bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Maintaining the Identification and Architectural Heritage to Develop the Historical Areas in Ain Al-Sira
Authors: Shokry Omnia Ibrahim , Khalifa Mahmoud Mohamed , Abdel Shaima Nabil
Published: July 2020

Despite the State’s exerted efforts in preserving Egyptian monuments as tourist destinations, Ain Al-Sira area has been suffering from multiple problems. The modern construction arts within the historical area and its architectural heritage have been ignored, as well as the construction of contemporary residential buildings not related to the historical area. The purpose of the research is to develop the architectural heritage of the residential neighborhoods in Ain Al-Sira in line with the architectural facades of the ancient historical monuments with a view to the restoration of these monuments, which have changed their faces and their architectural efficiency due to their obsolescence, weather and time factors and overcoming the scarcity of maintenance and restoration works. The new research includes the development of interim strategies in the implementation of the restoration and development of monuments and architectural style of residential neighborhoods in the area of Ain Al-Sira.The motive of the research was the existence of a problem in the current local architectural formations, which is the lack of integration and harmony of ancient monuments with new neighborhoods and the imbalance between them. The descriptive and analytical approach has been followed to clarify existing effects and what is required to be developed The research dealt with the analysis and presentation of the importance and the historical background of the area of Ain Al-Sira, with its ancient monuments, that we came to the current residential and architectural form between the shape of ancient monuments and modern dwellings, as well as the presentation of architectural problems in the region. To propose appropriate solutions for the development of the region in accordance with local and international standards and laws in order to find the most appropriate methods for architectural processing and the research will contain: On the proposals and plans necessary to develop the architectural style between the old and modern in the area of Ain El – Sira  .
Triple activation (thermal-chemical-physical) in the development of an activated carbon from tobacco: characterizations and optimal conditions for Cd2+ and Pb2+ removal from waters
Authors: Manfrin Jéssica , Gonçalves Jr Affonso Celso , Schwantes Daniel , Tarley César Ricardo Teixeira , Schiller Andréia da Paz , Klassen Gabriel José
Published: July 2020

This research aimed to transform tobacco that originated from smuggled cigarettes into activated carbons, and to study its application in the remediation of water contaminated by cadmium and lead. For this, a triple activation was performed (thermal – chemical H3PO4 – physical CO2), resulting in the studied activated carbon (CT H3PO4 + CO2). The carbon was characterized by its chemical composition, pHPZC, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FT-IR, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and BJH. The influence of the pH of Cd2+ and Pb2+ solutions, and the influence of the adsorbent dose, were studied. Isotherms were constructed by linear and nonlinear models of Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin. CT H3PO4 + CO2 has carbonates, hydroxyls, carboxylic, and carbonic acids as surface functional groups. The triple activation caused changes in pHPZC (from 5.40 to 9.59). The SEM revealed a carbon surface full of irregular and heterogeneous structures, spongy aspect, with an estimated Specific Surface Area (SSA) increase of 395x and pore volume of 37x. The produced activated carbon has applicability over a wide pH range (3.00–7.00), with an ideal dose estimated at 4 g L−1 for greater efficiency in removing Cd2+ and Pb2. The linear and nonlinear models reveal that metal adsorption is predominantly physical and multi-layered, with a possible reuse in new sorption cycles.
Assessment of coastal surface water quality for irrigation purpose
Authors: Serder M. F. , Islam M. S. , Hasan M. R. , Yeasmin M. S. , Mostafa M. G.
Published: July 2020

The study aimed to assess the coastal surface water quality for irrigation purposes through the analysis of the water samples of some selected estuaries, rivers, and ponds. The analysis results showed that the mean value of typical water quality parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na+), and chloride (Cl−) ions exceeded the permissible limit of the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh 2010, and FAO, 1985 for the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The Piper diagram indicated a Na-Cl water type, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The water quality parameters in the areas showed a higher amount than the standard permissible limits, indicating that the quality is deteriorating. The water quality index values for domestic uses showed very poorly to unsuitable in most of the surface waters except pond water, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon periods. The surface water quality index for irrigation purpose usages was found to be high and/ or severely restricted (score: 0–55) during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The study observed that due to saline water intrusion, the water quality deterioration started from post-monsoon and reached its highest level during the pre-monsoon season, which gradually depreciates the water quality in coastal watersheds of Bangladesh.
Removal of nickel through sulfide precipitation and characterization of electroplating wastewater sludge
Authors: Jerroumi Sarah , Amarine Mohammed , Nour Hassan , Lekhlif Brahim , Jamal Jamal Eddine
Published: July 2020

This work consists of the removal of nickel by sulfide precipitation from industrial electroplating wastewater and characterization of the produced sludge. Tests are carried out in a perfectly stirred batch reactor on electroplating industrial solution and synthetic solution prepared in the laboratory. The aim is to evaluate the impact of complexing agents formed during precipitation of metal ions in the industrial effluent. The concentration of nickel in both solutions is 100 mg/L. The operating conditions for the sulfide precipitation process are optimized: pH, molar ratio [S=]/[Ni2+] and dosage of S= ions. For an initial pH of 5 and an equimolar ratio of [S=]/[Ni2+]:1/1, the results show that the removal efficiency of Ni2+ ions is approaching 91 and 94% for industrial and synthetic solutions, respectively. Otherwise, for the same pH value in supersaturation conditions ([S=]/[Ni2+]:1.5/1), the removal efficiency is approaching 62 and 92% for industrial and synthetic solutions, respectively. For an effective metal removal, the optimal dosage of sulfide ions was evaluated. For 33 mg/L of S=, the removal efficiency of Ni2+ is approximately 90%. The resulting sludge has been characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. It consists essentially of millerite and nickel oxide.
Prediction of the pH effect on arsenic (V) removal by varying catalyst of magnetic xerogel monoliths based on FREN model
Authors: Khamkure Sasirot , Treesatayapun Chidentree , Garrido-Hoyos Sofía Esperanza , Gamero-Melo Prócoro , Reyes-Rosas Audberto
Published: July 2020

Magnetic xerogels monoliths (MCs) were simultaneously prepared and formed by the cross-linking polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde using the alkaline catalyst and magnetite. The varying of molar ratio of resorcinol and catalyst (R/C) was studied and characterized by isoelectric point (IEP), point of zero charge (pHpzc), scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The result of XRD and EDX confirmed the presence of magnetite into the gel at 1.19% with low molar ratio of magnetite and resorcinol ratio at 0.01. The surface morphology and textural properties of MCs affect directly with SBET, total pore volume and volume of mesopore increase when molar of R/C increases. The behavior of arsenic (As(V)) adsorption by using MCs, was studied in groundwater into the ranges of pH from 2.0 to 7.0. MC50 shows the maximum As(V) uptake and removal were 72 μg/g and 73.5% at pH 5, respectively, while MC100 gave the best performance within the application range of pH both of acidic and neutral region. Furthermore, the prediction technique based on an adaptive fuzzy rules emulated network was utilized for evaluation of the arsenic removal performance.
New insights into nitrous oxide emissions in a single-stage CANON process coupled with denitrification: thermodynamics and nitrogen transformation
Authors: Fang Fang , Li Kai , Guo Jin-Song , Wang Han , Zhang Ping , Yan Peng
Published: July 2020

The dynamic characteristics of N2O emissions and nitrogen transformation in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) using the completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process coupled with denitrification were investigated via 15N isotope tracing and thermodynamic analysis. The results indicate that the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values of N2O production by the nitrifier denitrification and heterotrophic denitrification reactions were greater than that of NH2OH oxidation, indicating that N2O was easier to produce via either nitrifier and heterotrophic denitrification than via NH2OH oxidation. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) denitrification exhibited a higher fs0 (the fraction of electron-donor electrons utilized for cell synthesis) than NH2OH oxidation. Therefore, AOB preferred the denitrification pathway because of its growth advantage when N2O was produced by the AOB. The N2O emissions by hydroxylamine oxidation, AOB denitrification and heterotrophic denitrification in the SBBRs using different C/N ratios account for 5.4–7.6%, 45.2–60.8% and 33.8–47.2% of the N2O produced, respectively. The total N2O emission with C/N ratios of 0, 0.67 and 1 was 228.04, 205.57 and 190.4 μg N2O-N·g−1VSS, respectively. The certain carbon sources aid in the reduction of N2O emissions in the process.
Factores que explican el comportamiento del mercado accionario mexicano
Authors: Ladrón de Guevara-Cortés Rogelio , López-Juárez Gladys Iveth , Madrid-Paredones Rosa Marina
Published: July 2020

El objetivo de la investigación es proporcionar evidencia empírica preliminar sobre un conjunto de variables macroeconómicas que pudieran explicar el comportamiento del mercado accionario en México. La variable a explicar se encuentra representada por el Índice de Precios y Cotizaciones de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (IPC) y las variables macroeconómicas explicativas están conformadas por: el tipo de cambio peso mexicano-dólar, la tasa de interés y el precio del petróleo. La metodología de análisis de esta investigación empírica incluye, primero, un estudio correlacional de las variables objeto de estudio y posteriormente, un contraste unifactorial (regresión lineal simple) y multifactorial (regresión lineal múltiple) de los indicadores mencionados. Se aplica una metodología econométrica de corte transversal de datos históricos reales mensuales, que permite determinar de manera inicial la importancia e influencia de estos factores en el IPC. Los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación proporcionan evidencia empírica de la influencia que tienen dos de las variables en el comportamiento del principal índice bursátil de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV): el tipo de cambio y el precio del petróleo.
Comparativo de la volatilidad trimestral del índice COLCAP en el periodo 2012-2017
Authors: Gutierrez-Romero Arnaldo de Jesús , Acevedo-Amorocho Alejandro , Prada-Marín Dúwamg Alexis , González-Sandoval Juan Fernando , Gómez-Cortés Jenny Mayerly
Published: July 2020

El Mercado Bursátil en Colombia se encuentra administrado por la Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, la cual evalúa el comportamiento del mercado a través de indicadores financieros, entre los cuales se encuentra el índice COLCAP, que mide el movimiento del precio de las acciones más liquidas en el mercado. Este indicador se actualiza de manera trimestral, tanto en las acciones que lo conforman como en la participación correspondiente de cada una de ellas, de modo que es importante comparar la variación de dicho índice de un trimestre a otro, y así determinar si existe evidencia significativa en la diferencia entre las variaciones trimestrales del índice. Para realizar este estudio se toma información del índice en el periodo comprendido desde el primero (01) de febrero de 2012 al treinta y uno (31) de enero de 2017 y se analizan los datos aplicando el modelo de análisis de varianza simple o de un solo factor partiendo de la hipótesis inicial de que la media de la volatilidad del periodo 1 es igual a los periodos restantes (2, 3 y 4), mostrando en los resultados que no existe suficiente evidencia estadística para rechazar esta hipótesis.
O ESTADO BRASILEIRO E A POLÍTICA URBANA:
Authors: Cortez Costa Joabio Alekson , Diniz de Oliveira Júlia , Nonato Junior Raimundo
Published: July 2020

RESUMO

 

No Brasil, verifica-se um crescimento populacional nas cidades, aumento da demanda por moradia, emprego, serviços de saúde, educação, saneamento básico e lazer. Dadas as limitações econômicas e a própria incapacidade das gestões municipais em lidar com essas questões, observa-se um agravamento dos problemas sociais e ambientais, com repercussões diretas na qualidade de vida da população, sobretudo, daquela parcela menos abastada. Diante disso, políticas urbanas foram adotadas pelo Estado brasileiro no intuito de orientar o desenvolvimento urbano do país. Sob este prima, o presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar algumas reflexões sobre a efetividade do Estatuto da Cidade (2001). Para tanto, inicialmente, discute-se a produção do espaço urbano e os agentes de sua produção, tomando por base as obras de Carlos (2008, 2011) e Corrêa (1989, 2011), em seguida, aborda-se a trajetória da Política Urbana no Brasil, e a exposição de algumas críticas direcionadas ao Estatuto da Cidade e o plano diretor, tendo como referência os escritos de Souza (2010) e Maricato (2001). Ao final, conclui-se que, apesar dos avanços e inovações presentes na nova lei, principalmente no que se referem à gestão democrática da cidade, questões essenciais como a permanência da estrutura fundiária e o combate à especulação imobiliária continuam irresolutas e constituem entraves ao desenvolvimento urbano justo e igualitário.

 

Palavras-chave: Produção do espaço. Agentes de produção. Política urbana. Estatuto da cidade. Plano diretor.

 

ABSTRACT

 

In Brazil, it turns out a population growth in cities, increasing demand for housing, employment, health services, education, basic sanitation and leisure. Given the economic limitations and the municipal administrations own inability to deal with those issues, it’s observed an aggravation of social and environmental problems, with direct repercussions on the population’s life quality, especially of that less wealthy portion. Given that, urban policies were adopted by the Brazilian State in order to guide the country urban development. Under this concept, this article aims to present some reflections on the City Statute (2001) effectiveness. To do so, initially discusses the urban space production and the agents of its production, based on Carlos’ (2008, 2011) and Corrêa’s (1989, 2011) works, then it approaches the Brazil Urban Politics trajectory, and the exposition of some criticisms directed to the City Statute and the master plan, having as reference the writings of Souza (2010) and Maricato (2001). In the end, it is concluded that, despite the advances and innovations present in the new law, especially regarding the city democratic management, essential issues such as the land structure permanence and the fight against real estate speculation remain unresolved and constitute obstacles to the fair and equitable urban development.

 

Keywords: Space production. Production agents. Urban policy.  City statute. Master plan.
Recent Advances in Strategies for Extracellular Matrix Degradation and Synthesis Inhibition for Improved Therapy of Solid Tumors
Authors: Sandha Kamalpreet Kaur , Shukla Monu Kumar , Gupta Prem N.
Published: July 2020

Despite a great deal of efforts made by researchers and the advances in the technology, the treatment of
cancer is very challenging. Significant advances in the field of cancer therapeutics have been made but due to the
complexity of solid tumor microenvironment, specially their dense extracellular matrix (which makes the conditions
favorable for cancer growth, metastasis and acts as a barrier to the chemotherapeutic drugs as well as
nanomedicine), the treatment of solid tumors is difficult. Overexpression of extracellular matrix components such
as collagen, hyaluronan and proteoglycans in solid tumor leads to high interstitial fluid pressure, hypoxia, vascular
collapse and poor perfusion which hinder the diffusion and convection of the drugs into the tumor tissue. This
leads to the emergence of drug resistance and poor antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutics. A number of approaches
are being investigated in order to modulate this barrier for improved outcome of cancer chemotherapy.
In this review, recent advances in the various approaches for the modulation of the extracellular matrix barrier of
the solid tumor are covered and significant findings are discussed in an attempt to facilitate more investigations in
this potential area to normalize the tumor extracellular matrix for improving drug exposure to solid tumor.
A Review of the Bioactive Ingredients, Pharmacological Functions and Mechanisms of Inonotus obliquus
Authors: Anwaier Gulinigaer , Wen Cong , Cao Yi-Ni , Qi Rong
Published: July 2020

:

As a medicinal fungus, Inonotus obliquus (IO) has been widely used in the treatment of
cancer and digestive system diseases. Despite the progress that has been made in the studies of IO
and its active compounds, their applications in the treatment of other important clinical diseases, such
as cardiovascular diseases, which are major global issues with limited treatment strategies, are seldom
reported. This review summarizes the separation and purification methods of chemical components
of IO, the advances in their applications, and research progress on the pharmacological effects
and related mechanisms of IO in disease prevention. This review will help researchers and clinicians
to further understand the pharmacological functions and mechanisms of IO and its active components,
which may extend their medical applications in the prevention and treatment of other diseases
in addition to tumors and digestive system diseases in the near future.
Novel Dihydropyrimidinone-Derived Selenoesters as Potential Cytotoxic Agents to Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular Docking and DNA Fragmentation
Authors: Benassi Jean C. , Barbosa Flavio A.R. , Grinevicius Valdelúcia M.A.S. , Ourique Fabiana , Coelho Daniela , Felipe Karina B. , Braga Antônio L. , Filho Danilo W. , Pedrosa Rozangela C.
Published: July 2020

Background and Objective:

Evidence point out promising anticancer activities of Dihydropyrimidinones (DHPM) and organoselenium compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential of DHPM-derived selenoesters (Se-DHPM), as well as their molecular mechanisms of action.

Methods:

Se-DHPM cytotoxicity was evaluated against cancer lines (HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7) and normal cells (McCoy). HepG2 clonogenic assay allowed verifying antiproliferative effects. The propidium iodide/ orange acridine fluorescence readings showed the type of cell death induced after treatments (72h). Molecular simulations with B-DNA and 49H showed docked positions (AutoDock Vina) and trajectories/energies (GROMACS). In vitro molecular interactions used CT-DNA and 49H applying UV-Vis absorbance and fluorescence. Comet assay evaluated DNA fragmentation of HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry analysis verified HepG2 cell cycle effects. Levels of proteins (β-actin, p53, BAX, HIF-1α, γH2AX, PARP-1, cyclin A, CDK-2, and pRB) were quantified by immunoblotting.

Results:

Among Se-DHPM, 49H was selectively cytotoxic to HepG2 cells, reduced cell proliferation, and increased BAX (80%), and p53 (66%) causing apoptosis. Molecular assays revealed 49H inserted in the CT-DNA molecule causing the hypochromic effect. Docking simulations showed H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which kept the ligand partially inserted into the DNA minor groove. 49H increased the DNA damage (1.5 fold) and γH2AX level (153%). Besides, treatments reduced PARP-1 (60%) and reduced pRB phosphorylation (21%) as well as decreased cyclin A (46%) arresting cell cycle at the G1 phase.

Conclusions:

Together all data obtained confirmed the hypothesis of disruptive interactions between Se-DHPM and DNA, thereby highlighting its potential as a new anticancer drug.
HCA587 Protein Vaccine Induces Specific Antitumor Immunity Mediated by CD4+ T-cells Expressing Granzyme B in a Mouse Model of Melanoma
Authors: Yang Weiming , Zhang Weiheng , Wang Xiaozhong , Tan Liming , Li Hua , Wu Jiemin , Wu Qiong , Sun Wanlei , Chen Juanjuan , Yin Yanhui
Published: July 2020

Background:

The antigen HCA587 (also known as MAGE-C2), which is considered a cancer-testis
antigen, exhibits upregulated expression in a wide range of malignant tumors with unique immunological properties,
and may thus serve as a promising target for tumor immunotherapy.

Objective:

The study aimed to explore the antitumor effect of the HCA587 protein vaccine and the response of
humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

Methods:

The HCA587 protein vaccine was formulated with adjuvants CpG and ISCOM. B16 melanoma cells
were subcutaneously inoculated to C57BL/6 mice, followed by treatment with HCA587 protein vaccine subcutaneously.
Mouse survival was monitored daily, and tumor volume was measured every 2 to 3 days. The tumor
sizes, survival time and immune cells in tumor tissues were detected. And the vital immune cell subset and
effector molecules were explored.

Results:

After treatment with HCA587 protein vaccine, the vaccination elicited significant immune responses,
which delayed tumor growth and improved animal survival. The vaccination increased the proportion of CD4+ T
cells expressing IFN-γ and granzyme B in tumor tissues. The depletion of CD4+T cells resulted in an almost
complete abrogation of the antitumor effect of the vaccination, suggesting that the antitumor efficacy was mediated
by CD4+ T cells. In addition, knockout of IFN-γ resulted in a decrease in granzyme B levels, which were
secreted by CD4+ T cells, and the antitumor effect was also significantly attenuated.

Conclusion:

The HCA587 protein vaccine may increase the levels of granzyme B expressed by CD4+ T cells,
and this increase is dependent on IFN-γ, and the vaccine resulted in a specific tumor immune response and subsequent
eradication of the tumor.
Synthetic and Medicinal Perspective of Fused-Thiazoles as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Pawar Swati , Kumar Kapil , Gupta Manish K. , Rawal Ravindra K.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cancer is second leading disease after cardiovascular disease. Presently, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and use of chemicals are some treatments available these days. Thiazole and its hybrid compounds extensively used scaffolds in drug designing and development of novel anticancer agents due to their wide pharmacological profiles. Fused thiazole scaffold containing drugs are available in market as a promising group of anticancer agents.

Methods:

The detailed study has been done using different database that focused on potent thiazole hybrid compounds with anticancer activity. The literature included in this review is focused on novel fused thiazole derivatives exhibiting anticancer potency in last decade.

Results:

Literature suggested that thiazoles and its fused and linked congener serve excellent pharmacological profile as an anticancer agent. Various synthetic strategies for fused thiazole are also summarized in this article. Novel thiazole and its fused congener showed anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines.

Interpretation:

Thiazole is a promising scaffold reported in literature with broad range of biological activities. This article covers the thiazole compounds fused with other carbocyclic/heterocycle including benzene, imidazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, quinoline, phenothiazine, thiopyrano, steroids, pyrrole etc. with anticancer activity from last decades. Several inhibitors for breast cancer, colon cancer, melanoma cancer, ovarian cancer, tubulin cancer etc. were reported in this review. Thus, this review will definitely aid to develop a lead for the new selective anticancer agents in future.
Electrophysiological and Clinical Improvement in Non-Invasive Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Marvulli Riccardo , Ianieri Giancarlo , De Venuto Grazia , Falcicchio Marta , Gallo Giulia A. , Mennuni Catia , Gallone Maria F. , Fiore Pietro , Ranieri Maurizio , Megna Marisa
Published: July 2020

Background and Objective:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common form of
nerve entrapment. Clinically, various signs and symptoms compare due to overexposure to mechanical
vibrations transmitted to the wrist bones and cartilage, resulting in compression of the sensory and
motor nerve fibers of the median nerve. Early symptoms include nocturnal paresthesia and electromyography
reveals reduced sensory nerve conduction velocity. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy
of a dietary integrator composed of acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, quercetin, bromelain, pantothenic
acid, C and B1 and B2 and B6 and B12 vitamins in patients with early (minimal) carpal tunnel
syndrome.

Methods:

36 patients (28 female and 8 male) with early CTS characterized by sensory nerve demyelination
and inflammation of the transverse carpal ligament. Patients were divided into two groups,
group A (18 patients received physical therapy) and group B (18 patients received physical therapy and
an oral integrator). Clinical (sleep quality questionnaire to measure severity of paresthesia) and neurophysiological
assessment (Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity) performed at baseline, and then at 30
and 60 days after treatment.

Results:

Sleep quality and Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity data analysis show improvement in
both groups at 30 and 60 days, with statistical difference between them in both time of analysis.

Conclusions:

In the early CTS, with sensory fibers damage, use of dietary integrator, such as Micronil
Dol®, composed of acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, quercetin, bromelain, pantothenic acid, C and B1
and B2 and B6 and B12 vitamins can be effective in quick recovery of median nerve sensory.
Childhood Alopecia Areata: An Overview of Treatment and Recent Patents
Authors: Hon Kam L. , Luk David C.K. , Leung Alexander K.C. , Ng Chantel , Loo Steven K.F.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Alopecia Areata (AA) is a systemic autoimmune condition that usually starts in childhood.

Objective:

This article aims to review genetics, therapy, prognosis, and recent patents for AA.

Methods:

We used clinical queries and keywords “alopecia areata” AND “childhood” as a search engine. Patents were searched using the key term “alopecia areata” in Patents.google.com and freepatentsonline. com.

Results:

Due to an immune-mediated damage to the hair follicles, hair is lost from the scalp and other areas of the body temporarily or even permanently. Children with AA are generally healthy. Evidence of genetic association and increased predisposition for AA was found by studying families with affected members. Pathophysiologically, T- lymphocytes attack hair follicles and cause inflammation and destruction of the hair follicles and hair loss. In mild cases, there would be well-demarcated round patchy scalp hair loss. The pathognomonic “exclamation mark hairs” may be seen at the lesion periphery. In more severe cases, the hair loss may affect the whole scalp and even the whole body. The clinical course is also variable, which may range from transient episodes of recurrent patchy hair loss to an indolent gradually deteriorating severe hair loss. The treatment of AA depends on factors including patients’ age, the extent of the hair loss, duration of disease, psychological impact, availability and side effect profile of the treatments. For localized patchy alopecia, topical application of corticosteroids and/or intralesional corticosteroids are the treatment of choice. Other topical treatments include minoxidil, anthralin, coal tar and immunotherapy. In severe resistant cases, systemic immunosuppressants may be considered. Although herbal medicine, acupuncture, complementary and alternative medicine may be tried on children in some Asian communities, the evidence to support these practices is lacking. To date, only a few recent patents exist in topical treatments, including Il-31, laser and herbal medications. Clinical efficacy is pending for these treatment modalities.

Conclusions:

None of the established therapeutic options are curative. However, newer treatment modalities, including excimer laser, interleukin-31 antibodies and biologics, are evolving so that there may be significant advances in treatment in the near future. AA can be psychosocially devastating. It is important to assess the quality of life, degree of anxiety, social phobia and mood of the patients and their families. Psychological support is imperative for those who are adversely affected psychosocially.
Исследование влияния легирования на переходные слои анизотипных гетероструктур на основе GaInAsP и InP, полученных методом МОС-гидридной эпитаксии
Authors: Гагис Г.С. , Васильев В.И. , Лeвин Р.В. , Маричев А.Е. , Пушный Б.В. , Кучинский В.И. , Казанцев Д.Ю. , Бер Б.Я.
Published: July 2020

In the study of doped anisotypic heterostructures with layers of Ga(1-x)In(x)P(1-y)As(y) grown on InP substrates with a buffer layer of InP by MOC-hydride epitaxy, the presence of transition regions was detected in the Ga(1-x)In(x)P(1-y)As(y) layer on the substrate side for individual samples, across which the arsenic content (y) increased from the interface with the InP layer to the surface of the structure by the amount of (Δy) up to 0.15, and the content of elements of the third group (x) remained constant.
Анализ условий зарождения зернограничных нанопор в субмикрокристаллических материалах в процессе интенсивной пластической деформации
Authors: Перевезенцев В.Н. , Пупынин А.C.
Published: July 2020

A model decribed the nucleation of grain boundary nanopores in submicrocrystalline
materials in the process of intensive plastic deformation is proposed. The effect of
internal stress fields from planar mesodefects, external hydrostatic pressure and level
of supersaturation of the material by nonequilibrium deformation-induced vacancies
on the nucleation rate of nanopores is analyzed.
Исследование методов пассивации и защиты каскадных солнечных элементов
Authors: Малевская А.В. , Малевский Д.А. , Покровский П.В. , Андреев В.М.
Published: July 2020

Carried out were investigations of methods for passivating and protecting p-n junctions in points of their exit on the side mesa structure surface and for sealing hermetically multijunction solar cells based on the GaInP/GaAs/Ge heterostructure. Study of protecting coatings based on silicon nitride layers and on silicone by analyzing dark I-V characteristics of solar cells and by estimating the electroluminescence distribution has been performed.
Alterations of Gut Microbiota and the Brain-Immune-Intestine Axis in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis After Treatment With Oral Cladribine: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: van Pamelen Jeske , van Olst Lynn , Budding Andries E ,   BIA Study Group, de Vries Helga E , Visser Leo H
Published: July 2020

Background

Immunological factors are the key to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Conjointly, environmental factors are known to affect MS disease onset and progression. Several studies have found that the intestinal microbiota in MS patients differs from that of control subjects. One study found a trend toward lower species richness in patients with active disease versus in patients in remission. The microbiota plays an important role in shaping the immune system. Recent studies suggest the presence of an association between the gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways in the central nervous system. However, the function of this brain-immune-intestine axis and its possible value for predicting treatment effect in MS patients is currently unknown.

Objective

Our goal is to examine if the changes in gut and oral microbiota and simultaneous changes in the immune response are a predictor for the treatment response in subjects with active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who are being treated with oral cladribine.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Eligible subjects are patients with RRMS, between the ages of 18 and 55 years, who will start treatment with oral cladribine. Patients who used probiotics 1 month prior to the start of oral cladribine will be excluded. At baseline (ie, before start) and after 3, 12, and 24 months, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score will be assessed and fecal, oral, and blood samples will be collected. Also, subjects will be asked to register their food intake for 7 consecutive days following the visits. After 24 months, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the brain will be performed. Responders are defined as subjects without relapses, without progression on the EDSS, and without radiological progression on MRI.

Results

Inclusion started in January 2019. A total of 30 patients are included at the moment. The aim is to include 80 patients from 10 participating centers during a period of approximately 24 months. Final results are expected in 2024.

Conclusions

The results of the BIA Study will contribute to precision medicine in patients with RRMS and will contribute to a better understanding of the brain-immune-intestine axis.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/16162
Artificial Intelligence–Powered Digital Health Platform and Wearable Devices Improve Outcomes for Older Adults in Assisted Living Communities: Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Wilmink Gerald , Dupey Katherine , Alkire Schon , Grote Jeffrey , Zobel Gregory , Fillit Howard M , Movva Satish
Published: July 2020

Background

Wearables and artificial intelligence (AI)–powered digital health platforms that utilize machine learning algorithms can autonomously measure a senior’s change in activity and behavior and may be useful tools for proactive interventions that target modifiable risk factors.

Objective

The goal of this study was to analyze how a wearable device and AI-powered digital health platform could provide improved health outcomes for older adults in assisted living communities.

Methods

Data from 490 residents from six assisted living communities were analyzed retrospectively over 24 months. The intervention group (+CP) consisted of 3 communities that utilized CarePredict (n=256), and the control group (–CP) consisted of 3 communities (n=234) that did not utilize CarePredict. The following outcomes were measured and compared to baseline: hospitalization rate, fall rate, length of stay (LOS), and staff response time.

Results

The residents of the +CP and –CP communities exhibit no statistical difference in age (P=.64), sex (P=.63), and staff service hours per resident (P=.94). The data show that the +CP communities exhibited a 39% lower hospitalization rate (P=.02), a 69% lower fall rate (P=.01), and a 67% greater length of stay (P=.03) than the –CP communities. The staff alert acknowledgment and reach resident times also improved in the +CP communities by 37% (P=.02) and 40% (P=.02), respectively.

Conclusions

The AI-powered digital health platform provides the community staff with actionable information regarding each resident’s activities and behavior, which can be used to identify older adults that are at an increased risk for a health decline. Staff can use this data to intervene much earlier, protecting seniors from conditions that left untreated could result in hospitalization. In summary, the use of wearables and AI-powered digital health platform can contribute to improved health outcomes for seniors in assisted living communities. The accuracy of the system will be further validated in a larger trial.
Patient and Provider Cocreation of Mobile Texting Apps to Support Behavioral Health: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Arevian Armen C , O'Hora Jennifer , Rosser James , Mango Joseph D , Miklowitz David J , Wells Kenneth B
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Mobile technologies hold potential for improving the quality of care and engagement of patients. However, there are considerable challenges in ensuring that technologies are relevant, useful, and engaging. While end users such as patients and providers are increasingly involved in the design of health technologies, there are limited examples of their involvement in directly creating technologies for their personal use.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of patients and providers creating mobile texting apps to support treatment goals.

METHODS

In an 11-month usability study, we enrolled 4 providers and 28 patients in an intensive outpatient program for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Patients and providers created their own mobile texting apps using a visual app development platform. A subsample of 10 patients and 4 providers completed a usability measure.

RESULTS

Participants created a total of 360 unique mobile text messages (1787 total messages sent). There were 4 types of messages identified, including personalized reminders, clinical exposures, interactive prompts, and encouraging/informational messages. A total of 9 out of 10 (90%) patients agreed that the messages were relevant to their recovery, and 8 out of 10 (80%) agreed that the messages were effective at helping complete treatment plans.

CONCLUSIONS

Enabling patients and providers to cocreate apps for their own use by using a visual application platform is feasible and holds potential for increasing the relevance, sustainability, and effectiveness of digital health technologies.
Effect of body mass index on cancer-specific survival in gastric cancer patients: A longitudinal retrospective analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Yura , Park Yu Rang , Kwon Solbi , Gong Chung-Sik , Lee Jae-Ho
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The correlation between body mass index (BMI) and cancer survival has been studied, and obesity is known to be a risk factor for various types of cancer. Though the importance of health management for cancer survivors is increasing, few studies have been conducted to determine the correlation between weight change and cancer survival based on longitudinal data. Since gastric cancer is a malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, post-operative weight change is an important indicator for the management of the patient post-surgery.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we analyzed the effect of changes in BMI with time on survival in gastric cancer patients on cancer survival to propose the direction of cancer patient weight management.

METHODS

8,795 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in single hospital between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2014, were enrolled in the study, and follow-up data were collected from the records until March 2018. The patients were divided into three groups based on the criteria of tumor extension (i.e., localized gastric cancer, gastric cancer with lymph node (LN) metastasis without distant metastasis, gastric cancer with distant metastasis). The degree of BMI change was divided into three groups based on the linear regression slope (slope value ≥ 0.5, ≤ - 0.5 or |slope value| < 0.5). Cancer-specific death to five years from the day of diagnosis, according to changes in BMI was analyzed using the Cox model and log-rank test.

RESULTS

Of the total 8,795 patients, average slope of weight change was -0.17. Patients without distant metastasis (n = 7536) had the best prognosis in the mid-group, whereas patients with distant metastasis (n = 1259) had the best prognosis in the prognosis in the rapidly-gaining weight group. In patients with distant metastasis, rapidly-losing weight was associated with a significant increase in gastric cancer mortality risk (HR = 1.66, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The trend in weight change, rather than the weight at fixed time-points, must be considered during the management of the patient. It demonstrates the importance of weight management and nutritional support in gastric cancer patients. These findings may contribute as a basis for patient participation to improve gastric cancer survival.
Patients and healthcare workers experience with a mobile application for self-management of diabetes in Qatar: A Cross-sectional qualitative study (Preprint)
Authors: Abd-Alrazaq Alaa , Suleiman Noor , Baagar Khaled , Jandali Noor , Abdalhakam Ibrahem , Shahbal Saad , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Househ Mowafa
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly prevalent in Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Mobile health (m-health) can improve communications between diabetic patients and medical teams and this, in turn, may enhance engagement and self-management. Droobi is a multi-language mobile application designed to support self-management of patients with DM.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to explore experiences of patients and educators about their communication before and after implementation of Droobi, a diabetes management app.

METHODS

We interviewed a convenience sample consisting of 9 patients and 5 nurse educators. Before interviews, Droobi was downloaded to participants’ mobile phone, and their profile on the application was created. To ensure optimum usage experience, all participants received education on how to use Droobi. Participants used Droobi for 6 to 12 weeks. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed by professionals, and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Two main themes were generated from participants’ responses. The first theme relates to experiences of patients and educators about their communication before Droobi and consists of 3 sub-themes: (1) how patients communicated with medical team before Droobi (previous methods), (2) adoption of previous communication methods, and (3) shortcomings of previous communication methods. The second theme relates to experiences of patients and educators about their communication after Droobi and consists of 4 sub-themes: (1) adoption of Droobi, (2) advantages of Droobi, (3) shortcomings of Droobi, and (4) improvements suggested by educators and patients. Findings suggest that Droobi provided a more efficient and convenient way for communication between health workers and patients, yet multiple shortcomings and several suggestions for improvements were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Droobi has the potential to overcome disadvantages of previous communication methods, thereby increasing diabetic patient self-management. However, continuing use of Droobi is a factor for continuing its long-term viability and eventual success. Future work should continue on evaluating the Droobi app and to include a number of different stakeholders (e.g., diabetic patients, educators, doctors, researchers) when developing the upcoming Droobi version taking into account the limitations and suggestions put forth by the end-users. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of Droobi in Qatar and the MENA region together with investigating factors affecting its initial and continued use.
Diet, Nutrition, Obesity, and Their Implications for COVID-19 Mortality: Development of a Marginalized Two-Part Model for Semicontinuous Data (Preprint)
Authors: Kamyari Naser , Soltanian Ali Reza , Mahjub Hossein , Moghimbeigi Abbas
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Nutrition is not a treatment for COVID-19, but it is a modifiable contributor to the development of chronic disease, which is highly associated with COVID-19 severe illness and deaths. A well-balanced diet and healthy patterns of eating strengthen the immune system, improve immunometabolism, and reduce the risk of chronic disease and infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the effect of diet, nutrition, obesity, and their implications for COVID-19 mortality among 188 countries by using new statistical marginalized two-part models.

METHODS

We globally evaluated the distribution of diet and nutrition at the national level while considering the variations between different World Health Organization regions. The effects of food supply categories and obesity on (as well as associations with) the number of deaths and the number of recoveries were reported globally by estimating coefficients and conducting color maps.

RESULTS

The findings show that a 1% increase in supplementation of pulses reduced the odds of having a zero death by 4-fold (OR 4.12, 95% CI 11.97-1.42). In addition, a 1% increase in supplementation of animal products and meat increased the odds of having a zero death by 1.076-fold (OR 1.076, 95% CI 1.01-1.15) and 1.13-fold (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.0-1.28), respectively. Tree nuts reduced the odds of having a zero death, and vegetables increased the number of deaths. Globally, the results also showed that populations (countries) who consume more eggs, cereals excluding beer, spices, and stimulants had the greatest impact on the recovery of patients with COVID-19. In addition, populations that consume more meat, vegetal products, sugar and sweeteners, sugar crops, animal fats, and animal products were associated with more death and less recoveries in patients. The effect of consuming sugar products on mortality was considerable, and obesity has affected increased death rates and reduced recovery rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are differences in dietary patterns, overall, unbalanced diets are a health threat across the world and not only affect death rates but also the quality of life. To achieve the best results in preventing nutrition-related pandemic diseases, strategies and policies should fully recognize the essential role of both diet and obesity in determining good nutrition and optimal health. Policies and programs must address the need for change at the individual level and make modifications in society and the environment to make healthier choices accessible and preferable.