bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CYP19A1 (TTTA)n Repeat Polymorphism, but not Arg264Cys Polymorphism, May Affect the Risk of Prostate Cancer: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Lei , Liu Yanan , Liu Lijun , Shao Shixiu , Cao Yanwei , Guo Jiaming , Haitao Niu
Published: August 2020

Background: Abnormal aromatase (CYP19A1) expression has been proposed to take part in the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). However, results of studies on the CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms and PCa are conflicting.This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the association between the CYP19A1 Arg264Cys polymorphism and (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism and PCa.Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, EmBase, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library) were comprehensively searched to identify eligible studies. The strength of association between the CYP19A1 Arg264Cys polymorphism and PCa was assessed by pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in allelic, dominant, recessive, homozygous, and heterozygous genetic models. To analyze the impact of the (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism, we took sequentially the N-repeat allele (where N equals 7,8,10,11,12, and 13) as the minor allele and the sum of all the other alleles as the major allele. The ORs and 95%CIs were calculated in the allelic model; this analysis was performed individually for each repeat number. Results: Pooled estimates of nine eligible studies addressing the Arg264Cys polymorphism indicated that this polymorphism was not associated with the risk of PCa in the overall population and in the Caucasian and Asian subgroups. A meta-analysis of seven studies addressing the (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism revealed that the 8-repeat allele increased PCa risk in the overall population (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.14–1.58, P=0.001) and in the subgroup with population-based (PB) controls (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.13–1.74, P=0.002). Although the 7-repeat allele appeared not to affect PCa risk in the overall population, it protected against PCa in the subgroup with PB controls (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.67–0.98, P=0.03).Conclusions: The meta-analysis indicated that the CYP19A1 (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism, but not Arg264Cys polymorphism may affect PCa risk.
Phosphorylation of Pit-1 by Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 at Serine 126 is Associated With Cell Proliferation and Poor Prognosis in Prolactinomas
Authors: Xie Weiyan , Fang Qiuyue , Guo Jing , Gong Lei , Li Chuzhong , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: August 2020

Background：Pit-1 is a POU-homeodomain transcription factor, Cyclin-dependent kinase（CDK5）is a protein kinase that can phosphorylate many key transcription factors, but the mechanism of CDK5 phosphorylates Pit-1 is unclear.Methods: We generated an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated serine at position 126 of Pit-1 (Ser126-Pit-1); we used western blotting to detect the level of Pit-1 phosphorylation and observed the proliferation and apoptosis of GH3 cells with different levels of Pit-1 phosphorylation by clone formation experiments, cell viability assays, and flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure the level of PRL in the supernatant of GH3 cells. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of phosphorylation level of Ser126-Pit-1 (pSer126-Pit-1) in prolactinomas. Results Our data indicated that Ser126-Pit-1 is specifically phosphorylated by CDK5. pSer-126-Pit-1 can promote cell proliferation and PRL secretion. In addition, a higher level of pSer-126-Pit-1 correlates with a worse prognosis in patients with prolactinoma. Conclusions CDK5-mediated Ser126-Pit-1 phosphorylation regulates prolactinoma progression and PRL secretion.
MAÏA® Topical Repellent Ointment Provides Long-Lasting Protection Against Anopheles Gambiae s.s., Anopheles Arabiensis and Aedes Aegypti Under Semi-Field Conditions in Tanzania
Authors: Mbuba Emmanuel , Odufuwa Olukayode , Tenywa Frank , Philipo Rose , Tambwe Mgeni , Swai Johnson Kyeba , Moore Jason , Moore Sarah
Published: August 2020

Background: N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) topical mosquito repellents are effective personal protection tools. However, DEET repellents tend to have low consumer acceptability because they are cosmetically unappealing. More attractive formulations are needed to encourage regular compliance. This study evaluated the protective efficacy and duration of protection of a new topical repellent ointment, MAÏA® compared to 20% DEET in ethanol using malaria and dengue mosquito vectors in Tanzania.Methods: Fully balanced 3x3 Latin square design studies were conducted in large semi-field chambers using laboratory strains of Anopheles gambiae s.s, Anopheles arabiensis and Aedes aegypti. Human volunteers applied either MAÏA® ointment, 20% DEET or ethanol to their lower limbs six hours before the start of tests. Approximately 100 mosquitoes per strain per replicate were released inside each chamber, with 25 mosquitoes released at regular intervals during the collection period to maintain adequate biting pressure throughout the test. Volunteers recaptured mosquitoes landing on their lower limbs for six hours over a period of six to 12-hours post-application of repellents. Data analysis was conducted using mixed-effects logistic regression.Results: The protective efficacy of MAÏA® and 20% DEET was not different for each of the mosquito strains: 95.9% vs 97.4% against An. gambiae (OR=1.53 [95% CI: 0.93–2.51] p=0.091); 96.8% vs 97.2% against An. arabiensis (OR =1.08 [95% CI: 0.66 –1.77] P=0.757); 93.1% vs 94.6% against Ae. aegypti (OR=0.76 [95% CI: 0.20-2.80] p=0.675). Average complete protection time (CPT) of MAÏA® and that of DEET was similar for each of the mosquito strains: 571.6 minutes (95% CI: 558.3-584.8) vs 575.0 minutes (95% CI: 562.1-587.9) against An. gambiae; 585.6 minutes (95% CI: 571.4-599.8) vs 580.9 minutes (95% CI: 571.1-590.7) against An. arabiensis; 444.1 minutes (95% CI: 401.8-486.5) vs 436.9 minutes (95% CI: 405.2-468.5) against Ae. aegypti.Conclusions: MAÏA® repellent ointment provides complete protection for 9 hours against both An. gambiae and An. arabiensis, and 7 hours against Ae. aegypti similar to 20% DEET (in ethanol). MAÏA® repellent ointment can be recommended as a tool for prevention of outdoor biting mosquitoes in tropical locations with a suggested reapplication time of 6 hours.
Observations on the Biology and Structure of Three Dry Tropical Forests in South India
Authors: Remadevi O.K.
Published: August 2020

Tropical dry deciduous forests are found in variable climates characterized by low rainfall where woody plants possess several functional traits that permit them to endure severe water stress for several months of the year. We present an assessment of species-rich Dry Tropical Forests of the South Indian Deccan Plateau based on three large, tree-mapped field plots located in close vicinity to each other. The study includes a descriptive section (details of 130 woody plant species) and a modeling section. The modeling section presents specific species-area relations, species abundance distributions and relationships between biological attributes and individual-based structural attributes. The Monod equation is found most suitable for modeling the species-area relations confirming previous studies. The shape of the species abundance distribution follows the Weibull model which represents an alternative to the traditional lognormal model; the Weibull parameters are related linearly to species richness which is a new finding.
Hydrogen sulfide protects from cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via attenuating inflammation activated by necroptosis in canine
Authors: Wang Shuang , Xu Enshuang , Ge Ruidong , Jia Haotian , Fan Yuying , Hu Mengxin , Jin Shengzi , Guan Tongxu , Ren XiaoLi , Liu Yun
Published: August 2020

Background Cisplatin, as an effective anti-cancer drug, has significant effects on a variety of solid tumors such as ovarian cancer and malignant lymphoma. However, cisplatin has strong nephrotoxicity, which greatly limits its clinical application. Unfortunately, the way to validly inhibit cisplatin-induced kidney damage remain poor understood currently. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was considered to be the third new gas signal molecules, involved in various physiological functions of the body. This present study was designed to investigate the effect of H2S on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and the involved mechanisms in canine.Results Cisplatin-inject canine developed severe AKI symptom as indicated by renal dysfunction and pathological changes. Whereas H2S attenuated the serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (Bun) level and renal tubular damage. Cisplatin induced necroptosis and regulated the corresponding protein expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, PARP1, and then activated inflammatory factors expression such as TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β in canine kidney tissues. Cisplatin also triggered oxidative stress and affected energy metabolism. However, H2S significantly improved necroptosis and inflammation, manifested by increasing Cas8 activity and the expression of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ. At the same time, the antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism levels of canine kidney were notably improved.Conclusion Collectively, our results suggest that H2S protect kidney from cisplatin-induced AKI via mitigating necroptosis and inflammation. Besides, H2S improved the level of energy metabolism and displayed a potency in cisplatin-induced oxidative stress. These provided a new idea for reducing cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
A new candidate vaccine for human brucellosis based on influenza viral vectors: development of immunization schedule in guinea pig model
Authors: Bugybayeva Dina , Kydyrbayev Zhailaubay , Zinina Nadezhda , Assanzhanova Nurika , Yespembetov Bolat , Kozhamkulov Yerken , Zakarya Kunsulu , Tabynov Kaissar , Ryskeldinova Sholpan
Published: August 2020

Background: A new candidate vector vaccine against human brucellosis based on recombinant influenza viral vectors (rIVV) subtypes H5N1 expressing Brucella Omp16, L7/L12, Omp19 or Cu-Zn SOD proteins has been developed. This paper presents the results of a study of the safety and protective properties of the vaccine with various options of administering, dosing and frequency of use on guinea pigs.Methods: The safety of the vaccine was assessed based on the general condition, behavior and dynamics of a guinea pig weight-gain test. The effectiveness of the new anti-brucellosis vector vaccine was determined by studying its protective effect after conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual administration in doses 105 EID50, 106 EID50 and 107 EID50 during prime and booster vaccinations of animals, followed by challenge with a virulent strain of B. mellitensis 16M infection. For sake of comparison, the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine was used as a control. The protective properties of vaccines were assessed by quantitation of Brucella colonization in organs and tissues of infected animals and compared to the control groups.Results: It was found that the vaccine after prime and booster immunization using conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual routes of administration, as well as after using various doses of vaccine were safe for guinea pigs. The most optimal way of using the vaccine has been established: double intranasal immunization of guinea pigs at a dose of 106 EID50, which provides 80% protection of guinea pigs from B. melitensis 16M infection (P < 0.05), comparable to the results of the effectiveness of the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine.Conclusions: We developed effective human vaccine against brucellosis and developed its immunization schedule in guinea pig model. We believe that this study is a substantial step for using the vaccine for future pre-clinical and clinical trials in human.
Outdoor Home Gardener Preferences for Environmental Attributes in Gardening Supplies and Use of Ecofriendly Gardening Practices
Authors: Thomas McKenzie , Jensen Kimberly , Velandia Margarita , Clark Christopher , English Burton , Lambert Dayton , Walker Forbes
Published: August 2020

Home gardeners’ concerns for the environment are expressed both in the ecofriendly gardening practices they use and in environmental attributes they prefer in the gardening products they purchase. This study uses data from a 2018 survey of 601 Tennessee outdoor home gardeners and a multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model to illustrate how outdoor home gardener demographics, expenditures, information use, and attitudes influence use of ecofriendly gardening practices and preferences for environmental attributes in home gardening supplies. Practices considered include planting pollinator plants, using rainwater collectors, composting, recycling gardening supplies packaging, using organic gardening methods, and use of soil testing. Gardening supply product attributes include decreased need for fertilizer, pesticides, and water; native plant species; organically produced products; and recyclable packaging. The most widely used practice is recycling gardening supplies packaging, and the least used is soil testing. Gardeners with a greater propensity to use the six gardening practices include male, college graduates, who spend relatively more of their income on gardening supplies, and consider themselves as being knowledgeable about environmental issues. The gardening supply product attribute most widely considered as important is decreased need for pesticides, and least widely considered as important are native species and organically produced. Gardeners more likely to prefer the six gardening supply product attributes include older gardeners, who seek other gardeners for information, and who perceived themselves as being knowledgeable about the environment. This same group likes to grow their own food and feels responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations.
Vanadium-induced coloration in grossite (CaAl4O7) and hibonite (CaAl12O19)
Authors: Ardit Matteo , Cámara Fernando , Hålenius Ulf
Published: August 2020

High concentrations of vanadium cause very unusual coloration in hibonite (purple) and grossite (light violet) crystals in an exotic mineral assemblage from Sierra de Comechingones (Argentina). In the hibonite (CaAl12O19) structure vanadium ions, in various valence states (divalent, trivalent, and tetravalent), may be distributed over five crystallographic sites with coordinations corresponding to different polyhedra, namely, three unequal octahedra [M1 (D3d), M4 (C3ν), and M5 (Cs)], one M3 tetrahedron (C3ν), and one unusual fivefold-coordinated trigonal bipyramid M2 (D3h). Possible locations of vanadium ions in grossite (CaAl4O7) are limited to two crystallographically distinct sites (T1 and T2, both C1) in tetrahedral coordination.

The combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy techniques aided by chemical analyses has yielded details on the nature of the vanadium-induced color in both hibonite and grossite crystals. In hibonite, both M4 face-sharing octahedral and M2 trigonal bipyramid sites of the R-block are partially occupied by V3+. Strongly polarized bands recorded at relatively low energies in optical absorption spectra indicate that V2+ is located at the M4 octahedral site of the hibonite R-block. Chemical analyses coupled with an accurate determination of the electron densities at structural sites in hibonite suggest that the vanadium ions occupy about 10 and 5% of the M4 and M2 sites, respectively. For grossite, polarized optical absorption spectra reveal no indications of V2+; all observed absorption bands can be assigned to V3+ in tetrahedral coordination. Although not evident by the observed electron densities at the T sites of grossite (due to the low-V content), longer bond distances, and a higher degree of polyhedral distortion suggest that V3+ is located at the T2 site.
Do Estado Falido à Cidade Falida
Authors: Hoff Natali , Blanco Ramon
Published: August 2020

Este artigo analisa criticamente como o conceito de cidade falida pode dar sustentação à operacionalização de uma governamentalidade global no âmbito das cidades, por meio da consolidação de quadros epistêmicos que entendem as cidades como espaço de intervenção por parte de agentes internacionais. Por conseguinte, o artigo investiga como as noções de fragilidade e falência, quando aplicadas às análises sobre as cidades, acabam por dar sustentação à práticas internacionais que busquem moldar o comportamento das cidades e de suas populações. Para isso os conceitos de “fracasso” e “fragilidade” são problematizadose sujeitos a reinterpretações, de modo que as relações entre a produção do conhecimento e o exercício do poder possam ser visualizadas. Com o objetivo de realizar essa análise, o artigo está dividido em duas seções. A primeira apresenta a noção de governamentalidade global e a sua importância para a compreensão da política internacional. A segunda seção, por sua vez, analisa a ascensão da conceitualização de cidades falidas na segurança internacional, observando como essa conceitualização pode possibilitar que as cidades se tornem espaços de ingerência da governamentalidade global, por meio do governo como conduta da conduta.
Parceria China e Rússia
Authors: Schutte Giorgio , Sant'Anna Debone Victor
Published: August 2020

Na década de 1990, após o fim da União Soviética, a Rússia parecia estar condenada a um papel marginal e subordinado no sistema internacional. De outro lado, a China parecia ter conectado suas aspirações para o desenvolvimento, em parceria com os EUA. Dessa forma, uma aproximação entre Beijing e Moscou era considerada pouco provável. Isso mudou drasticamente a partir da primeira década de 2000 e, na segunda década, consolidou-se uma nova realidade na Eurásia. Trata-se de um processo a respeito do qual há divergência na literatura. De um lado, enfatiza-se o novo caráter estratégico dessa parceria e, de outro,valorizam-se suas contradições e fragilidades. A tese defendida neste artigo é a de que, para a compreensão da dimensão da relação China-Rússia, é preciso reconhecer a simultaneidade de novas visões entre as lideranças chinesas e russas, não somente a respeito do cenário internacional mas, sobretudo, acerca de suas aspirações para garantir o desenvolvimento de forma soberana. Serão analisados os principais componentes da parceria entre os dois países: as relações econômicas; a aproximação militar; a Organização para Cooperação de Xangai (SCO); a Iniciativa Cinturão e Rota (BRI); a coordenação no Conselho de Segurança da ONU, e a diplomacia presidencial Putin-Xi.
Current Status of SUMOylation Inhibitors
Authors: Brackett Christopher M. , Blagg Brian S. J.
Published: August 2020

:

SUMOylation has emerged as an important post-translational modification that involves the covalent attachment
of the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) polypeptide to a lysine residue of a target protein. The enzymatic pathway of
SUMOylation is very similar to ubiquitinylation and involves an activating enzyme, a conjugating enzyme, ligases and deconjugating enzymes. SUMOylation modulates the function of a number of proteins associated with various pathways, and
in fact, dysregulation of the SUMOylation pathway is observed in both cancer and neurological diseases. In many cancers,
the SUMO enzymes are upregulated and SUMO levels correlate directly with prognosis and disease progression. As a result, there has been an emphasis on the discovery and development of inhibitors of SUMOylation. In this review, the latest
advances in SUMOylation inhibitors is described alongside the methods used to discover small molecule SUMOylation inhibitors, which include natural products, peptidomimetics, as well as synthetic derivatives identified via virtual screens.
Current Trends on Repurposing and Pharmacological Enhancement of Andrographolide
Authors: Ren Xuan , Xu Wenzhou , Sun Jiao , Dong Biao , Awala Hussein , Wang Lin
Published: August 2020

Andrographolide, the main bioactive component separated from Andrographis paniculata in
1951, has been scrutinized with a modern drug discovery approach for anti-inflammatory properties
since 1984. Identification of new uses of existing drugs can be facilitated by searching for evidence linking
them to known or yet undiscovered drug targets and human disease states to develop new therapeutic
indications.Furthermore, a wide spectrum of biological properties of andrographolide such as anticancer,
antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-malarial, anti-atherosclerosis are also
reported. However, poor water solubility and instability limit its clinical application. It becomes crucial
to enhance its pharmacological function and find a new treatment option for more diseases. Therefore,
this article reviews the major recent developments in andrographolide, including repurposing applications
in different diseases and underlying mechanisms, particularly focusing on pharmacological enhancement
of andrographolide such as derivatives, chemical modifications with potent biological activity
and drug delivery. The repurposing and pharmacological enhancement of andrographolide would not
only have exciting therapeutic potential to different diseases to facilitate drug marketing, but also decrease
the economic burden on healthcare worldwide.
Role of Glucose Transporters in Drug Membrane Transport
Authors: Wang Xin , Guo Kunkun , Huang Baolin , Lin Zimin , Cai Zheng
Published: August 2020

Background:

Glucose is the main energy component of cellular activities. However, as a polar molecule, glucose cannot freely pass through the phospholipid bilayer structure of the cell membrane. Thus, glucose must rely on specific transporters in the membrane. Drugs with a similar chemical structure to glucose may also be transported through this pathway.

Methods:

This review describes the structure, distribution, action mechanism and influencing factors of glucose transporters and introduces the natural drugs mediated by these transporters and drug design strategies on the basis of this pathway.

Results:

The glucose transporters involved in glucose transport are of two major types, namely, Na+-dependent and Na+-independent transporters. Glucose transporters can help some glycoside drugs cross the biological membrane. The transmembrane potential is influenced by the chemical structure of drugs. Glucose can be used to modify drugs and improve their ability to cross biological barriers.

Conclusion:

The membrane transport mechanism of some glycoside drugs may be related to glucose transporters. Glucose modification may improve the oral bioavailability of drugs or achieve targeted drug delivery.
The Vectorcardiogram and the Main Dromotropic Disturbances
Authors: Pérez-Riera Andrés R. , Barbosa-Barros Raimundo , Daminello-Raimundo Rodrigo , de Abreu Luiz C. , Nikus Kjell
Published: August 2020

Until the mid-1980s, it was believed that the vectorcardiogram (VCG) presented a greater specificity, sensitivity and accuracy in comparison to the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), in the cardiology diagnosis. Currently, the VCG still is superior to the ECG in specific situations, such as in the evaluation of myocardial infarctions when associated with intraventricular conduction disturbances, in the identification and location of accessory pathways in ventricular preexcitation, in the differential diagnosis of patterns varying from normal of electrical axis deviation, in the evaluation of particular aspects of Brugada syndrome, Brugada phenocopies, concealed form of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and zonal or fascicular blocks of the right bundle branch on right ventricular free wall.VCG allows us to analyze the presence of left septal fascicular block more accurately than ECG and in the diagnosis of the interatrial blocks and severity of some chambers enlargements. The three-dimensional spatial orientation of both the atrial and the ventricular activity provides a far more complete observation tool than the linear ECG. We believe that the ECG/VCG binomial simultaneously obtained by the technique called electro-vectorcardiography (ECG/VCG) brought a significant gain for the differential diagnosis of several pathologies. Finally, in the field of education and research, VCG provided a better and more rational tridimensional insight into the electrical phenomena that occurs spatially, and represented an important impact on the progress of electrocardiography.
Nummular Eczema: An Updated Review
Authors: Leung Alexander K.C. , Lam Joseph M. , Leong Kin Fon , Leung Amy A.M. , Wong Alex H.C. , Hon Kam L.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Nummular eczema may mimic diseases that present with annular configuration and the differential diagnosis is broad.

Objective:

This article aimed to provide an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of nummular eczema.

Methods:

A PubMed search was performed in using the key terms “nummular eczema”, “discoid eczema”, OR “nummular dermatitis”. The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Patents were searched using the key terms “nummular eczema”, “discoid eczema”, OR “nummular dermatitis” in www.google.com/patents and www.freepatentsonline.com.

Results:

Nummular eczema is characterized by sharply defined, oval or coin-shaped, erythematous, eczematous plaques. Typically, the size of the lesion varies from 1 to 10cm in diameter. The lesions are usually multiple and symmetrically distributed. Sites of predilection include the lower limbs followed by the upper limbs. The lesions are usually intensely pruritic. The diagnosis is mainly clinical based on the characteristic round to oval erythematous plaques in a patient with diffusely dry skin. Nummular eczema should be distinguished from other annular lesions. Dermoscopy can reveal additional features that can be valuable for correct diagnosis. Biopsy or laboratory tests are generally not necessary. However, a potassium hydroxide wet-mount examination of skin scrapings should be performed if tinea corporis is suspected. Because contact allergy is common with nummular eczema, patch testing should be considered in patients with chronic, recalcitrant nummular eczema. Avoidance of precipitating factors, optimal skin care, and high or ultra-high potency topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy. Recent patents related to the management of nummular eczema are also discussed.

Conclusion:

With proper treatment, nummular eczema can be cleared over a few weeks, although the course can be chronic and characterized by relapses and remissions. Moisturizing of the skin and avoidance of identifiable exacerbating factors, such as hot water baths and harsh soaps may reduce the frequency of recurrence. Diseases that present with annular lesions may mimic nummular eczema and the differential diagnosis is broad. As such, physicians must be familiar with this condition so that an accurate diagnosis can be made, and appropriate treatment initiated.
Amygdalin Decreases Adhesion and Migration of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mosayyebi Bashir , Mohammadi Leila , Kalantary-Charvadeh Ashkan , Rahmati Mohammad
Published: August 2020

Background:

Cell adhesion, as dynamic interactions between cell-cell and cell-matrix,
has an essential role in cancer cell migration. Integrins as cell membrane receptors are involved in
cell adhesion and signal transduction. Aberrant expression of integrins is associated with the cancer
cell adhesion.

Objective:

Targeting the process of cell adhesion and migration could be helpful to prevent cancer
cell metastasis. Amygdalin is a cyanoglycoside compound with anti-cancer properties, while its effect
on cancer cell adhesion is not completely clear.

Methods:

The cytotoxic effect of amygdalin on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-
231) and human skin fibroblast cell line as a normal cell, was evaluated through MTT assay. The
cell adhesion assay and wound healing assay were performed to determine amygdalin effects on adhesion
and migration of cancer cells. Further analysis was carried out to evaluate integrin α and β
levels through real-time PCR.

Results:

We demonstrated that amygdalin diminished the cell viability of both cell lines in a time
and dose-dependent manner, while amygdalin did not have any toxicity on the human skin fibroblast
cell line in the same dosages. Following amygdalin treatment, the adhesion of both studied
cell lines to fibronectin and collagen I decrease, and this reduction is significantly greater in the
case of binding to fibronectin compared to binding to collagen. The MDA-MB-231 cell migration
was decreased greater than MCF-7 cells. The levels of α and β integrin were differentially regulated
by amygdalin in both cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that depending on cancer cell lines, amygdalin affects cancer
cell adhesion and migration.
From the Editor
Authors: Humphreys John
Published: August 2020

Letter from the editor.
The Integrative Effects of Flexible Work Arrangements and Preferences for Segmenting or Integrating Work and Home Roles
Authors: Hyland MaryAnne M. , Rowsome Ciaran , Rowsome Erin
Published: August 2020

Flexible work arrangements are being offered by an increasing number of organizations for recruitment and retention purposes. However, Person-Environment Fit theory (Edwards, 1996) suggests that flexible work arrangements may not be beneficial for all employees. This study examined the relationship of flexible work arrangement use with employee performance, affective commitment, and turnover intentions, while taking into consideration the moderating effects of employees’ preferences for segmenting or integrating their work and home lives. The sample consisted of 172 employees from eight organizations in Ireland. Marginally significant effects for compressed workweeks were found. Implications for future practitioners and future research are discussed.
Dermal Filler types, Effect on soft tissue and Life Style correlation
Authors: Mohamed Dalia A
Published: August 2020

One of the most common manifestation in our time, especially among girls, is those procedures on the skin or maintaining or to modify some of the changes in the skin, such as those that come due to aging or any other cosmetic reasons. Fillers and Botox are two of the most popular procedures. Dermal fillers are effective treatments used to soften and reduce wrinkles and deep lines, fill out the cheeks and smooth facial contours. There are four main types of injectable dermal fillers, including fat, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and microsphere-containing carriers of another material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). So that to understand any type of injection, it is important to look at its history for valuable lessons and for successful progress. Honestly, it is very interesting to see what and where the world gets in the last 40 years of injectable. Today, we will be examining the brief history of dermal fillers from their bovine collagen roots, to the advanced fillers that are available today. In this review, we aimed to show some types of dermal fillers including a variety of its complication in soft tissue. Also, we try to correlate the factor of lifestyle  with its variant effects.
Role of Health Literacy in Health-Related Information-Seeking Behavior Online: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lee Hee Yun , Jin Seok Won , Henning-Smith Carrie , Lee Jongwook , Lee Jaegoo
Published: August 2020

Background

The internet has emerged as a main venue of health information delivery and health-related activities. However, few studies have examined how health literacy determines online health-related behavior.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the current level of health-related information-seeking using the internet and how health literacy, access to technology, and sociodemographic characteristics impact health-related information-seeking behavior.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study through a survey with Minnesotan adults (N=614) to examine their health literacy, access to technology, and health-related information-seeking internet use. We used multivariate regression analysis to assess the relationship between health-related information-seeking on the internet and health literacy and access to technology, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Better health literacy (β=.35, SE 0.12) and greater access to technological devices (eg, mobile phone and computer or tablet PC; β=.06, SE 0.19) were both associated with more health-related information-seeking behavior on the internet after adjusting for all other sociodemographic characteristics. Possession of a graduate degree (β=.28, SE 0.07), female gender (β=.15, SE 0.05), poor health (β=.22, SE 0.06), participation in social groups (β=.13, SE 0.05), and having an annual health exam (β=.35, SE 0.12) were all associated with online health-related information-seeking.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that access to online health-related information is not uniformly distributed throughout the population, which may exacerbate disparities in health and health care. Research, policy, and practice attention are needed to address the disparities in access to health information as well as to ensure the quality of the information and improve health literacy.
Telehealth and Palliative Care for Patients With Cancer: Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Grewal Udhayvir Singh , Terauchi Stephanie , Beg Muhammad Shaalan
Published: August 2020

It has been reported that the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is higher in patients with cancer than in the general population and that patients with cancer are at an increased risk of developing severe life-threatening complications from COVID-19. Increased transmission and poor outcomes noted in emerging data on patients with cancer and COVID-19 call for aggressive isolation and minimization of nosocomial exposure. Palliative care and oncology providers are posed with unique challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Telepalliative care is the use of telehealth services for remotely delivering palliative care to patients through videoconferencing, telephonic communication, or remote symptom monitoring. It offers great promise in addressing the palliative and supportive care needs of patients with advanced cancer during the ongoing pandemic. We discuss the case of a 75-year-old woman who was initiated on second-line chemotherapy, to highlight how innovations in technology and telehealth-based interventions can be used to address patients’ palliative and supportive care needs in the ongoing epidemic.
Extraction of Family History Information From Clinical Notes: Deep Learning and Heuristics Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Silva João Figueira , Almeida João Rafael , Matos Sérgio
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Electronic health records store large amounts of patient clinical data. Despite efforts to structure patient data, clinical notes containing rich patient information remain stored as free text, greatly limiting its exploitation. This includes family history, which is highly relevant for applications such as diagnosis and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop automatic strategies for annotating family history information in clinical notes, focusing not only on the extraction of relevant entities such as family members and disease mentions but also on the extraction of relations between the identified entities.

METHODS

This study extends a previous contribution for the 2019 track on family history extraction from national natural language processing clinical challenges by improving a previously developed rule-based engine, using deep learning (DL) approaches for the extraction of entities from clinical notes, and combining both approaches in a hybrid end-to-end system capable of successfully extracting family member and observation entities and the relations between those entities. Furthermore, this study analyzes the impact of factors such as the use of external resources and different types of embeddings in the performance of DL models.

RESULTS

The approaches developed were evaluated in a first task regarding entity extraction and in a second task concerning relation extraction. The proposed DL approach improved observation extraction, obtaining F1 scores of 0.8688 and 0.7907 in the training and test sets, respectively. However, DL approaches have limitations in the extraction of family members. The rule-based engine was adjusted to have higher generalizing capability and achieved family member extraction F1 scores of 0.8823 and 0.8092 in the training and test sets, respectively. The resulting hybrid system obtained F1 scores of 0.8743 and 0.7979 in the training and test sets, respectively. For the second task, the original evaluator was adjusted to perform a more exact evaluation than the original one, and the hybrid system obtained F1 scores of 0.6480 and 0.5082 in the training and test sets, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We evaluated the impact of several factors on the performance of DL models, and we present an end-to-end system for extracting family history information from clinical notes, which can help in the structuring and reuse of this type of information. The final hybrid solution is provided in a publicly available code repository.
Effective Training Data Extraction Method to Improve Influenza Outbreak Prediction from Online News Articles: Deep Learning Model Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jang Beakcheol , Kim Inhwan , Kim Jong Wook
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Each year, influenza affects 3 to 5 million people and causes 290,000 to 650,000 fatalities worldwide. To reduce the fatalities caused by influenza, several countries have established influenza surveillance systems to collect early warning data. However, proper and timely warnings are hindered by a 1- to 2-week delay between the actual disease outbreaks and the publication of surveillance data. To address the issue, novel methods for influenza surveillance and prediction using real-time internet data (such as search queries, microblogging, and news) have been proposed. Some of the currently popular approaches extract online data and use machine learning to predict influenza occurrences in a classification mode. However, many of these methods extract training data subjectively, and it is difficult to capture the latent characteristics of the data correctly. There is a critical need to devise new approaches that focus on extracting training data by reflecting the latent characteristics of the data.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we propose an effective method to extract training data in a manner that reflects the hidden features and improves the performance by filtering and selecting only the keywords related to influenza before the prediction.

METHODS

Although word embedding provides a distributed representation of words by encoding the hidden relationships between various tokens, we enhanced the word embeddings by selecting keywords related to the influenza outbreak and sorting the extracted keywords using the Pearson correlation coefficient in order to solely keep the tokens with high correlation with the actual influenza outbreak. The keyword extraction process was followed by a predictive model based on long short-term memory that predicts the influenza outbreak. To assess the performance of the proposed predictive model, we used and compared a variety of word embedding techniques.

RESULTS

Word embedding without our proposed sorting process showed 0.8705 prediction accuracy when 50.2 keywords were selected on average. Conversely, word embedding using our proposed sorting process showed 0.8868 prediction accuracy and an improvement in prediction accuracy of 12.6%, although smaller amounts of training data were selected, with only 20.6 keywords on average.

CONCLUSIONS

The sorting stage empowers the embedding process, which improves the feature extraction process because it acts as a knowledge base for the prediction component. The model outperformed other current approaches that use flat extraction before prediction.
Coastal groundwater aquifer characterization from geoelectrical measurements- A case study at Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh.
Authors: Khalil Mohammad Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

Vertical electrical sounding has been carried out in a coastal area in the southern part of Bangladesh to locate the groundwater aquifers containing fresh water. The Interpex1X1Dv3 computer program was used to process the field apparent resistivity data sets obtained from the vertical electrical sounding.  Geoelectric layers were identified in the context of resistivity and thickness from the vertical electrical sounding data. From the initial parameters layered model was achieved using the inversion technique. Correlation of the obtained layer model with a nearby lithologic log concludes the groundwater aquifer system of the area. From the electrical properties of the subsurface layers, water bearing layers were detected and characterized. Very fine sand geoelectric layer with a thickness varying from 20 to 143 meters is an upper aquifer and has 0.66–14.02 Ωm apparent resistivity value. Fine sand geoelectric layer with 0.21-5.99 Ωm apparent resistivity value is lower aquifer with maximum thickness ~250 meters. From the resistivity value, it is observed that the upper aquifer contains saline to brackish-fresh water while the resistivity value of the lower aquifer indicates that it contains saline water. The water quality of the upper zone varies geographically from the southern to the northern part in the investigated area. The water quality of the upper aquifer is fresh in the northern part of the study while lower aquifer contains saline water there.
NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF TUNNEL PORTAL SLOPE STABILITY AT BAGONG DAM SITE, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA
Authors: Fatkhiandari Irien Akinina , Indrawan, Dr. I Gde Budi
Published: August 2020

Geometries of excavated tunnel portal slopes at Bagong Dam site was initially designed without taking into account earthquake load. The excavated slope designs also assumed the rocks consisting the slopes were homogenous. The purpose of this research was to evaluate stability of the excavated tunnel inlet and outlet slopes at the Bagong Dam site under static and earthquake loads using finite element method. Stability of the natural slopes was also analyzed for comparison. The numerical static and pseudostatic analyses of slope stability were carried out using RS2 software (Rocscience, Inc.). Input data used in the numerical analyses were obtained from engineering geological mapping, rock core analyses, and laboratory tests. Seismic coefficient applied in the pseudostatic slope stability analyses was determined following guideline described in Indonesian National Standard. The engineering geological mapping and evaluation of rock cores indicated that the inlet tunnel slope consisted of four types of materials, namely residual soil, poor quality of volcanic breccia, very poor quality of volcanic breccia, and good quality of volcanic breccia. The outlet portal slope consisted of six types of materials, namely residual soil, very poor quality of limestone, poor quality of limestone, very poor quality of volcanic breccia, poor quality breccia, and good quality breccia. Based on the secondary elastic wave velocity (Vs) values, the rock masses in the research area were classified as hard rock (SA). Seismic analyses based on the earthquake hazard source map with 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years provided by the National Earthquake Center (2017) indicated that the PGA and the corresponding amplification factor FPGA in the research area were 0.3 and 0.8, respectively. The calculated seismic coefficient for the pseudostatic slope stability analyses was 0.12. The numerical analysis results showed that, in general, earthquake load reduced critical Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) values of the slopes. However, the natural and excavated tunnel portal slopes were relatively stable under static and earthquake loads. The natural slope at the tunnel inlet with a 40° inclination had critical SRF value of 4.0, while that of at the tunnel outlet with a 51° inclination had critical SRF value of 2.6. Under static load, the excavated slopes at the tunnel inlet and outlet having a 45° inclination had critical SRF values of 2.4 and 5.0, respectively. Under earthquake load, the excavated slopes at the tunnel inlet and outlet had critical SRF values of 2.3 and 3.5, respectively.
The Histological Picture of Indication Biopsies in the First 2 Weeks after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Van Loon Elisabet , Lerut Evelyne , Senev Aleksandar , Coemans Maarten , Pirenne Jacques , Monbaliu Diethard , Jochmans Ina , Sainz Barriga Mauricio , De Vusser Katrien , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Sprangers Ben , Emonds Marie-Paule , Kuypers Dirk , Naesens Maarten
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

In preclinical studies, ischemia-reperfusion injury and older donor age are associated with graft inflammation in the early phase after transplantation. In human kidney transplantation, impaired allograft function in the first days after transplantation is often adjudicated to donor- and procedure-related characteristics, such as donor age, donor type, and ischemia times.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In a cohort of 984 kidney recipients, 329 indication biopsies were performed within the first 14 days after transplantation. The histologic picture of these biopsies and its relationship with alloimmune risk factors and donor- and procedure-related characteristics were studied, as well as the association with graft failure. Multivariable Cox models were applied to quantify the cause-specific hazard ratios for early rejection and early inflammatory scores, adjusted for potential confounders. For quantification of hazard ratios of early events for death-censored graft failure, landmark analyses starting from day 15 were used.

Results

Early indication biopsy specimens displayed microvascular inflammation score ≥2 in 30% and tubulointerstitial inflammation score ≥2 in 49%. Rejection was diagnosed in 186 of 329 (57%) biopsies and associated with the presence of pretransplant donor-specific HLA antibodies and the number of HLA mismatches, but not nonimmune risk factors in multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, delayed graft function, the graft dysfunction that prompted an early indication biopsy, HLA mismatches, and pretransplant donor-specific HLA antibodies were significantly associated with a higher risk for death-censored graft failure, whereas early acute rejection was not.

Conclusions

Indication biopsies performed early after kidney transplantation display inflammatory changes related to alloimmune risk factors. Nonimmune risk factors for ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as cold and warm ischemia time, older donor age, and donor type, were not identified as strong risk factors for early inflammation after human kidney transplantation.
Multidisciplinary Education—Bridging Physics to Life Sciences In Introductory College Labs
Authors: Abdul-Razzaq Wathiq
Published: August 2020

A simple circuit that produces a voltage pulse analogous to the pulse generated in the neuron was developed. This circuit is suitable for an introductory physics lab experiment to improve students understanding of applications to real life. By including a simple description of how neurons send electrical signals, a direct connection is made between physics and the human body. This is especially relevant to students pursuing careers in biology, medicine, and other pre-health areas, but also important to any student who is curious about the role physics plays outside of the lab.