bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Delivery of Natural Bioactives and Lipid-nanocargos against Signaling Pathways Involved in Skin Cancer
Authors: Iqubal Mohammad Kashif , Chaudhuri Aiswarya , Iqubal Ashif , Saleem Sadaf , Gupta Madan Mohan , Ahuja Alka , Ali Javed , Baboota Sanjula
Published: November 2020

At present, skin cancer is considered a widespread malignancy in human beings.
Among diverse population types, Caucasian populations are much more prone to
this malignancy in comparison to darker skin populations due to the lack of skin pigmentation.
Skin cancer is divided into malignant and non-melanoma skin cancer, which is further
categorized as basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation,
chemical carcinogen (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, tar, etc.), and viruses
(herpes virus, human papillomavirus, and human T-cell leukemia virus type-1) are major
contributing factors to skin cancer. There are distinct pathways available through which
skin cancer develops, such as the JAK-STAT pathway, Akt pathway, MAPKs signaling
pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, to name a few. Currently, several targeted treatments
are available, such as monoclonal antibodies, which have dramatically changed the line
of treatment of this disease but possess major therapeutic limitations. Thus, many phytochemicals
have been evaluated either alone or in combination with the existing synthetic
drugs to overcome their limitations and have been found to play a promising role in the
prevention and treatment. In this review, a complete overview of skin cancer, starting
from the signaling pathways involved, newer developed drugs with their targets and limitations,
along with the emerging role of natural products alone or in combination as potent
anticancer agents and their molecular mechanism involved has been discussed. Apart
from this, various nano-cargos have also been mentioned here, which can play a significant
role in the management and treatment of different types of skin cancer.
Long-Term Metabolic Consequences in Patients with a History of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Kousta Eleni , Kontogeorgi Adamantia , Robinson Stephen , Johnston Desmond G.
Published: November 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic complication of pregnancy. Universal guidelines
on gestational diabetes have been impeded by the long-term controversies on its definition and screening
strategies. The prevalence of gestational diabetes is rising all over the world, is significantly influenced by ethnicity
and its rise is mainly attributed to increasing maternal obesity and age. Gestational diabetes mellitus has
important long-term implications, including gestational diabetes recurrence, increased risk for developing type
2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease for the mother. Gestational diabetes mellitus may be
viewed as a chronic metabolic disorder that is identified in women during gestation and may provide a unique
opportunity for the early identification and primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular
disease in these women. In this mini-review, the evolution of screening tests for gestational diabetes and guidelines
are briefly described and metabolic and cardiovascular long-term consequences of women with a history
of gestational diabetes are summarized. A summary of our own St. Mary’s Hospital-UK Research series on
long-term metabolic consequences of 368 women with a history of gestational diabetes of 3 different ethnic
groups and 482 control women is also included. We found that approximately 2 years following delivery, 37%
of women with a history of gestational diabetes had abnormal glucose concentrations, but, most importantly,
even those who were normoglycaemic, postpartum displayed metabolic abnormalities on detailed testing. Future
research needs to focus on the prevention of gestational diabetes long-term complications, but also in identification
of pre-pregnancy predictors and risk reduction before conception.
Serum Pro-oxidant-antioxidant Balance in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ahmadnezhad Mahsa , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Bijari Moniba , Oladi Mohammad Reza , Esmaily Habibollah , Hoseini Seyed Javad , Barati Elham , Silakhori Samaneh , Mohammadi-Bajgiran Maryam , Davari Hafezeh , Parizadeh Mohammad Reza , Mokhber Naghme , Sharifan Payam , Aref-Hosseini Seyed Rafie , Ferns Gordon A , Moohebati Mohsen , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: November 2020

Aim and Objective:

Diabetes mellitus is associated with inflammation and increased oxidative stress. In the current
study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and serum pro-oxidantantioxidant
balance (PAB) in a large population-based study.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 7888 individuals recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic
Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. Participants were divided into three groups, based on their serum PAB values (levels <
36.4, 36.4-82.6 and > 82.6 HK). Serum PAB values were measured using a colorimetric method and enzyme-linked immune
sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

Serum PAB in subjects with and without diabetes was reported 76.85 ± 61.07 HK and 69.51 ± 55.50 HK. In subjects
with a serum PAB > 82.6 HK the risk of T2DM was 1.2 fold higher in comparison to subjects with a serum PAB <
36.4 HK (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.47, P-value: 0.002). This association remained significant after adjustment for confounding
factors in multivariable analysis (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.38, P-value: 0.027).

Conclusion:

Increased pro-oxidant levels may be a major complication of T2DM in our study subjects and PAB could be
an indicator of higher oxidative stress in T2DM patients from northeastern Iran.
A Computational Approach for Identifying Potential Phytochemicals Against Non-structural Protein 1 (Nsp1) of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hossain Md. Alamgir
Published: November 2020

Aim and Objective:

A recent study has revealed that non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) of the SARS-CoV-2 is one
of the novel targets for design and developing new antiviral drugs. To date, there is no significant exact medication is available
to treat Covid-19 as a result both the death toll and the number of people affecting by this disease is increasing every
day. 35 phytochemicals having antiviral properties were taken to get the best compounds against Nsp1

Materials and Methods:

As no PDB structure of this protein is available, homology modeling was done to predict the probable
structure. After homology modeling, the best model was taken according to C-score and TM- score and then validated
by using different web servers. After validation, docking of these compounds was done using AutoDock vina, vega zz, and
PyRx and consensus docking score was considered to select molecules after docking. Finally, the orbitals energy calculation
of these compounds was done to check their activity and the binding interaction of these molecules were also analyzed.

Results:

Molecules having a consensus score of -8kcal/mol or more negative were kept for further study and it was seen that
16 molecules had the given criteria. Then drug-likeness filtration was done according to Lipinski’s rule of five and 11 molecules
remained. Out of these 11 molecules, 5 molecules had satisfactory ADMET properties. Calculation of orbital energy
revealed their activity.

Conclusion:

It is expected that this research might be helpful for the development of new antiviral drugs active against
SARS-CoV-2 targeting Nsp1.
Application of Poloxamers for the Development of Drug Delivery System to Treat Leishmaniasis: A Review
Authors: Silva Audrey , Costa Amanda , Jain Sona , Coelho Eduardo , Fujiwara Ricardo , Scher Ricardo , Nunes Rogéria , Dolabella Silvio
Published: November 2020

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting more than 1.5 million people annually,
with an annual mortality of over 20.000. The drugs used for its treatment are toxic, expensive,
require extended treatment times and present variable efficacy. The disease severity and therapy
limitations suggest the need for new antileishmanial agents. In this context, in order to identify
new options for treatment, a number of studies based on nanotechnological strategies have been carried
out. Poloxamers are triblock copolymers very often utilized for nanotherapeutic solutions, resulting
in products with better solubility, higher stability, superior therapeutic efficacy and less
toxicity. This review will discuss the physicochemical properties of the copolymers, as well as describe
the use of poloxamers for the development of therapeutic formulations to treat leishmaniasis.
Concurrence of Talaromycosis and Kaposi Sarcoma in an HIV-Infected Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Miao Xingguo , Ye Hui , Yang Shoufeng , Su Feifei
Published: November 2020

Background:

Concurrence of talaromycosis, an infection caused by the opportunistic
fungal pathogen Talaromyces marneffei and Kaposi sarcoma, a common vascular tumor, is a rare
but severe medical condition in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Despite poor outcomes, the clinical characteristics and management strategies for HIV-infected patients
with comorbid Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis have not been well documented.

Case presentation:

A 33-year-old HIV-positive male patient presented to the Department of Infectious
Diseases at Wenzhou Central Hospital with cough, sputum expectoration, hemoptysis, rashes
on the feet and violaceous plaques in the oral cavity. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral
nodules, patchy shadows and lymphadenectasis. Skin biopsy and histopathological examination
indicated Kaposi sarcoma. T. marneffei was isolated from blood cultures and suggested
talaromycosis. The patient’s overall conditions significantly improved following initiation of combination
antiretroviral therapy (cART) and chemotherapy for Kaposi sarcoma and antifungal treatment
for talaromycosis.

Conclusions:

Severe medical conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis may coexist in
HIV-infected patients and pose an increased risk of mortality. Etiological diagnosis and treatment
are the keys to the successful management of HIV-infected patients with these concurrent conditions.
Inflammatory Cytokines Correlate with Dry Eye Indexes Estimated by Keratograph in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Fahmy Rania , Al-Muammar May N. , Alonazi Mona , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , El-Ansary Afaf
Published: November 2020

Background:

Inflammation plays a major role in dry eye diseases and is the prime target
in clinical treatments of the disease.

Objective:

To determine whether the inflammatory cytokines in the tear film of patients with dry
eye correlate with parameters such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Tear Meniscus Height
(TMH) and could be used together as predictive biomarkers of disease severity.

Methods:

This study included 58 eyes (29 female subjects; age, 19–25 years) comprising 20 normal
eyes (control), 20 eyes (level 1 dryness), and 18 eyes (level 2 dryness). Dryness level 1 or 2 is
keratographic diagnosis according to the tear break-up time cut-off value obtained. After ophthalmic
examinations, including determination of non-invasive TBUT average and first second and
TMH using Keratograph 4 (to measure dryness level), tears of all participants were collected. Five
cytokines, including interleukin 6, 10, 12, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were measured
using ELISA.

Results:

Significant changes were observed in all measured cytokines and these changes correlated
with eye dryness severity scores. Both groups (levels 1 & 2) showed remarkable changes related to
ocular surface alterations in clinical examinations. Significantly, shorter TBUT and TMH were recorded
in both groups and were positively correlated with the dryness severity.

Conclusion:

Cytokines could be used as predictive markers for pre-clinical diagnosis of dry eye
diseases and as prognostic markers to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Ag(I)-promoted Decarboxylative Annulation of α-Oxocarboxylic Acids with (E)-3-(2-aminophenyl)-1-Phenylprop-2-en-1-ones Toward 3,4- Functionalized Quinolines
Authors: Fan Xiaodong , Wang Chang , Cheng Jiang
Published: November 2020

An efficient Ag-promoted decarboxylative cyclization of α-oxocarboxylic acids with (E)-3-
(2-aminophenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-ones has been developed to afford a series of functionalized
quinolines in moderate to good yields. This method was compatible with a variety of functional groups
and provided an attractive method toward phenyl(2-phenylquinolin-3-yl)methanones.
Computational Study and Synthesis of a New Class of Anticonvulsants with 6 Hz Psychomotor Seizure Test Activity: 2-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)- N'-[substituted]-acetohydrazides
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Tripathi Laxmi
Published: November 2020

Background:

About 50 million epileptic cases worldwide and 12 million in India are reported.
Currently, available drugs yield adequate control of seizure in 60-70% of patients and show
many toxic effects. These actualities provoked the search for novel, more efficacious and safer anticonvulsants.

Objective:

The concatenation of 2-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)-N'-[substituted]-acetohydrazides SA 1-
10 was designed by molecular hybridization, optimized by computational study and synthesized with
the objective of obtaining a prototype of potent anticonvulsant molecules especially active against
partial seizures.

Methods:

Computational study was performed to calculate the pharmacophoric design, projection of
the pharmacokinetic parameters and docking scores of the titled compounds with molecular targets of
epilepsy. The anticonvulsant activity was ascertained by 6 Hz psychomotor seizure test. Minimal
motor impairment showing neurotoxicity was assessed using the Rotarod test.

Results:

Titled compounds possessed the indispensable elements of pharmacophore and displayed
good binding affinity with molecular targets of epilepsy, such as GABA (A) alpha-1 & delta receptor,
glutamate receptor, Na+/H+ exchanger and GABA- aminotransferase in docking studies. The most
potent compound of the concatenation was 2-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)-N'-[4-(4-
chlorophenoxy)benzylidene]-acetohydrazide SA 4, showing 100% protection at four different time
points with ED50 value 146.8 mg/kg at a TPE of 1 h in mice.

Conclusion:

The protection shown in 6 Hz test is implicated as the compound's ability to control
partial seizures. Thus, the titled compounds can be considered as potential prototype candidates for
antiepileptic therapy against partial seizures.
A Review of the Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Amylin Analogues
Authors: Koshy Rithika Mary , Fernandez Cornelius James , Jacob Koshy
Published: November 2020

:

A large proportion of persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM) do not reach the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) target of < 7% (53 mmol/-
mol), with an increasing proportion of them being overweight or obese. In both T1DM and T2DM,
there is accelerated gastric emptying and postprandial hyperglucagonemia. Furthermore, insulin
therapy itself is associated with risk of hypoglycemia and weight-gain both of which are barriers to
achieving good control. Medications which can achieve significant HbA1c and weight reduction associated
with an ability to delay gastric emptying and suppress the glucagon secretion with minimal/
no hypoglycemia are of particular interest as an adjuvant to insulin. A synthetic amylin analogue,
pramlintide is a drug with above mentioned properties. Other medications with similar properties
are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). In this article, we will review the
efficacy of pramlintide when given with insulin in improving HbA1c, weight, and cognition with-
/without GLP-1 RAs as well as its cardiovascular (CV) safety.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women in Ilam, West of Iran
Authors: Kenarkoohi Azra , Falahi Shahab , ghelijie Fariba , Mirzaei Asad
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Hepatitis E infection is commonly known as acute and self-limiting hepatitis, and therefore, less attention is paid to it, whereas hepatitis E virus is a major cause of fulminant hepatitis in pregnant women and its infection during pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal mortality. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in pregnant women in Ilam city is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of anti-HEV total and anti- HEV IgM antibodies among pregnant women in this area.

Material and Methods:

A total of 420 serum samples were collected between March 2018 and September 2019 from pregnant women, with a mean age of 29.61 years, ranging from 19 to 47 years, referred to Ilam health centers, West of Iran. Demographic data, including age and place of residence, were collected from patient records. The titers of anti-HEV total and anti-HEV IgM antibodies were measured by the ELISA method. The association between the prevalence of hepatitis E antibody and age and place of residence variables was evaluated by the chi-square test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results:

In total, 18 of the 420 participants (4.3%) were positive for anti-HEV total, while 2 (0/47%) tested positive for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M (IgM). Anti-HEV status had no statistically significant association with age and place of residence.

Conclusion:

The seroprevalence rate of HEV infection among pregnant women in Ilam city is relatively low. Considering that seronegative pregnant women are at risk of acquiring HEV, it is recommended that pregnant women be educated to avoid sources of HEV infection.
Puerarin: A Review on the Pharmacological Activity, Chemical Properties
and Pharmacokinetics of Main Isoflavonoid
Authors: Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Ojo Adebola Busola , Nwonuma Charles Obiora , Awakan Oluwakemi Josephine , Maimako Rotdelmwa Filibus , Afolabi Boluwatife Lawrence , Taiwo Odunayo Anthonia
Published: November 2020

:

Conventional drugs as a means of alternative medicines have been in use in Asian and African nations and some developed countries for the treatment of ailment and curing of diseases. Objective: Puerarin a naturally occurring isoflavone in numerous plants is one of the conventional medications that possess anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties for the treatment of cardiac illnesses, osteonecrosis, Parkinson’s ailments, Alzheimer’s disorders, and other circulatory and cardiac conditions. Puerarin is extensively distributed in numerous organs comprising the kidney, mammary gland, femur, tibia, stomach, liver, pancreas, brain, and lungs but at a low rate because of its poor availability. However, when co-administered with compounds like gastrodin that can covey it into the cell, it shows a wide range of pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-Alzheimer, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activity. The biotransformation process of puerarin showed that is well metabolized with daidzein being the main hydrolyzed product. Puerarin is well tolerated in the body and dosage of up to 250 mg/kg per day does not initiate any toxic side effect but rather sows a wide range of its beneficial and pharmacological properties.
Antimicrobial Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded Punica granatum Seed Oil against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Fathi Nazanin , Lotfipour Farzaneh , Dizaj Solmaz M. , Hamishehkar Hamed , Mohammadi Maryam
Published: November 2020

Background:

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), due to their impressive benefits,
have recently been considered in different areas. Besides, NLC loaded with essential
oils is attractive for finding more effective antimicrobial products, especially against common
bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis).

Objective:

This study aims to prepare and characterize NLCs encapsulated with Punica
granatum (P. granatum) seed oil (PGS oil-loaded NLCs) and examine the antimicrobial effect
of this combination against S. epidermidis.

Methods:

PGS oil-loaded NLCs were prepared using a hot melt homogenization method.
Later, they were characterized by determining particle size distribution (particle size analyzer),
morphology (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and zeta potential (surface
charge of NLCs). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of PGS oil-loaded NLCs were
assessed and compared with seed oil emulsion of P. granatum against S. epidermidis.

Results:

PGS oil-loaded NLCs were spherical shaped nanoparticles, with a mean size of
102.10 nm and narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.26). The antibacterial assay showed PGS
oil-loaded NLCs to have a higher in vitro antimicrobial activity than seed oil emulsion of
P. granatum.

Conclusion:

To conclude, NLCs may be a favorable carrier to develop new antimicrobial
agents.

Lay Summary:

The lipid nanoparticles such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) appeared
as products first on the cosmetic market. Their advantages help them to be used in
different healthcare and cosmetic products. With regard to previous studies, Punica granatum
(P. granatum) extract shows antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that could be a
valuable natural source against the wide ranges of bacteria. Then, P. granatum seed oil
(PGS oil-loaded NLCs) prepared in this study can be used in dental and skin-related materials
as a new natural antimicrobial product.
Editorial
Authors: Mendes João , Mendes Maria do Carmo
Published: November 2020

Editorial
Reflexões sobre o Antropoceno, o paradigma da espécie humana e seu domínio ilusório sobre a Terra
Authors: Nascimento Alexandre
Published: November 2020

Este ensaio compartilha reflexões sobre o Antropoceno de uma perspetiva ecológica e evolutiva da espécie humana. Parte-se da crise contemporânea da biodiversidade e da dinâmica e história da vida na Terra para contextualizar a sexta extinção em massa do Antropoceno, uma armadilha evolutiva que coloca em risco o seu próprio agente causador. A compreensão do “tempo profundo” geológico e evolutivo e dos cursos e percalços da história biótica evidenciam a vida como um imperativo da Terra. Esta perspetiva coloca o ser humano em posição de igualdade com qualquer outra espécie que já tenha florescido, no passado ou no presente, da evolução biológica. A origem evolutiva do espécie-centrismo humano é discutida e o antropocentrismo é apresentado como força motriz do Antropoceno. A crise sistémica do Antropoceno é posta como pressão de seleção cultural humana, que deve nortear-se pela sustentabilidade e pelo biocentrismo. Especula-se sobre o futuro evolutivo da jornada humana na Terra, a fixação de valores e princípios socioculturais e a necessidade de a humanidade contemporânea reconhecer-se como uma única tribo global que deve ser capaz de sustentar-se mutuamente.
Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet: Ghosts and Monsters of the Anthropocene
Authors: Marim Caroline
Published: November 2020

Recensão da obra editada por Anna Tsing, Heather Swanson, Elaine Gan & Nils Bubandt.
Geologia da Humanidade por Paul Crutzen
Authors: Mendes João
Published: November 2020

Tradução do texto seminal de Paul Crutzen publicado em 2002 na Nature, 415: 23.
The Anthropocene: scientific meaning and philosophical significance
Authors: Mendes João
Published: November 2020

O “Antropoceno” é um conceito relativamente novo e sem precedentes, usado para significar o capítulo mais recente da História da Terra no qual a nossa espécie se tornou um importante agente geológico e geomórfico, assim como uma hipótese polémica que afirma que este novo estado de nosso planeta constitui um facto. Ambas as reivindicações vêm sendo debatidas no âmbito das Geociências, mas também na área das Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Este artigo tem como objetivo produzir alguma luz sobre os tópicos complementares de: (a) o significado do Antropoceno como um conceito e uma hipótese científicos; (b) a sua relevância filosófica, a saber, que entidade ontológica é o Antropoceno e como temos acesso epistemológico a ele.
The United States Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Registry: Protocol for a Prospective, Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kerr Kim M , Elliott C Greg , Benza Raymond L , Channick Richard N , Chin Kelly M , Davis R Duane , Jain Sonia , LaCroix Andrea Z , Madani Michael M , McLaughlin Vallerie V , Park Myung H , Tapson Victor F , Auger William R
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare sequela of acute pulmonary embolism that is treatable when recognized. Awareness of this disease has increased with recent advancements in therapeutic options, but delays in diagnosis remain common, and diagnostic and treatment guidelines are often not followed. Data gathered from international registries have improved our understanding of CTEPH, but these data may not be applicable to the US population owing to differences in demographics and medical practice patterns.

OBJECTIVE

The US CTEPH Registry (US-CTEPH-R) was developed to provide essential information to better understand the demographics, risk factors, evaluation, and treatment of CTEPH in the United States, as well as the short- and long-term outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical therapies in the modern treatment era.

METHODS

Thirty sites throughout the United States enrolled 750 subjects in this prospective, longitudinal, observational registry of patients newly diagnosed with CTEPH. Enrollment criteria included a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mmHg by right heart catheterization and radiologic confirmation of CTEPH by a multidisciplinary adjudication committee. Following enrollment, subjects were followed biannually until the conclusion of the study. Quality of life surveys were administered at enrollment and biannually, and all other testing was at the discretion of the treating clinician. Details regarding surgical therapy, balloon pulmonary angioplasty, and medical therapy were collected at enrollment and at follow-up, as well as information related to health care utilization and survival.

RESULTS

Data from this registry will improve understanding of the demographics, risk factors, and treatment patterns of patients with CTEPH, and the longitudinal impact of therapies on quality of life, health care utilization, and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This manuscript details the methodology and design of the first large, prospective, longitudinal registry of patients with CTEPH in the United States.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02429284; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02429284

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/25397
Transitioning to Remote Clinic Visits in a Smoking Cessation Trial During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Mahoney Martin Christopher , Park Eunhee , Schlienz Nicolas J , Duerr CeCe , Hawk Larry W
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has caused disruptions in ongoing clinical trials and is expected to accelerate interest in conducting research studies remotely.

OBJECTIVE

A quasi-experimental, mixed methods approach was used to examine the rates of visit completion as well as the opinions and experiences of participants enrolled in an ongoing clinical trial of smoking cessation who were required to change from in-person clinic visits to remote visits using video or telephone conferencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

For quantitative comparisons, we used a quasi-experimental design, comparing a cohort of participants followed during the pandemic (n=23, COVID-19 cohort) to a comparable cohort of participants followed over a similar time period in the calendar years 2018 and 2019 (n=51, pre–COVID-19 cohort) to examine the rates of completion of scheduled visits and biospecimen collection. For the qualitative component, interviews were conducted with participants who experienced the transition from in-person to remote visits.

RESULTS

Participants in the COVID-19 cohort completed an average of 83.6% of remote clinic visits (95% CI 73.1%-91.2%), which was not significantly different than the in-person completion rate of 89.8% in the pre–COVID-19 cohort. Participants in the COVID-19 cohort returned an average of 93.2% (95% CI 83.5%-98.1%) of saliva specimens for remote clinic visits completed, which was not significantly different than the in-person saliva specimen completion rate of 100% in the pre–COVID-19 cohort. Two broad themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) the benefits of remote visits and (2) the challenges of remote counseling compared to in-person counseling. Despite limited experience with telehealth prior to this transition, most participants expressed a willingness to engage in remote visits in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the context of a rapid transition from in-person to remote visits necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of visit completion and return of biospecimens remained high. Participants were generally accepting of the transition. Further research is needed to identify the optimal mix of in-person and remote visits beyond the pandemic context and to better understand how these changes may impact study outcomes.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03262662; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03262662
Assessment of Cold Resistance of 09G2S Steel Obtained Using 3D Printing Technology by Electric Arc Surfacing at a CNC Machine
Authors: Kabaldin Yu. G. , Khlybov A. A. , Shatagin D. A. , Anosov M. S. , Ryabov D. A.
Published: November 2020

Приводятся результаты исследований образцов из стали 09Г2С при пониженных температурах, полученных с использованием технологии 3D-печати электродуговой наплавкой. Для сравнения приводятся данные исследований на образцах, полученных из проката.Для достижения поставленной цели были изготовлены и испытаны образцы на ударный изгиб из стали 09Г2С. Образцы печатались с использованием технологии 3D-печати на станке с ЧПУ путем послойного нанесения наплавляемого материала из проволоки 09Г2С. Качество и стабильность структуры материала получаемых образцов обеспечивались за счет постоянной диагностики устойчивости динамической системы «источник питания – дуга – материал».Основным диагностическим параметром, характеризующим степень устойчивости, был показатель фрактальной размерности аттрактора динамической системы.Образцы для исследований вырезались в продольном и поперечном направлениих наплавки, аналогично изготавливались образцы из проката. Исследования полученных образцов проводились с использованием испытаний на ударный изгиб в широком диапазоне пониженных температур от –80 до +20 °C. Для выявления особенностей механизма разрушения и температуры вязкохрупкого перехода металлов проводились фрактографические исследования изломов образцов.В ходе исследований установлено, что температура вязкохрупкого перехода стали 09Г2С, полученной с использованием технологии 3D-печати электродуговой наплавкой, составляет порядка –40 °С, что незначительно выше температуры вязкохрупкого перехода стали 09Г2С, полученной из листового проката с последующим отжигом –47 °С. Следует отметить, что образцы, вырезанные вдоль наплавки, имеют более высокие значения ударной вязкости и температуры вязкохрупкого перехода.Для образцов, полученных электродуговой наплавкой, значения ударной вязкости не более чем на 20 % ниже, чем значения ударной вязкости образцов, полученных механической обработкой из листового проката во всем диапазоне исследуемых температур.Приведенная технология электродуговой наплавки, управляемой компьютером, может быть использована как для изготовления сложных изделий, так и для ремонта. Используя сварочные материалы с низкой температурой вязкохрупкого перехода, в частности используя сталь 09Г2С, можно получить высокие эксплуатационные свойства изделия в короткие сроки даже в арктических условиях.
ON THE WEIGHTED PSEUDO ALMOST PERIODIC SOLUTIONS FOR LIÉNARD -TYPE SYSTEMS WITH VARIABLE DELAYS
Authors: YAZGAN Ramazan
Published: November 2020

This study deals with Liénard-type differential equation systems with time-varying delays. Some sufficient conditions have been obtained for the existence and uniqueness of the weighted pseudo almost periodic solutions of the considered system by using some differential inequalities, the main features of the weighted pseudo almost periodic and Banach Fixed Point Theorem. Since the weighted pseudo almost periodic functions space is more general than the almost and pseudo almost pseudo periodic functions space, this work is a new and complementary. In addition, an example is given to show the correctness of the created conditions.
Analysis of biochemical markers in the saliva and correlation with clinical parameters in patients with aggressive periodontitis, before and after the therapy
Authors: Popovic Zana , Dozic Branko , Popovic Marko , Obradovic Radmila , Dozic Ivan
Published: November 2020

Introduction/Objective. Aggressive periodontitis (AP) is a progressive disease that damages the periodontal tissues. The aim of the study was the analysis of intracellular enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and electrolytes in the saliva of patients with AP and their correlation with clinical parameters before and after the therapy. Methods. The study included 30 patients with AP (experimental group) and 35 patients with healthy parodontium (control group). Intracellular enzymes and electrolytes were analyzed in an unstimulated saliva of subjects with AP, before and after the therapy and in saliva of the control group. The analysis of biochemical markers was carried out using kinetic methods with commercial reagents. Results. Concentrations of the biochemical markers AST (28.18 ? 25.16), ALT (5.48 ? 5.14), ALP (31.13 ? 37.79), ACP (17.53 ? 14.77), calcium (2.80 ? 1.97), phosphate (4.43 ? 1.92) in the saliva of subjects of the experimental group were statistically significantly higher in relation to the control group (p = 0.000; p = 0.001). Significant correlation was found between AST values, debris index (? = -0.444; p = 0.026) and calculus index (? = -0.513; p = 0.009), and between the plaque index and ALP level in the saliva after therapy (p = 0.020). Conclusion. The investigation will contribute to a better understanding and standardization of biomarkers in the saliva that mayhelp in diagnosing the AP and evaluation of the applied therapy.
Resistance index of the renal artery measured by doppler ultrasound as a predictor of graft function after kidney transplantation
Authors: Popovic Milica , Milic Biljana , Petrovic Lada , Ljubicic Bojana , Boganc Tijana , Celic Dejan
Published: November 2020

Background/Aim. As an optimal treatment of choice for patients with the latest stage of chronic kidney failure (CKD), renal transplantation (Tx) is performed. The resistance index (RI) of the renal artery is measured by Doppler ultrasonography routinely at certain time intervals to show the condition of the renal graft. The value of RI > 0.75 is considered abnormal. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between the values of the RI index and the function of the transplanted kidney. Methods. We analyzed retrospectively 63 patients in whom kidney transplant was done at the Clinic for Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia, in the period from 2013 to 2017. Doppler of renal blood vessels was made to all examined patients in the first month after the renal trans-plantation. In addition to standard demographic data, all patients had the RI index and its relationship to the function of the transplanted kidney analyzed immediately after transplantation, as well as in the 6th, 12th, and 18th month, and in a certain number of patients in the 24th and 48th month after transplantation. Results. Out of 63 patients, 63.5% were men, and 26.5% were women, with an average age of 47.67 ? 13.62 years. The primary diseases in patients which led to the terminal CKD stage were hypertension in 33.3% and different forms of glomerulonephritis; while other diseases (diabetes mellitus, chronic pyelonephritis, eclampsia, polycystic kidneys, kidney agenesia, and unknown cause) were present in a lower percentage. RI < 0.75 was present in 73%, and RI > 0.75 in 27% of patients. There was no statistically significant association between RI and serum creatinine or creatinine clearance at a given time, and there was no connection between RI and gender, as well as length of previous treatment by HD. There was a statistically significant association between RI and age of kidney recipient, as well as Tx type. Conclusion. In the observed group of patients, RI of renal arteries did not prove to be a good predictor of the function of the transplanted kidney either in the early or later post-transplant periods. RI might have greater predictive significance if it were determined on or immediately after the transplantation procedure.
Acyl-Ghrelin Influences Pancreatic β-Cell Function by Interference with KATP Channels
Authors: Kaiser Julia , Krippeit-Drews Peter , Drews Gisela
Published: November 2020

The aim for this study was to elucidate how the hypothalamic hunger-inducing hormone acyl-ghrelin (AG), which is also produced in the pancreas, affects β-cell function, with particular attention to the role of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels and the exact site of action of the hormone. AG hyperpolarized the membrane potential and decreased cytoplasmic calcium concentration [Ca2+]c and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). These effects were abolished in β-cells from SUR1-knockout (KO) mice. AG increased KATP current but only in a configuration with intact metabolism. Unacylated ghrelin counteracted the effects of AG. The influence of AG on membrane potential and GSIS could only be averted in the combined presence of a ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) antagonist and an inverse agonist. The inhibition of GSIS by AG could be prevented by dibutyryl cyclic–cAMP or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and the somatostatin (SST) receptor 2–5 antagonist H6056. These data indicate that AG indirectly opens KATP channels probably by interference with the cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway, resulting in a decrease of [Ca2+]c and GSIS. The experiments with SUR1-KO β-cells point to a direct effect of AG on β-cells and not, as earlier suggested, to an exclusive effect by AG-induced SST release from δ-cells. Nevertheless, SST receptors may be involved in the effect of AG, possibly by heteromerization of AG and SST receptors.
TLR9 Deficiency in B Cells Promotes Immune Tolerance via Interleukin-10 in a Type 1 Diabetes Mouse Model
Authors: Sha Sha , Pearson James A. , Peng Jian , Hu Youjia , Huang Juan , Xing Yanpeng , Zhang Luyao , Zhu Ying , Zhao Hongyu , Wong F. Susan , Chen Li , Wen Li
Published: November 2020

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is highly expressed in B cells, and B cells are important in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) development. However, the intrinsic effect of TLR9 in B cells on β-cell autoimmunity is not known. To fill this knowledge gap, we generated NOD mice with a B-cell–specific deficiency of TLR9 (TLR9fl/fl/CD19-Cre+ NOD). The B-cell–specific deletion of TLR9 resulted in near-complete protection from T1D development. Diabetes protection was accompanied by an increased proportion of interleukin-10 (IL-10)–producing B cells. We also found that TLR9-deficient B cells were hyporesponsive to both innate and adaptive immune stimuli. This suggested that TLR9 in B cells modulates T1D susceptibility in NOD mice by changing the frequency and function of IL-10–producing B cells. Molecular analysis revealed a network of TLR9 with matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and CD40, all of which are interconnected with IL-10. Our study has highlighted an important connection of an innate immune molecule in B cells to the immunopathogenesis of T1D. Thus, targeting the TLR9 pathway, specifically in B cells, may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for T1D treatment.
FORMATION OF TEENAGERS’ COGNITIVE INTEREST TO POP MUSIC ART
Authors: OVCHINNIKOVA ALEKSANDRA Z. , YUSUPOVA ELENA L.
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the problems of the teenagers’ cognitive interest formation concerning pop music art; the concept of this phenomenon as an integrative quality of a teenager's personality was clarified. From a gnoseological position by the example of rock music the authors reveal the specifics of pop music art and describe its main directions in different time periods, thereby forming cognitive interest in adolescents. Teenagers’ psychological and educational features were identified, contributing to the effective formation of cognitive interest in the best examples of rock music. The authors developed and described the criterion-assessment basis of the study; proposed diagnostic assessment of the formation of adolescents’ cognitive interest in rock music that was based on two criteria: motivational and taste preferences, which allowed identifying and describing four levels of this phenomenon formation in adolescents. The efficiency of the developed diagnostics on the ground of the criterion-assessment basis was proved. The article is intended for university teachers, graduate students, undergraduates, education professionals.
ORGANISATION FEATURES OF THE STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENT WORK IN THE COURSE “METHODS OF TEACHING THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE”
Authors: SKVORTSOVA MARINA A. , SMIRNOVA IRINA A.
Published: November 2020

The article considers the process of training bachelors in the field “Methods of teaching the Russian language and literature”. The article presents the results of a study aimed at identifying the formation level of competencies assigned to this discipline. The study was organized in several stages. An ascertaining stage presupposes determining the level of academic performance, skills and abilities formed before the beginning of the course; the second is a forming stage: implementation of independent work within the framework of the discipline; the third stage is a control one that requires repeated assessment of the competence formation level.
The exam anxiety among vocational school students in professional placement based on gender differences
Authors: Handayuni Tyesa Sri , Ifdil Ifdil , Putri Yola Eka
Published: November 2020

This study aims to analyze exam anxiety among vocational school students in professional placement based on gender. This is a quantitative research that uses descriptive and comparative methods and a sample of 115 individuals selected through proportional random sampling technique. Data is obtained using an instrument of exam anxiety and were analyzed descriptively by determining mean, standard deviation, and percentage. To determine the difference in anxiety among vocational school students, the t-test technique with analyzed Independent Samples Test was used. The results showed that exam anxiety was generally in the low and high categories in male and female students, respectively. Also, there was a significant difference between students in the professional placement of male and female students.
Conceitos de base em fonoaudiologia e possibilidades da carreira via especialidades
Authors: Lima Paulo Victor Shinkarenko
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é o de discutir alguns conceitos de base na formação do fonoaudiólogo; de forma exploratória e qualitativa, à luz da literatura especializada e base documental da área. Discriminamos a centralidade de cada área de atuação possível no campo da fonação e audição; esforço compreendido em dois momentos, o primeiro sobre as especificidades das áreas de atuação do fonoaudiólogo em número de treze (até o momento da escrita deste artigo), a saber: a audiologia, linguagem, motricidade orofacial; saúde coletiva; voz; disfagia; fonoaudiologia educacional; gerontologia; fonoaudiologia neurofuncional; fonoaudiologia do trabalho; neuropsicologia, fluência e Perícia fonoaudiológica. O segundo compreendendo o desenho reflexivo da formação do fonoaudiólogo a partir de algumas pontuações objetivas: identidade e performance profissional. O desafio desse trabalho não se esgota na temática quer em sua proposta, reflexão ou encaminhamentos. Pensamos que poderia se caracterizar como a abertura de diálogos possíveis no aprimoramento do que há e do que pode a vir-a-ser de melhor na formação profissional do fonoaudiólogo.
On the solvability of a nonlinear functional integral equations via measure of noncompactness in
Authors: El-Sayed Wagdy G. , El-Borai Mahmoud M. , Metwali Mohamed M.A. , Shemais Nagwa I.
Published: November 2020

Using the technique of a suitable measure of non-compactness and the Darbo fixed point theorem, we investigate the existence of a nonlinear functional integral equation of Urysohn type in the space of Lebesgue integrable functions Lp(RN). In this space, we show that our functional-integral equation has at least one solution. Finally, an example is also discussed to indicate the natural realizations of our abstract result.
Estrategias translúcidas y contraimágenes: romper con la representación hegemónica
Authors: Barcenilla Garcia Haizea
Published: November 2020

Este artículo estudia dos diferentes estrategias utilizadas por artistas que pertenecen a colectivos vulnerables para subvertir el régimen hegemónico de las imágenes. Las contraimágenes consisten en representaciones que se sitúan más allá de lo aceptable dentro de la normatividad del canon y se posicionan en contraposición a éste. Las estrategias translúcidas, en cambio, juegan con la visibilidad y la ocultación, creando imágenes más ambiguas que pueden infiltrarse en el régimen de representación y subvertirlo desde su interior. La combinación de ambas supone una mayor potencialidad de perturbación. Para presentar estas estrategias se utilizan obras de Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Robert Mapplethorpe y el colectivo Señora Polaroiska.
Irrupciones feministas en el arte antifranquista. La dimensión de lo político en María Franciska Dapena
Authors: Lekuona Mariscal Ane
Published: November 2020

María Franciska Dapena (1924-1995) fue una artista multidisciplinar vizcaína recordada, por lo general, por su participación –la única femenina– en el colectivo de Estampa Popular de Vizcaya (1962), movimiento vertebrador de la historia del arte del siglo XX español y vasco. No obstante, su reconocimiento como integrante de este proyecto colectivo ha sido fruto de las investigaciones realizadas en las últimasdécadas, donde se ha incorporado el objetivo de recuperar la agencia de mujeres artistas del pasado. En esta ocasión, el artículo trata de analizar, en primer lugar, la figura y obra de Dapena a través de una lectura de género y, a su vez, relacionar parte de su producción con el movimiento feminista que iba tomando forma en los círculos cercanos a la artista donde participaron, por ejemplo, Lidia Falcón o Sol Panera.
Dos atribuciones de obras tempranas al escultor Luis Salvador Carmona: la Dolorosa y el Cristo del Desamparo de Escurial (1730-1732) (Cáceres)
Authors: Méndez Hernán Vicente
Published: November 2020

La relación formal que la historiografía artística siempre ha advertido entre el desaparecido Crucificado de la iglesia madrileña de Gracia y el Cristo del Desamparo de Escurial, nos ha permitido, una vez autorizado el Cristo de Gracia como obra de Luis Salvador Carmona a partir del Compendio de 1775, concluir la larga serie de atribuciones que ha tenido el de Escurial y proponer a Carmona como autor de su hechura, teniendo en cuenta, además, la documentada procedencia madrileña de la obra. Forma pareja con una Dolorosa de la misma fecha, 1730-1732, que el artista talló junto al Crucifijo cuando aún trabajaba en el taller de su maestro Juan Alonso Villabrille y Ron, una etapa inicial de su trayectoria aún poco conocida y en la que hemos logrado situar las tres obras citadas. Las esculturas de Cristo también nos suministran el modelo vivo del Crucificado tan poco frecuente en Carmona.