bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnitude and Factors Affecting Virological Treatment Failure among HIV Reactive Adults from Selected Hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Authors: Derseh Behailu Tariku , Shewayerga Belay , Dagnaw Abinet , Basha Elyas Admasu
Published: August 2020

Background: Nowadays Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the devastating and prevalent virus affecting the globe without a cure. Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of patients with HIV infection. Although there is increasing global use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV/AIDs, the global trends in ART failure is growing. In developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in our study settings, information related to magnitude and correlates of virological treatment failure is scarce. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude of virological treatment failure and associated factors among HIV reactive adults at selected hospitals of north Shoa, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Methods: a facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 498 study participants who started their first-line HAART from August 2005 to December 2018. Data were collected from patients’ charts and face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bivariable analysis was executed to select candidate predictor variables at a p-value less than 0.2. Multivariable logistic regression (forward stepwise, conditional) analysis was used to identify factors associated with virologic failure at significant level of 5%. Model adequacy check was done by Hosmer and Lemshow (p = 0.57) and Naglkerke R Square (0.46) was calculated to express the variability of virological failure by predictors.Result: More than half 290 (58.2%) of study participants were females. The median age at ART initiation was 40 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 15 years. The median duration of virologic failure since initiation of treatment was 96 months (IQR) of 72. The magnitude of virological treatment failure was 10.24% (95% CI: 7.57% - 12.91%). Poor ART drug adherence (AOR = 4.54; 95% CI: 2.09, 9.87), CD4 count less than 250 cell/μl (AOR = 24.88; 95% CI: 11.73, 52.81) and Poor Quality of Life (QoL) (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.12, 6.25) were independent predictors of virologic failure. Conclusion: The magnitude of Virologic ART treatment failure in this study was relatively high. Poor ART drug adherence, patients’ having lower CD4 count and poorer quality of life were predictors of treatment failure. Thus, intervention program that enrich patients’ health related quality of life should be implemented. Moreover, counselling that supplement the importance of drug adherence and reduction of risks that lowers CD4 counts should be given emphasis which in turn helps to prevent first-line ART treatment failure.
COVID-19 related mental health burdens: Impact of educational level and relationship status among low income earners of Western Uganda
Authors: Monima Lemuel Ann , Usman Ibe Michael , Kasozi Kenneth Iceland , Aigbogun Eric . Osamudiamwen , Bassey Victor Archibong , Ifie Josiah , Ssebuufu Robinson , Afodun Adam Moyosore , Terkimbi Swase Dominic , Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis , Adeoye Azeez , Aruwa Joshua Ojodale , Saidi Odoma , Ssempijja Fred , Ayuba John Tabakwot , Onohuean Hope , Kembabazi Stellamaris , Pius Theophilus , Nankya Viola , Matama Kevin , Henry Rachael , Yusuf Helen , Welburn Susan Christina
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The imposed COVID-19 lockdown is taking a toll mental health, with low-income earners considered particularly affected. The study aimed to investigate level of education and relationship status on awareness of mental healthcare and explore how these factors influence mental health among low income earners in Western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken among low-income earners in South Western Uganda. Data were collected from two hundred and fifty-three (253) participants using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Anxiety, anger and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) item tools respectively. Result: Most respondents were single male individuals with secondary level. Respondents with tertiary level of education and those with partners had higher score (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness on mental healthcare. Respondents with primary education level and individuals that were single had higher score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those living with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression. Individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r 2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r 2 =1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r 2 =10.1%). The group of single individuals had a negative correlation with awareness on mental healthcare, anger and depression (r 2 =1.9, 0.8 and 0.3% respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r 2 =3.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status influence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. Therefore, we advocate for new approaches in mental healthcare awareness programs equipped with robust strategy, which will focus on improving optimal mental health among these set of people.
Comparing Clinical Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence-powered Ultrasound with Pulse Index Continuous Cardiac Output for Monitoring Critically ill Patients
Authors: Fang Yi , Lv Di , Zhou Haidong , Sun Xiaoxiao , Chen Yuanzhuo , Zhuang Yugang
Published: August 2020

Background: To compare safety and clinical efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ultrasound with pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) for monitoring critically ill patients.Methods: Patients who were admitted to our hospital from April to June 2020 were recruited. PiCCO was employed to monitor cardiac output (CO) and extravascular lung water index (ELWI). Simultaneously, an AI-powered ultrasound was used to automatically monitor CO and the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI), and Lung ultrasound B line.Results: A total of 41 patients were enrolled, the male/female ratio was 26:15, and the patients’ median age was 73.6±8.85 years old. There was no significant difference between PiCCO and AI-powered ultrasound in monitoring of CO (t = 1.01, P = 0.316), and the correlation between these two techniques was significant (r=0.911; 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.82; 0.96]; P < 0.001). Similarly, the correlation between lung ultrasound and ELWI was significant r=0.770 (95%CI: [0.58; 0.88]; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Clinical management of critically ill patients can be achieved via monitoring techniques, such as PICCO and AI-powered ultrasound.
Effect of Sequentially Fed High Protein, Hydrolysed Protein, and High Fibre Diets on The Faecal Microbiota of Healthy Dogs: A Cross-Over Study
Authors: Martinez-Lopez Lina Maria , Pepper Amy , Pilla Rachel , Woodward Andrew , Suchodolski Jan , Mansfield Caroline
Published: August 2020

Background Dietary content and environmental factors can shape the gut microbiota, and consequently, the way the gut microbiota metabolises fats, carbohydrates and proteins, affecting overall health of the host. We evaluated the impact of 3 diets (high protein, high fibre and hypoallergenic [hydrolysed protein]) diets on the gut microbiota of healthy dogs in a cross-over sequential study. Results We showed that diet can have a large effect on the gut microbiome in dogs, regardless of the order of feeding. High-protein (all meat) diets were characterised by an increase in bacteria belonging to the Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla, whereas a high-fibre commercial diet correlated with increases in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla. However, the individual dog’s baseline microbiota had the most impact on the magnitude and nature of the changes in response to dietary intervention. Conclusion Our results suggest that the dog faecal microbiome is driven by protein and fibre composition, and targeted modification of these patterns could be useful in the modulation of the gut microbiota in different diseases.
Multiple-level copy number variations in circulating cell-free DNA for prognostic prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma with radical treatments
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Xiangxu , Zhou Kaixiang , Liu Yang , Bian Zhenyuan , Guo Dongna , Su Liping , Liu Kun , Gu Xiwen , Guo Xu , Tao Kaishan , Xing Jinliang
Published: August 2020

Background

Copy number variations (CNVs) in circulating free DNA (cfDNA) are emerging as minimally invasive prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. However, little has been reported on the multiple-level analysis of cfDNA CNVs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with radical treatments.
Methods

Here, CNVs at genome-wide, chromosomal-arm and bin levels were analyzed in cfDNA from 117 HCC patients receiving radical treatments via low-coverage whole genome sequencing. Then, the relationship between cfDNA CNVs and clinical outcomes was explored. Our results showed that a concordant profile of CNVs was observed between cfDNA and tumor tissue DNA. Three genome-wide CNV indicators including tumor fraction (TFx), prediction score (P-score) and stability score (S-score) were calculated based on genome-wide cfDNA CNVs.
Results

Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the patients with high TFx, P-score and S-score exhibited a significantly poorer overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) than those with low TFx, P-score and S-score, respectively (All P < 0.05). Furthermore, a group of high frequency cfDNA CNVs at chromosomal-arm level including loss of 4q, 17p, 19p and the gain of 8q, 1q clearly predicted prognosis of HCC patients. Finally, a bin-level risk score was constructed based on three most relevant prognostic bin regions identified by a LASSO model. Patients with high bin-score had a significantly poorer OS than those with low bin-score (P < 0.001).
Conclusion

Altogether, our study indicates that the multiple-level cfDNA CNVs are significantly associated with OS and RFS in HCC patients with radical treatments, suggesting that cfDNA CNVs detected by low-coverage WGS may be used as potential prognostic biomarkers of HCC patients.
The efficacy and safety of immune checkpoints inhibitors plus radiotherapy as a combination therapy for advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Dan , Li DaiRong , Wang LuLu , Huang LuMi , Long JianLin , Wu ZhiJuan , Teng Yan
Published: August 2020

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors have showed good efficacy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC). This meta-analysis was conducted to explore the therapeutic efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with radiotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC.MethodsWe used many proper keywords to perform a systematic search in databases and performed a meta-analysis of trials that conducted immune checkpoint inhibitors plus radiotherapy as a treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and treatment-related adverse events. A fixed-effect or random-effects model was adopted depending on between-study heterogeneity.ResultsTen trials were finally included in this meta-analysis. The combined ORR and DCR was 34% (19%-49%) and 72% (65%-79%). The combined six-month progression-free survival rates (PFSR6m) and one-year overall survival rate(OSR1y) were 50.0% (29.4%-72.8%) and 59.0% (48%-69%). Immune checkpoint inhibitors plus radiotherapy was significantly associated with improvement of PFS (hazards ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% CI 0.46–0.90; P = 0.01), OS (HR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.46–0.85; P = 0.003). In subgroup analyses, the combined ORR was 31.5% (16.4%-46.6%), combined DCR was 72.1% (63.3%-80.9%), combined PFS6m was 50.0% (20.6%-79.5%) and combined OSR1y was 59.7% (48.1%-71.2%) for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody plus radiotherapy. The combined ORR was 19.5% (9.1%-29.8%) for anti-CTLA4 antibody plus radiotherapy. The combined PFS6m and OSR1y were 58.9% (26.2%-91.7%) and 59.7% (29.7%-89.8%) respectively for the concurrent therapy group. And the combined PFS6m and OS1y were 55.2% (41.6%-68.8%) and 55.7% (42.1%-69.3%) for sequential therapy. For the low-dose radiotherapy group. The combined PFS6m and OS1y were 45.9% (27.0%-64.8%) and 51.6% (37.5%-65.6%). The combined PFS6m and OS1y were 71.1% (37.9%-104.4%) and 67.4% (29.2%-105.6%) separately for high-dose radiotherapy group. When using as first-line therapy. The combined ORR was 53.8% (23.6%-84.1%) and combined ORR was 76.5% (65.0%-88.1%). While as subsequent therapy, the combined ORR and DCR were 25.9% (14.7%-37.2%) and 69.9% (60.9%-78.9%). The combined PFS6m and OS1y were 51.1% (40.3%-61.9%) and 51.8% (40.9%-62.7%).ConclusionsImmune checkpoint inhibitors plus radiotherapy might be an effective and tolerable option as a treatment for advanced NSCLC.
Describing variability in pig genes involved in coronavirus infections: towards a One Health perspective in conservation of animal genetic resources
Authors: Bovo Samuele , Schiavo Giuseppina , Ribani Anisa , Utzeri Valerio Joe , Taurisano Valeria , Ballan Mohamad , Muñoz Maria , Alves Estefania , Araujo Jose P. , Bozzi Riccardo , Charneca Rui , Palma Federica Di , Djurkin Ivona , Etherington Graham , Fernandez Ana I. , García Fabián , García-Casco Juan , Karolyi Danijel , Gallo Maurizio , Martins José Manuel , Mercat Marie-José , Núñez Yolanda , Quintanilla Raquel , Radović Čedomir , Razmaite Violeta , Riquet Juliette , Savić Radomir , Škrlep Martin , Usai Grazioano , Zimmer Christoph , Ovilo Cristina , Fontanesi Luca
Published: August 2020

Coronaviruses silently circulate in human and animal populations, causing mild to severe diseases. Therefore, livestock are important components of a “One Health” perspective aimed to control these viral infections. However, at present there is no example that considers pig genetic resources in this context. In this study, we investigated the variability of four genes (ACE2, ANPEP and DPP4 encoding for host receptors of the viral spike proteins and TMPRSS2 encoding for a host proteinase) in 23 European (19 autochthonous and three commercial breeds and one wild boar population) and two Asian Sus scrofa populations. A total of 2229 variants were identified in the four candidate genes: 26% of them were not previously described; 29 variants affected the protein sequence and might potentially interact with the infection mechanisms. The results coming from this work are a first step towards a “One Health” perspective that should consider conservation programmes of pig genetic resources with twofold objectives: i) genetic resources could be reservoirs of host gene variability useful to design selection programmes to increase resistance to coronaviruses; ii) the described variability in genes involved in coronavirus infections across many different pig populations might be part of a risk assessment including pig genetic resources.
Phase I Trial of Intra-arterial Administration of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Chung Seok Jong , Lee Tae Yong , Lee Yang Hyun , Baik KyoungWon , Jung Jin Ho , Yoo Han Soo , Shim Chang Jae , Eom Hyojin , Hong Ji-Yeon , Kim Dong Joon , Sohn Young H. , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the safety and tolerability of the intra-arterial administration of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA)-cerebellar type (MSA-C).Methods: This was a single-center, open-label phase I clinical trial in patients with MSA-C. A three-stage dose escalation scheme (low-dose, 3.0 × 105 cells/kg; medium-dose, 6.0 × 105 cells/kg; high-dose, 9.0 × 105 cells/kg) was applied to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intra-arterial administration of BM-MSCs based on the no-observed-adverse-effect level derived from the toxicity study. The occurrence of adverse events was evaluated 1 day before and 1, 14, and 28 days after BM-MSC therapy. Additionally, we assessed changes in the Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS) score 3 months after BM-MSC treatment.Results: One serious adverse drug reaction (ADR) of leptomeningeal enhancement following the intra-arterial BM-MSC administration occurred in one patient in the low-dose group. The safety review of the Internal Monitoring Committee interpreted this as radiological evidence of the blood-brain barrier permeability for MSCs. No other ADRs were observed in the medium- or high-dose groups. In particular, no ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted images were observed in any of the study participants. Additionally, the medium- and high-dose groups tended to show a slower increase in UMSARS scores than the low-dose group during the 3-month follow-up.Conclusions: The present study confirmed that a single intra-arterial administration of autologous BM-MSCs is a safe and promising neuroprotective strategy in patients with MSA-C.Trial registration: This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03265444. Registered 29 August 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03265444?term=NCT03265444.&draw=2&rank=1.
Significance of placental swab in diagnosing vertical transmission in SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers.
Authors: Sweeney Isabelle , Khan Rizwan , Assaf Niazy Al
Published: August 2020

AimsCurrently, there is limited date on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and neonatal outcome. This literature review aims to investigate the possibility of fetal vertical transmission in COVID-19 positive pregnant mothers by diagnosing through placental swabs.MethodsThe search terms ‘pregnant COVID-19 positive mothers’, ‘fetal vertical transmission’ and ‘placental swabs’ were used. 11 papers were selected for this review.ResultsThis literature review comprises 45 COVID-19 positive pregnant women whose placentas and neonates were also analysed by RT-PCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. 43 neonates were successfully delivered primarily via caesarean section out of 45 expectant mothers (96%). 2 mothers did not deliver due to severe preeclampsia and a miscarriage both occurring in the second trimester. 3 neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (7%). We report no neonatal mortality after birth and no maternal mortality. 8 female’s placentas tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 out of a total of 45 tested (18%). Of these 8, 2 cases of SARS-CoV-2 were identified in the maternal, neonatal and placental tissue.ConclusionAfter reviewing multiple studies and investigating the nature of placental physiology in SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers we conclude that there is no concrete evidence of vertical transmission occurring between mother and infant. However, there are inconsistencies across the different papers used for this review and further research investigating the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women by using RT-PCR to test the mother, placenta, vaginal fluid, breast milk and infant for SARS-CoV-2 at various stages of transmission is urgently needed.
The Study of Genetics of Flower Color in Faba Bean Reveals Generous Diversity to Be Used in the Horticulture Industry
Authors: Hughes Jessa , Khazaei Hamid , Vandenberg Albert
Published: August 2020

The horticulturally valuable traits of faba bean are poorly explored, including the available information on the genetics of flower color and pattern. This lack of understanding has reduced the inclusion of unique flower color into the horticultural-type faba bean market. The modes of inheritance of two flower colors (red petals and yellow spot on wing petals) were examined through the development of multiple F2 segregating populations. The inheritance of red flower was confirmed for two recessive genes and yellow wing spot inheritance was confirmed for a single recessive gene. These populations led to the discovery of combinations of red and yellow flower color that have not been previously reported. The solid wing petal color gene was confirmed as a single recessive gene. Understanding the inheritance of flower color in faba bean can lead to improvement of current vegetable types and opens up possibilities for ornamental markets.
Lyapunov exponents and entanglement entropy transition on the noncommutative hyperbolic plane
Authors: Ganeshan Sriram , Polychronakos Alexios P.
Published: August 2020

We study quantum dynamics on noncommutative spaces of negative curvature, focusing on the hyperbolic plane with spatial noncommutativity in the presence of a constant magnetic field. We show that the synergy of noncommutativity and the magnetic field tames the exponential divergence of operator growth caused by the negative curvature of the hyperbolic space. Their combined effect results in a first-order transition at a critical value of the magnetic field in which strong quantum effects subdue the exponential divergence for all energies, in stark contrast to the commutative case, where for high enough energies operator growth always diverge exponentially. This transition manifests in the entanglement entropy between the `left' and `right' Hilbert spaces of spatial degrees of freedom. In particular, the entanglement entropy in the lowest Landau level vanishes beyond the critical point. We further present a non-linear solvable bosonic model that realizes the underlying algebraic structure of the noncommutative hyperbolic plane with a magnetic field.
Content of vitamin C in edible tissues of snails obtained in Poland
Authors: GONDEK MICHAŁ , KNYSZ PRZEMYSŁAW , LECHOWSKI JERZY , ZIOMEK MONIKA , DROZD ŁUKASZ , SZKUCIK KRZYSZTOF
Published: August 2020

Ascorbic acid (Vit. C) is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it must be supplied with food. The available literature does not provide any data on the content of vitamin C in the meat of snails. The aim of the study was therefore to determine and compare its content in the edible parts of snails obtained in Poland. The research material consisted of 30 samples of snail meat (the foot with the collar and a fragment of the coat) belonging to three species: Helix pomatia, Cornu aspersum aspersum, and Cornu aspersum maxima. Helix pomatia snails were obtained from the natural environment, while the other two species came from commercial breeding farms. Ascorbic acid was determined by the method of Roe and Kuethner, as modified by Dabrowski and Hinterleitner (1989). Previously, tissues for biochemical analysis were prepared according to the methodology described by Zannoni et al. (1974). The average level of vitamin C in the edible parts of particular snail species ranged from 38.14 mg/kg (Helix pomatia) to 185.38 mg/kg (Cornu apsersum aspersum). Statistically significant differences in the level of ascorbic acid were found between all species of snails examined. The highest vitamin C content was found in the meat of Cornu aspersum aspersum. The lowest level of ascrobic acid occurred in the meat of Helix pomatia, in which it was 20.41% and 37.04% of the levels found in the meat of Cornu aspersum aspersum and Cornu aspersum maxima, respectively. The present research showed a significantly higher content of ascorbic acid in snails of the Cornu genus kept in heliculture as compared to free-living snails (Helix pomatia). Moreover, the content of ascorbic acid in the edible parts of snails is higher than it is in pork and beef meat. The present study showed that snails from the Cornu genus can be an additional valuable source of vitamin C in the human diet.
Multi-scale update on precipitation characteristics at Jinan, East China
Authors: Chen Shufen , Liu Le , Xu Shuaishuai , Ma Meihong , Wang Dacheng , Wang Feng , Liu Jing
Published: August 2020

Extreme precipitation triggered by climate change is a hot issue of global concern. This study investigates changes in temporal trends of precipitation at Jinan City, Shandong Province over the last six decades. It first constructs a long series of measured daily precipitation data (1951–2017) and then exploits the relative variability, Mann–Kendall, and rescaled range analysis (R/S analysis) methods to update precipitation characteristics. Results indicate that: (1) annual precipitation varies over 116%, with 74.1% of total precipitation concentrated from June to September, especially for heavy rains and storm days; (2) at the 95% confidence level, the annual rainfall does not increase significantly (U = 1.15), but there is a significant upward trend in the spring (U = 2.08), whereas there is no significant downward trend in the fall (U = −1.03); (3) precipitation sequence mutates in 1990, consistent with spring precipitation series, while there are two to four mutations in summer, autumn, and winter. The above results will provide the theoretical basis and data support for the rational development of water resources in Jinan; meanwhile, studying the law of precipitation changes in Jinan City has important practical significance for flood disaster prevention.
LIQUID PHASE CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS APPLIED TO DETERMINE EMERGING CONTAMINANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES
Authors: Iancu Vasile Ion , Petre Jana , Galaon Toma , Serban Gabriel Valentin , Niculescu Marcela , Chiriac Florentina Laura , Scutariu Roxana Elena , Gheorghe Stefania , Radu Gabriel Lucian
Published: August 2020

Emerging contaminants are a heterogeneous group of chemicals that include daily personal care products and pharmaceuticals (PPCPs), flame retardants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and nanoparticles (NPs) present in environment which are unregulated. In this review, we present the methods of analysis conducted by INCD-ECOIND regarding some classes of emerging contaminants (neonicotinoid pesticides, beta-blocker drugs) that are not regulated by the legislation, in different types of environmental samples (wastewater, surface water). The present review presents the selective solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods used for isolation of the targeted
compounds from aqueous matrices and also the main instrumental parameters of the separation and detection process. After extraction, the compounds were subjected to liquid phase chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection (UHPLC-MS/MS). Finally, the methods were applied in the determination of compounds from different categories of water, carrying out studies on the efficiency of elimination of compounds in several municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In addition, the impact of the treatment plants on some receiving surface water used to obtain drinking water was studied.
MICROBIOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY TESTS OF THE COSMETIC TOOLS DISINFECTION PROCEDURES
Authors: Vaideanu Monica Alexandra , Radulescu Dragos , Banciu Alina Roxana , Ionica Daniela , Nita-Lazar Mihai
Published: August 2020

In the last decade, the cosmetic industry has experienced a massive development, but there have also been issues related to their influence on the health of the population. The application methods of the cosmetic products could trigger the appearance of the skin infectious, which raise the need for efficient disinfection processes of the cosmetic products. At the present, the economic operators in the field of cosmetics are guided by medical regulations, but unfortunately, there are not standardized procedure for the application and control of disinfection. The aim of this study was to determine an efficient procedure of disinfection for instruments used in the application of cosmetics such as the beauty blender. There were performed two different disinfection procedures, a chemical disinfection using 70% ethanol and a physical disinfection with UV radiation. The influence of foundation on disinfection procedures was also tested. A standardized S. aureus and a S. haemolyticus bacterium from a human abscess were tested and an antibiotic resistance pattern was also analysed. The disinfection efficiency tests showed that the ethanol solution was effective after 5 minutes, decreasing the S. haemolyticus bacterial density by 50% in the absence of foundation. In the presence of the foundation, this process was no longer efficient, foundation having a possible protection and nutritional role for bacteria. The radiation with UV at 265 nm showed a complete eradication of both bacterial strains after 1 minute, regardless of foundation presence or not. The antibiotic susceptibility tested showed that both strains had the natural penicillin resistance.
A Comprehensive Review on Nanotechnology-Based Innovations in Topical Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Skin Cancer
Authors: Lalotra Arun Singh , Singh Vishesh , Khurana Bharat , Agrawal Shelly , Shrestha Shubham , Arora Daisy
Published: August 2020

Background:

Skin is the largest organ of the body and helps to regulate several physiological functions.
It acts as a barrier that protects the body against UV-radiation, toxic substances, infections, etc. The abnormal
growth of the skin cells is called skin cancer. Different types of skin cancer can be classified as Basal
Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC); which mainly occur due to chronic exposure to
UV- sunlight and pollution.

Methods:

The conventional topical treatments of skin cancer such as cream, gel, ointment, etc., are more occlusive
and thus they do not penetrate deep into the skin (dermal layer) and remain at the upper part of the skin
(epidermal layer). The stratum corneum acts as a physiological barrier for the drug-loaded in the conventional
formulation. The novel carrier systems have the potential to facilitate the penetration of the drug deep into the
skin (dermal layer) because these have less size and higher flexibility than conventional treatment.

Conclusion:

In the present review, we have discussed various novel carrier systems being investigated for the
topical application of chemotherapeutic agents for efficient skin targeting and better dermatological as well as
therapeutic benefits with minimal systemic exposure and toxicity.
Insight into Mechanism of Action of Anticancer Benzazoles
Authors: Ozturk Ozum , Aki-Yalcin Esin , Yalcin Ismail , Grifitth Renate
Published: August 2020

Background:

Targeting the DNA topoisomerase II enzyme (topo II) is a promising anticancer
treatment approach. TopoII controls and modifies the topological states of DNA and plays key roles in
DNA replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. The DNA binding and cleavage domain is
one of the active sites of this enzyme. It is known that topoisomerase inhibitors, also known as topoisomerase
poisons, bind to the transient enzyme-DNA complex and inhibit the religation of DNA, generating
single- and double-stranded breaks that harm the integrity of the genome. This ultimately leads to
the accumulation of DNA strand breaks and cell death.

Methods:

Our previously synthesized benzazole derivatives were tested for their eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase
II inhibitory activity in a cell-free system. Their interactions with the enzyme were studied by
carrying out molecular docking studies using and comparing two different docking programs.

Results:

The results of the docking studies clarified binding modes of these compounds to the topoisomerase
II enzyme.

Conclusion:

This study also provides guidelines to design novel and more potent antitumor agents functioning
as human topoisomerase II enzyme inhibitors.
N-Terminal-Dependent Protein Degradation and Targeting Cancer Cells
Authors: Eldeeb Mohamed A.
Published: August 2020

:

Intracellular protein degradation is mediated selectively by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS)
and autophagic-lysosomal system in mammalian cells. Many cellular and physiological processes, such as cell
division, cell differentiation, and cellular demise, are fine-tuned via the UPS-mediated protein degradation.
Notably, impairment of UPS contributes to human disorders, including cancer and neurodegeneration. The proteasome-
dependent N-degron pathways mediate the degradation of proteins through their destabilizing aminoterminal
residues. Recent advances unveiled that targeting N-degron proteolytic pathways can aid in sensitizing
some cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, interestingly, exploiting the N-degron feature, the
simplest degradation signal in mammals, and fusing it to a ligand specific for Estrogen-Related Receptor alpha
(ERRa) has demonstrated its utility in ERRa knockdown, via N-terminal dependent degradation, and also
its efficiency in the inhibition of growth of breast cancer cells. These recent advances uncover the therapeutic
implications of targeting and exploiting N-degron proteolytic pathways to curb growth and migration of
cancer cells.
Comparison of Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Findings of Medial Elbow Laxity in High School Baseball Players
Authors: Harada Mikio , Takahara Masatoshi , Maruyama Masahiro , Sasaki Junya , Satake Hiroshi , Uno Tomohiro , Mura Nariyuki , Takagi Michiaki
Published: August 2020

Background:

Although ultrasonography has been used to assess medial elbow laxity, its usefulness has not yet been confirmed.

objective:

The aim of this study were to assess medial elbow laxity in high school baseball players based on measurements of the medial joint space (MJS) of the elbow using ultrasonography and radiography and to investigate the correlation between these assessments.

Methods:

Thirty-two high school baseball players participated in this study. Fourteen players (44%) were diagnosed with Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injury. Valgus stress was applied to the elbow by gravity during ultrasonographic and radiographic assessments, and the MJS was measured. The MJS of the throwing side was compared with that of the non-throwing side, and the increase in the MJS of the throwing side was determined. The correlation between ultrasonographic and radiographic assessments was investigated and the usefulness of these assessments for the diagnosis of UCL injury was evaluated.

Results:

A moderate correlation was found between the ultrasonographic and radiographic assessments of the MJS of the throwing side (correlation coefficient=0.547, P=0.0009). Furthermore, a weak correlation was found for the increase in MJS (correlation coefficient=0.348, P=0.0505), although it was not significant. The comparisons of the radiographic assessments between the UCL injury and non-UCL injury groups showed a significant difference in both the MJS of the throwing side (P=0.0068) and the increase in the MJS (P=0.02), although no difference was found using ultrasonography.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography, similar to radiography, is useful for assessing medial elbow laxity. While radiography is useful for diagnosing UCL injury.
The Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Elbow
Authors: Islam Saif Ul , Glover Alexander , MacFarlane Robert J , Mehta Nisarg , Waseem Mohammad
Published: August 2020

A sound knowledge of the elbow anatomy and biomechanics is critical to understanding the pathology of various elbow disorders and instigating appropriate management. The elbow joint is a trochoginglymoid joint: that is, it has flexion-extension [ginglymoid] motion at the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations and pronation and supination [trochoid] motion at the proximal radioulnar joint. Stability of the elbow joint is achieved through static and dynamic components. The aim of this article is to concisely describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow joint relevant to the practice of trauma and orthopaedic surgeons.
Effects of Corona Virus on the Skin: Symptoms and Risks
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Malviya Rishabha
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus is a disease that affects mainly the upper respiratory tract, but in somecases, it can also affect the skin. This study aims to describe the effect of coronavirus on the skin function. Skin gets affected easily because coronavirus first comes into contact with the skin and mucous membrane. Numerous studies are investigating the symptoms of coronavirus appearing on the skin in different forms like rashes, blisters, irritation, dermatitis, etc. The excessive use of sanitizers and soaps can also cause skin problems. Personal protective equipment can also cause irritation to the skin and mucous membrane. It is concluded from the study that skin must be protected from the exposure of the external environment where the virus may be present. Moreover, sanitizers and soaps must be used in a limited quantity and proper medication should be taken by the patients having a skin disease because they may get affected with the coronavirus.
Description of New American Carduelis/Spinus Bird Species in La Paz (Bolivia): C./S. lapazensis.
Authors: Arnaiz-Villena Antonio , Ruiz-del-Valle Valentín , Suarez-Trujillo Fabio , Lopez-Nares Adrian , Callado Alvaro , Gomez-Casado Eduardo , Crespo-Yuste Estefania , Campos Cristina
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

South American siskins (Genus Carduelis/Spinus) are the outcome of regional evolutionary radiation from an extant (or other extinct) species: C. notata, a North America siskin, which thrives in Mexico subtropical areas and is parental of one of the three described North American siskin radiations.

Methods:

Speciation and/or subspeciation of this South American siskin radiation have probably occurred during Pleistocene Epoch. In the present paper, a new species/subspecies akin to C./S. atrata is described by genetic and phenotypic parameters: this new species/subspecies was previously considered a subspecies of C./S. xanthogastra, which thrives further North and is separated about 1,762 km, 1,094 miles, from this described subspecies, Carduelis/ Spinus xanthogastra stejnegeri.

Results:

Our genetic study using mt cyt b, phenotypic and behavior observations show that this putative C./S. xanthogastra subspecies is either a different species or a C./S. atrata subspecies; we have proposed a provisional name for this finch, C./S. lapazensis, instead of C./S. x. stejnegeri.

Conclusion:

Species definition is movable and controversial, and it is uncertain in South American siskins, which all show a close genetic and phenotypical relationship, which may be still immersed in speciation processes since Pleistocene Epoch.
Structural and Thermal Study of Mg2TiO4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying Method
Authors: Bhuyan Ranjan K. , Pamu D. , Sahoo Basanta K. , Sarangi Ashish K.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Mg2TiO4 – based ceramics have proven their potentiality in the field of wireless
communication systems. In the past, Mg2TiO4 ceramics was considered a quite optical response
material in thin film form. Moreover, there is very few studies have been done whatever the proposed
work in the present study.

Objective:

To prepare Mg2TiO4 nano-powders with the help of High Energy Ball Mill (HEBM) and
intend to investigate its effect on crystal structure, microstructure and on thermodynamic behavior of
MgO-TiO2 system.

Methods:

Mg2TiO4 ceramics were synthesized using Mechanical alloying method from high- purity
oxides MgO and TiO2 (99.99%) of Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, MO).

Results:

From the experimental studies it is observed that the powder’s particle size decreases with an
increase of milling time. XRD analysis is carried out for phase confirmation of the mixed Mg2TiO4
powder. Further, the result also showed that there is structural changes occurred in the sample by high
energy ball milling process, milled at different times. The nanocrystalline nature Mg2TiO4 powder was
confirmed from microstructure taken by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, differential thermal gravimetric analysis has been
carried out to investigate the thermal behavior of milled Mg2TiO4 -powder (35 hours).

Conclusion:

In work, the effect of mechanical alloying on structural, microstructural and thermal properties
of nanocrystalline Mg2TiO4 powders has been investigated systematically. The effect of milling time
on particle size, crystal structure and the microstructure was studied using XRD, FE-SEM, TEM and
DSC/TGA analysis. The microstructural analysis (FE-SEM and TEM) reveals the nanocrystallinity nature
of MTO ceramics prepared by mechanical alloying method. The thermal decomposition behavior of
the milled powders was examined by a Thermo-Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) in argon atmosphere.
Возможность создания стандарта частоты 62.6 nm в гелии с использованием вынужденного комбинационного рассеяния
Authors: Бакланов Е.В. , Тайченачев А.В.
Published: August 2020

The possibility of creating a frequency standard based on the 23S-11S (62.6 nm) forbidden transition of a helium atom using stimulated Raman scattering is shown. The 11S singlet state is the ground state, while the 23S metastable state (He *) has the lowest energy in the triplet part of the spectrum. The standard can be used to measure frequencies in the region of extreme ultraviolet and possibly X-ray radiation.
Спектральные зависимости оптического поглощения иммобилизованного в пленке Родамина Б от концентрации ионов меди в воде
Authors: Денисюк И.Ю. , Галашева Е.Н. , Успенская М.В. , Фокина М.И.
Published: August 2020

The influence of copper ion concentration on the absorption spectrum of Rhodamine B in molecular form in an alcohol solution and immobilized in a polymer hydrogel film was studied. The sensitivity of the system to the presence of copper ions at a concentration of 0.1 mg/l, sufficient for practical use, is shown. The insolubility of Rhodamine B in water when it is immobilized in the volume of a photopolymerizing hydrogel film makes it possible to create a chemosensor that is stable at long exposures and can sense ultra-small concentrations of the analyzed impurity.
The mechanism of vortex instability in electromagnetically driven flow in an annular thin layer of electrolyte
Authors: McCloughan John , Suslov Sergey
Published: August 2020

A circumferential flow of a conducting fluid in an annular channel can be created by the action of a Lorentz force arising as a result of the interaction between an applied vertical magnetic field and a radial electric current flowing through the electrolyte. Quite unexpectedly, experiments revealed that a robust vortex system appears near the outer cylindrical wall in such flows. McCloughan and Suslov (J. Fluid Mech. 887:A23, 2020) (McCS) reported comprehensive linear stability results of such a flow for variable Lorentz forcing. Here we complement that study by investigating the flow structure as a function of the channel aspect ratio. Remarkably, despite the completely different physical nature of parametric dependences, dynamic in McCS and purely geometric here, we show that in both scenarios vortices appear on a background of a steady axisymmetric flow at the boundary between two counter-rotating toroidal structures and have a similar energy distributions. The two studies demonstrate the robustness of the mechanism responsible for the vortex formation: Rayleigh's inviscid centrifugal instability aided by radial shear in the boundary layer near the outer cylindrical wall.
References

P. A. Davidson. An introduction to magnetohydrodynamics. Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition, 2017. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511626333.
J. McCloughan and S. A. Suslov. Linear stability and saddle–node bifurcation of electromagnetically driven electrolyte flow in an annular layer. J. Fluid Mech., 887:A23.1–30, 2020. doi:10.1017/jfm.2020.29.
J. Perez-Barrera, J. E. Perez-Espinoza, A. Ortiz, E. Ramos, and S. Cuevas. Instability of electrolyte flow driven by an azimuthal Lorentz force. Magnetohydrodynamics, 51(2):203–213, 2015. http://mhd.sal.lv/contents/2015/2/MG.51.2.4.R.html.
S. A. Suslov, J. Perez-Barrera, and S. Cuevas. Electromagnetically driven flow of electrolyte in a thin annular layer: Axisymmetric solutions. J. Fluid Mech., 828: 573–600, 2017. doi:10.1017/jfm.2017.551.
Methodological approach to investigate the behavior of the structure under dynamic loading using multiple criteria decision-making method
Authors: Oleksik Josef , Vietor Thomas , Natarajan Srivatsaa
Published: August 2020

The main objective of this article is to develop a support approach for designers in the concept phase of the design process. In this paper, two different structures are investigated with metal, composite and hybrid material under dynamic loading with multiple strain rates. The optimum choice of material and structural combination is found by a methodological approach using a Multi Criteria Decision Making Method (MCDM). It uses a stepwise procedure in evaluating the significance of each criterion and ranks the different alternatives. This method is applied to solve various problems in the field of economics, engineering, management. In this article, COPRAS is used to rank different material and structural combination.Cylindrical and rectangular structures are investigated under axial and 3-point bending load. Moreover, three different constellations of material widen the comparison; they are steel and aluminum, composite material with carbon fiber and thermoplastic matrix and hybrid material, with a combination of composite and metal. The output parameters from the simulation such as energy absorption and force, are further mathematically converted to specific energy absorption (SEA), crash-force-efficiency (CFE) and load non-uniformity (LU). PAM-Crash is used as a solver for simulation.
Microstructuring of joining areas in aluminum alloy sheets by Jet Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Schimmelpfennig Rene , Hackert-Oschätzchen Matthias , Martin André , Schubert Andreas
Published: August 2020

In this work the increase of the tensile shear strength by means of microstructuring of the metallic part for ultrasonic vibration assisted joining of hybrid compounds is presented. The aluminum alloy EN AW-5083 and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) from Bond Laminates are used as a material combination. A suitable method is electrochemical processing (ECM). The microstructuring is carried out with continuous electrolyte free jet machining (Jet-ECM): Characteristic of this technology is the restriction of the electric current to a limited area of the electrolyte jet. After describing the materials and sample geometry used, the Jet-ECM technology and the ultrasonic vibration assisted joining process are explained. The strength of the joint is assessed by means of a tensile shear test. The determined results of the tensile shear strength for hybrid connections between microstructured aluminum sheets and CFRP are compared with those of unstructured aluminum sheets. Furthermore, the influence of the microstructure on the tensile shear strength achieved is discussed using metallographic cross-sections of the joining area.