryan , Fadila Juniardi Nur , Nugroho Fresy
Published: December 2020

Video Game merupakan sebuah permainan dengan manifestasi sebuah visual atau gambar yang dapat memberikan reaksi balik kepada pengguna jika diberikan perintah - perintah tertentu yang terdapat pada alat kontrol sistem elektronik. Banyak inovasi teknologi yang dapat diterapkan dalam sebuah game salah satunya penerapan kecerdasan buatan atau artificial intelligence. Variasi game yang akan diterapkan salah satunya adalah game First Person Shooter (FPS). Game First Person Shooter (FPS) merupakan salah satu jenis game yang sering dimainkan menggunakan pangamatan orang pertama di mana player sebagai karakter utama dalam game. Kecerdasan buatan yang dikembangkan dengan menerapkan Finite State Machine (FSM) berfungsi untuk melihat respon perilaku Non Player Character (NPC) atau musuh untuk menyerang pemain utama. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah game Saving Islamic Kingdom memberikan hasil kecerdasan buatan pada perilaku Non Player Character dengan mengimplementasikan algoritma Finite State Machine (FSM) sehingga musuh atau NPC dapat berperilaku sesuai dengan intruksi yang dilakukan oleh player.
A novel wind turbine fault diagnosis method based on generator current analysis
Authors: Wang X. , Liu W. Y. , Zhang Y. , Gu H.
Published: December 2020

Gear meshing dynamic model is the most important part in the whole wind turbine system which is used to carry out operation conditions simulation in off-line case. By simulating the normal gear meshing and the gear meshing with broken teeth in wind turbine dynamic model respectively, the difference in generator current can be observed. The method we propose is to monitor the operating condition of the wind turbine based on the current transmitted to the generator end dynamically according to the meshing of the gear pair. Mechanical parameters have great influence on the system that will be transmitted to asynchronous generator, it works in a quite different approach compared with traditional method on vibration monitoring using sensors.
A Brief Review of Diagnosis of Small Ruminants Brucellosis
Authors: Ren Jingjing , Peng Qisheng
Published: January 2021

Brucellosis caused by bacteria of the genus of Brucella remains a major zoonosis
in the wide world, which is an infectious disease with a severe economic impact on animal
husbandry and public health. The genus of Brucella includes ten species and the
most prevalent is Brucella melitensis. The diagnosis of Brucella melitensis ruminant brucellosis
is based on bacteriological and immunological tests. The use of vaccines and the
false-positive serological reactions (FPSR) caused by other cross-reacting bacteria represent
the immunological contexts. This complex context results in the development of the
large number of diagnosis of Brucella melitensis brucellosis. The aim of this article is to
briefly review the detection methods and compare the superiorities of different tests.
The Role of Pharmacogenetics in Antithrombotic Therapy Management: New Achievements and Barriers Yet to Overcome
Authors: Conti Valeria , Corbi Graziamaria , Manzo Valentina , Sellitto Carmine , Iannello Francesco , Esposito Simone , De Bellis Emanuela , Iannaccone Teresa , Filippelli Amelia
Published: January 2021

Background:

Pharmacogenetics investigates the response to pharmacological treatments based on individual
genetic background. Actually, numerous pharmacogenetic tests help to predict the response to drugs used in different
medical areas, contributing to the so-called personalized medicine.

Objective:

This review aims to update the available data on the genotype-guided treatment with both the anticoagulant and
antiplatelet agents. Moreover, it shed light on the pitfalls still contrasting the implementation of cardiovascular
pharmacogenetics.

Methods:

A review of the literature on the studies investigating the effects of the genotype-guided anticoagulant and
antiplatelet treatment was performed.

Results:

Considering the large use of antithrombotic drugs, pharmacogenetics has particular importance in this field. Several
polymorphisms influence the response to both anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, and tests, based on their identification,
are now available.

Conclusions:

Recent randomized clinical trials demonstrated that pharmacogenetics might successfully contribute to
optimizing the antiplatelet therapy also in patients particularly complicated to treat. However, despite accumulating
evidence on the utility and feasibility of some pharmacogenetics tests, several barriers still contrast their implementation
into clinical practice.
Compositional Analysis and Antioxidant Activities of Thymus pubescens
Essential Oil from Iran
Authors: Nickavar Bahman , Malekitabar Elaheh
Published: December 2020

Background:

The genus Thymus is one of the well-known members of the Lamiaceae, which comprises about
215 species. It is a polymorphic genus in this family. Therefore, possible differences in chemical composition among
polymorphs may result in differences in their biological activities.

Objective:

This study was designed to specify chemical composition in order to assess antioxidant activities and to
characterize active constituents of essential oil from Thymus pubescens.

Methods:

Essential oil was collected by hydrodistillation and was analyzed using GC-MS and GC-FID. Antioxidant
activities were evaluated by ABTS radical cation scavenging and β-carotene bleaching inhibition methods. Detection and
identification of antioxidant components were performed by TLC-bioautography assay using ABTS•+ reagent.

Results:

GC analyses indicated the presence of 39 components, accounting for 96.64% of total constituents, with thymol
(38.67%), γ-terpinene (7.46%), and p-cymene (5.54%) as the main components. The IC50 values for antioxidant activities
were equal to 1.15 (1.05 – 1.25) μg/mL and 0.45 (0.33 – 0.62) μg/mL for ABTS•+ scavenging and β-carotene bleaching
inhibition tests, respectively. TLC-bioautograpgy of oil resulted in identification of thymol as the major antioxidant
compound.

Conclusion:

Essential oil exhibited very potent and significant antioxidant activities correlated well with increasing dose in
vitro.
Insight γ-Secretase: Structure, Function, and Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mal Suvadeep , Malik Udita , Pal Dilipkumar , Mishra Abhishek
Published: January 2021

In neurodegenerative disorders, there is a progressive degeneration of the body, leading
to the death of nerve cells. In this state, a patient gets affected day by day with mental weakness, dementia,
and ataxia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common irreversible neurodegenerative
brain disorder mainly affecting people over the age of 65. Many types of research suggest that the
main culprit for AD is the aggregated form of a (39-43) amino acid peptide called amyloid beta.
Amyloid beta (Aβ) is generated by the action of beta-secretase and gamma-secretase on the larger
glycoprotein. Gamma (γ) secretase is an intra-membrane protease complex that cleaves the single--
pass transmembrane protein, the amyloid precursor protein, and Notch. The γ-secretase complex
contains presenilin, presenilin enhancer-2, anterior pharynx defective-1, and nicastrin. Any mutation
in presenilin-1 or the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by γ-secretase directly or indirectly
is associated with AD. Therefore, the prevention of this enzyme is one of the solutions for AD.
In this article, we discuss the γ-secretase complex and its inhibitors that can contribute to the prevention
of AD.
Role of Mitochondrial Heat-shock Proteins and Immunophilins in Neuro Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Daneri-Becerra Cristina , Ciucci Sol M. , Mazaira Gisela , Galigniana Mario D.
Published: January 2021

Pathophysiologic conditions of neurodegenerative diseases are unquestionably related to
protein misfolding. The accumulation of misfolded proteins into relatively ordered structures such
as fibrillar intracellular and extracellular amyloids results in tissue lesions that lead to neuronal loss
and brain damage. In these pathologies, the occurrence of protein aggregates suggests certain inefficient
or insufficient cellular responses of those molecular chaperones that should properly assist
the folding of the client proteins. In this regard, most experimental models for neurodegenerative
diseases have demonstrated that the overexpression of molecular chaperones provides effective neuroprotection.
A subset of these molecular chaperones corresponds to a group of proteins that exhibit
peptidylprolyl isomerase enzymatic activity, the immunophilins. Most of the family members of
the latter group were first described as being responsible for the immunosuppressive response or
they were reported as members of the chaperone complex associated with HSP90 in steroid receptor
oligomers. In this article, we review some aspects of the liaison between molecular chaperones
and neurodegenerative diseases, in particular heat-shock proteins and immunophilins with demonstrated
influence on the proper function of mitochondria. This article is intended to address a field
that represents a yet critical unmet clinical need for the development of neuroprotective molecules
focused on potentially novel molecular targets.
Natural Products as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Varghese Ruby , Dalvi Yogesh B.
Published: January 2021

Medicinal plants and mushrooms have always fascinated the world as an attractive
source of natural compounds for cancer therapy. From ancient times, they have been valued as
gourmet food and folk medicine in Oriental practice. For over 40 years, the world has witnessed
the overwhelming interest of the western scientific fraternity in the pharmaceutical potential of natural
products in combating cancer. The plants and mushrooms credited with success against angiogenesis
and cancer metastasis belong to certain Plants, including Catharanthus roseus, Aloe
Vera,Annona muricata,Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, and Berberis and mushrooms such as
Agaricus, Antrodia, Ganoderma, Grifolafrondosa, Hericiumerinaceus, Phellinuslinteus, and Trametesversicolor
Coriolusversicolor. The anti-cancer compounds play a pivotal role as a free radical
scavenger and reactive oxygen species inducer, mitotic spindle kinase inhibitor, anti-mitotic, angiogenesis
inhibitor, topoisomerase inhibitor, apoptosis inducers, and eventually checking cancer invasion,
migration and proliferation. The present review updates and focuses on the recent findings of
the pharmacologically potential bioactive compounds, their anti-tumor potential, and underlying
mechanism of preventing cancer metastasis and angiogenesis in order to raise knowledge for further
investigations to develop cancer therapeutics with no adverse side effects The mounting experimental
evidence at pre-clinical and clinical levels from various research groups across the globe, regarding
prevention of cancer metastasis by natural products unarguably make it a fast-track research
area worth mass attention.
Synthetic Strategies Towards Safer NSAIDs Through Prodrug Approach: A Review
Authors: Gupta Komal , Chawla Pooja A , Sharma Deepika
Published: January 2021

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are agents that are used for various properties
such as analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antipyretic activity, etc. But this class of
drugs is associated with different side effects such as dyspepsia, gastroduodenal ulcers, gastrointestinal
(GI) bleeding and perforation. The prodrug approach is quite beneficial to curb these side effects.
Prodrugs are the inactive compounds that, on metabolism get converted into an active metabolite exhibiting
desired activities. Commonly used approaches for synthesizing prodrugs are amide, esters,
and mutual prodrugs by suppressing the free carboxylic groups responsible for these side effects. In
this review, different schemes reported for the synthesis of NSAIDs that are devoid of undesired side
effects such as irritation to gastric mucosa, gastrotoxicity, and ulcerogenicity have been compiled.
Docking studies and the structure-activity relationship of some compounds are also discussed. The
paper shall help the researchers to understand the methods to expedite the synthesis by carrying out
substitutions of various groups of the parent compound and establish the mechanism of action of these
derivatives of masking the unwanted side effects.
Novel GABAA Agonist Entities: Pharmacological Investigation and Molecular Modeling Study of Thiazolo- and Thiadiazolo-[3,2-a][1,3]diazepine Analogs
Authors: El-Subbagh Hussein I.
Published: January 2021

Thiazolo- and thiadiazolo-[3,2-a][1,3]diazepines and their patented derivatives, tested with
diverse CNS pharmacological activities, constitute an important class of compounds for new drug development.
Therefore, research efforts were continued to design, synthesize, and evaluate compounds
for their ultra-short, short-acting hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and neuromuscular blocking activities. The
present review provides a summary of the work accomplished by these heterocycles and their biological
evaluation.
PRISMA Based Systematic Review: Pharmacognostic Study of Zanthoxylum armatum DC.
Authors: Singh Sonia , Kumar Aman , Semwal Bhupesh C.
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Herb, Zanthoxylum armatum DC., commonly called Indian prickly ash, and
Nepal pepper (family Rutaceae), is widely utilized in the traditional medicinal system.

Objective:

The current review provides requisite data for collecting descriptive information on the
organoleptic, microscopical, ethnobotanical use, and phytochemicals and pharmacological properties
of Z. armatum; therefore, it may help in forming a bridge between research gaps and the upcoming
future findings for most of the researches.

Materials and Methods:

The systematic literature survey was conducted using the PRISMA methodology.
The collective information was gathered from books, renowned journals, and electronic databases
including Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed from 1966 to 2020.

Results:

Most of the bioactive metabolites are isolated and characterized till date, such as monoterpenes
in essential oil and lignan components are reported to be present in the herbs. Several in vitro
and in vivo pharmacological bioassays revealed the potential of Z. armatum having as possessing antimicrobial,
antifungal, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects and so on.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the current review summarizes the organoleptic, microscopy, phytochemistry
and biological activities of Z. armatum, providing more emphasis on in vitro as well as in-vivo studies
along with clinical research, helpful in exploring the potential efficacy of the plant.
The Multifaceted Therapeutic Role of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in Disorders Characterized by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Raghu Ganesh , Berk Michael , Campochiaro Peter A. , Jaeschke Hartmut , Marenzi Giancarlo , Richeldi Luca , Wen Fu-Qiang , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Calverley Peter M. A.
Published: December 2020

Oxidative stress, which results in the damage of diverse biological molecules, is a ubiquitous
cellular process implicated in the etiology of many illnesses. The sulfhydryl-containing tripeptide
glutathione (GSH), which is synthesized and maintained at high concentrations in all cells, is
one of the mechanisms by which cells protect themselves from oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine
(NAC), a synthetic derivative of the endogenous amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor of GSH,
has been used for several decades as a mucolytic and as an antidote to acetaminophen (paracetamol)
poisoning. As a mucolytic, NAC breaks the disulfide bonds of heavily cross-linked mucins,
thereby reducing mucus viscosity. In vitro, NAC has antifibrotic effects on lung fibroblasts. As an
antidote to acetaminophen poisoning, NAC restores the hepatic GSH pool depleted in the drug detoxification
process. More recently, improved knowledge of the mechanisms by which NAC acts
has expanded its clinical applications. In particular, the discovery that NAC can modulate the homeostasis
of glutamate has prompted studies of NAC in neuropsychiatric diseases characterized by impaired
glutamate homeostasis. This narrative review provides an overview of the most relevant and
recent evidence on the clinical application of NAC, with a focus on respiratory diseases, acetaminophen
poisoning, disorders of the central nervous system (chronic neuropathic pain, depression,
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction), cardiovascular disease, contrast-induced
nephropathy, and ophthalmology (retinitis pigmentosa).
Fragment-based Drug Design of Antitumoral Molecules Polo-like Kinase 1 Inhibitors: In-silico Approach
Authors: Attoui Ayoub , Sobhi Widad , Hammoudi Nour El Houda , Benguerba Yacine
Published: January 2021

Background:

Kinase enzymes are reported to be very implicated in cancer. Polo-like
kinase 1 (PLK1) is a protein kinase with a marked role in tumorigenesis and its inhibition is a promising
anticancer therapeutic development strategy.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was de novo design of new PLK1 inhibitors using in-silico
approach.

Method:

A virtual compound library based on known inhibitors was designed using BREED algorithm.
Molecules were geometrically optimized then filtered according to lead-like properties using
QiqProp. Receptor-ligand complex-based pharmacophore model was generated with Phase and used
to virtually screen the new virtual database. Glide multistage molecular docking simulations were
performed for the resulted compounds followed with a Prime MM-GBSA minimization.

Results:

Two compounds (prd-comp 1-2) showed acceptable binding poses with a higher docking
score than known inhibitor BI2536. MM-GBSA study confirmed that the leads have better binding
energy than reference ligands. All leads bind to the key amino acids Cys133, Leu59, with a focus on
molecule prd-comp1, proposed to have better affinity due to direct H-bond with Asp194.

Conclusion:

Modifying hydration pattern of target protein by displacing water molecule is suggested
to be a promising strategy for designing new PLK1 inhibitors. This applied methodology and the
retrieved hits could be useful in the design of potent inhibitors of PLK1 as antitumoral agents.
Maternal Outcomes in Women with Major Degree Placenta Previa: An
Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Mahmoud Abdelwhab Safinaz Reda , Ali Ali El-Shabrawy , Ahmed Mostafa Abdo , Hamed Basem Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the maternal outcomes among pregnant women with major degree placenta
previa.

Methods:

We conducted an observational cohort study on 80 pregnant women diagnosed with major placenta previa
(grades III and IV where the placenta partially or completely cover the internal cervical os) after 20 weeks of pregnancy,
within the period from January 2019 to June 2019. The diagnosis of placenta previa was made by ultrasound and
confirmed at the time of delivery. The study participants were divided into three groups based on the placental location
(Anterior, Central, and Posterior). All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0.

Results:

Eighty pregnant women, with a mean age of 32.3 (5.01) years and a mean gestational age of 36.2 (2.03) weeks,
were included in our study. Of them, 56.30% had a previous abortion, and previous Cs delivery was reported in 75%.
Most of the placenta previa cases were central (52.5%), with a completely covered internal cervical os (70%). Thirty-nine
patients (48.8%) had placenta accreta. Blood transfusion, postpartum hemorrhage, and anemia were noted with a
percentage of 75%, 32.5%, and 32.5%, respectively. Around 28.8% of the included patients had a hysterectomy. Before
and after delivery, nine patients (21.4%) and 15 patients (35.7%) of the placenta previa centralis group had anemia,
respectively. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the three studies groups in terms of
anemia before and after delivery (P= 0.41 and P= 0.78. respectively). Placenta previa centralis showed a higher incidence
of CS hysterectomy (45.2%) while wound infection was higher in anterior placenta previa (18.2%).

Conclusion:

As a predictor of possible obstetric adverse events, placenta previa should be considered. A combination of
proper clinical assessment and timely delivery to reduce the associated complications should be considered as well as
developing a prenatal screening protocol.
A Case of Postpartum Maternal Death with COVID-19 in the West of Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , Bonab Mehrangiz Zamani , Akbari Sorour , Parsapour Hamideh , Alimohammadi Shohreh , Jenabi Ensiyeh
Published: January 2021

Introduction::

There are a limited number of studies about COVID-19 during delivery and postpartum.

Case presentation::

A 38 -years- old G3p2 woman at 35 weeks and 4 days of gestation was referred
with the chief complaints of dyspnea, cough, headache, and fever. Pharyngeal swab polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) was negative for COVID-19; however, in chest Computed Tomography (CT)
angiography, ground glass was observed in the basal lobe of the left lung. The infant was born via
cesarean section with a gestational age of 36 weeks and an Apgar score of 8/9. No infant document
was found about COVID-19
and other infections in several days after delivery. The patient died
eight days after the onset of symptoms due to cardiovascular collapse.

Discussion::

we reported the first death of a postpartum maternal with COVID-19 and a healthy baby with no evidence of
COVID-19 and a gestational age of 36 weeks.

Conclusion::

Physicians should be aware that pregnant women with symptoms of respiratory infection and pulse negative
PCR test should be followed for infected with COVID-19. This infection may be led to maternal death.
The Interplay of Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs and Tuberculin Skin Test
Authors: Abdullah Zia , Kumar Arvind , Khan M.A. , Kumar Uma , Vyas Surabhi , Vishwakarma Vishal K. , Ranjan Piyush , Biswas Ashutosh , Wig Naveet
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The study was conducted to determine whether synthetic Disease-Modifying
Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) suppress the latency of Tuberculosis (TB) infection in Rheumatoid
Arthritis (RA) patients along with other variables.

Methods:

This was done through Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) using purified protein derivative (PPD)
in a cohort of RA patients. The TST was taken positive when induration post-PPD injection
was ≥ 5mm and negative or anergic when it was <5mm. We included 100 patients (N = 100).

Results:

The prevalence of positive TST was 36%, while 64% presented a negative result. Negative
TST was significantly associated with steroid usage (39.4%, 95% CI: 28.4%-51.4%). Anergic
(TST negative) and non-anergic (TST positive) patients were separated into groups, and a new analysis
was conducted with elaboration on DMARDs used.

Conclusion:

The use of steroids was associated with TST negativity, The same is not true with use
of methotrexate or other DMARDs. Thus TST should be interpreted with caution, especially before
starting biologicals.
Do We have the Evidence to Repurpose Levamisole for Treatment of COVID 19?
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Keshab , Dalai Chanchal Kumar , Singh Ritesh , Ahmed Shah Newaz , Banerjee Kushal
Published: January 2021

The human civilization is reeling under the COVID19 pandemic with no promising news of any effective treatment against the infection to date. A number of drugs have been repurposed without any remarkable efficacy. Amidst the crisis, utilising immunomodulators for boosting host immunity to mitigate disease severity and infectivity appears a viable option. In this article, we have explored the contemporary scientific evidence about levamisole for its potential use in COVID 19. Though the primary pharmacological use of the drug is as an anthelminthic, its immunostimulatory action has been shown to increase T-cell function, neutrophilic chemotaxis and immunoglobulin production both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, the drug has been used with limited success in the treatment of herpes and HIV. The potential role of the drug in COVID 19 stems from the fact that the immunostimulant action can initiate a strong immune response and surmount the surreptitious virus, which evades host cell immunity. However, great caution has to be exercised in deciding the dosing schedule because the drug-disease interaction, especially the fatal hyperimmune response, is unknown and unpredictable. Being a widely available drug, enlisted in the WHO List of Essential Medicine, without any major safety issue, the drug is already in clinical trials carrying out worldwide. As the pandemic continues to ravage mankind with unabated intensity, any favourable outcome is eagerly awaited from the ongoing trials with levamisole and other drugs.
Combining PD-1 Inhibitor with VEGF/VEGFR2 Inhibitor in Chemotherapy: Report of a Patient with End-Stage Cholangiocarcinoma and Review of Literature
Authors: Ma Zhenjiang , Li Heping , Liu Liangshuai
Published: January 2021

Background::

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second-largest liver cancer, and develops from
the biliary epithelium, where it discretely progresses. Unfortunately, many patients miss the opportunity
of performing surgery when diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, and due to its chemotherapeutic
insensitivity, its control has always been considered difficult.

Objective::

Here, we present a case of stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma being controlled by the combination
of chemotherapy with PD-1 and VEGF/VEGFR2 inhibitors.

Methods::

The patient is a 58-year-old male who was diagnosed with a progressed cholangiocarcinoma
2 years ago. From the beginning, metastases were discovered in multiple places, and
the patient was unsuccessfully treated with 3 chemotherapy regimens. Therefore, a new therapeutic
method was considered, and that involved the testing of a new combination of chemotherapy with
PD-1 and VEGF/VEGFR2 inhibitors.

Results::

After 6 courses of treatment with this combination, the patient’s lesions became smaller
and stable.

Conclusion::

Our case highlights the possibility of combining chemotherapy with PD-1 and VEGF/
VEGFR2 inhibitors for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma patients. This combination may herald
new hope for patients who run out of regimens.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNP) Synthesized from Phlebodium aureum (L.) J. Smith Extracts
Authors: Marimuthu Johnson , Thangaiah Shibila , Santhanam Amutha , George Vidyarani
Published: January 2021

Background::

Chemical synthesis methods are adverse in the medicinal field as they produce toxins
on the surface area whereas green synthesis provide advancement are cost effective, environment friendly, can
be easily scaled up for large scale synthesis. Silver and silver nanoparticles have an important application in the
medical industry, such as tropical ointments which are used to prevent infection against burn and open wounds.
There is no report on the green synthesis from Phlebodium aureum (L.) J. Smith.

Objective::

The present study was aimed to synthesize silver nano-particles using Phlebodium aureum (L.) J.
Smith extracts by green approach and to screen their cytotoxicity.

Methods::

The synthesized AgNPs of P. aureum were characterized by FT-IR, SEM and XRD. The cytotoxicity
of the aqueous extracts and AgNPs of P. aureum was determined.

Results::

The silver nanoparticle synthesis was confirmed by color change from yellow to dark brown and absorption
peak at 460 nm. FT-IR analysis confirmed the capping by proteins and other metabolites. XRD analysis
confirmed the existence of silver nanaoparticles with a peak at 46.253°. The dose dependent cytotoxicity
was observed in the aqueous and silver nanoparticles of P.aureum.

Conclusion::

The present study gave a simple and cheap route to synthesize the AgNPs using aqueous extracts
of P. aureum. The studied extracts of P. aureum can be considered as a promising candidate for a plant-derived
anti-tumour compound.
An Advanced Computational Evaluation for the Most Biologically Active Enantiomers of Chiral Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Suhail Mohd , Ali Imran
Published: January 2021

Background:

Cancer is a very dangerous disease whose treatment can be improved by removing the
factors that cause side effects if the drugs prescribed for cancer are chiral in nature.

Objectives:

A computational evaluation for the most biologically active enantiomeric form of chiral drugs attacking
the DNA of the cell, was made for the first time, and compared with the experimental work done by
others previously.

Methods:

All the enantiomeric structures of the drugs taken in the present study were obtained using Marvin
sketch, and the structure of DNA to be docked with enantiomers, was obtained from the protein data bank. After
that, all the enantiomers of the chiral drugs were docked with DNA one by one for the evaluation of the
most biologically active enantiomeric form.

Results:

The docking study showed that the different enantiomers interacted with DNA differently because of
having different arrangements of atoms/groups. The binding affinity of one of the two enantiomeric forms was
higher than that of another.

Conclusion:

R-methotrexate for breast cancer; R-mitotane for adrenocortical cancer; R-duvelisib for blood cancer,
and S-irinotecan for colon cancer would be a suitable drug with less toxicity as well as other side effects.
A Review of Microwave Synthesis of Zirconia Composite Ceramics
Authors: Ling Yeqing , Li Qiannan , Zheng Hewen , Omran Mamdouh , Yang Zhi
Published: January 2021

As a new technology for preparing zirconia materials, microwave-assisted technology
has been widely concerned in recent years. In this paper, the microwave-assisted method and its application
in the preparation of inorganic materials are briefly described. The research progress of
the preparation of zirconia by microwave-assisted method is reviewed. Some problems existing in
the research status are pointed out, and the application prospect in this field is prospected.
Cellulose and Nanocellulose Productions from Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biofuel Production
Authors: Pattanayak Sabita , Priyadarsini Pratigyan , Singh Yengkhom Disco
Published: January 2021

Biofuel is an emerging fuel to replace the conventional fuel used in transportation. With intensive research efforts, a new number of novel technologies having high potential for sustainable development have been developed to extensively utilize the biomass with zero waste. Cellulose and nanocellulose is becoming as one of the most targeted polymers to convert in to biofuel. It is being obtained from different plants parts. However, a concern is that the source of sustainable feedstocks for cellulosic component as desired process under different circumstances to produce biofuel. This study reviews concisely the cellulosic component, nanocellulose, isolation and extraction by different pretreatment technologies envisaging enzy-matic hydrolysis, biochemical conversion process and different plant feedstock as biofuel production. Particular attentions are paid to first generation of biofuel, second generation of biofuel and third generation of biofuel in regards to nanocellulose applications. The most common feedstocks lignocellulosic biomass is extensively discussed in the later part. The review also aims to present different methods of syntheses of nanocellulose, cellulose production from biomass and their applica-tion towards the biofuel production.
A Critical Appraisal of the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews and Metaanalyses
Pertaining to COVID-19
Authors: Dang Amit , Madiraju Sheshank , Rao P Jagan Mohan Venkateswara , Gurram Navya Sri , Digijarala Sandeep , Dang Sumit , B.N. Vallish
Published: December 2020

Background:

We critically evaluated the risk of bias in published systematic reviews
(SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) pertaining to COVID-19 using ROBIS tool.

Materials And Methods:

MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Library were searched for SRs/MAs on
14th May 2020, including studies of all designs describing various facets of COVID-19 in humans;
no restrictions were applied for interventions, comparators, and outcomes. Two reviewers
independently assessed all the SRs/MAs with ROBIS.

Results:

Out of 204 identified records, 48 SRs/MAs were included. The most frequently reviewed
topics were therapy outcomes, diagnosis, and comorbidities (15, 8, and 6 papers respectively).
Only 29/48(60.41%) papers had made a mention of using PRISMA or other guidelines for drafting
the SR/MA. Only 5/48(10.42%) of all included SRs/MAs had low overall risk of bias as per
ROBIS tool; 41/48(85.42%) had high risk of bias, 2/48(4.17%) had unclear risk of bias. The
highest proportion of bias was found in data synthesis and findings (30/48, 62.50% of studies had
high risk of bias), followed by study identification and selection (29/48, 60.42%). The IRR for
methodological quality assessment was substantial, with the Cohen’s kappa values being 0.64,
0.68, 0.62, and 0.75 for domains 1-4 of ROBIS tool, and 0.66 for overall risk of bias assessment.

Conclusion:

There are serious concerns about the methodology employed to generate the results of
the SRs/ MAs pertaining to COVID-19, with ‘quantity’ seemingly being given more importance
than ‘quality’ of the paper.
A Study On Media In Listening Comprehension At Second Year Students Of English Language Education Program
Authors: Crista Wijayanti Erythrina
Published: January 2021

There were two findings in this research. First, media that helped the students in understanding Listening Comprehension materials and second, the students’ reasons in choosing the media seen from two aspects: (1) how the media helped the students to master the micro and macro skill of listening and (2) how the media helped the students to understand the listening comprehension process. The first finding showed 74.13% of students selected audio visual media that helped them in understanding Listening Comprehension, while 25.175% and 0.695% of them preferred audio and visual media respectively. The second finding showed to improve to the macro skills of listening, 61.73% of the students argued that they were helped by audio visual media, while 38.26% of them were helped by audio media. On the other hand, 53.35% of the students aired their opinion that their micro skills of listening were improved through the use of audio visual media and 46.64% of them stated that they are helped with the audio media use. Film, television, video, computer, gadget, games and song accommodated all of the eight listening comprehension processes. Therefore, the researcher suggests that the teacher should use audio media to help the students in mastering the micro skill of listening and audio visual media to assist the students in understanding the macro skill of listening. In addition, film, television, video, computer, gadget, games and song should be used to support the students in comprehending the listening comprehension process.
Preferences and Attitude toward English Phonetics Learning: The perspectives of Indonesian EFL Learners
Authors: Agustina Savitri Nindya , Andrianto Firdaus
Published: January 2021

English learners should aware of English sounds, more specifically English phoneme, to comprehending the English language accurately. In order to completing the goal this research aimed to find out students’ preferences and attitude of English Education Program in Universitas Brawijaya. This was a descriptive quantitative research by using a survey design. The participants of this study were 103 (a hundred and three) students of batch 2015 to 2017 in English Language Education Program. The researcher used adopted questionnaire which consist of 8 items preferred themes and 19 statements of attitude in phonetic as the instrument by Lintunen and Makilahde (2013). This research was analyzed using SPSS program. The result of this study revealed student’s preference and attitudes toward phonetics learning. The most preferred topic chosen by the participants are the vowel systems (28.20%), speech rhythm and accent difference (27.20%), and intonation analysis (26.20%). The students performed a positive attitude toward English phonetic learning that can improve their skill in English especially in their pronunciation (98.1%). It is concluded that the students thought English Phonetics is important to increase their knowledge and their skill in learning English. The researcher suggested for future researcher, they can conduct the research by considering the correlation between pronunciation in English phonetics and speaking skill in English language.
PEMETAAN DAERAH RAWAN KEBAKARAN DI KECAMATAN JABIREN RAYA, KABUPATEN PULANG PISAU, KALIMANTAN TENGAH
Authors: Salsabilah Nadia , Rayes Mochtar Lutfi , Rachmanadi Dony
Published: December 2020

The area of peatland in Indonesia is estimated at around 13.2 million hectares, which about 5.7 million hectares are found in Kalimantan. Peatlands have many functions such as for water conservation, reducing floods, supporting various kinds of biodiversity, and climate control. However, in 2015 there was a decline in the quality of peatlands, which was triggered by fires that scorched 583.833 hectares in Central Kalimantan. If the fires occur continuously, land degradation will increase and the peat ecosystem will be disturbed. Given these adverse effects, it is necessary to protect an area from fires early by providing a map of forest fire hazard by utilizing geographic information system using scoring and weighting methods. In the making of the map, a combination of natural factors and human factors that were considered as factors in the occurrence of fires were land cover, peat maturity, village centres, road and river networks as well as the central operational-area which later were analyzed with hotspot data. This research was conducted in one of the sub-districts that are considered to have a high level of vulnerability, which was in Jabiren Raya District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. The results showed that most of the study areas had a moderate level of vulnerability with the triggering factors of fire was land cover, peat maturity level, and road network.
NOTAS METODOLÓGICAS PARA A ANÁLISE DE DEBATES JURÍDICOS DURANTE A DITADURA
Authors: Freitas Carlos Eduardo Soares de
Published: December 2020

O estudo das relações dos direitos trabalhistas sob a ditadura civil-militar brasileira deve articular ao menos três dimensões: os conflitos entre trabalho e capital e entre trabalhadores e o governo militar; o apoio empresarial à ditadura; e a cultura jurídica da época, entendendo-se como tal a produção intelectual no direito do trabalho. O objetivo deste artigo é traçar essa articulação a partir da investigação documental histórica e de entrevistas com ativistas sindicais da época. Para a pesquisa, adotou-se os seguintes parâmetros: o estudo da repressão oficial sobre os sindicatos baianos dos petroleiros e dos bancários; o exame do apoio empresarial à ditadura; a análise jurídica e judicial de normas propostas pelos governos militares e que desestruturaram a regulação do trabalho, em especial o FGTS, a partir dos posicionamentos de dois intelectuais: Orlando Gomes e José Martins Catharino. A pesquisa tende a contribuir no aprofundamento de reflexões acerca da relação entre direitos trabalhistas e democracia, em vista do estudo sobre os efeitos nas relações de trabalho de um contexto político de tipo autoritário, como a ditadura civil-militar e o que se configura contemporaneamente no Brasil, marcado pela radicalização do modelo neoliberal e precarização das relações laborais. Estudos preliminares permitem concluir que a repressão na ditadura aos movimentos dos trabalhadores foi acompanhada por condutas agressivas a opositores ao regime também na Faculdade de Direito da Bahia, onde eram professores Gomes e Catharino, e por posturas tímidas do judiciário em debates sobre garantias e direitos trabalhistas.
DECISÃO POR SUPERMAIORIA NAS CORTES CONSTITUCIONAIS: o caso das emendas constitucionais inconstitucionais
Authors: Lima Jairo
Published: December 2020

As principais críticas que a perspectiva do constitucionalismo político de Jeremy Waldron e Richard Bellamy lança em direção ao controle de constitucionalidade forte são fundamentadas na ideia de autogoverno e na noção de igualdade política. Para esses autores, a regra majoritária simples representa um importante mecanismo que impõe o igual respeito às  diferentes visões políticas. Apesar de aceitarem o controle de constitucionalidade fraco, os constitucionalistas políticos desconsideram a emenda constitucional como mecanismo para representar uma maneira de mitigar a supremacia judicial. Em razão disso, seus argumentos não alcançam os sistemas jurídicos de controle forte com previsão de emenda constitucional. Em razão dessa lacuna teórica, a presente pesquisa partiu do seguinte problema: em que medida é possível analisar o controle de constitucionalidade de emenda constitucional a partir dos pressupostos democráticos do constitucionalismo político? Apesar da contrariedade dos constitucionalistas políticos às supermaiorias, concluiu-se que a possível desvantagem da maioria qualificada no parlamento não tem a mesma razão de ser para uma decisão judicial. A presunção da manutenção do status quo da supermaioria no controle de constitucionalidade de emenda serve para tornar a decisão sobre o afastamento mais exigente, em razão da carga democrática que o poder de reforma constitucional detém.
TERCERIZACIÓN Y REGULACIÓN LABORAL EN CHILE: una reconstrucción de las transformaciones del trabajo
Authors: Sepúlveda Sebastián Pérez
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es reconstruir el proceso de expansión y consolidación de la tercerización en Chile, en tanto operador analítico de las transformaciones del trabajo de las últimas décadas. El artículo pone en evidencia los resortes institucionales específicos que han sustentado este proceso, analizando la refundación neoliberal de la ley del trabajo operada en el contexto represivo de la dictadura (1973-1990), como la ley 20.123 de 2006 que regula la tercerización y reproduce la lógica reformista desde 1990. Además de la reconstrucción analítica de este proceso, el artículo describe la evolución de las formas concretas de la tercerización hasta la situación contemporánea.