bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INCÓGNITAS ESTRATÉGICAS
Authors: McGoey Linsey
Published: January 2021

Ao desenvolver uma agenda para o estudo social da ignorância, este artigo apresenta a sociologia das incógnitas estratégicas: a investigação das formas multifacetadas pelas quais a ignorância pode ser aproveitada como um recurso, permitindo que o conhecimento seja defletido, obscurecido, escondido ou ampliado de uma maneira que amplia a extensão do que permanece ininteligível. Em contraste com as preocupações teóricas que fundamentam o estudo da acumulação de conhecimento, o foco na importância de incógnitas estratégicas resiste à tendência de valorizar o conhecimento ao invés da ignorância, ou pressupor que a aquisição de mais conhecimento está relacionado de forma automática ou linear à obtenção de mais poder social ou político. Ao refinar e desafiar a suposição de que as sociedades liberais modernas inevitavelmente prosperam no acúmulo de informações sobre as personas públicas, psiques privadas, hábitos de consumo ou tendências políticas dos cidadãos, os artigos nesta edição especial exploram como o cultivo de incógnitas estratégicas continuam a ser um recurso - talvez o maior recurso - para aqueles em uma posição de poder e para aqueles sujeitos a ele.

Palavras-chave: sociologia da ignorância; incógnitas estratégicas; ambiguidade; risco; incerteza.
An Insight into Synthesis and Anticancer Potential of Thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone Containing Motifs
Authors: Bhagat Devidas S. , Chawla Pooja A. , Gurnule Wasudeo B. , Shejul Sampada K. , Bumbrah Gurvinder S.
Published: January 2021

Over the years, the branch of oncology has reached a mature stage, and substantial
development and advancement have been achieved in this dimension of medical science. The
synthesis and isolation of numerous novel anticancer agents of natural and synthetic origins
have been reported. Thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone containing heterocyclic compounds, having
a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical activities, represent a significant class of medicinal
chemistry. Thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone are five-membered unique heterocyclic motifs containing
S and N atoms as an essential core scaffold and have commendable medicinal significance.
Thiazoles and 4-thiazolidinones containing heterocyclic compounds are used as building
blocks for the next generation of pharmaceuticals. Thiazole precursors have been frequently
used due to their capabilities to bind to numerous cancer-specific protein targets.
Suitably, thiazole motifs have a biological suit via inhibition of different signaling pathways involved in cancer
causes. The scientific community has always tried to synthesize novel thiazole-based heterocycles by carrying out
different replacements of functional groups or skeleton around thiazole moiety. Herein, we report the current trend of
research and development in anticancer activities of thiazoles and 4-thiazolidinones containing scaffolds. In the current
study, we have also highlighted some other significant biological properties of thiazole, novel protocols of synthesis
for the synthesis of the new candidates, along with a significant broad spectrum of the anticancer activities of
thiazole containing scaffolds. This study facilitates the development of novel thiazole and 4-thiazolidinone containing
candidates with potent, efficient anticancer activity and less cytotoxic property.
Malaria-induced Alterations of Drug Kinetics and Metabolism in Rodents and Humans
Authors: De-Oliveira Ana C.A.X. , Paumgartten Francisco J.R.
Published: January 2021

Background::

Infections and inflammation lead to a downregulation of drug metabolism and kinetics
in experimental animals. These changes in the expression and activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes may affect
the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy of infections and inflammatory conditions.

Objective::

In this review, we addressed the available evidence on the effects of malaria on drug metabolism activity
and kinetics in rodents and humans.

Results::

An extensive literature review indicated that infection by Plasmodium spp consistently decreased the
activity of hepatic Cytochrome P450s and phase-2 enzymes as well as the clearance of a variety of drugs in
mice (lethal and non-lethal) and rat models of malaria. Malaria-induced CYP2A5 activity in the mouse liver
was an exception. Except for paracetamol, pharmacokinetic trials in patients during acute malaria and in convalescence
corroborated rodent findings. Trials showed that, in acute malaria, clearance of quinine, primaquine,
caffeine, metoprolol, omeprazole, and antipyrine is slower and that AUCs are greater than in convalescent individuals.

Conclusion::

Notwithstanding the differences between rodent models and human malaria, studies in P. falciparum
and P. vivax patients confirmed rodent data showing that CYP-mediated clearance of antimalarials and
other drugs is depressed during the symptomatic disease when rises in levels of acute-phase proteins and inflammatory
cytokines occur. Evidence suggests that inflammatory cytokines and the interplay between malaria-activated
NF-kB-signaling and cell pathways controlling phase 1/2 enzyme genes transcription mediate drug
metabolism changes. The malaria-induced decrease in drug clearance may exacerbate drug-drug interactions,
and the occurrence of adverse drug events, particularly when patients are treated with narrow-margin-of-safety
medicines.
In Silico Pharmacokinetic Study of Vancomycin Using PBPK Modeling and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Ferreira Abigail , Martins Helena , Oliveira José C. , Lapa Rui , Vale Nuno
Published: January 2021

Background::

Vancomycin has been in clinical use for nearly 50 years and remains the first-line treatment
option for Gram-positive infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
There are multiple strategies to monitor therapy and adjust the dose of this antibiotic. AUC24/MIC ratio has
been demonstrated to be the best parameter to predict the effectiveness and safety of vancomycin, and a target
ratio of ≥400 is recommended. Still, trough and peak serum levels at steady-state conditions have been used in
clinical settings as an accurate and practical method to monitor vancomycin.

Methods::

In this work, we collected and analyzed clinical information of patients being treated in a hospital
center in Porto (Portugal) and studied the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in silico, developing several physiologically
based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models using simulation software GastroPlus™. Different dosages
and treatment regimens were studied, and the influence of patients’ age, weight and renal function was evaluated;
a simulation population was also performed.

Results::

A linear effect of dose and a significant influence of weight and renal function in plasmatic levels of
vancomycin was observed.

Conclusion::

The results of this work corroborate the accumulation of vancomycin in plasma and identify some
parameters that influence the pharmacokinetics of this antibiotic. The importance of therapeutic monitoring of
vancomycin is highlighted, and the usefulness of in silico tools, namely PBPK modeling, is demonstrated.
Rapid Profiling and Identification of Vitexin Metabolites in Rat Urine, Plasma and Faeces after Oral Administration Using a UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer Coupled with Multiple Data-mining Methods
Authors: Dong Pingping , Shi Lei , Wang Shaoping , Jiang Shan , Li Haoran , Dong Fan , Xu Jing , Dai Long , Zhang Jiayu
Published: January 2021

Background::

Vitexin is a natural flavonoid compound with multiple pharmacological activities and
is extracted from the leaves and seeds of Vitex negundo L. var. cannabifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) Hand.-Mazz. However,
the metabolite characterization of this component remains insufficient.

Objective::

To establish a rapid profiling and identification method for vitexin metabolites in rat urine, plasma
and faeces after oral administration using a UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer were coupled with
multiple data-mining methods.

Methods::

In this study a simple and rapid systematic strategy for the detection and identification of constituents
was proposed based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry in parallel reaction monitoring mode
combining diagnostic fragment ion filtering techniques.

Results::

A total of 49 metabolites were fully or partially characterized based on their accurate mass, characteristic
fragment ions, retention times, corresponding ClogP values, and so on. It is obvious that C-glycosyl
flavonoids often display an [M+H-120]+ ion that represents the loss of C4H8O4. As a result, these metabolites
were presumed to be generated through glucuronidation, sulfation, deglucosylation, dehydrogenation, methylation,
hydrogenation, hydroxylation, ring cleavage and their composite reactions. Moreover, the characteristic
fragmentation pathways of flavonoids, chalcones and dihydrochalcones were summarized for the subsequent
metabolite identification.

Conclusion::

The current study provided an overall metabolic profile of vitexin which will be of great help in
predicting the in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles and understanding the action mechanism of this active ingredient.
Different Inductive Effects of Praziquantel Racemate and its Enantiomers on the Enzyme CYP3A4 Mediated by Pregnane X Receptor and its Variants
Authors: Meng Ran , Zhang Xueli , Wang Haina , Zhang Danlu , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2021

Background::

Praziquantel (PZQ), which possesses an asymmetric center, is classified as a pyrazinoisoquinoline
and has been the mainstay in the treatment of schistosomiasis since 1980. PZQ undergoes a pronounced
first-pass metabolism in the liver through the CYP450 system which could be mediated by nuclear receptors.

Objective::

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible different induction effects of CYP3A4 by
PZQ racemate and enantiomers via the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the effect of PXR polymorphism on the
induction potency of PZQs.

Methods::

The dual-luciferase reporter gene systems constructed in HepG2 cells were used to measure the abilities
of PZQs to induce CYP3A4 expression mediated by PXR. The mRNA and protein levels of CYP3A4 were
evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively.

Results::

In HepG2 cells transfected with PXRwt, PXR158, PXR163, PXR370 or PXR403 expression plasmids,
PZQ racemate and its enantiomers up-regulated the luciferase activity in a concentration-dependent manner,
while reaching saturation after transfected with PXR379 expression plasmids. The mRNA and protein expression
of CYP3A4 was effectively activated in PXR-transfected HepG2 cells. The induction ability of CYP3A4
mediated by PXR activation by PZQ racemate and its enantiomers were statistically different between the same
PXR group and different PXR groups.

Conclusion::

The enantioselective induction effects of PZQs on CYP3A4 were related to the enantioselective activations
of PXR by PZQs and were influenced by the PXR gene polymorphism. These findings provide a basis
for further understanding the enantiomeric metabolism and the variable efficacy of PZQs.
Application of the Phage Display Technology for the Development of Peptide- mediated Drug Delivery Systems through the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Suárez Viana M. , Vispo Nelson S. , Ramos Oliberto S.
Published: January 2021

The main obstacle to biopharmaceutical delivery in therapeutic concentration into the
brain for treating neurological disorders is the presence of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). The physiological
process of Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis (RMT) to transport cargo through the brain endothelial
cells toward brain parenchyma has prompted researchers to search for non-natural ligands
that can be used to transport drugs across the BBB. Conjugation of drugs to RMT ligands would be
an effective strategy for its delivery to the central nervous system. An attractive approach to identify
novel transcytosing ligands is the screening by phage display combinatorial libraries. The main technology
strength lies in the large variety of exogenous peptides or proteins displayed on the phage's
surface. Here, we provide a mini-review of phage display technology using in vitro and
in vivo BBB models for the development of peptide-mediated drug delivery systems.
Distinct Modulation of Wild-Type and Selective Gene Mutated Vitamin D Receptor by Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Balaji Hari , Selvaraj A. , Saha Niladri , Sundar P. Shyam , Jubie S. , Mohankumar Suresh K.
Published: January 2021

Vitamin-D deficiency is a global concern. Gene mutations in the vitamin D receptor’s
(VDR) ligand binding domain (LBD) variously alter the ligand binding affinity, heterodimerization
with retinoid X receptor (RXR) and inhibit coactivator interactions. These LBD mutations may result
in partial or total hormone unresponsiveness. A plethora of evidence reports that selective long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) bind to the ligand-binding domain of VDR and lead to transcriptional
activation. We, therefore, hypothesize that selective PUFAs would modulate the dynamics and
kinetics of VDRs, irrespective of the deficiency of vitamin-D. The spatial arrangements of the selected
PUFAs in VDR active site were examined by in-silico docking studies. The docking results revealed
that PUFAs have fatty acid structure-specific binding affinity towards VDR. The calculated
EPA, DHA & AA binding energies (Cdocker energy) were lesser compared to vitamin-D in wild type
of VDR (PDB id: 2ZLC). Of note, the DHA has higher binding interactions to the mutated VDR
(PDB id: 3VT7) when compared to the standard Vitamin-D. Molecular dynamic simulation was utilized
to confirm the stability of potential compound binding of DHA with mutated VDR complex.
These findings suggest the unique roles of PUFAs in VDR activation and may offer alternate strategy
to circumvent vitamin-D deficiency.
Serum Interleukin-33 is a Predictor of Depression in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Zhenlei , Zhang Rongrong , Wu Yanping , Fu Qing , Qin Xinyue
Published: January 2021

Objective::

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum interleukin-33
(IL-33) concentrations and poststroke depression (PSD) in patients with acute ischemic stroke
(AIS).

Methods::

Serum IL-33 concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Patients were assigned to the PSD group after a six-month follow-up if their score on the 17-
item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was ≥7 or to the non-PSD group if their score was <7.
IL-33 was used to predict the risk of PSD using multivariate logistic regression analysis, while a receiver
operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the accuracy of PSD prediction. In
addition, the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used for follow-up scoring six months after disease
onset.

Results::

A total of 151 AIS patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. ROC
curve results showed that the area under the curve was 0.684 (95% confidence interval:
0.594-0.774,Ρ=0.001) for IL-33 as a predictor of PSD. When the IL-33 concentration was ≤71.85
ng/L, prediction sensitivity and specificity were 77.5% and 57.3%, respectively. Multivariate logistic
regression analysis showed that IL-33 concentration of ≤71.85 ng/L was an independent predictor
of PSD (95% CI: 1.129-7.515, P=0.027). The follow-up mRS data showed that serum IL-33 is
a protective prognosis factor in patients with AIS (95% CI: 0.954-0.997, P=0.024).

Conclusions::

Serum IL-33 is an independent predictor of PSD and a protective prognosis factor in
patients with AIS.
Assessing the Effectiveness of a Telemedicine Initiative in Clinical Management of Children Living with HIV/AIDS in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Manglani Mamta , Gabhale Yashwant , Lala Mamatha Murad , Balakrishnan Sudha , Bhuyan Khanindra , Rewari Bharat Bhushan , Setia Maninder Singh
Published: January 2021

Aims:

To evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in the clinical management of children living with HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings

Background:

Telemedicine is an important mechanism for service delivery in health care settings, both in resource-rich and resource-poor settings. Such service delivery mechanisms have shown to be associated with virologic suppression and higher CD4 counts. These services are also associated with improved access, shorter visiting times, and higher patient satisfaction.

Objective:

We designed the present two-group comparison study to compare the clinical evaluation and management of children in the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres linked to telemedicine facility with those who are not linked to this facility in Maharashtra, India.

Methods:

We analysed clinical records from six ART centres in Maharashtra; of these, 250 children were in the linked ART centres and 301 were in the non-linked ART centres. The outcomes were classified according to investigations, management, and monitoring. For management, we evaluated: 1) Initiation of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis; 2) Children not initiated on ART when required; 3) ART regime after appropriate investigations; and 4) Change of regime (if immunologically indicated). For monitoring, we assessed the haematological monitoring of children on ART.

Result:

The mean (SD) ages of children in linked and non-linked ART centres were 10.8 (4.6) and 10.9 (4.6) years, respectively (p=0.80). After adjusting for individual and structural level variables, physical examination (OR: 2.0, 95% CI; 1.2, 3.2), screening for tuberculosis (OR: 12.9, 95% CI: 2.0, 82.9) and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were significantly more likely in the linked centres compared with non-linked centres (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 2.2). A higher proportion of children eligible for ART were not initiated on treatment in the non-linked centres compared with linked centres (26% vs. 8%, p=0.06). Children were less likely to be initiated on zidovudine-based regimens without baseline haemoglobin or with baseline haemoglobin of less than 9 gm% in linked centres (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6, 0.8). Similarly, children in the linked centres were less likely to have been started on nevirapine-based regimens without baseline liver enzymes (OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7, 0.9).

Conclusions:

Thus, the overall clinical management of Children Living with HIV/ AIDS (CLHA) was better in ART centres linked with the telemedicine initiative compared with those who were not linked. Children in the linked ART centres were more likely to have a complete baseline assessment (physical, hematological, radiological, and screening for TB); the presence of a pediatrician in the centres was helpful.
Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Abdominal Ultrasound and Color Doppler Techniques
Authors: Ahmed Rehab , Debian Hossam , Fawzi Mohamed , Elsergany Heba Fadl , Soliman Moataz Yousry , Mohmed Ahmed Abdel Haleem , Kandil Alaa , Elmaghraby Mostafa Bedair , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Abo-Amer Yousry Esam-Eldin
Published: January 2021

Background & Aims:

The utility of ultrasound and color Doppler in the diagnosis and
evaluation of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has not been studied enough. Therefore, the aim
of the current study was to evaluate the importance of conventional abdominal ultrasound and color
Doppler in diagnosing IBD and assessing disease activity.

Methods:

The study was conducted at the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute
(NHTMRI) between July 2018 and January 2019, in which 150 patients were suffering from
diarrhea, dysentery, tenesmus, or rectal bleeding were evaluated by colonoscopy, high-resolution
ultrasound, and color Doppler scans.

Results:

The present study was conducted on 150 patients; 84 (56%) had ulcerative colitis (UC),
16 (10.7%) had Crohn's disease (CD), and 50 (33.3%) had normal colonoscopy results with a mean
age 37.2 ± 9.059. The superior mesenteric Artery Peak Systolic Velocity (SMA-PSV) and End Diastolic
Velocity (EDV) were significantly higher in both UC and CD than in the control group;
however, pulsatility index (PI) was significantly higher in the control group than both UC and CD.
However, there was no significant difference between UC and CD. The inferior mesenteric artery
PSV and EDV were significantly higher in both UC and CD than in the control group.

Conclusions:

Doppler ultrasound findings of SMA and IMA correlate with the incidence of inflammatory
bowel disease, the site of disease, and its activity.
90Y-DOTA-Nimotuzumab: Synthesis of a Promising β− Radiopharmaceutical
Authors: Scotognella Teresa , Maccora Daria , Bruno Isabella , Chinol Marco , Castagnola Massimo , Collamati Francesco , Mancini-Terraciano Carlo , Morganti Silvio , Bocci Valerio , Camillocci Elena Solfaroli , Rotili Dante , Cartoni Antonella , Fratoddi Ilaria , Marini Federica , Venditti Iole , Faccini Riccardo , Giordano Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Background::

Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal
antibody, nowadays used for tumour immunochemotherapy. This study aimed to label the conjugate DOTA-nimotuzumab
with yttrium-90, in order to provide a β- emitting radioimmunoconjugate (90Y-DOTA-nimotuzumab) potentially useful to
assess the feasibility of a new radio-guided surgery approach.

Methods::

The synthesis of 90Y-DOTA-nimotuzumab was performed in two days. Nimotuzumab was conjugated with a 50
fold excess of DOTA and then labelled with 90Y3+. The 90Y-DOTA-nimotuzumab preparation was optimized considering
several parameters such as pH, temperature and reaction volume. Moreover, the 90Y-DOTA-nimotuzumab stability was
evaluated in human plasma.

Results::

The radioimmunoconjugate 90Y-DOTA-nimotuzumab was obtained with a radiochemical purity greater than
96%, and showed a good stability at 20°C as well as at 37°C in human plasma.

Conclusions::

The optimized conditions for a mild and easy preparation of 90Y-DOTA-nimotuzumab joined to a promising
stability under physiological conditions suggest to propose this radioimmunoconjugate as a potential diagnostic
radiopharmaceutical for β- radio-guided surgery.
Effect of sowing pattern and density on the quality of one-year-old Austrian pine bareroot seedlings
Authors: Devetaković Jovana R , Krinulović Lučian , Kerkez Janković Ivona
Published: January 2021

Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) seedlings are frequently used for afforestation/reforestation and restoration practice in Serbia. Indeed, the seedlings of various stock types are produced by almost all forest nurseries in Serbia and bareroot seedlings are mostly common. The aim of this study is to analyze the method of sowing and sowing density on some morphological characteristics and quality of one-year-old Austrian pine seedlings. Sowing in rows and random sowing across all seedbed space were performed. In both cases, the sowing density (R1 - 8 g m-1, R2 - 40 g m-2) and half of the recommended sowing density (S1 - 4 g m-1, S2 - 20 g m-2) were applied. Seedlings from both treatments had average height and root collar diameter values in the range of 4.91 to 5.73 cm, and 1.25 to 2.34 mm, respectively. Observed characteristics of seedlings (height - H, root collar diameter - RCD, root length - RL, dry weight of shoot - SDW, root - RDW and seedlings - SLDW, sturdiness coefficient - SQ and quality index - QI) were conditioned by treatment (One-Way ANOVA, p<0.05). Shoot to root ration was similar at seedlings of all treatments and ranged from 1.33 to 1.63. In both cases, decreased density produced better results. The combination of lower sowing density (20 g m-2) and sowing in all seedbed areas (S2) provided the best seedlings with QI - 0.21.
Pediatric Thoracoscopic Repair of Diaphragmatic Herniation Following Liver Transplantation
Authors:   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, Pessanha Inês ,   Pediatric and Adult Liver Transplantation Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, Cunha Catarina , Piedade Cláudia , Furtado Emanuel , Lopes Maria Francelina
Published: January 2021

Diaphragmatic Hernia (DH) after Liver Transplantation (LT) is a rare complication with unclear pathophysiology. Among 261 LT, we recognized six DH during the post transplant period (2.30%). All patients with DH had received a left lateral segment (LLS) reduced graft. The mean graft weight was 340g with a mean graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GBWR) of 4.20%. LLS grafts, a GBWR > 4%, previous abdominal surgery and direct trauma during surgery can be enumerated as potential risk factors for DH post-LT. These children underwent prompt surgical intervention to DH without complications. Three patients were treated via laparotomy and three by thoracoscopy. No clinical recurrences were accounted at a mean follow up of 5 years. Historically, the treatment has always been surgical repair via laparotomy but the use of minimally invasive techniques in pediatric surgery has been increasing, and the thoracoscopic approach for DH can bring advantages. The patients in which the thoracoscopic approach was used had shorter operative times and a faster recovery with better cosmetic results. As previous surgical manipulation had been done to the abdominal cavity, thoracoscopy seems to be a safe approach in DH in pediatric LT recipients.
Leprosy Screening Based on Artificial Intelligence: Development of a Cross-Platform App
Authors: De Souza Márcio Luís Moreira , Lopes Gabriel Ayres , Branco Alexandre Castelo , Fairley Jessica K , Fraga Lucia Alves De Oliveira
Published: January 2021

Background

According to the World Health Organization, achieving targets for control of leprosy by 2030 will require disease elimination and interruption of transmission at the national or regional level. India and Brazil have reported the highest leprosy burden in the last few decades, revealing the need for strategies and tools to help health professionals correctly manage and control the disease.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to develop a cross-platform app for leprosy screening based on artificial intelligence (AI) with the goal of increasing accessibility of an accurate method of classifying leprosy treatment for health professionals, especially for communities further away from major diagnostic centers. Toward this end, we analyzed the quality of leprosy data in Brazil on the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN).

Methods

Leprosy data were extracted from the SINAN database, carefully cleaned, and used to build AI decision models based on the random forest algorithm to predict operational classification in paucibacillary or multibacillary leprosy. We used Python programming language to extract and clean the data, and R programming language to train and test the AI model via cross-validation. To allow broad access, we deployed the final random forest classification model in a web app via shinyApp using data available from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System.

Results

We mapped the dispersion of leprosy incidence in Brazil from 2014 to 2018, and found a particularly high number of cases in central Brazil in 2014 that further increased in 2018 in the state of Mato Grosso. For some municipalities, up to 80% of cases showed some data discrepancy. Of a total of 21,047 discrepancies detected, the most common was “operational classification does not match the clinical form.” After data processing, we identified a total of 77,628 cases with missing data. The sensitivity and specificity of the AI model applied for the operational classification of leprosy was 93.97% and 87.09%, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed app was able to recognize patterns in leprosy cases registered in the SINAN database and to classify new patients with paucibacillary or multibacillary leprosy, thereby reducing the probability of incorrect assignment by health centers. The collection and notification of data on leprosy in Brazil seem to lack specific validation to increase the quality of the data for implementations via AI. The AI models implemented in this work had satisfactory accuracy across Brazilian states and could be a complementary diagnosis tool, especially in remote areas with few specialist physicians.
Evaluasi Kualitas Hidup Pasien Kanker Serviks yang Mendapat Regimen Kemoterapi Cisplatin-Vinkristin-Bleomisin dan Carboplatin-Paklitaksel
Authors: Suwendar Suwendar , Fudholi Achmad , Andayani Tri Murti , Sastramihardja Herri S.
Published: January 2021

Cervical cancer is one type of cancer with a high prevalence in women. Quality of life of someone with cervical cancer will decrease. Quality of life can also decrease because of chemotherapy regimens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of cisplatin-vincristine-bleomycin and carboplatin-paclitaxel regimens on the quality of life of patients. Through this research how the difference in quality of life of patients with cervical cancer before and after chemotherapy could be known. Additionally, the  differences impact on the quality of life of the two regimens also were observed.  The study was conducted by using cross sectional design in hospitalization patients. Data were taken prospectively by conducting field observations. Measuring the quality of life was done using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Differences of domain values before and after chemotherapy in each regimen were analyzed by paired t-test (p <0.05). Quality of life difference between two regimens were analyzed by unpaired t test (p<0.05). The results showed that there was an increasing trend of the value of the functional domain, impairment of symptoms domain and an increase in the value of global health status domain after three cycles of chemotherapy of two regimens, except the symptoms of nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite that showed an increasing trend. Patients who received cisplatin-vincristine-bleomycin regimen showed a significant increasing (p = 0.009) in decreased of appetite symptom’s scores. No significant differences in the quality of life of patients who delivered chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin-vincristine-bleomycin compared to carboplatin-paclitaxel regimen.
Comparative Effects of Yellow Root (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr.) Decoctions with Water and Brackish Water on Kidneys and Uterus in Wistar Rats
Authors: Pramono Suwijiyo , Paramidhita Risqika Y.T. , Marini Marini , Bachri Moch. Saiful
Published: January 2021

Yellow root (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr.) is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Borneo, Indonesia, for several diseases. Nevertheless, it contains berberine alkaloids that are considered harmful. Empirically, based on local wisdom people do not boil yellow roots with water but with brackish water. This study aimed to determine the effects of yellow root decoctions made using water and brackish water on blood biochemical and histopathological profile of kidneys and uterus in Wistar rats after subchronic treatment. Overall, 70 Wistar female rats were divided into seven groups of which three groups were given yellow root water decoctions and three groups were given yellow root brackish water decoctions with doses equivalent to 1.25 g/kg BW, 2.5 g/kg BW and 5 g/kg BW of dried yellow root, whereas the control group was only given Aquadest. After 28 days of treatments, blood samples were obtained for biochemical examination followed by a surgical examination to observe the histological features of the organs. The results revealed significant differences in the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels between group that was given water decoction of the yellow root and the control group. On the other hand, the groups that were given brackish water decoction revealed no significant changes, except at  the highest dose. Furthermore, histopathological features of rats treated using all doses of the yellow root water decoctions revealed organ damage compared with the normal group, manifested as hemorrhage, degeneration, and necrosis of the kidneys, as well as epithelial damage and inflammatory infiltration of the uterus.
Loading and Release Profile Assay of Carbonated Hydroxyapatite Incorporated with Propolis as Bone Graft Material
Authors: Kusumawati Indi , Suryono Suryono , Syaify Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the alveolar bone. The loss of the alveolar bone can be treated using carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) as a bone graft material. However, CHA is an alloplastic graft whose primary function is to act as a scaffold, but it is unable to stimulate the process of bone regeneration. Carbonated hydroxyapatite is an avascular synthetic material, which will increase the risk of bacterial adhesion on site that can lead to unsuccessful periodontal therapy. The incorporation of propolis into CHA is expected to add antibacterial capability into CHA. Besides its antibacterial property, propolis also has a bone regenerating effect. Mixing CHA with propolis needs to consider the process of loading the active ingredients into the carrier. The release of propolis is expected to occur gradually over a lengthy period. The purpose of this study was to analyze the loading and releasing assay for propolis incorporated with CHA. A propolis solution of 5%, 7.5%, and 10% was each incorporated into 10 mg of CHA. The loading percentage and releasing assay of propolis were measured. The absorbance reading was done at 289 nm using a UV-vis. It was shown that a 10% propolis solution had the highest loading percentage (32.08%), while the 5% propolis solution had the smallest loading percentage (10.63%). The propolis releasing profiles in all concentration groups were similar. The difference in propolis concentration incorporated with CHA affected the loading percentage but did not affect the propolis releasing assay.
Effects of Polyherbal Tablet for Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Pratiwi Woro Rukmi , Sholikhah Eti Nurwening , Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris Agung , Yuniyanti Mia Munawaroh , Mustofa Mustofa , Purwono Setyo
Published: January 2021

Hypertension is a degenerative disease whose prevalence is high and continues to increase over time. Polyherbal tablet have long been used by Indonesian people for hypertension drugs containing garlic (Alium sativum), jelawe (Belericae fructus), temu ireng rhizomes (Curcumae aeruginosae) and kapulaga (Amomi fructus) extracts. This study aims to determine the effect of polyherbal tablet on hypertensive patients. The subjects of 29 hypertensive patients participated in a open-randomized-without comparison-study for 6 weeks. Subjects were divided into 3 groups, each subject received polyherbal tablet with a dose of 2x600 mg (group 1), 2x1200 mg (group 2) and 2x2400 mg (group 3). Blood pressure was monitored on D-0, D-3, D-5, D-7, W-2, W-3, W-4, W-5 and W-6. There was a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the sixth week in all three treatment groups. The highest decrease in systolic blood pressure was in group 1 while diastolic blood pressure was in group 2 (-22.94 ± 5.871 and 13.13 ± 4.324 respectively). The lowest reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred in the third group (-15.07 ± 3,519 and 8.98 ± 3,394 respectively). This study suggests that polyherbal tablet contains garlic (Alii sativi), jelawe (Belericae Fructus), temu ireng rhizome (Curcumae aeruginosae) and cardamom (Amomi Fructus) can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
The Impact of Coronavirus on English Word-stock
Authors: Murazyan Varduhi , Hovhannisyan Anahit
Published: January 2021

In December 2019, the news of the coronavirus outbreak spread worldwide for the first time. At present, this historical event has already influenced merely all aspects of life. The language is one of the first that reflected the massive events occurring throughout the world.In the frame of this article, an attempt is made, firstly, to figure out dozens of new words, expressions and new definitions emerged in English due to global changes. Secondly, are considered the semantic changes some words have undergone as a result of extralinguistic processes i.e., narrowing of meaning, semantic broadening, etc. Thirdly, are emphasized the main word-formation means of coining new words and expressions: suffixation, compounding, abbreviation, etc.
Fin del trabajo o reconversión de las calificaciones: un desafío para las políticas públicas
Authors: Granovsky Pablo
Published: January 2021

El campo tecnológico/productivo, las calificaciones de los trabajadores y las políticas públicas de formación profesional expresan tres ejes sustanciales e interrelacionados de cualquier perspectiva de desarrollo económico y social. En este artículo, se busca dar cuenta de la relación entre el cambio tecnológico y una estructura social y productiva heterogénea, así como caracterizar la relación de estos procesos con la formación profesional de los trabajadores, centralmente de trabajadores de pequeñas y micro empresas; desde la perspectiva de referentes sectoriales (sindicales y empresarios) del sector eléctrico, automotriz y de la industria de la construcción en Argentina. En términos metodológicos, la perspectiva cualitativa y la técnica de entrevista en profundidad fueron utilizadas y elegidas en el marco de un enfoque orientado a reconstruir la mirada de los referentes entrevistados sobre estas transformaciones y su incidencia en las calificaciones de los trabajadores.
Estimación de la incertidumbre en un sistema de visión para la evaluación experimental de un mezclador magneto-hidrodinámico
Authors: Flores Fuentes Wendy , Valenzuela Delgado Mónica , Bravo Zanoguera Miguel Enrique , Rivas López Moisés , Hernández Balbuena Daniel , Rodríguez Quiñonez Julio Cesar , Sergiyenko Oleg , Lindner Lars
Published: January 2021

Se presentan los resultados de la estimación de incertidumbre de un sistema de visión para la evaluación experimental de un mezclador magneto-hidrodinámico (MHD, por sus siglas en inglés). Dicha evaluación fue realizada a través de un sistema de visión diseñado para realizar mediciones de velocidad sobre la superficie libre del micro-fluido contenido en el mezclador MHD. La estructura del mezclador se clasifica como un canal anular abierto. El canal esta formados por dos cilindros de material conductor, una base aislante y una superficie abierta. El canal anular contiene un micro-fluido de baja conductividad, el cual es gobernado por la ley de Lorenz, debido a la presencia de un campo magnético y un campo eléctrico, resultando en un proceso de mezclado. La manipulación de fluidos a través de la MHD es muy útil y de gran interés para el diseño de sofisticados sistemas micro-electromecánicos (MEMS, de sus siglas en inglés), en especial para sistemas de microanálisis total (μTAS, por sus siglas en inglés), también conocidos como dispositivos laboratorio-en-un-chip (LOC, por sus siglas en inglés). Sin embargo, no es una tarea fácil, para un control preciso del micro-fluido se requiere considerar en el diseño de los mezcladores parámetros como la forma y tamaño del canal, conductividad del micro-fluido, y la interacción de los campos magnético y eléctrico. Además, se requiere de una herramienta que permita evaluar el comportamiento del micro-fluido, en esta ocasión, un sistema de visión basado en velocimetría en imágenes de partículas (PIV, por sus siglas en inglés).
Analysis of Multidimensional Poverty Indicators in Indonesia with Association Rules
Authors: Agustin Diana , Rahma Aulia Adita , Sele Frengky , Azzahra Raihan Fitrika , Eksanti Rhevita Lula , Firdaus Zahrotul , Nooraeni Rani
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to find patterns of relationships between 14 multidimensional poverty indicators in Indonesia from 2015-2019. To provide a more specific description of the relationship pattern, association rules with the apriori algorithm is used as the analysis method. The preprocessing stage to transform data was carried out using fuzzy functions and data reduction with Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) to support the association analysis process. The results obtained are 15 relationship patterns or rules between items from the multidimensional poverty indicator with a support value of 60%-80% and 100% confidence. This means that the relationship pattern is significantly formed from objects with a strong relationship between the items and can represent poverty records in the last five years. The relationship pattern consists of four combinations of things. Suppose there is a high category decrease in the percentage of poor people indicator, a low category decrease in the open unemployment indicator, a high category increase in the percentage of households indicator according to the source of lighting from electricity, and a low category increase in the percentage indicator of households according to the broadest wall, not bamboo / other. In that case, there is a reduction in multidimensional poverty in Indonesia.
Hubungan Infestasi Ctenocephalides felis dan Xenopsylla cheopis dengan Perawatan Kucing Rumah (Felis catus) di Kabupaten Banjarnegara
Authors: Lestari Eva , Rahmawati Rahmawati , Ningsih Dewi Puspita
Published: January 2021

Fleas as ectoparasites live on the cat's body surface. Ctenocephalides felis is one of the type fleas that often found in cats. The presence of fleas in cats can be influenced by the way the cat is groomed. Fleas in cats have the potential to transmit the disease to a human. The purpose of this study was to determine fleas infestation in domestic cats and determine factors that affect the presence of fleas in cats. This study was observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach and conducted in Banjarnegara Regency on June-November 2019. Total of 100 domestic cats (Felis catus) were checked for fleas. Interviews were conducted with cat owners to obtain information on how to groom cats. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically using Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square Test. The results showed a greater percentage of fleas positive in groomed cats (82%) than ungroomed cats (68%). Fleas species found in cats were C. felis (99.8%) and Xenopsylla cheopis (0.2%). Based on statistical analysis there was no difference amount of fleas between groomed cats and ungroomed (p = 0.072). A correlation test showed a relationship between the frequency of cats being bathed with cat-specific shampoo and the presence of fleas in cats (p = 0.001). While the habits of cats caging (p = 0.331), the supply of ectoparasiticides (p = 0.177), and the number of cats kept (p = 0.884) showed no significant relationship with the presence of fleas in cats.
EDUCATION FOR LEISURE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: THE USE OF COMIC BOOKS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES
Authors: Lopes da Silva Cinthia , Rossi Filho Silvio , Pinto Costa da Silva Priscilla , Schwartz Gisele Maria , Ferreira de Souza Marcio , Dos Santos Souza Adalberto , Scalzitti Adriano , Pillon Rosiane , Ferreira da Silva Luciene , Capellini Rigoni Ana Carolina
Published: January 2021

In Brazil, many students dislike Physical Education classes because of content repetition, dissatisfactory curricular organization, among other factors. This work aims at assessing the efficiency of a proposal for Physical Education classes, which includes contents of physical activities and the use of comic books. This is a qualitative study and both bibliographic and field researches were carried out. Ten classes were held to a group of ninth graders from a public school in the city of Piracicaba/SP/Brazil. We found that the use of comic books as a teaching resource is effective: it portrays the experiences that the students, felt and mediated through their “rational” and “sensitive” knowledge about physical activities.
REFLEXÕES SOBRE OS SUPER-HERÓIS NA EDUCAÇÃO E SUAS POTENCIALIDADES
Authors: Modesto Sandro Luiz
Published: January 2021

Os super-heróis, tão presentes na vida de crianças e adolescentes, têm potencialidades para contribuir no ensino/aprendizado na educação básica. O mito do super-herói e sua influência no inconsciente coletivo, sua dimensão axiológica (ideológica) e sua moralidade fornecem bases para pensar no poder dos super-heróis na educação. Assim, o potencial dos super-heróis é uma realidade a ser explorada na educação de crianças e adolescentes.
DEUSES COMO IDEIAS: UMA ANÁLISE DE DEUSES AMERICANOS SOB A PERSPECTIVA DELEUZIANA
Authors: Belfort Marcelle Fonseca , Maia Leonardo
Published: January 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a concepção de Deuses como Ideias, apresentada por Gaiman em seu romance Deuses Americanos, sob a proposta de Deleuze sobre a criação de ideias. Para tal, este texto aborda a crítica de Nietzsche, retomada por Deleuze, ao modelo de representação platônico e suas consequências para a maneira de se pensar epistemologia. Após isso, são explicitadas as similaridades das propostas de produção de ideias em Deleuze e da criação de Deuses em Deuses Americanos, ilustrando a possibilidade de abordar temáticas religiosas sob uma perspectiva criadora.
Reproducing kernel approach for numerical solutions of fuzzy fractional initial value problems under the Mittag-Leffler kernel differential operator
Authors: arqub omar abu , Singh Jagdev , Maayah Banan , Alhodaly Mohammed
Published: January 2021

In this research study, fuzzy fractional differential equations in
presence of the Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo differential operators are
analytically and numerically treated using extended reproducing Kernel
Hilbert space technique. With the utilization of a fuzzy strongly
generalized differentiability form, a new fuzzy characterization theorem
beside two fuzzy fractional solutions is constructed and computed. To
besetment the attitude of fuzzy fractional numerical solutions; analysis
of convergence and conduct of error beyond the reproducing kernel theory
are explored and debated. In this tendency, three computational
algorithms and modern trends in terms of analytic and numerical
solutions are propagated. Meanwhile, the dynamical characteristics and
mechanical features of these fuzzy fractional solutions are demonstrated
and studied during two applications via three-dimensional graphs and
tabulated numerical values. In the end, highlights and future suggested
research work are eluded.
Applying Artificial Intelligence on Satellite Imagery to Compile Granular Poverty Statistics
Authors: Hofer Martin , Sako Tomas , Martinez Jr. Arturo , Addawe Mildred , Bulan Joseph , Durante Ron Lester , Martillan Marymell
Published: January 2021

This study outlines a computational framework to enhance the spatial granularity of government-published poverty estimates, citing data from the Philippines and Thailand. Computer vision techniques were applied on publicly available medium resolution satellite imagery, household surveys, and census data from the two countries. The results suggest that even using publicly accessible satellite imagery, predictions generally aligned with the distributional structure of government-published poverty estimates after calibration. The study further examines the robustness of the resulting estimates to user-specified algorithmic parameters and model specifications.
The Wellness Economy: A Comprehensive System of National Accounts Approach
Authors: Consing III Rafael Martin M.
Published: January 2021

This working paper explains how to derive indicators for a country’s wellness sector using the system of national accounts framework. It also provides estimates of these indicators for 10 countries in developing Asia across 2 time periods. Estimates include the wellness sector’s production and employment linkages with nonwellness sectors and potential losses in production and employment if the wellness sector were hypothetically extracted from each economy.