bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Really Relevant for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders?
Authors: Carli Marco , Aringhieri Stefano , Kolachalam Shivakumar , Longoni Biancamaria , Grenno Giovanna , Rossi Mario , Gemignani Angelo , Fornai Francesco , Maggio Roberto , Scarselli Marco
Published: August 2020

Adult neurogenesis consists in the generation of newborn neurons from neural stem
cells taking place in the adult brain. In mammals, this process is limited to very few areas of the
brain, and one of these neurogenic niches is the subgranular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) of the
hippocampus. Adult newborn neurons are generated from quiescent neural progenitors (QNPs),
which differentiate through different steps into mature granule cells (GCs), to be finally integrated
into the existing hippocampal circuitry.

In animal models, adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is relevant for pattern discrimination,
cognitive flexibility, emotional processing and resilience to stressful situations. Imaging techniques
allow to visualize newborn neurons within the hippocampus through all their stages of development
and differentiation. In humans, the evidence of AHN is more challenging, and, based on recent
findings, it persists through adulthood, even if it declines with age. Whether this process has
an important role in human brain function and how it integrates into the existing hippocampal circuitry
is still a matter of exciting debate. Importantly, AHN deficiency has been proposed to be relevant
in many psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder
and schizophrenia.

This review aims to investigate how AHN is altered in different psychiatric conditions and how
pharmacological treatments can rescue this process. In fact, many psychoactive drugs, such as antidepressants,
mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics (AAPs), can boost AHN with different
results. In addition, some non-pharmacological approaches are discussed, as well.
Spectroscopic Investigations and DFT Studies of Synthesized 4- Acetamidophenyl 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoate and 4-acetyl phenyl 3,4,5- trimethoxybenzoate a Novel Conjugate of Gallic Acid
Authors: Srivastava Sangeeta , Ansari Nadeem Ahmad , Aleem Sadaf
Published: August 2020

Gallic acid is abundantly found in amla (Phyllanthus emblica), a deciduous of the family
phyllanthaceae. Gallic acid, the major constituent of the plant, was methylated to 3,4,5 trimethoxy
gallic acid, which then underwent steglich esterification first with paracetamol and then with
4-hydroxy acetophenone to yield 4-acetamidophenyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate and 4-acetyl phenyl
3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate “respectively”. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV, FT-IR and mass spectroscopy
were used to characterize the synthesized compounds. Density functional theory (B3YLP) using a
6-31G (d,p) basis set has been used for quantum chemical calculations. AIM (Atom in a molecule)
approach depicted weak molecular interactions within the molecules, whereas the reactive site and reactivity
within the molecule were examined by global and local reactivity descriptors. The HOMO and
LUMO energies and frontier orbital energy gaps were calculated by time dependent DFT approach using
the IEFPCM model. A small value for the HOMO-LUMO energy gap indicated that easier charge
transfer occurs within compound 4. The nucleophilic and electrophilic reactivity was determined by
MEP (molecular electrostatic potential) experiment. Polarizability, dipole moment, and first hyperpolarizability
values were calculated to depict the NLO (nonlinear optical) property of both the synthesized
compounds. The antimicrobial activity was also carried out and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity
against several strains of bacteria and certain unicellular fungi were exhibited by synthesized
compound 3.
Identification of Putative “Multifunctional Drug” Against Anthrax Toxins via Integrative Computational Approach
Authors: Bibi Nousheen , Razzaq Sehraiz , Nouroz Faisal , Amin Farhat , Shahnaz Ambreen , Kamal Mohammad Amjad
Published: August 2020

Background:

The intentional dissemination of the “anthrax letter” led the researchers to
increase their efforts towards the development of medical countermeasures against anthrax bioterrorism.
A virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis secretes deadly three protein exotoxin (protective antigen,
lethal factor and edema factor) that is the causative agent of anthrax and considered as serious
biological weapons.

Objective:

Due to limited existing therapeutics options, there is still an insecure situation to combat
anthrax. This prompted us to design a multifunctional inhibitor instead of a traditional one that competes
simultaneously with the Protective Antigen (PA), Lethal Factor (LF) and Edema Factor (EF)
for their binding sites.

Methods:

We integrated a pharmacophore modeling approach with the virtual screening and molecular
docking analysis in the context of unique structural characteristics of deadly anthrax toxins.

Results:

Initially, we screened 56,000 natural compounds against designed pharmacophore consensus
that returned 351 hits. Out of these initial screening hits, only 100 compounds passed out
through Lipinski filter that comprised of 12 chemically relevant clusters. By exclusion of duplicate
and based on their fit score in each cluster, 15 unique compounds were selected for detailed study.
Putative multifunctional compounds subjected to deep structural analysis in the milieu of anthrax
toxins binding pockets to gauge critical structural crunch.

Conclusion:

Our integrative approach provides a novel therapeutic window to develop a small molecular
inhibitor that simultaneously targets three components of anthrax deadly toxin at the molecular
level to elicit the desired biological process.
A Nested Case-Control Study of Serum Fasting Lipid Profiles in Pre- Eclamptic Primigravidas in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Adepetu Oluwadare E. , Okunola Temitope O. , Adepetu Busola M. , Adedeji Tewogbade A. , Loto Olabisi M. , Orji Ernest O.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Pre-eclampsia contributes significantly to both maternal and perinatal morbidities
and mortalities. One of the identified pathophysiologies of pre-eclampsia is the deranged
serum lipid profile of which some components have been found to be elevated early in pregnancy
in women destined to develop pre-eclampsia.

Objective:

To compare the serum fasting lipid profiles of pre-eclamptic primigravidas with normal
primigravidas at week 20, 28, and 34.

Methods:

We conducted a nested case-control study at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife between
November 2016 and April 2018. A cohort of 290 primigravidas was recruited at week 20
and followed up until delivery. Serum fasting lipid profiles were quantified at weeks 20, 28 and 34
for all participants. Twenty four women that developed pre-eclampsia were compared with 48 women
that had a normal pregnancy. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22. We used a linear
mixed-effect regression model with random intercept and slope. Significance was established using
p<0.05.

Results:

Serum lipid profiles showed an average weekly increase in both groups. Primigravidas
that developed pre-eclampsia had a weekly increase of 0.2(SE0.14) mmol/l in serum total cholesterol
more than those with normal pregnancies. (p<0.001) Serum low-density lipoprotein also
showed a differential weekly increase of 0.1(SE0.05)mmol/l in primigravidas that developed pre-eclampsia
over primigravidas with normal pregnancies. (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The average weekly increase in serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were higher significantly in primigravidas that developed pre-eclampsia when compared to the control group. These findings depicted an association between serum lipid profile and pre-eclampsia among the primigravidas.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus UBLR-58 and Diclofenac Potentiate the Anti- Alzheimer Activity of Curcumin in Mice
Authors: Pande Sonal , Patel Chirag , Sarkar Dipta , Acharya Sanjeev
Published: August 2020

Background:

Curcumin, a providential spice, has its role in protecting the brain from neurodegeneration.
Despite its ubiquitous role, it is not exploited alone due to its hampered bioavailability.
By restraining the intestinal and liver enzymatic metabolism, one can boost the bioavailability of
curcumin and promotes reabsorption of the curcumin. Diclofenac inhibits uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase
enzymes specifically responsible for the metabolism and elimination of curcumin.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is able to synthesize and release the β -d-glucuronidase enzyme,
which reverts curcumin into the active form.

Objective:

In this research, we aim to combine curcumin with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and diclofenac
as an adjuvant with curcumin to potentiate anti-Alzheimer effect in mice impaired with
memory by scopolamine.

Methods:

To induce amnesia, scopolamine was used in mice model (1mg/kg, daily for 10 days i.p.).
After execution of behavioural tests (Morris Water Maze test), brain and liver were isolated for further
neurochemical and histopathology examination.

Results:

Our finding showed a marked rise in the level of antioxidant enzymes in curcumin with L.
rhamnosus and diclofenac compared to curcumin alone. Additionally, the behavioural study revealed
that cognition in mice with curcumin adjuvant with L. rhamnosus and diclofenac showed a marked
improvement. The histology study proves that curcumin alone possesses less and a non-significant
neuroprotective effect as compared to curcumin with L. rhamnosus and diclofenac.

Conclusion:

This entire outcome ratifies that curcumin with L. rhamnosus and diclofenac has higher
activity as compared to curcumin alone, which reversed the cognition in the Alzheimer disease model.
Investigation of the Effect of Loratadine and Calcium Ions on Oxidoreductase Activity of Catalase Enzyme
Authors: Hasković Edhem , Herenda Safija , Halilović Zehra , Unčanin Snežana , Hasković Denis , Deljkić Ena
Published: August 2020

Background:

The Spectrophotometric method is one of the most suitable analytical techniques
for testing the activity of enzymes under the influence of various factors.

Methods:

The effect of H1-antihistamines of loratadine and calcium ions on enzyme catalase under
in vitro conditions was investigated in this paper.

Results and Discussion:

It has been shown that loratadine is a partial inhibitor of catalase, but this
effect is diminished in the presence of calcium ions. Calcium as well as other cations are important
for many biological and cellular functions. The kidneys play a central role in the homeostasis of these
ions. The activity of the catalase enzyme under the given conditions, the type of inhibition, and the
kinetic parameters of the enzyme reaction were determined.

Conclusion:

We concluded that loratadine is a partially competitive inhibitor.
Toll-like Receptor 4 Gene Polymorphisms in Chinese Population After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhao Yi , Zhang Yujie , Zhou Jie , Wang Lijuan , Shi Jimin , Tan Yamin , Luo Yi , Huang He , Cai Zhen
Published: August 2020

Objectives::

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common complication after
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and remains to be a major cause of mortality.
Activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) by lipopolysaccharide induces the NF-κB signaling
pathway to release critical proinflammatory cytokines and increases the recipient response to
GVHD. In order to clarify the role of TLR-4 in the occurrence of acute GVHD after HSCT, we
collected 208 samples from HSCT recipients and their human lecucyte antigen identical donors to
test the hypothesis that TLR-4polymorphism in the recipients or donors influence the risk of acute
GVHD in allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Methods::

TLR-4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms of each sample were examined by
using DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
methods.

Results::

No homozygous or heterozygous variant alleles of the Asp299Gly or Thr339Ile
polymorphism were detected in any samples in our study. Our results demonstrate that TLR-4
Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms might be very rare in the Chinese population (Eastern
China and Taiwan region).

Conclusion::

The results of this study cannot confirm the role of TLR-4 mutations in the
pathogenesis of GVHD in humans, yet we reach a definite conclusion by a TLR-4 knockout
murine GVHD model in our ongoing project.
Investigating the Molecular Basis for the Selective Inhibition of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 by the Isoflavonoid Daidzin
Authors: da Silva Cunha Thayssa Tavares , de Souza Felipe Rodrigues , de Sena Murteira Pinheiro Pedro , de Sant’Anna Carlos Maurício Rabello , Noël François , Costa França Tanos Celmar , Manssour Fraga Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2020

Background:

ALDH-2 has been considered an important molecular target for the treatment
of drug addiction due to its involvement in the metabolism of the neurotransmitter dopamine: however,
the molecular basis for the selective inhibition of ALDH-2 versus ALDH-1 should be better investigated
to enable a more pragmatic approach to the design of novel ALDH-2 selective inhibitors.

Objective:

In the present study, we investigated the molecular basis for the selective inhibition of
ALDH-2 by the antioxidant isoflavonoid daidzin (IC50 = 0.15 μM) compared to isoform 1 of ALDH
through molecular dynamics studies and semiempirical calculations of the enthalpy of interaction.

Methods:

The applied methodology consisted of performing the molecular docking of daidzin in the
structures of ALDH-1 and ALDH-2 and submitting the lower energy complexes obtained to semiempirical
calculations and dynamic molecular simulations.

Results:

Daidzin in complex with ALDH-2 presented directed and more specific interactions, resulting
in stronger bonds in energetic terms and, therefore, in enthalpic gain. Moreover, the hydrophobic subunits
of daidzin, in a conformationally more restricted environment (such as the catalytic site of
ALDH-2), promote the better organization of the water molecules when immersed in the solvent, also
resulting in an entropic gain.

Conclusion:

The molecular basis of selective inhibition of ALDH-2 by isoflavonoids and related
compounds could be related to a more favorable equilibrium relationship between enthalpic and entropic
features. The results described herein expand the available knowledge regarding the physiopathological
and therapeutic mechanisms associated with drug addiction.
Assessing Collegiate Recovery Programs and the Challenges of Campus Binge Drinking
Authors: Downing Andrew , Hulsey Jessica
Published: August 2020

Background:

Binge drinking is a dangerous practice. Among college students, continuously
high rates of binge drinking in campus result in deaths, accidents, poor academic performance,
risky behavior, the development of substance use disorder, and a number of other serious problems
and conditions. Collegiate Recovery Programs have shown promise as an intervention for curbing
binge drinking at colleges and universities.

Objective:

This paper reviews the literature on the prevalence and risks of campus binge drinking,
and the relative success of interventions designed to limit it. While certain initiatives have succeeded
more than others, the most appropriate strategy combines efforts on the environmental and individual
level to incorporate policies tailored to the unique needs of a given collegiate community, consistent
with findings on the best options for treatment and recovery in general.

Result:

Evidence suggests that Collegiate Recovery Programs are an effective strategy at some
schools because they provide holistic and targeted care for students in recovery. They serve a vulnerable
student population whose interests are often overlooked in the wider consideration of campus
binge drinking and issues of safety and bureaucratic incentives.

Conclusion:

Collegiate Recovery Programs ought to be considered as at least one helpful avenue for
schools considering ways to cut down elevated binge drinking rates. Tailored strategies incorporating
other effective approaches should consider these programs as part of their overall focus.
COVID-19: Underpinning Research for Detection, Therapeutics, and Vaccines Development
Authors: Aljabali Alaa A.A. , Bakshi Hamid A. , Satija Saurabh , Metha Meenu , Prasher Parteek , Ennab Raed M. , Chellappan Dinesh K. , Gupta Gaurav , Negi Poonam , Goyal Rohit , Sharma Ashish , Mishra Vijay , Dureja Harish , Dua Kamal , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

The newly emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first reported in December 2019, has infected about five and a half million people globally and resulted in nearly 9063264 deaths until the 24th of June 2020. Nevertheless, the highly contagious virus has instigated an unimaginably rapid response from scientific and medical communities.

Methods:

Pioneering research on molecular mechanisms underlying the viral transmission, molecular pathogenicity, and potential treatments will be highlighted in this review. The development of antiviral drugs specific to SARS-CoV-2 is a complicated and tedious process. To accelerate scientific discoveries and advancement, researchers are consolidating available data from associated coronaviruses into a single pipeline, which can be readily made available to vaccine developers.

Results:

In order to find studies evaluating the COVID-19 virus epidemiology, repurposed drugs and potential vaccines, web searches and bibliographical bases have been used with keywords that matches the content of this review.

Lay Summary:

An innovative analysis is evaluating the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to increase knowledge of possible viral detection methods, which highlights several new technology limitations and advantages. We have assessed some drugs currently for patients (Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Anakinra and Interferon beta 1a), as the feasibility of COVID-19 specific antivirals is not presently known. The study explores the race toward vaccine development and highlights some significant trials and candidates in various clinical phases. This research addresses critical knowledge gaps by identifying repurposed drugs currently under clinical trials. Findings will be fed back rapidly to the researchers interested in COVID 19 and support the evidence and potential of possible therapeutics and small molecules with their mode of action.
Local Fuzzy Community Detection in Networks
Authors: Ouge Feng , Yi Shen , Huanliang Xu , Haiyan Jiang , Shougang Ren
Published: August 2020

Background:

Community detection is significant for the understanding of the structure
and function of networks, and becomes an attractive topic for researchers. However, many existing
local methods only focus on disjoint communities and some recently proposed overlapping community
detection methods are global methods with high computational cost.

Objective:

To improve the accuracy and speed of community detection and obtain the fuzzy coefficients
of overlapping nodes with low computational cost, a local fuzzy agglomerative method is
proposed in this paper.

Method:

In the detection process, each local community is determined based on community
strength. The overlapping communities and fuzzy coefficients of nodes are obtained by coordinating
and normalizing the contribution of the overlapping nodes to their belonging communities.

Results:

Theoretical analysis and data simulations show that our local method can detect disjoint
and overlapping communities in linear time with the network size. The overlapping communities
and the fuzzy coefficients of overlapping nodes are obtained accurately.

Conclusion:

The accuracy of our method is higher than the existing local methods for detecting disjoint
communities. And it also detects the overlapping communities same as the global overlapping methods but
with remarkably low computational cost.
Recent Advances of Calcium Carbide in Organic Reactions
Authors: Zeng Fan-Lin , Lv Qi-Yan , Chen Xiao-Lan , Yu Bing
Published: August 2020

Calcium carbide (CaC2) as an important raw material has been widely used in
inorganic chemistry, nanomaterials, supramolecular and other fields. In recent years, calcium
carbide has been applied as an inexpensive, safe, green, and sustainable acetylene source in
organic synthesis. This mini-review summarizes the latest progress of calcium carbide as a
surrogate of acetylene gas in organic reactions for the construction of C-C, C-N, C-S, and C-O
bonds.
Artificial Intelligence-based Myelinated White Matter Segmentation for a
Pediatric Brain - A Challenging Task
Authors: Jemila S. Jacily , Therese A. Brintha
Published: August 2020

Background:

Segmentation of a baby brain,in particular myelinated white matter is a very challenging and important task in medical image analysis, because of the ongoing process of myelination and structural differences present in magnetic resonance images of a baby. Most available algorithms for segmentation of a baby brain are atlas based segmentations, which may not accurate because baby brain Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) are very subjective.

Objective:

Artificial intelligence based methods for myelinated white matter segmentation.

Method:

Fuzzy C-means Clustering with Level Set Method (FCMLSM), Adaptively Regularized Kernel-based Fuzzy C-means clustering (ARKFCM), Multiplicative Intrinsic Component Optimization (MICO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO).

Results:

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Edge Preservation Index (EPI), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and Peak Signal to noise Ratio (PSNR) Accuracy, Precision, Dice and Jaccard values are maintained good and Mean squared error (MSE) is less for FCMLSM.

Conclusion:

FCMLSM is a very suitable method for myelinated white matter segmentation when compared to ARKFCM, MICO and PSO.
Face Detection in Single and Multiple Images Using Different Skin Color Models
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Bhatti Jasdev , Kakkar Mohit Kumar , Upmanyu Arun
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Face Detection is used in many different steams like video conferencing,
human-computer interface, face detection, and in the database management of image. Therefore,
the aim of our paper is to apply Red Green Blue (RGB) and Hue Saturation Value (HSV) color
models in detecting the single, including multiple images of any face. Each color model
HSV, Ycbcr and TSL are individually performed with the RGB color model to detect from the
single and multiple images, the region of the face.

Methods:

The morphological operations are performed in the face region to a number of pixels as the proposed parameter
to check either an input image contains face region or not. Canny edge detection is also used to show the boundaries of a
candidate face region, in the end, the face can be shown detected by using bounding box around the face.

Results:

The reliability model has also been proposed for detecting the faces in single and multiple images. The results of
the experiments reflect that the algorithm been proposed performs very well in each model for detecting the faces in single
and multiple images and the reliability model provides the best fit by analyzing the precision and accuracy. Moreover

Discussion:

The calculated results show that HSV model works best for single faced images whereas YCbCr and TSL
models work best for multiple faced images. Also, the evaluated results by this paper provides the better testing strategies
that helps to develop new techniques which leads to an increase in research effectiveness.

Conclusion:

The calculated value of all parameters is helpful for proving that the proposed algorithm has been performed
very well in each model for detecting the face by using a bounding box around the face in single as well as multiple
images. The precision and accuracy of all three models are analyzed through the reliability model. The comparison
calculated in this paper reflects that HSV model works best for single faced images whereas YCbCr and TSL models
work best for multiple faced images.
Evaluation of civil servant teacher's restructuring and equalizing policy at vocational high school
Authors: Setianingrum Ratih , Guntur Guntur
Published: August 2020

The research intends to evaluate (1) the implementation and (2) the result of the implementation of civil servant teachers restructuring and equalizing policy at vocational high school in Yogyakarta City. This research was policy evaluation using discrepancy evaluation model by identifying the gap between performance and standard. The data was collected through interviews and documentation from several informants including The Office of Secondary Education staff, vice principals of curriculum and some civil servant teachers. The research instrument was tested by using the content validity test while the data validity was measured by triangulation and member checks. The data were analysed using the descriptive statistical analysis for analysing the quantitative data and continuous interactive analysis for analysing the qualitative data. The research results are as follows. (1) The implementation of civil servant teachers structuring and equity policy at vocational high schools in Yogyakarta City has been implemented properly in accordance with the implementation standards. (2) The implementation of civil servant teacher restructuring and equalizing policy successfully rearranges 15 civil servant teachers and reduces the number of teacher shortages by 7%. Nonetheless, the number of teacher shortages in certain subjects is still quite large, especially in productive subjects. The positive impacts of implementation of civil servant teachers restructuring and equalizing policy are (a) teachers are motivated to increase career paths; (b) teachers get new teaching experience and (c) teacher get new relationships. Meanwhile, the negative impact is that the teachers are having difficulty in managing teaching time which causes them not focus on teaching.
Description of student science process skills on temperature and heat practicum
Authors: Tanti Tanti , Kurniawan Dwi Agus , Wirman Rahmi Putri , Dari Retno Wulan , Yuhanis Eva
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the process skills of Muaro Jambi Senior High School 8 students on temperature and heat material. The research used in this study is research that uses research methods that use research This research. The sample used in this study was the students of Muaro Jambi High School 8, which collected 96 students of Class XI MIPA 1 to XI MIPA 3 odd semester 2019/2020. Data collection techniques in this study were observation and interviews. The results of observations of students' mastery of process skills in the material practicum of temperature and heat (change in form) showed a percentage of 55.2% classified in the bad category. I hope students have a low process. Low student learning process. Student-oriented learning process material.
Observation instrument for student social attitude in primary schools: Validity and reliability
Authors: Setiawan Ari , Pusporini Widowati , Dardjito Hanandyo
Published: August 2020

This study aims to 1) identify the content validity of observations of students' social attitudes, 2) identify the construct validity of the observation instruments of students 'social attitudes, and 3) identify the reliability of observations of students' social attitudes. The subjects of this study were grades IV, and V of elementary school students in Yogyakarta province selected using cluster random sampling. Observation guidelines were used to collect the data using a summative rating scale model. The content validity was analyzed by applying Aiken assisted by Microsoft Excel, the construct validity by using second-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis assisted by Lisrel, and the reliability by using the Omega reliability approach. The results indicated that all items were valid by which the content validity. The construct validity with the Confirmatory Factor Analysis is high. The reliability values of the observation instruments were reliable.
Lineamientos para una metodología de identificación de estilos de aprendizaje aplicables al sector agropecuario colombiano
Authors: Rodríguez-Espinosa Holmes , Ospina-Parra Carlos Eduardo , Ramírez-Gómez Carlos Julián , Toro-González Isabel Cristina , Gallego-Lopera Alexandra , Piedrahita-Pérez María Alejandra , Velásquez-Chica Alexandra , Gutiérrez-Molina Swammy , Flórez-Tuta Natalia , Hincapié-Echeverri Oscar Darío , Romero-Rubio Laura Cristina
Published: August 2020

En Colombia, una de las deficiencias en los procedimientos de transferencia de tecnología ha sido la falta de estrategias que permitan identificar la forma en que aprenden los productores, lo que se ha reflejado en la baja implementación de prácticas sugeridas en los procesos de capacitación. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la literatura existente sobre identificación de estilos de aprendizaje para generar una propuesta metodológica aplicable al sector agropecuario que contribuya a mejorar la efectividad de los procesos de transferencia. Se identificaron modelos estudiados a nivel global, los cuales se usaron como insumo para construir una metodología con cuatro dimensiones (motivacional, perceptiva, estratégica y social) que responden a las características del contexto rural y los procesos de capacitación de productores. Los resultados permiten resaltar la importancia de identificar estilos de aprendizaje antes de llevar a cabo un proceso de formación para aumentar la implementación de nuevas tecnologías por parte de productores agropecuarios.
Private Video Consultation Services and the Future of Primary Care
Authors: Salisbury Chris , Quigley Anna , Hex Nick , Aznar Camille
Published: August 2020

In many countries, private companies provide primary care services based predominantly on offering video consultations via smartphones. One example is Babylon GP at Hand (BGPaH), which offers video consultations to National Health Service patients, 24 hours a day, and has grown rapidly in London over the last 3 years. The development of this type of service has been controversial, particularly in the United Kingdom, but there has been little formal published evaluation of these services in any country. This paper outlines the main controversies about the use of privately provided video consultation services for primary care and shows how they are informed by the limited evaluations that have been conducted, particularly the evaluation of BGPaH. This paper describes the advantages of these services in terms of convenience, speed of access, the ability to consult without traveling or face-to-face patient-doctor contact, and the possibility of recruiting doctors who cannot work in conventional settings or do not live near the patients. It also highlights the concerns and uncertainties about quality and safety, demand, fragmentation of care, impact on other health services, efficiency, and equity. There are questions about whether private primary care services based on video consultations have a sustainable business model and whether they will undermine other health care providers. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the use of video consulting has become more widespread within conventional primary care services, and this is likely to have lasting consequences for the future delivery of primary care. It is important to understand the extent to which lessons from the evaluation of BGPaH and other private services based on a video-first model are relevant to the use of video consulting within conventional general practices, and to consider the advantages and disadvantages of these developments, before video consultation–based services in primary care become more widely established.
Influence of Social Media Platforms on Public Health Protection Against the COVID-19 Pandemic via the Mediating Effects of Public Health Awareness and Behavioral Changes: Integrated Model
Authors: Al-Dmour Hani , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Salman Amer , Abuhashesh Mohammad , Al-Dmour Rand
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite the growing body of literature examining social media in health contexts, including public health communication, promotion, and surveillance, limited insight has been provided into how the utility of social media may vary depending on the particular public health objectives governing an intervention. For example, the extent to which social media platforms contribute to enhancing public health awareness and prevention during epidemic disease transmission is currently unknown. Doubtlessly, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) represents a great challenge at the global level, aggressively affecting large cities and public gatherings and thereby having substantial impacts on many health care systems worldwide as a result of its rapid spread. Each country has its capacity and reacts according to its perception of threat, economy, health care policy, and the health care system structure. Furthermore, we noted a lack of research focusing on the role of social media campaigns in public health awareness and public protection against the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan as a developing country.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of social media platforms on public health protection against the COVID-19 pandemic via public health awareness and public health behavioral changes as mediating factors in Jordan.

Methods

A quantitative approach and several social media platforms were used to collect data via web questionnaires in Jordan, and a total of 2555 social media users were sampled. This study used structural equation modeling to analyze and verify the study variables.

Results

The main findings revealed that the use of social media platforms had a significant positive influence on public health protection against COVID-19 as a pandemic. Public health awareness and public health behavioral changes significantly acted as partial mediators in this relationship. Therefore, a better understanding of the effects of the use of social media interventions on public health protection against COVID-19 while taking public health awareness and behavioral changes into account as mediators should be helpful when developing any health promotion strategy plan.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the use of social media platforms can positively influence awareness of public health behavioral changes and public protection against COVID-19. Public health authorities may use social media platforms as an effective tool to increase public health awareness through dissemination of brief messages to targeted populations. However, more research is needed to validate how social media channels can be used to improve health knowledge and adoption of healthy behaviors in a cross-cultural context.
Influenza Screening via Deep Learning Using a Combination of Epidemiological and Patient-Generated Health Data: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Choo Hyunwoo , Kim Myeongchan , Choi Jiyun , Shin Jaewon , Shin Soo-Yong
Published: August 2020

Background

Screening for influenza in primary care is challenging due to the low sensitivity of rapid antigen tests and the lack of proper screening tests.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning–based screening tool using patient-generated health data (PGHD) obtained from a mobile health (mHealth) app.

Methods

We trained a deep learning model based on a gated recurrent unit to screen influenza using PGHD, including each patient’s fever pattern and drug administration records. We used meteorological data and app-based surveillance of the weekly number of patients with influenza. We defined a single episode as the set of consecutive days, including the day the user was diagnosed with influenza or another disease. Any record a user entered 24 hours after his or her last record was considered to be the start of a new episode. Each episode contained data on the user’s age, gender, weight, and at least one body temperature record. The total number of episodes was 6657. Of these, there were 3326 episodes within which influenza was diagnosed. We divided these episodes into 80% training sets (2664/3330) and 20% test sets (666/3330). A 5-fold cross-validation was used on the training set.

Results

We achieved reliable performance with an accuracy of 82%, a sensitivity of 84%, and a specificity of 80% in the test set. After the effect of each input variable was evaluated, app-based surveillance was observed to be the most influential variable. The correlation between the duration of input data and performance was not statistically significant (P=.09).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PGHD from an mHealth app could be a complementary tool for influenza screening. In addition, PGHD, along with traditional clinical data, could be used to improve health conditions.
Global monitoring of public interest in preventative measures for COVID-19 by Google Trends (Preprint)
Authors: Ito Tomoo
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019, and on 11, March 2020, it was declared a global pandemic. It has been suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on people's interest in infectious diseases and their preventable measures, but the magnitude of the impact on them and the difference between the countries is not very clear. Google Trends can be a useful tool in understanding public awareness of COVID-19 and preventative measures for COVID-19. Google Trends shows a relative search volume (RSV) for a specific term according to a geographical location and a defined timeframe.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess the magnitude of the COVID-19’s impact on the public interest of this virus and the population’s preventable behaviors against infectious diseases globally using Google Trends.

METHODS

In the present study, I investigated search terms “Wash Hands”, “Mask”, and “Corona” with Google Trends in 6 local languages across 12 different countries applying search time range from January 1, 2020, to July 8, 2020, as a shorter search time range and from January 1, 2015, to July 31, 2020, as a longer search time range.

RESULTS

The results show that in all countries studied, the RSV of Wash Hands and Mask increased significantly in 2020, when the COVID-19 epidemic began, compared to the previous years. The timing of peak of the RSV in mask and hand washing varied across countries, especially in masks. The timing of peak RSV in Corona was during a period of relatively low cumulative confirmed cases in all the countries and no further increase even in the countries where the explosive epidemic followed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the COVID-19 epidemic may have a positive impact on the overall response to infectious diseases in public by the increased awareness of the preventable measures, as well as the need to consider analysis and strategies that will lead to the implementation of sustained and more effective measures to combat COVID-19.
Convalescent Plasma Therapy: A Century Old Technique for COVID-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Khan Samahir Tariq , Ali Sajjad , Lohana Nisha
Published: August 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

It has been proved that the current COVID-19 pandemic can be loosely bound to its predecessor outbreaks i.e. SARS and MERS. No vaccine or approved treatment is available for either coronavirus. At present, COVID-19 has infected 2,436,743 people in over 200 countries with unprecedented transmission rate. Healthcare workers in China initiated treatment of clinically worsening COVID-19 patients with a traditional method of passive immunity i.e. transfusion of plasma recovered from COVID-19 recuperated patients. According to available medical data, this technique is routinely favored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been in use since 1890 for combatting newly emerging infectious diseases, most commonly of a viral origin. Exploration of studies carried out on Convalescent Plasma and its effectiveness in the past steered our path to theorize the possibility of reducing mortality with convalescent plasma therapy and put together reviewed evidence to support our rallying efforts for enlisting this in the official treatment protocol of COVID-19.
Religiosity and Adolescent Females’ Characterizations of Healthy Dating Dynamics
Authors: Howard Donna , Debnam Katrina J. , Jones Chandria , Saboori Zahra , Aiken Nancy , O’Brien Sharon
Published: August 2020

In this study, we utilize the Socialization Influence Framework to examine how personal religiosity may influence adolescent dating dynamics. We conducted fifty in-depth interviews with adolescent females aged 15-18 attending high schools in a mid-Atlantic city. Six broad themes characterizing healthy dating dynamics were identified: Investment in the Relationship; Healthy Communications; Harmonious Interactions; Non-Destructive Dynamics; Relations with Family, Friends and Others; and Maintenance of Personal Integrity. Differences in characterizations emerged in relation to the degree of personal religiosity. Findings have implications for faith-based initiatives and efforts to promote positive youth development. The process by which internalization of religious beliefs may also translate into risk for unhealthy dating dynamics remains an important area of study.
LEAVES OF ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA IS AN ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER AGENT
Authors: THERASA S. ANNAI , SOBIYA G. , PARIMALA S. MABEL
Published: August 2020

Objective: Andrographis paniculata (Family: Acanthaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant used in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of many chronic diseases. The present study was aimed to quantify secondary metabolites, determine antioxidant, and anticancer activity of ethanol extract of A. paniculata leaves.

Methods: Leaf sample was macerated with ethanol solvent. Alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, and flavonoids were quantified with standard calibrations. The antioxidant potential was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated using human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cell line. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to estimate the cytotoxicity of the extracts. Apoptotic and necrotic effects were characterized by DNA fragmentation assay and fluorescence microscopy using the dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining method.

Results: The phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenol, and flavonoid content were recorded as follows: 9.84%, 8.42%, 13.94%, 44.37 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, and 904 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activity from DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays showed dose-dependent inhibition of free radicals. In cell viability tests, cell death with increasing extract concentration was observed. DNA fragmentation and AO/EB stain confirmed apoptosis and necrosis in extract-treated cells.

Conclusion: The results indicate that A. paniculata is a promising source for the development of antioxidant and anticancer drugs.
TRADITIONAL METHOD OF MUNG BEANS (VIGNA RADIATA) PRESERVATION USING PANCHAGAVYA AND ITS EFFECT ON SEED GERMINATION
Authors: SWARNALATHA Y. , SEEMA SIDDHARTHAN
Published: August 2020

Objective: Callosobruchus chinensis is a major pest that affects mung bean causing severe damage during storage. The objective of the present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of panchagavya in larvicidal activity on C. chinensis and its seed germination was observed.

Methods: The methods used in this study were followed by observing the people at a remote village in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This study is about the traditional knowledge of the use of cow urine in panchagavya described in Ayurveda and its application in seed preservation.

Results: The ovicidal activity of panchagavya was remarkably good. The ability of ovicidal (instar) development into an adult beetle was found to be nothing. C. chinensis instar and adult beetle showed 100% mortality when treated with cow urine in small concentrations and good seed germination was observed.

Conclusion: Panchagavya is potentially effective and eco-friendly in controlling beetles in grains storage and its enhanced seed germination.
TRACE LEVEL DETERMINATION OF SODIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM SULFATE CONTENT IN SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE RAW MATERIAL USING COUNTER CATION-EXCHANGE HPLC WITH INDIRECT ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION
Authors: RAO KATAKAM LAKSHMI NARASIMHA , DONGALA THIRUPATHI
Published: August 2020

Objective: A novel study on a new liquid chromatographic approach has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of trace level determination of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate measures its impurities using counter cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography with indirect ultraviolet (UV) detection.

Methods: Chromatographic separation is developed and validated on a Hamilton PRP-X100 column with a mobile phase contained a mixture of the para-hydroxybenzoic acid buffer with a pH of 9.0 and methanol. Chromatography is developed at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min with an indirect UV determination at 310 nm at a sensitivity level of 0.5%. The optimized method was validated as per the ICH Q2 guidelines.

Results: The retention times of chloride and sulfate were about 2.8 and 7.6 min, respectively. The resolution between chloride and sulfate peaks is >4. Regression analysis confers a correlation coefficient for the stated compounds that are found to be >0.999.

Conclusion: A novel analytical method was validated as per the ICH method validation guidelines and found to be selective. Hence, the validated analytical method was precise, specific, and accurate, and it is more economic and simple for the determination of inorganic impurities.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF STATINS USE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Authors: DIVYA JYOTHI PANCHUMARTHI , SRI DURGA PONNADA , VEENA YERUVA , AFSARI SHAIK
Published: August 2020

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to analyze the impact of statins uses in Type-2 diabetes mellitus patients at a tertiary hospital.

Methods: It is a hospital-based prospective and observational study. The study was conducted in the General Medicine Department of Manipal Super Speciality Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Six months (August 2018–January 2019), 450 cases were collected from the general medicine department.

Results: A total of 450 patients data were collected, the results show that rosuvastatin at its list dose in this study (10 mg) was more effective at reducing fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels than rosuvastatin combination. Moreover, significant increment of these levels (FBS, PPBS, and HbA1c) was observed with atorvastatin combination followed by atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg) in both treatment group as well as a control group.

Conclusion: We concluded that there is a significant rise in blood glucose levels (both FBS and PPBS) and also HbA1c levels (glycated hemoglobin) due to the usage of statins for a longer duration. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient method (SPSS 20. Version) and two-tailed analysis of variance. The results were represented as Z value (correlation coefficient) and p-value.