bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidics chip design analysis and control
Authors: Unalli Ismet , Ersoy Sezgin , Ertugrul Ishak
Published: June 2020

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is an integrated electromechanical system where the feature size and operating range of the components are on a micro-scale. Unlike traditional mechanical processing, the production of the MEMS device uses semiconductor manufacturing, which includes surface microprocessing and bulk microprocessing, which can be compatible with an integrated circuit. These devices or systems have the ability to detect, control, activate, and create macro-scale effects. In this study, a 3-channel microfluidic channel design was realized by using the SolidWorks program, which is a 3D design program, to realize a microfluidic chip design. The preliminary physical tests and investigation of this microfluidics were made using the Comsol Multiphysics program and necessary time-dependent pressure tests. In this study, it is aimed to understand the pressure and speed values of the microfluidic chip according to the analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the microfluidic chip has a maximum pressure of 6.1 Pa and a speed of 2.36×1014 mm/s.
Innovative approach to the design of mechanical parts
Authors: Toptas Ersin
Published: June 2020

In this study, unlike traditional design, innovative and exploratory design results that meet multiple criteria and reveal more than one option in the design of mechanical parts will be revealed. Artificial intelligence applications are now used in today’s technology in solving engineering problems in the design of mechanical parts and in design solutions that the human mind will never think of on its own. Thus, designers and engineers enter the design parameters (such as material, size, weight, power, manufacturing methods, and cost constraints) into the design software, and the software quickly creates hundreds or even thousands of design options to investigate and reveal all possible combinations of solutions. Thus, designers or engineers can choose the appropriate model by comparing CAD results that best meet their needs. In this article, unlike traditional design on an exemplary application, artificial intelligence-supported design outputs were explored. The results obtained, unlike traditional design, reveal many lighter and optimized design results compared to different materials and manufacturing processes.
Simulational and experimental study of stress in bolts work-piece
Authors: Zhang Dongfeng , Zhou Jiacheng , Mao Kuanmin
Published: June 2020

In order to study the effect of different bolts tightening sequences on the stress of bolts work-piece, the finite element simulation and stress test experiments are adopted. Three types of bolt work-piece: two, five, and frame type bolts work-pieces are studied under different tightening sequences. The stress values and distribution are obtained under different tightening sequences by simulation. It is observed that the stress distribution tendency of bolts work-piece has little change under different tightening sequences. It also notices that the tightening sequences have no effect on two bolts work-piece due to the symmetry of work-piece. In five bolts work-piece, the variation range of stress under tightening from ends to middle is smaller than that under sequence tightening, which indicates that better stress uniformity is obtained under tightening from ends to middle in five bolts work-piece. Similarly, in frame bolts work-piece, the variation range of stress under symmetrical tightening is smaller than that under sequence tightening, which indicates that better stress uniformity is obtained under symmetrical tightening in frame type bolts work-piece. Furthermore, the experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results. Moreover, the stress variation mechanism is revealed by analyzing residual preload variation under sequence tightening.
Optimized coagulation of humic acid and mineral turbidity at alkaline pH using high basicity PACl
Authors: Saxena Kanika , Brighu Urmila
Published: June 2020

In this study, the simultaneous removal of inorganic turbidity and organics was investigated at alkaline pH to avert the need for pH adjustment and overdosing. The aim was to compare the doses for conventional and enhanced coagulation and, consequently, arrive at optimized coagulation where both had synergistic maximum removal. High basicity PACl was used to coagulate simulated waters prepared by humic acid (HA) and kaolin. The removal of turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and UV254 was evaluated. The impact of varying input concentrations of HA and turbidity on doses was studied. The enhanced coagulation doses were higher than conventional ones. However, with an increase in input TOC, the difference between enhanced and conventional doses narrowed. The doses for optimized coagulation ranged from 2 to 9 mg Al/L. At optimized coagulation, the removal of TOC, DOC and UV254 varied from 30–85%, 30–89% and 73–91% respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of Si-O-C bond. The interactions of unsaturated bonds of hydrophobic organics to inorganic clay were possibly favoured over hydrophilics. HA agglomeration reduced coagulant consumption as the input TOC increased. It was concluded that instead of a stoichiometric approach, a modified dosing approach can be applied for limiting underdosing and overdosing while ensuring maximum removal of impurities.
Phytosterols: Targeting Neuroinflammation in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Dash Raju , Mitra Sarmistha , Ali Md. Chayan , Oktaviani Diyah Fatimah , Hannan Md. Abdul , Choi Sung Min , Moon Il Soo
Published: June 2020

Plant-derived sterols, phytosterols, are well known for their cholesterol-lowering activity in serum and
their anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, phytosterols have received considerable attention due to their beneficial
effects on various non-communicable diseases, and recommended use as daily dietary components. The signaling
pathways mediated in the brain by phytosterols have been evaluated, but little is known about their effects
on neuroinflammation, and no clinical studies have been undertaken on phytosterols of interest. In this review, we
discuss the beneficial roles of phytosterols, including their attenuating effects on inflammation, blood cholesterol
levels, and hallmarks of the disease, and their regulatory effects on neuroinflammatory disease pathways. Despite
recent advancements made in phytosterol pharmacology, some critical questions remain unanswered. Therefore,
we have tried to highlight the potential of phytosterols as viable therapeutics against neuroinflammation and to
direct future research with respect to clinical applications.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Inspired Therapeutic Strategies for Bone Diseases
Authors: Kou Longfa , Jiang Xinyu , Lin Xinlu , Huang Huirong , Wang Jun , Yao Qing , Chen Ruijie
Published: June 2020

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), as a family of zinc-containing enzymes, show the function
of decomposing Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and participate in the physiological processes of cell
migration, growth, inflammation, and metabolism. Clinical and experimental studies have indicated
that MMPs play an essential role in tissue injury and repair as well as tumor diagnosis, metastasis, and
prognosis. An increasing number of researchers have paid attention to their functions and mechanisms
in bone health and diseases. The present review focuses on MMPs-inspired therapeutic strategies for
the treatment of bone-related diseases. We introduce the role of MMPs in bone diseases, highlight the
MMPs-inspired therapeutic options, and posit MMPs as a trigger for smart cell/drug delivery.
Withdrawal Notice: Pharmacological analysis of Cannabis sativa L.: A potent herbal plant
Authors: Husnain Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Ibrahim Muhammad , Assiri Mohammad Ali , Wattoo Naveed Zubair , Irfan Ahmad
Published: June 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors and editor of the journal "Mini Reviews in Medicinal
Chemistry" due to incoherent content.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be
simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been
published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is
strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal
right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By
submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and
when the article is accepted for publication.
The Innate Immune System and Cardiovascular Disease in ESKD: Monocytes and Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Dounousi Evangelia , Duni Anila , Naka Katerina K. , Vartholomatos Georgios , Zoccali Carmine
Published: June 2020

Adverse innate immune responses have been implicated in several disease processes, including
cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The monocyte subsets natural
killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in innate immunity. Monocytes subsets
are key in atherogenesis and the inflammatory cascade occurring in heart failure. Upregulated activity
and counts of proinflammatory CD16+ monocyte subsets are associated with clinical indices of atherosclerosis,
heart failure syndromes and CKD. Advanced CKD is a complex state of persistent systemic
inflammation characterized by elevated expression of proinflammatory and pro-atherogenic
CD14++CD16+ monocytes, which are associated with cardiovascular events and death both in the general
population and among patients with CKD. Diminished NK cells and NKT cells counts and aberrant
activity are observed in both coronary artery disease and end-stage kidney disease. However, evidence
of the roles of NK cells and NKT cells in atherogenesis in advanced CKD is circumstantial and remains
to be clarified. This review describes the available evidence regarding the roles of specific immune cell
subsets in the pathogenesis of CVD in patients with CKD. Future research is expected to further uncover
the links between CKD associated innate immune system dysregulation and accelerated CVD and
will ideally be translated into therapeutic targets.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some Novel Pyrimidine, Pyrazole, Chromene and Tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene Derivatives Bearing Pyrimidinthione Moiety
Authors: Reheim Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud Abdel , Hafiz Ibrahim Saad Abdel , Elian Mohamed Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Aim and Objective:

A novel collection of fused pyrimidine, pyridine, pyrazole, chromene and thiophene
derivatives 2-30 have been newly synthesized by using the 1a, b as starting material. Fused pyrane exhibits
a range of pharmacological activity such as cancer agents [1], antimicrobial [2-4], antioxidant [5], antiproliferative
[6], cytotoxic activity [7], anticipated antitumor [8], antiparkinsonian [9] and anti-inflammatory [10].
Moreover, pyrane derivatives are well known for bacterial biofilm disruptor [11], anticonvulsant [12] and inhibitors
of mycobacterium bovis [13].

Materials and Methods:

All melting points were measured using the Akofler Block instrument and are uncorrected.
IR spectra (KBr) were recorded on a FTIR 5300 spectrometer (υ, cm-1). The 1H-NMR spectra were recorded
on a Varian Gemini spectrometer. The 1H-NMR spectra were run at 300, 400 MHz and 13C-NMR spectra
were run at 100 MHz in DMSO-d6, CDCl3 as solvents. The chemical shifts are expressed in parts per million
(ppm) by using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal reference, 1000 EX mass spectrometer at 70 eV. The purity
of synthesized compounds was checked by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) (aluminum sheets) using nhexane,
EtOAc (9:1, V/V, 7:3 V/V) eluent. Elemental analyses were carried out by the Microanalytical Research
Center, Faculty of Science, and Microanalytical Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt.

Results and Discussion:

A novel series of azoles and azines were designed and prepared via the reaction of 7-amino-
5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-2-thioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrano- [2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile 1a and 7-amino-4,5-
diphenyl-2-thioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrano[2,3-d]-pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile 1b with some electrophilic and nucleophilic
reagents. The structures of target compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses and spectral data. The
novel synthesized compounds showed good antimicrobial activity against the previously mentioned microorganisms.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, compounds 1a, 1b underwent ready cyclization to give fused heterocyclic compounds
through reaction with different reagents and under different conditions and subjected to antimicrobial screening.
Evaluating Phenyl Propanoids Isolated from Citrus medica as Potential Inhibitors for Mitotic kinesin Eg5
Authors: Makala Himesh , Ulaganathan Venkatasubramanian , Sivasubramanian Aravind , Rajendran Narendran , Subramanian Shankar
Published: June 2020

Background:

Human mitotic kinesins play an essential role in mitotic cell division. Targeting the spindle separation phase of mitosis has gained much attention in cancer chemotherapy. Spindle segregation is carried out mainly by the kinesin, Eg5. Many Eg5 inhibitors are in different phases of clinical trials as cancer drugs. This enzyme has two allosteric binding sites to which the inhibitors can bind. The first site is formed by loop L5, helix α2 and helix α3 and all the current drug candidates bind un-competitively to this site with ATP/ADP. The second site, formed by helix α4 and helix α6, which has gained attention recently, has not been explored well. Some inhibitors that bind to this site are competitive, while others are uncompetitive to ATP/ADP. Phenylpropanoids are pharmacologically active secondary metabolites.

Methods:

In this study, we have evaluated fourteen phenyl propanoids extracted from Citrus medica for inhibitory activity against human mitotic kinesin Eg5 in vitro steady-state ATPase assay. Ther interactions and stability using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results and Discussions:

Of the fourteen compounds tested, naringin and quercetin showed good activity with IC50 values in the micromolar range. Molecular docking studies of these complexes showed that both the molecules interact with the key residues of the active site predominantly thorough hydrophobic & aromatic π–π interactions consistent with the known inhibitors. Besides, these molecules also form hydrogen bonding interactions stabilizing the complexes. Molecular dynamics simulations of these complexes confirm the stability of these interactions.

Conclusion:

These results can be used as a strong basis for further modification of these compounds to design new inhibitors with higher potency using structure-based drug design.
A New Stability-indicating Chiral RP-HPLC Method for the Determination of Degradation Products in Meclizine Hydrochloride
Authors: Gowramma Bryan , Kumar Ramachandran Senthil , Lakshmanan Kaviarasan , Kalirajan Rajagopal , Meyyanathan Subramania Nainar
Published: June 2020

Background:

An enantiomeric separation of the stability-indicating high-performance liquid
chromatographic method was developed and validated for the analysis of Meclizine enantiomers. The
degradation behavior of Meclizine Hydrochloride was investigated under different stress conditions
recommended by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Methods:

Enantiomeric resolution of the drug and complete separation from its degradation products
were successfully achieved on a Phenomenex® lux cellulose 1 C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d, 5 μm particle
size) column, using UV detector at a wavelength of 230 nm, with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile,
20mM ammonium bicarbonate at the ratio of 75:25 (v/v), and a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The
drug was subjected to alkaline, acidic, neutral, oxidative and photolytic conditions in order to mimic
stress conditions.

Result:

The degradation products were well resolved from main peak and proving the stability-indicating power of the
method. The developed method provided linear responses within the concentration range 1-5 µg/mL, and regression
analysis showed a correlation coefficient value (r2) of 0.999. The HPLC method was validated as per ICH guidelines with
respect to specificity, precision, linearity and robustness. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were
found to be 0.25 µg/mL and 1.00 µg/mL respectively.

Conclusion:

The method provides good sensitivity and excellent precision and reproducibility. The method was highly
selective, where degradation products and co formulated compounds did not interfere. The proposed method was
successfully applied in pharmaceutical preparations.
Potential Cytokine Biomarkers in Intellectual Disability
Authors: Benmakhlouf Yousra , Zian Zeineb , Nourouti Naima G. , Barakat Amina , Mechita Mohcine B.
Published: June 2020

:

Intellectual disability (ID), previously called mental retardation, is the most common neurodevelopmental
disorder characterized by life-long intellectual and adaptive functioning impairments
that have an impact on individuals, families, and society. Its prevalence is estimated to 3% of the general
population and its etiology is still insufficiently understood. Besides the involvement of genetic
and environmental factors, immunological dysfunctions have been also suggested to contribute to the
pathophysiology of ID. Over the years, immune biomarkers related to ID have gained significant attention
and researchers have begun to look at possible cytokine profiles in individuals suffered from this
disorder. In fact, in addition to playing crucial physiological roles in the majority of normal neurodevelopmental
processes, cytokines exert an important role in neuroinflammation under pathological
conditions, and interactions between the immune system and central nervous system have long been
under investigation. Cytokine levels imbalance has been reported associated with some behavioral
characteristics and the onset of some syndromic forms of ID.

:

In this review, we will focus on immunological biomarkers, especially the cytokine profiles that have
been identified in people with ID. Thus, data reported and discussed in the present paper may provide
additional information to start further studies and to plan strategies for early identification and managing
of ID.
Ruta Montana Evokes Antihypertensive Activity Through an Increase of Prostaglandins Release in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats
Authors: El-Ouady Fadwa , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Aims:

The aim of the study was to experimentally investigate the antihypertensive effect of
Ruta Montana.

Background:

Ruta montana L. is traditionally used in Moroccan herbal medicine to treat hypertension.
This study aimed to experimentally evaluate the hypotensive and vasoactive properties of this plant.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Ruta Montana
on blood pressure parameters in LNAME-induced hypertensive rats and to determine the vasorelaxant
activity of this aqueous extract.

Methods:

The antihypertensive effect of the aqueous extract obtained from Ruta montana aerial parts
(RMAPAE) (200 mg/kg) was evaluated in normal and anesthetized hypertensive rats. Blood pressure
parameters (systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and diastolic blood pressure
(DBP)) and heart rate were measured using a tail-cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. The
acute and chronic effect of RMAPAE was recorded for 6 hours for the acute experiment and for 7 days
for the sub-chronic test. In the other set, the vasorelaxant effect of RMAPAE on the contractile response
was observed in the isolated thoracic aorta.

Results:

The results indicated that the RMAPAE extract significantly decreased SBP, MBP, DBP and
heart rate in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Furthermore, RMAPAE was demonstrated to induce
a dose-dependent relaxation in the aorta precontracted with Epinephrine or KCl. More interestingly,
this vasorelaxant activity of RMAPAE seems to be probably mediated through the prostaglandins
pathway.

Conclusion:

The present study illustrates the beneficial action of Ruta montana on hypertension and
supports its use as an antihypertensive agent.
Dapsone-Loaded Microsponge Gel for Acne Management: Preparation, Characterization and Anti-Microbial Activity
Authors: Rao Rekha , Jakhar Seema , Kadian Varsha
Published: June 2020

Background:

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving Propionibacterium
acnes and activation of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Dapsone (sulfone drug) possesses potent
anti-microbial activities and hence, it is used to cure multiple inflamed acne lesions. Howbeit, its therapeutic
utility is hampered, owing to its poor solubility and side effects like mild irritation and dryness.
These problems, along with orange-brown discoloration on skin, restrict the topical application
of this drug.

Objective:

The objective of the present investigation was to address the above-mentioned limitations
like irritation, dryness, and skin discoloration of dapsone via formulating microsponge based gel of
this moiety.

Methods:

Dapsone microsponges were fabricated and embedded into a carbopol gel for topical application.
The drug loaded ethylcellulose microsponges were crafted employing a quasi emulsion solvent
diffusion technique. Besides routine characterization, these microformulations were assessed for entrapment,
particle size analysis, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-acne potential was also evaluated
against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus to check their therapeutic efficiency. The
prepared dapsone microsponge gel was assessed for its viscosity, spreadability, texture, and drug release.

Results:

Results revealed that dapsone loaded microsponges were successfully fabricated and found to
possess good encapsulation efficiency (84.68 ± 5.73%), which is in micro-size range (88.06 ± 2.97 μm
to 315.87 ± 1.99 μm) and showed cumulative drug release of 52.52 ± 0.2%. Field emission scanning
electron microscopy illustrated spherical, uniform, and spongy microparticles. The developed micro
formulation showed promising activity against the chosen acne bacterias and improved stability.

Conclusion:

The obtained results corroborate the premise that dapsone loaded microsponge gel can be
an effective strategy for acne management.
Design of Cellulose Derivative and Alginate Based Smart Polymers to
Develop Stomach Specific Floating Drug Delivery System
Authors: Sharma Vikrant , Devi Jogindera
Published: June 2020

Background:

Polysaccharide based gastro-retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDSs) can retain in the gastric
fluid of stomach for longer time and release entrapped drug in controlled and localized manner, which can ensure optimal
drug concentration at the site of action with improved bioavailability and reduced side effects of acid suppressive drugs
like ranitidine.

Objective:

The objective of present study was to design smart polymers for gastro-retentive drug delivery of ranitidine
through ionic-gelation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium alginate (ALG).

Methods:

The optimal reaction conditions for synthesis of beads were evaluated by varying reaction parameters during
synthesis and were obtained as [CMC] = 1.5% (w/v), [ALG] = 0.5% (w/v) and [CaCl2] = 0.1 M with maximum
equilibrium swelling ratio (2922.50±0.90)%. The drug loading was carried out by simultaneous and swelling equilibrium
methods. Beads were characterized by SEM, PXRD, FTIR, TGA, bead size and swelling studies.

Results:

Increase in Ca2+ ions and ALG concentration resulted in decrease in swelling capacity and increase in bead size.
Beads got collapsed in phosphate buffer solution and swelling had been occurred through non-Fickian diffusion
mechanism. Floating beads with (51.05±0.25)% entrapment efficiency for simultaneous drug loading method exhibited
Fickian diffusion mechanism and best fitted in Higuchi model. The diffusion coefficient and initial rate of drug release in
simulated gastric fluid demonstrated swelling controlled gastro-retentive release of ranitidine.

Conclusion:

These smart polymeric beads have potential to use as a promising candidate for the design of GRDDSs
meant for the treatment of gastric ulceration and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Adaptive Privacy Preservation Approach for Big Data Publishing in Cloud using k-anonymization
Authors: Madan Suman , Goswami Puneet
Published: June 2020

Background:

Big data is an emerging technology that has numerous applications in the fields, like hospitals,
government records, social sites, and so on. As the cloud computing can transfer large amount of data through servers it
has found its importance in big data. Hence, it is important in cloud computing to protect the data so that the third party users cannot access the information from the users.

Methods:

This paper develops an anonymization model and adaptive Dragon Particle Swarm Optimization (adaptive
Dragon-PSO) algorithm for privacy preservation in cloud environment. The development of proposed adaptive DragonPSO incorporates the integration of adaptive idea in the dragon-PSO algorithm. The dragon-PSO is the integration of
Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The proposed method derives the fitness
function for the proposed adaptive Dragon-PSO algorithm to attain the higher value of privacy and utility. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using the metrics, such as information loss and classification accuracy for
different anonymization constant values.

Conclusion:

The proposed method provided a minimal information loss and maximal classification accuracy of 0.0110 and
0.7415, respectively when compared with the existing methods.
Suscitar a palavra a partir de imagens de ficção: uma questão de ciência pública ou de arte pública?
Authors: Cesaro Pascal , Fournier Pierre
Published: June 2020

Partindo de um dispositivo de entrevistas particular, recentemente testado como parte de

um projeto de pesquisa interdisciplinar que associa Sociologia e Cinema, este artigo propõe uma

reflexão sobre os problemas envolvidos no uso da vídeo-elicitação, isto é, da condução de entrevistas

suscitadas pela visualização de imagens, neste caso imagens de ficção realistas. Primeiro,

podemos ver aí um desafio para a pesquisa em Ciências Sociais, quando a vídeo-elicitação tenta

superar uma dificuldade conhecida, que está associada ao risco de imposição da problemática

aos entrevistados pelo investigador no contexto da pesquisa por entrevista. Segundo, neste caso

é possível extrair, de maneira mais ampla, uma questão para a ciência pública, cidadã, que esteja

atenta à implicação dos atores sociais nas perguntas e nas suas análises, com respeito pela

sua experiência prática para entrar numa forma de co-construção de conhecimento. Finalmente,

podemos detetar aí um desafio artístico com a abertura de um novo repertório de expressão

pública, combinando, numa forma de arte pública: a produção artística de um tempo passado

(o arquivo audiovisual de ficção); a remobilização em escritos multimédia evocando emoção e

reação; e o comprometimento por meio de novas mediações tecnológicas numa apropriação

estética da fricção da experiência sensível. Nestas condições de reutilização, os arquivos audiovisuais

de ficção poderiam encontrar um novo valor que possa ser associado ao movimento de

patrimonialização e à busca de raízes que caracterizem as nossas sociedades globalizadas e em

mutações permanentes.
Evtushenko to the Memorable Date of the 70th Anniversary of the Birth of Professor Kondrashev Alexander Vasilievich
Authors: Chaplygina E. V. , Markevich A. V. , Evtushenko A. V.
Published: June 2020

.
A feature of the microbiota of the colon in patients with different phenotypes of obesity (pilot study)
Authors: Volkova N. I. , Naboka Y. L. , Ganenko L. A. , Оksenuk O. S.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: to study the microbiota of the colon in patients with various types of obesity and in healthy people.

Materials and methods: 37 people were examined (average age 39.6 ± 4.2 years) for the period 2018 – 2019. Formed 3 clinical groups. I group (n = 11) — healthy people with normal body weight (control), II group (n = 13) — patients with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), III group (n = 13) — with obesity and metabolic disorders. In all patients, the basic metabolic parameters were studied and a quantitative assessment of the state of colon microbiocenosis was performed.

Results: compared to the formal-normative quantitative indicators, the examined fecal groups I, II and III showed unidirectional changes characterized by a decrease (p < 0.05) of Lactobacillus spp., Bifi dobacterium spp., B. thetaiotaomicron and an increase (p < 0.05 ) Enterobacter spp. / Citrobacter spp. Colon microbiota changes in groups II and III are characterized by the appearance of Proteus spp. and Klebsiella spp. (9.1 % and 8.3 % respectively). C. diffi cile (8.3 %) was detected in feces only in group III and the frequency of detection of banal E. coli was increased. Th e amount of F. prausnitzii was reduced (p < 0.05) in group III compared with group 1.

Conclusion: the data obtained as a result of a pilot study indicate changes in the microbiota of the colon in people with diff erent phenotypes of obesity.
Protection of Health Care Professionals During an Epidemic: Medical, Ethical, and Legal Ramifications
Authors: Guddati Achuta
Published: June 2020

The welfare of health care professionals working in hazardous environments is a concerning issue. Personal protective equipment such as face masks, disposable gowns, hair covers, gloves, and shoe covers is often used to prevent contamination from patient contact and droplets. This is especially relevant during an epidemic, when health care professionals are at elevated risk of infection. Failure to provide adequate protection to health care workers during epidemics has medical, ethical, and legal ramifications.
Identification of Symptoms Prognostic of COVID-19 Severity: Multivariate Data Analysis of a Case Series in Henan Province (Preprint)
Authors: Li Jitian , Chen Zhe , Nie Yifei , Ma Yan , Guo Qiaoyun , Dai Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been declared a global pandemic. Identifying individuals whose infection can potentially become severe is critical to control the case fatality rate of COVID-19. However, knowledge of symptoms that are prognostic of COVID-19 severity is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to identify symptoms prognostic of COVID-19 infection severity.

METHODS

We analyzed documented symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, expectoration, sore throat, chest distress, headache, diarrhea, rhinorrhea, stuffed nose, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint ache, shortness of breath, and their associations with disease severity using a case series, including 655 confirmed cases from January 23 to February 5, 2020 in Henan Province, China. We also analyzed the influence of individual characteristics, including age, gender, and comorbidities, on symptoms with prognostic value.

RESULTS

Fatigue (95% CI 0.141 to 0.334, P<.001), expectoration (95% CI 0.107 to 0.305, P<.001) and stuffed nose (95% CI –0.499 to –0.082, P=.006) were identified as the prognostic symptoms of COVID-19 patients from the multivariate analysis. Fever occurred in 603/655 (92.1%) of the patients but was not associated with disease severity. Fatigue accounted for 184/655 (28.1%) of the patients and was linearly associated with infection severity with statistical significance. Expectoration occurred in 169/655 (25.8%) patients in the cohort and was the sole prognostic factor for patients with cardiovascular complications, including hypertension. Shortness of breath, chest distress, muscle or joint ache, and dry cough, which occurred in 33 (5%), 83 (12.7%), 78 (11.9%), and 276 (42.1%) of the 655 patients, respectively, were significantly enriched among patients classified as severe. Stuffed nose and nausea were associated with favorable disease severity, especially among male patients. More female than male patients were documented as having muscle or joint ache. Headache was most enriched in patents aged 15 to 39 years, followed by those aged 40 to 64 years, with statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue and expectoration are signs of severe COVID-19 infection. Shortness of breath, chest distress, muscle or joint ache, and dry cough are prevalent in severe patients. Expectoration is commonly present in older individuals and patients with cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Shortness of breath is prognostic of severe infection in male patients. Stuffed nose and nausea are favorable prognostic factors of severe infection, especially among male patients.
Intersection of the Web-Based Vaping Narrative With COVID-19: Topic Modeling Study (Preprint)
Authors: Janmohamed Kamila , Soale Abdul-Nasah , Forastiere Laura , Tang Weiming , Sha Yongjie , Demant Jakob , Airoldi Edoardo , Kumar Navin
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 outbreak was designated a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The relationship between vaping and contracting COVID-19 is unclear, and information on the internet is conflicting. There is some scientific evidence that vaping cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in cannabis that is obtained from the hemp plant, or other substances is associated with more severe manifestations of COVID-19. However, there is also inaccurate information that vaping can aid COVID-19 treatment, as well as expert opinion that CBD, possibly administered through vaping, can mitigate COVID-19 symptoms. Thus, it is necessary to study the spread of inaccurate information to better understand how to promote scientific knowledge and curb inaccurate information, which is critical to the health of vapers. Inaccurate information about vaping and COVID-19 may affect COVID-19 treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Using structural topic modeling, we aimed to map temporal trends in the web-based vaping narrative (a large data set comprising web-based vaping chatter from several sources) to indicate how the narrative changed from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We obtained data using a textual query that scanned a data pool of approximately 200,000 different domains (4,027,172 documents and 361,100,284 words) such as public internet forums, blogs, and social media, from August 1, 2019, to April 21, 2020. We then used structural topic modeling to understand changes in word prevalence and semantic structures within topics around vaping before and after December 31, 2019, when COVID-19 was reported to the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

Broadly, the web-based vaping narrative can be organized into the following groups or archetypes: harms from vaping; Vaping Regulation; Vaping as Harm Reduction or Treatment; and Vaping Lifestyle. Three archetypes were observed prior to the emergence of COVID-19; however, four archetypes were identified post–COVID-19 (Vaping as Harm Reduction or Treatment was the additional archetype). A topic related to CBD product preference emerged after COVID-19 was first reported, which may be related to the use of CBD by vapers as a COVID-19 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our main finding is the emergence of a vape-administered CBD treatment narrative around COVID-19 when comparing the web-based vaping narratives before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results are key to understanding how vapers respond to inaccurate information about COVID-19, optimizing treatment of vapers who contract COVID-19, and possibly minimizing instances of inaccurate information. The findings have implications for the management of COVID-19 among vapers and the monitoring of web-based content pertinent to tobacco to develop targeted interventions to manage COVID-19 among vapers.
Communication Technology Preferences of Hospitalized and Institutionalized Frail Older Adults During COVID-19 Confinement: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sacco Guillaume , Lléonart Sébastien , Simon Romain , Noublanche Frédéric , Annweiler Cédric ,   TOVID Study Group
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Technological communication methods such as telephone calls and video calls can help prevent social isolation and loneliness in frail older adults during confinement.

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to determine which virtual communication method (ie, telephone call or video call) was preferred by confined older hospital patients and nursing home residents and the variables influencing this preference.

METHODS

The TOVID (Telephony Or Videophony for Isolated elDerly) study was a cross-sectional study that was designed to examine the preference between telephone calls and video calls among frail older adults who were either hospitalized in a geriatric acute care unit or institutionalized in a long-term care and nursing home during the COVID-19 confinement period.

RESULTS

A total of 132 older people were surveyed between March 25 and May 11, 2020 (mean age 88.2 years, SD 6.2); 79 (59.8%) were women. Patients hospitalized in the geriatric acute care unit were more able to establish communication independently than residents institutionalized in the long-term care and nursing home (P=.03) and were more satisfied with their communication experiences (P=.02). Overall, older people tended to favor telephone calls (73/132, 55.3%) over video calls (59/132, 44.7%); however, their satisfaction degree was similar regardless of the chosen method (P=.1), with no effect of age (P=.97) or gender (P=.2). In the geriatric acute care unit, the satisfaction degrees were similar for telephone calls (40/41, 98%) and video calls (33/38, 87%) in older patients (P=.10). Conversely, in the long-term care and nursing home, residents were more satisfied with the use of video calls to communicate with their relatives (14/15, 93%) versus the use of telephone calls (6/12, 50%; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Older people confined to health care settings were able to complete telephone calls more independently than video calls, and they tended to use telephone calls more often than video calls. The satisfaction degrees were similar with both modalities and even greater with video calls among long-term care and nursing home residents when they were given assistance to establish communication.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04333849: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04333849.
Public Emotions and Rumors Spread During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: Web-Based Correlation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Dong Wei , Tao Jinhu , Xia Xiaolin , Ye Lin , Xu Hanli , Jiang Peiye , Liu Yangyang
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Various online rumors have led to inappropriate behaviors among the public in response to the COVID-19 epidemic in China. These rumors adversely affect people’s physical and mental health. Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between public emotions and rumors during the epidemic may help generate useful strategies for guiding public emotions and dispelling rumors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore whether public emotions are related to the dissemination of online rumors in the context of COVID-19.

METHODS

We used the web-crawling tool Scrapy to gather data published by People’s Daily on Sina Weibo, a popular social media platform in China, after January 8, 2020. Netizens’ comments under each Weibo post were collected. Nearly 1 million comments thus collected were divided into 5 categories: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and neutral, based on the underlying emotional information identified and extracted from the comments by using a manual identification process. Data on rumors spread online were collected through Tencent’s Jiaozhen platform. Time-lagged cross-correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between public emotions and rumors.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that the angrier the public felt, the more rumors there would likely be (r=0.48, P<.001). Similar results were observed for the relationship between fear and rumors (r=0.51, P<.001) and between sadness and rumors (r=0.47, P<.001). Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between happiness and rumors, with happiness lagging the emergence of rumors by 1 day (r=0.56, P<.001). In addition, our data showed a significant positive correlation between fear and fearful rumors (r=0.34, P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that public emotions are related to the rumors spread online in the context of COVID-19 in China. Moreover, these findings provide several suggestions, such as the use of web-based monitoring methods, for relevant authorities and policy makers to guide public emotions and behavior during this public health emergency.
App-Based Tracking of Self-Reported COVID-19 Symptoms: Analysis of Questionnaire Data (Preprint)
Authors: Zens Martin , Brammertz Arne , Herpich Juliane , Südkamp Norbert , Hinterseer Martin
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is an infectious disease characterized by various clinical presentations. Knowledge of possible symptoms and their distribution allows for the early identification of infected patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the distribution pattern of COVID-19 symptoms as well as possible unreported symptoms, we created an app-based self-reporting tool.

METHODS

The COVID-19 Symptom Tracker is an app-based daily self-reporting tool. Between April 8 and May 15, 2020, a total of 22,327 individuals installed this app on their mobile device. An initial questionnaire asked for demographic information (age, gender, postal code) and past medical history comprising relevant chronic diseases. The participants were reminded daily to report whether they were experiencing any symptoms and if they had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants who sought health care services were asked additional questions regarding diagnostics and treatment. Participation was open to all adults (≥18 years). The study was completely anonymous.

RESULTS

In total, 11,829 (52.98%) participants completed the symptom questionnaire at least once. Of these, 291 (2.46%) participants stated that they had undergone an RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2; 65 (0.55%) reported a positive test result and 226 (1.91%) a negative one. The mean number of reported symptoms among untested participants was 0.81 (SD 1.85). Participants with a positive test result had, on average, 5.63 symptoms (SD 2.82). The most significant risk factors were diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 8.95, 95% CI 3.30-22.37) and chronic heart disease (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.43-5.69). We identified chills, fever, loss of smell, nausea and vomiting, and shortness of breath as the top five strongest predictors for a COVID-19 infection. The odds ratio for loss of smell was 3.13 (95% CI 1.76-5.58). Nausea and vomiting (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.61-5.00) had been reported as an uncommon symptom previously; however, our data suggest a significant predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported symptom tracking helps to identify novel symptoms of COVID-19 and to estimate the predictive value of certain symptoms. This aids in the development of reliable screening tools. Clinical screening with a high pretest probability allows for the rapid identification of infections and the cost-effective use of testing resources. Based on our results, we suggest that loss of smell and taste be considered cardinal symptoms; we also stress that diabetes is a risk factor for a highly symptomatic course of COVID-19 infection.
Fabrication of Cellulose Sponge: Effects of Drying Process and Cellulose Nanofiber Deposition on the Physical Strength
Authors: Halim Abdul , Xu Yinchao , Enomae Toshiharu
Published: June 2020

Cellulose sponge was fabricated by regenerating cellulose from a xanthate solution. The solution, which contained sodium phosphate particles as a template to create sponge porosity, was dried at 55, 65, 75 and 85 °C for 2, 4, 6, and 8 h. Mass transfer during the initial and last stages of drying was controlled in terms of temperature and concentration differences, respectively. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor of the mass transfer coefficient were -51,841.947 kJ mol-1 and 7.26×109 m-2 h-1, respectively. Regenerated cellulose contained a crystalline type of cellulose II, and the crystallinity was independent of drying conditions. At a low drying temperature (T≤55 °C) and short drying period (t≤2h), the cellulose was unregenerated. At higher temperatures and longer drying periods, no relationship between temperature and physical strength was observed. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was added to the xanthate solution at a ratio of 1:100 of CNF to linter cellulose for xanthation; however, this did not affect the physical strength of the cellulose sponge for both mechanically and chemically fabricated CNF.
Effect of Reaction Parameters on the Lipase-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of (RS )-Metoprolol
Authors: Rajin Mariani , Zulkifli Asiah Binti , Abang Sariah , Anissuzzaman S.M , Kamaruddin Azlina Harun
Published: June 2020

Racemic metoprolol is a selective ß1-blocker, which is used in cardiovascular disease treatment. It has been found that (S)-metoprolol has a higher affinity to bind the ß-adrenergic receptor compared to (R)-metoprolol. Moreover, the regulatory authorities’ high market demand and guidelines have increased the preference for single enantiomer drugs. In this work, the lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic metoprolol was performed to obtain the desired enantiomer. The type of lipase, acyl donor, and solvent were screened out. This was achieved by Candida antarctica B lipase-catalyzed transesterification of racemic metoprolol in hexane and vinyl acetate as the solvent and an acyl donor, which gave maximum conversion of (S)-metoprolol (XS) of 52%, enantiomeric excess of substrate, (ees) of 92% and product (eeP) of 90% with enantiomeric ratio (E) of 62. This method can be considered as green chemistry, which can be applied to produce other enantiopure beta-blockers.