bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment Seeking Behavior Among Clients Attending Outpatient Department Sekou-Toure Regional Referral Hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mvandal Samson , Marandu Godfrida
Published: December 2021

Early diagnosis of malaria and treatment seeking behavior play key role in controlling and preventing further complication related to malaria disease. Aim of this study was to determine the responses on early malaria diagnosis and treatment seeking behavior among outpatient clients attending at Sekou toure regional referral hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatient client at Sekou-Touré regional referral hospital, convenient simple random sampling used and self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data and data was entered into Microsoft excel and then exported to SPSS version 25.0 for further analysis and presented on the percentages and table. The analysis of strength of relationships between categorical variables was conducted using the Chi-square test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 192 respondents completed the study with a response rate of 97.6%. The study revealed that Most of the respondents about 90.6% stated they would seek treatment from health facility when symptoms appear. However, only 6.3% seek treatment within 24 hours of onset of illness (p= 0.017). Half of respondents (50.5%) experienced malaria symptoms in the past six months and only 30% seek for treatment at health facility. Preference of health facility, (51%) respondents were going direct to pharmacy to buy medicine for self-treatment. Overall, cost of service, time consumed and distance of health facility especially health center shows significant with such delay. Conclusion: A low proportion of malaria-suspected patients sought treatment within 24 h of fever onset compared to the national target. Distance from the health facility, cost of service and time consumed were found to be predictors of early treatment-seeking behavior for malaria. Strengthening strategies tailored to increasing awareness for communities about malaria, importance of going hospital and early treatment-seeking behavior is essential.
Arities and Aritizabilities of First-Order Theories
Authors: Sudoplatov Sergey Vladimirovich
Published: December 2021

We study and describe possibilities for arities of elementary theories and of their expansions. Links for arities with respect to Boolean algebras, to disjoint unions and to compositions of structures are shown. Arities and aritizabilities are semantically characterized. The dynamics for arities of theories is described.
Cryopreservation of Arachis Hypogaea L. Varieties, from the INIAP-Ecuador Germplasm Bank
Authors: Tacán Marcelo , Tapia César , Pérez César , Zambrano Eddie , Mendoza Alma , Monteros-Altamirano Álvaro , Sørensen Marten
Published: December 2021

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is recognized as one of the most important legume crops globally for its use in human food; it is widely distributed and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cryopreservation of five peanut varieties conserved in the INIAP Germplasm Bank, testing cryopreservation methods, evaluating the germination percentage of whole seeds and embryonic shoots. Subsequently, two quantitative variables, shoot length and root, were evaluated. The average germination percentage of varieties and treatments was higher when embryonic axes were isolated with 99.31% than 86.06% seeds. The best germination percentage of the five varieties for seeds and embryonic shoots was obtained by the Peruvian variety with 88.13% and 92.50%. The best treatments by variety for the germination of whole seeds and embryonic axes were obtained by the treatment (desiccation and NL) for whole seeds (GS2) with 95.42% and embryonic axes with 92.83%. Ageing and cryopreservation treatments positively affected germination and seedling vigor in whole seeds and embryonic axes. The two quantitative variables, shoot and root length showed variability between the five varieties; significant differences were observed between the four treatments evaluated for whole seeds and embryonic axes. The three treatments for whole seeds (GS1, GS2 GS3) and the non-cryopreserved control treatment (GSC), as well as the treatments for embryonic axes (GEA1, GEA2 GEA3) and the non-cryopreserved control treatment (GEAC), obtained good survival. They germinate whole seeds and embryonic axes with sprout development (aerial part) and root formation. With the most effective treatments for whole seeds (GS2) and embryonic axes (GEA2), the cryopreservation of the national peanut collection of the INIAP Germplasm Bank could be started.
Novel Repositioning Therapy for Drug-Resistant Glioblastoma: In vivo Validation Study of Clindamycin Treatment Targeting the mTOR Pathway and Combination Therapy with Temozolomide
Authors: Eda Takeyoshi , Okada Masayasu , Ogura Ryosuke , Tsukamoto Yoshihiro , Kanamaru Yu , Watanabe Jun , On Jotaro , Aoki Hiroshi , Oishi Makoto , Takei Nobuyuki , Fujii Yukihiko , Natsumeda Manabu
Published: December 2021

Multimodal therapy including surgery, radiation treatment and temozolomide (TMZ) is performed on glioblastoma (GBM). However, the prognosis is still poor and there is an urgent need to develop effective treatments to improve survival. Molecular biological analysis was conducted to exam-ine the signal activation patterns at GBM specimens and remains an open problem. Advanced macrolides, such as azithromycin, reduce the phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), a downstream mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) effector, and suppress the proliferation of T-cells. We focused on its unique profile and screened for the antitumor activity of approved macrolide antibiotics. Clindamycin (CLD) reduced the viability of GBM cells in vitro. We assessed the effects of the candidate macrolide on the mTOR pathway through Western blotting. CLD attenuated p70S6K phosphorylation in a dose dependent manner. These effects of on GBM cells were enhanced by co-treatment with TMZ. Furthermore, CLD inhibited the expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein in cultured cells. In the mouse xenograft model, CLD and TMZ co-administration significantly suppressed the tumor growth and markedly decreased the number of Ki-67 (clone MIB-1) positive cells within the tumor. These results suggest that CLD suppresses GBM cell growth by the inhibiting mTOR signaling. Moreover, CLD and TMZ showed promising synergistic antitumor activity.
Developing Innovation Ecosystem between Cross-Sector Industry Players through Human Resource Quality Improvement
Authors: Jannah Syayyidah Maftuhatul
Published: December 2021

"Research Aims: This study aimed to analyze the effect of workforce agility on innovative behavior, the effect of digital literacy and psychological conditions on workforce agility, and the role of digital literacy and psychological conditions as moderator variabels on the relationship between workforce agility and innovative behavior. Design/methodology/approach: The type of data collected was primary data using an online questionnaire. The sampling method was purposive sampling technique. The collected data were then processed and analyzed using SEM-PLS. Research Findings: The results of this study indicated that workforce agility had a positive effect on innovative behavior. Digital literacy and psychological conditions also had positive effect on workforce agility. However, only psychological conditions had a moderating effect on the relationship between workforce agility and innovative behavior. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The results of this study illustrates how workforce agility affects innovative behavior. The use of digital technology through good digital literacy will further encourage the creation of industrial innovations. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: Organisations should build massive collaboration among various industry players in all sectors, by encouraging workforce agility in order to create industrial innovations. Research limitation & implications: This study has uneven number of samples in each industry. Future studies can consider sampling where each industrial sector can have sufficient sample similarity so comparisons can be made."
Financial Literacy and Financial Performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Authors: Yakob Sajiah , Yakob Rubayah , B.A.M. Hafizuddin-Syah , Rusli Roslida Zalila Ahmad
Published: December 2021

"Research Aims: The study aims to examine the influence of financial literacy on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: The data were obtained from questionnaires distributed to 200 SME managers/owners. Multiple regression analysis was applied to test the influence of financial literacy on SMEs performance by controlling manager profile and SME-specific characteristics. Research Findings: Multiple regression results prove that financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on SMEs' performance. Managers/owners with financial literacy skills understand business-related financial concepts, including debt, savings, takaful, insurance, and investment, which ensure the good performance of their business. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Similar research has been conducted outside Malaysia. However, there is a need to validate the financial literacy and SME performance relationship in the Malaysian environment due to differences in culture; ways of thinking; and legal, business, and political situations. These differences lead to different responses which then contribute to the way the effect of financial literacy on SME performance is explained. In addition, this study improves the consistency of the existing evidence on SME performance and expands the scope of the Resource-Based View (RBV) from the perspective of SMEs Research limitation & implications: Government agencies such as SME Corporation recognise the importance of financial literacy among entrepreneurs. Therefore, proactive efforts need to be accelerated to provide an adequate level of financial literacy among entrepreneurs. Furthermore, entrepreneurial finance can be introduced in formal and non-formal education to ensure that every layer of society enjoys the benefits regardless of their economic status."
The impact of digitalization on the economic convergence of the Russian insurance market
Authors: Kalayda Svetlana
Published: December 2021

The most important trends in the modern economy are convergence – the process of convergence of activities of various economic entities and digitalization. Their interaction creates new opportunities for increasing the competitiveness and efficiency of insurance companies. The purpose of the paper is to identify economic convergence processes taking place on the Russian insurance market, which, when using different digitalization products, lead to new business models of partnership. The results of the conducted empirical analysis confirm the existence of economic convergence processes at all levels (intra-segment, intersegment and inter-sectoral) on the Russian insurance market. The proof of this is the significant reduction in the number of insurers in 2021 to 158, compared to 600 insurers in 2011. Over the past three years, the share of sales of insurance products with the participation of banks acting as intermediaries in the sales of insurance services has increased by 1.5 times. Also, along with insurance companies, health care companies have increasingly become involved in such operations. Digitalization products (information technologies (IT); IT and IT platforms; IT, IT platforms and networks) have a huge impact on the forms of organizing joint business with the participation of insurance companies. Some insurance companies do not provide opportunities to issue an insurance policy online or pay an insurance premium, i.e. they use sites for only minor customer interactions. Most often, Russian insurance companies use mobile applications. The impact of various digitalization products at different levels of economic convergence of insurers initiates multivariate business models of joint business.
Factors maximizing tax auditors’ performance: Study on Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes
Authors: Ratnawati Vince , Wahyuni Nita , Freddy Desmond , Abduh Arridho
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that affect tax auditors’ performance, including the moderating role of work environment. The saturated sampling technique was employed as a sampling technique. Of the 166 tax auditors of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) in Riau Region as respondents, 132 questionnaires were returned, fulfilled the requirements, and were complete. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the first, second, and third hypotheses. However, moderated regression analysis was used for the fourth, fifth, and sixth hypotheses testing. The multiple regression analysis results showed that organizational commitment and job satisfaction have a positive effect on the tax auditors’ performance with a p-value for each 0.014 and 0.006. This indicates that the higher the organizational commitment and job satisfaction of the tax auditors, the better their performance. Meanwhile, job stress was found to have a negative effect on the tax auditors’ performance (p-value is 0.006); therefore, the higher the job stresses, the lower the performance. The results also found that work environment as a pure moderator strengthens the effect of organizational commitment on tax auditors’ performance (p-values of Z and X1Z each are 0.279 and 0.000). Meanwhile, work environment as a quasi-moderator also strengthens the effect of job satisfaction with p-values of Z 0.000 and X2Z 0.580. Work environment also moderates and strengthens the effect of job stress on the tax auditors’ performance with p-values of Z 0.000 and X3Z 0.597.
An Investigation on Decomposition of Signals and Noise Removal with a Half Band Nyquist Filter
Authors: ÇETİN TAŞ İclal , ARICA Sami
Published: December 2021

Medical signal processing is often used for analyzing and detecting diseases from bio-signals. Segmentation, filtering, and noise removal are application examples in this area. The segmentation or decomposition of signals is investigated in this study. Each branch of two band quadrature-mirror orthogonal filter bank structure (analysis and synthesis parts are cascaded) is a half band Nyquist filter when down-up samplers are removed. To perform partitioning, one branch of the filter bank was adapted to a component of input signal to suppress the other element and filter out the target part of the signal. This was done by obtaining the filter-tap weights, which minimize - norm of error at the output. This goal was achieved by employing the exhaustive search method. The filter performance was tested for three scenarios: filtering with and without down-up samplers and wavelet de-noising using one-level decomposition. The comparison was done with Daubechies and Symlet filters. The approach was run and tested for separating synthetically generated evoked potential from noise, and the results show that the designed filter achieves lower total absolute error than the classical wavelet filters.
A Bandpass Frequency Selective Surface Filter for Earth Observation Satellite and Radar Applications
Authors: ALTINTAŞ Olcay
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a bandpass frequency selective surface filter has been suggested for the satellite and radar applications at X band frequency regime. The study has been conducted both numerically and experimentally in a wide range frequency band between 2 GHz and 14 GHz. 2 GHz of 3 dB bandwidth between 7.3 GHz and 9.3 GHz has been obtained. The proposed structure has the polarization insensitive characteristic. It also has angular stability with the incident angle ranges from 0° to 60° with very small frequency deviations both TE and TM polarization modes. The prototype of the FSS structure is composed of 20x20 unit cells in a dimension of 18cm x 18 cm. The experimental studies have been conducted by using Agilent PNA-L vector network analyzer with two horn antennas. The bandpass filter can be effectively used in many satellite and radar systems as an antenna radome to prevent noises and to reject unwanted frequency bands
Efficiency of an up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactor coupled with an electrochemical system to remove chloramphenicol in swine wastewater
Authors: Romero-Soto Itzel , Garcia-Gomez Celestino , Leyva-Soto Luis , Napoles-Armenta Juan , Concha-Guzman María , Díaz-Tenorio Lourdes , Ulloa-Mercado Ruth , Drogui Patrick , Buelna Gerardo , Rentería-Mexia Ana María , Gortáres-Moroyoqui Pablo
Published: December 2021

The application and design of treatment systems in wastewater are necessary due to antibiotics' potential toxicity and resistant genes on residual effluent. This work evaluated a coupled bio-electrochemical system to reduce chloramphenicol (CAP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) on swine wastewater (SWW). SWW characterization found CAP of <10 μg/L and 17,434 mg/L of COD. The coupled system consisted of preliminary use of an Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) followed by electrooxidation (EO). The UASB reactor (primary stage) was operated for three months at an organic load of 8.76 kg of COD/m3d and 50 mg CAP/L as initial concentration. In EO, we carried out a 22 (time operation and intensity) factorial design with a central composite design; we tried two Ti cathodes and one anode of Ti/PbO2. Optimal conditions obtained in the EO process were 240 min of operation time and 1.51 A of current intensity. It was possible to eliminate 44% of COD and 64.2% of CAP in the preliminary stage. On bio-electrochemicals, total COD and CAP removal were 82.35 and >99.99%, respectively. This coupled system can be applied to eliminate antibiotics and other organic pollutants in agricultural, industrial, municipal, and other wastewaters.
Removal of selected pesticides, alkylphenols, hormones and bisphenol A from domestic wastewater by electrooxidation process
Authors: Bozyiğit Gamze Dalgıç , Ayyıldız Merve Fırat , Chormey Dotse Selali , Turan Nouha Bakaraki , Kapukıran Fatih , Engin Güleda Onkal , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: December 2021

In this study, seven compounds of environmental and health concern were treated by electrooxidation to determine their removal efficiencies from domestic wastewater. A batch type lab-scale reactor was used for the treatment process, and the analytes studied included two obsolete pesticides, two alkylphenols, two hormones, and bisphenol A. Titanium oxide and graphite electrodes were used as anode and cathode, respectively. Parameters of the electrooxidation process including pH of wastewater, ionic strength, applied current and treatment period were optimized by the univariate approach to maximize the removal efficiency of the analytes from wastewater. The optimum conditions were determined as nonadjusted pH of wastewater, 1.5 A current, 15 min treatment period and 5.0 g/L sodium chloride. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was used to preconcentrate analytes before and after treatment in order to calculate the removal efficiency of analytes. The removal efficiency obtained under the optimum conditions was satisfactory for all seven analytes at different influent concentrations.
Drug Delivery Systems and Strategies to Overcome the Barriers of Brain
Authors: Garg Yogesh , Kapoor Deepak N. , Sharma Abhishek K. , Bhatia Amit
Published: December 2021

The transport of drugs to the central nervous system is the most challenging task for conventional
drug delivery systems. The reduced permeability of drugs through the blood-brain barrier is a major hurdle in
delivering drugs to the brain. Hence, various strategies for improving drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier
are being explored. Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) offer several advantages, including high chemical
and biological stability, suitability for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, and can be administered
through different routes. Furthermore, the conjugation of suitable ligands with these carriers tends to potentiate
targeting to the endothelium of the brain and could facilitate the internalization of drugs through endocytosis.
Further, the intranasal route has also shown potential, as a promising alternate route, for the delivery of drugs to
the brain. This can deliver the drugs directly to the brain through the olfactory pathway. In recent years, several
advancements have been made to target and overcome the barriers of the brain. This article deals with a detailed
overview of the diverse strategies and delivery systems to overcome the barriers of the brain for effective
delivery of drugs.
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress: Signaling Mechanisms, Redox Basis for Human Diseases, and Cell Cycle Regulation
Authors: Sadiq Idris Zubairu
Published: December 2021

:

Free radicals contain one or more unpaired electrons in their valence shell, thus making them unstable, short-lived, and highly reactive species. Excessive generation of these free radicals ultimately leads to oxidative stress causing oxidation and damage to significant macromolecules in the living system and essentially disrupting signal transduction pathways and antioxidants equilibrium. At lower concentrations, ROS serves as “second messengers,” influencing many physiological processes in the cell. However, higher concentrations beyond cell capacity cause oxidative stress, contributing to human pathologies such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, cataract, asthma, hypertension, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt/ mTOR, and Keap1-Nrf2- ARE modulate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress by increasing the expression of cellular antioxidant defenses, phase II detoxification enzymes, and decreased production of ROS. Free radicals such as H2O2 are indeed needed for the advancement of the cell cycle as these molecules influence DNA, proteins, and enzymes in the cell cycle pathway. In the course of cell cycle progression, the cellular redox environment becomes more oxidized, moving from the G1 phase, becoming higher in G2/M and moderate in the S phase. Signals in the form of an increase in cellular pro-oxidant levels are required, and these signals are often terminated by a rise in the amount of antioxidants and MnSOD with a decrease in the level of cyclin D1 proteins. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of cell cycle redox regulation will help in the therapy of many diseases
Association of Dietary Prebiotic Consumption with Reduced Risk of
Alzheimer’s Disease in a Multiethnic Population
Authors: Gu Yian , Nishikawa Mia , Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Schupf Nicole , Mayeux Richard P.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary prebiotic intake
and risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods:

This longitudinal study includes 1,837 elderly (≥65 years) participants of a multi-ethnic
community-based cohort study who were dementia-free at baseline and had provided dietary information
from food frequency questionnaires. Total daily intake of fructan, one of the best-known
prebiotics, was calculated based on consumption frequency and fructan content per serving of 8
food items. The associations of daily fructan intake with AD risk were examined using a Cox proportional
hazards model, adjusted for cohort recruitment wave, age, gender, race/ethnicity, education,
daily caloric intake, and APOE genotype. Effect modification by race/ethnicity, APOE genotype,
and gender was tested by including an interaction term into the Cox models, as well as by
stratified analyses.

Results:

Among 1,837 participants (1,263 women [69%]; mean [SD] age = 76 [6.3] years), there
were 391 incident AD cases during a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (13736 person-years). Each additional
gram of fructan intake was associated with 24% lower risk for AD ((95% CI)=0.60-0.97; P
=0.03). Additional adjusting for smoking, alcohol consumption, and comorbidity index did not
change results materially. The associations were not modified by race/ethnicity, gender, and APOE
genotype, although stratified analyses showed that fructan intake was significantly associated with
reduced AD risk in Hispanics but not in non-Hispanic Blacks or Whites.

Conclusion:

Higher dietary fructan intake is associated with a reduced risk of clinical Alzheimer’s
disease among older adults.
Olfactory Function, Genetic Predisposition, and Cognitive Performance in
Chinese Adults
Authors: Yang Xianyi , Si Jing , Lin Shuchun , Zhou Xiaofeng , Zhang Hui , Sun Zhonghan , Pu Yanni , Li Qian , Qiu Jiange , Wang Lin , Song Chunhua , Yuan Changzheng , Wang Xiaofeng , Zheng Yan
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The objective of this study is to examine the association of olfactory function
and genetic predisposition of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with cognitive performance in adults.

Methods:

A total of 2049 Chinese adults from Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study (RuLAS,
n=1460, mean age 78 years) and Central China Cohort (CCC, n=589, mean age 48 years) were included
in this study. A standard interview-based survey, clinical information, and blood samples
were collected in both cohorts. Olfactory function in terms of olfactory identification was measured
by the brief version of the Chinese Smell Identification Test consisted of 18 full points. Cognitive
performance was measured by the Chinese version of the Mini-mental State Examination. A
genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated from 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms, which were robustly
related to Alzheimer’s disease in Caucasians and cognitive performance in our Chinese population.

Results:

In the pooled analyses, participants at the lowest quartile of olfactory function had significantly
higher odds of cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] =1.45 [1.00 to 2.09], Ptrend
=0.005), and such association was stronger among participants with a stronger genetic predisposition
of Alzheimer’s disease (β coefficient±SE, -0.06±0.03 in participants with a lower GRS vs.
-0.19±0.05 in those with a higher GRS, respectively, Pinteraction=0.01). Similar associations were observed
in RuLAS (P-trend=0.06) and in CCC (P-trend<0.001).

Conclusion:

In this study, a decreased olfactory function was associated with worse cognitive performance
in adults, especially among participants with a higher genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Further studies are warranted to evaluate the causal relationship between olfaction and cognitive
performance.
Does the Global Postural Re-Education Affect the Psychological and Postural
Aspects of Alzheimer Disease Patients? A Six Months Quasi-Experimental
Study
Authors: Todri Jasemin , Lena Orges , Todri Ardita , Fuentes Juan M.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To study the implementation of Global Postural Re-education as a rehabilitative alternative in residence facilities for seniors with Alzheimer, and to verify its effect on psychological and cognitive symptoms.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design was employed using month-follow-up assessments at 1,3,
and 6 months respectively. Ninety elderly people participated in the composition of the study sample: 69 women and 21 men aged from 67 to 89 years (80.2 ±5.5), grouped in two phases: mild and
moderate, according to Alzheimer severity. Patients in both groups received the same treatment
twice a week for consecutively 24 weeks. Three follow-up medium-long term assessments were
performed at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months. Outcome measures included Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Quality of Life in Alzheimer Disease, Barthel Index, and Tinetti Scale.

Results:

The severity of groups therapy interaction showed significant changes in four outcome
measures as cognition [F(1,88)=60.26; p=.000; partial η2= 0.406], depression [F(1,88)=8.24;
p=.005; partial η2= 0.086], life quality [F(1,88)= 10.45; p=.002; partial η2= 0.106] and equilibrium
[F(1,88)= 6.96; p=.010; partial η2= 0.073]. No changes were found for autonomy [F(1,88)= 1.10;
p=.297; partial η2= 0.012]. These changes between the two groups were observed at the sixth
month follow-up assessment.

Conclusion :

Global postural reeducation could be useful as a complementary rehabilitation treatment in Alzheimer patients.
The Expression of Glutaminases and their Association with Clinicopathological
Parameters in the Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Basheer Haneen A. , Elsalem Lina , Salem Anwar , Tailor Artysha , Hunter Keith , Afarinkia Kamyar
Published: December 2021

Background:

The increased glutamine metabolism is a characteristic feature of cancer
cells. The interconversion between glutamine and glutamate is catalyzed by two glutaminase isoforms,
GLS1 and GLS2, which appear to have different roles in different types of cancer. We investigated
for the first time the protein expression of GLS1 and GLS2, and their correlation with advanced
clinicopathological parameters in head and neck cancers.

Method:

Consecutive slides from a tissue microarray comprised of 80 samples ranging from normal
to metastatic were stained immunohistochemically for GLS1, GLS2, HIF-1α or CD147. Following
analysis by two expert pathologists, we carried out a statistical analysis of the scores.

Results:

GLS1 and GLS2 were found to be upregulated at the protein level in head and neck tumours
compared to normal tissues, and this increased expression correlated positively (GLS1) and
negatively (GLS2) with tumor grade, indicating a shift of expression between GLS enzyme isoforms
based on tumor differentiation. Increased expression of GLS1 was associated with high
CD147 expression, and elevated GLS2 expression was associated with both high CD147 and high
HIF-1α expressions. The correlation of the GLS1 and GLS2 with HIF-1α or CD147 was strongly
associated with more advanced clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusion:

The increased expression of GLS1 and GLS2 may be explored as a new treatment for
head and neck cancers.
Potential Roles of α-amylase in Alzheimer’s Disease: Biomarker and Drug
Target
Authors: Yeong Keng Yoon , Chen Win Ning , Tang Kim San
Published: December 2021

:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is pathologically characterized
by the deposition of amyloid-β plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. In a neurodegenerative
brain, glucose metabolism is also impaired and considered as one of the key features
in AD patients. The impairment causes a reduction in glucose transporters and the uptake of glucose
as well as alterations in the specific activity of glycolytic enzymes. Recently, it has been reported
that α-amylase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, is present in the human brain. The enzyme is
known to be associated with various diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperamylasaemia.
With this information at hand, we hypothesize that α-amylase could have a vital role in the
demented brains of AD patients. This review aims to shed insight into the possible link between the
expression levels of α-amylase and AD. Lastly, we also cover the diverse role of amylase inhibitors
and how they could serve as a therapeutic agent to manage or stop AD progression.
Extracting Atomic Contributions to Binding Free Energy Using Molecular
Dynamics Simulations with Mixed Solvents (MDmix)
Authors: Barril Xavier , Alvarez-Garcia Daniel , Schmidtke Peter , Cubero Elena
Published: December 2021

Background:

Mixed solvents MD (MDmix) simulations have proved to be a useful and increasingly
accepted technique with several applications in structure-based drug discovery. One of the
assumptions behind the methodology is the transferability of free energy values from the simulated
cosolvent molecules to larger drug-like molecules. However, the binding free energy maps (ΔGbind)
calculated for the different moieties of the cosolvent molecules (e.g. a hydroxyl map for the ethanol)
are largely influenced by the rest of the solvent molecule and do not reflect the intrinsic affinity of the
moiety in question. As such, they are hardly transferable to different molecules.

Method:

To achieve transferable energies, we present here a method for decomposing the molecular
binding free energy into accurate atomic contributions.

Result:

We demonstrate with two qualitative visual examples how the corrected energy maps better
match known binding hotspots and how they can reveal hidden hotspots with actual drug design potential.

Conclusion:

Atomic decomposition of binding free energies derived from MDmix simulations provides
transferable and quantitative binding free energy maps.
Exploration of Luteolin as Potential Anti-COVID-19 Agent: Molecular
Docking, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, ADMET and DFT Analysis
Authors: Ansari Waseem Ahmad , Ahamad Tanveer , Khan Mohsin Ali , Khan Zaw Ali , Khan Mohammad Faheem
Published: December 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has recently emerged as a pandemic
respiratory disease with mild to severe pneumonia symptoms. No clinical antiviral agent is available so
far. However, several repurposing drugs and vaccines are being given to individuals or in clinical trials
against SARS-CoV-2

Objective:

The aim of this study is to uncover the potential effects of Luteolin (Lut) as an inhibitor of
SARS-CoV2 encoded proteins via utilizing computational tools.

Method:

Molecular modelling to unfold the anti-SARS-CoV2 potential of Lut along with reference
drugs namely remdesivir and nafamostat was performed by the use of molecular docking, molecular dynamic
(MD) simulation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET) and density
functional theory (DFT) methods against the five different SARS-CoV-2 encoded key proteins and one
human receptor protein. The chemical reactivity of Luteolin is done through prediction of HOMO-LUMO
gap energy and other chemical descriptors analysis.

Results:

In the present study, Lut binds effectively in the binding pockets of spike glycoprotein (6VSB),
ADP phosphatase of NSP3 (6W02), and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (7AAP) protein receptors with
significant values of docking scores -7.00, -7.25, and -6.46 respectively as compared to reference drugs
remdesivir and nafamostat.

Conclusion::

Thus, Lut can act as a therapeutic agent and is orally safe for human consumption as predicted
by molecular modelling against SARS-CoV-2 in the treatment of COVID-19.
Comparison of General Dietary and Lifestyle Habits Before and During
COVID-19 among the Saudi Adult Population in Riyadh
Authors: ALkharashi Nouf A.
Published: December 2021

Background:

During the initial outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there
were few effective evidence-based vaccines or treatments available, which led to many attempts
to find alternative options.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the general dietary and lifestyle habits among the Saudi
adult population in Riyadh before and during COVID-19.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study targeting the Riyadh population from 16 May 2020 to
16 June 2020. The study was composed of a structured questionnaire that collected demographic
information (such as age, gender, place of residence, and health status), dietary habit information
(such as daily intake of certain foods, food frequency, number of meals/day, and number of
times drinking tea and coffee), lifestyle habit information (such as physical activity; sleep quality;
and time spent using the internet, social media, and electronic devices for fun or stress relief)
using Google forms. A total of 1193 participants aged over 18 years were included in the study.

Results:

During the COVID-19 period, a significant increase was observed in the number of
meals eaten daily, fruit and vegetable intake, the intake of sweets and cakes/biscuits, the number
of hours of sleep per day, and time spent on the internet and social media compared with the pre-
COVID-19 pandemic period. However, the amount of running exercise or physical activity was
found to be significantly reduced.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that the dietary and lifestyle habits changed among Saudi
adults during the COVID-19 period. Similar large-scale studies should be undertaken in the future
to confirm the results of the study.
Therapeutic Benefits of Piper nigrum: A Review
Authors: Malviya Rishabha , Majumdar Banishree , Sharma Akanksha
Published: December 2021

This manuscript aims to describe the various pharmacological activities of Piper
nigrum. Pepper is a common spice of the plant which is used as spice in preparation of various
foods. Pepper production is centered in Kerela, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra in India.
Other big pepper-producing countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
It has various pharmacological activities which is why it is used in the treatment of different diseases.
The manuscript mainly describes the antituberculosis, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-
inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastrointestinal and anticancer activities of Piper nigrum.
The manuscript also describes the various studies related to the pharmacological activities of
Piper nigrum. It is concluded from the manuscript that Piper nigrum has great efficacy in the treatment
of various diseases.
5-Fluorouracil-Impregnated PLGA Coated Gold Nanoparticles for Augmented Delivery
to Lung Cancer: In Vitro Investigations
Authors: Kumar Gourav , Gupta Rashmi , Vishwakarma Leena , Guleri Sunil Kant
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective:

The study aimed to investigate the augmented cytotoxic effects of polymercoated
(poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid-PLGA) gold nanoparticles (GNPs) carrying 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the management
of lung cancer.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, several formulations were prepared using a double emulsion (water-oil-water)
method and evaluated for drug release behavior, compatibility, cell line toxicity (A549), and apoptosis assessment.

Results:

Characterization results showed spherical polydispersed particles with size 29.11-178.21 nm, polydispersity
index (PDI) 0.191-292, and zeta potential (ZP) 11.19-29.21 (-mV), respectively. Compared to others, the optimized
polymer-coated 5-FU loaded gold nanoparticles (PFGNPs) illustrated a maximum drug loading (93.09±10.75%). The
percent cumulative drug release of polymer-coated 5-FU loaded nanoparticles (PFNPs), 5-FU loaded gold nanoparticles
(FGNPs), (PFGNPs) and 5-FU solution were 47.87±1.5, 41.09±1.8, 56.31±1.05, and 98.8±4.2%, respectively,
over 10 h. following zero-order release kinetics (except 5-FU solution). From the MTT results, the cytotoxic effect of
PFGNPs on the A549 cells was 82.89% compared to the 5-FU solution (74.91 %). EGFR and KRAS gene expression
analysis under the influence of PFNPs, FGNPs, PFGNPs, and 5-FU was studied and observed maximum potency for
PFNPs.

Conclusion:

PLGA coated biogenic gold nanoparticles have a combined effect to achieve high drug loading, sustained
delivery, improved efficacy, and enhanced permeation. Conclusively, the approach may be promising to control lung
cancer with reduced toxicity and improved efficacy.
Pharmacogenomics of Antihypertensive Drugs in Brazil: Recent Progress
and Clinical Implications
Authors: Vecchia Genvigir Fabiana Dalla , Dagli-Hernandez Carolina , Hirata Thiago Dominguez Crespo , Zhou Yitian , Lauschke Volker M. , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Hirata Rosario Dominguez Crespo
Published: December 2021

Background:

The available antihypertensive drugs are effective and well tolerated agents. However, only about half of patients with treated hypertension achieve appropriate blood pressure control. Genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to the interindividual variability of the therapeutic response.

Objective:

This review constitutes a comprehensive update of the pharmacogenomics of antihypertensive drugs and their clinical implications in Brazil.

Results:

Twenty-five studies explored the influence of gene variants on drug response in patients with primary, resistant, or gestational hypertension. Variants in BDKRB2, NOS3, PRKCA, and VEGFA influenced the response to enalapril in patients with primary hypertension. AGT and MMP2 variants were associated with a high risk of resistance to antihypertensive treatment, whereas NOS2 variants were related to low risk. Moreover, NAT2 slow acetylators showed an increased response to hydralazine in patients with resistant hypertension. HMOX1, NAMPT, MMP9, NOS3, and TIMP1 variants might be markers of drug responsiveness in hypertensive or preeclamptic pregnant women. Power and replication of studies, polygenic nature of the response to therapy, and treatment with multiple drugs were important challenges to identify genetic predictors of antihypertensive response in Brazil.

Conclusion:

Pharmacogenomic studies in Brazilian cohorts provide some evidence of variants, mainly in pharmacodynamics genes, which influence the response to antihypertensive drugs. However, some findings are limited by cohort size or therapeutic scheme and may be influenced by interactions with other genetic and non-genetic factors. Therefore, further investigations are needed to elucidate the contribution of pharmacogenomics to the efficacy and safety of antihypertensive therapy.
Numerical Analysis of Johnson-Cook Damage Model Parameters Effects
on the Cutting Simulation of AISI 1045
Authors: Sun Yong , Li Guohe , He Zhen , Kong Xiangcheng
Published: December 2021

Background:

The failure model is an important basis for research on material failure
and fracture, and plays an important role in the finite element simulation of metal cutting. Johnson-
Cook damage model is widely used to predict the onset of damage to many materials. Its
damage evolution is controlled by five parameters.

Objective:

This study aimed to decrease the cost of damage parameters’ identification and find out
the damage parameters which have a great influence on the simulation results. This work can provide
assistance in the optimization and selection of constitutive model parameters.

Methods:

Suitable Johnson-Cook damage model parameters, which can be used in the metal cutting
simulation of AISI 1045 steel, are selected by comparing the simulation results and the experimental
results. The cutting process of AISI 1045 steel is simulated by changing the Johnson-
Cook damage parameters in the ABAQUS/Explicit.

Results:

The relevance of cutting force, feed force, cutting temperature, and deformation coefficient
with five Johnson-Cook damage parameters are determined.

Conclusion:

The finite element simulation results show that the Johnson-Cook damage model
parameters D2 and D3 have the biggest impact on the cutting simulation of AISI 1045 steel.
Meanwhile, different Johnson-Cook damage parameters would cause diverse changes in the simulation
results.
Implementation of an Expressive Writing Intervention for
Adolescents During Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization
Authors: Taniguchi Yuko , Schlief Mason , Bright Jered , Simon Sue , Leffler Jarrod M.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Given the high rates of mental health concerns and communication difficulties for adolescents a treatment intervention to allow for effective expression may be therapeutic. One of the leading writing practices is Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing (EW) intervention. EW involves individuals writing about their feelings and thoughts regarding negative life experiences. Benefits of EW include a reduction of psychological symptoms and doctor visits, and better adjustment.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the role of using EW and creative writing as a group intervention for youth admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital (IPH)

METHODS:

The current study evaluated participant engagement in a 3-day EW activity facilitated by nurses and graduate students on the IPH unit under the supervision of the IPH unit nurse manager and course instructor. Participants included 23 youth between 12- and 18-years-old

RESULTS:

Of the 23 participants 49.69% discussed vivid descriptions of illness, 24.5% discussed negative emotions, 20.25% included casual explanation, 5.52% discussed polarized view, and 16.56% discussed their desires, wishes, and goals. The response rate of clinician’s review of the EW content included 58% of clinician’s coding was on the patient’s current state, 24% was on causal explanations, and 18% was on treatment options.

CONCLUSION:

The current EW intervention facilitated by nursing staff and graduate students in an IPH was found to be engaged in by participants and provide an additional therapeutic resource to participants. EW may foster patient communication with staff about their functioning, mental health concerns, and treatment needs.
Use of the Genus Satureja as Food Supplement: Possible Modulation of the
Immune System via Intestinal Microbiota During SARS-CoV-2
Infection
Authors: Ezaouine Abdelkarim , Nouadi Badreddine , Sbaoui Yousra , El Messal Mariam , Chegdani Fatima , Bennis Faïza
Published: December 2021

Satureja genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family, and they are used in food products and by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The chemical composition of Satureja is responsible for its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Among the various biological activities, notably antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal, Satureja also has a potential antiviral activity. The exist-ence of a microbiota modulation potential by Satureja in farming animals has also been reported. Viral pathologies are one of the main causes of disease in the world. It is commonly known that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the fight and progression of viral infection. Previous studies con-ducted on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have proved an imbalance in the intes-tinal and pulmonary microbiota via gut-lung axis. Knowing the properties of Satureja and its tradi-tional use, one can suggest the possibility of using it as dietary supplement to modulate immune system in order to prevent and fight viral infections.
The objective of this review is to reveal the potential impact of medicinal plants such as Satureja genus as a food supplement, on immune enhancing during SARS-CoV-2 infection and their rela-tionships with the intestinal microbiota.
The Emerging Role of Nanosuspensions for Drug Delivery and Stability
Authors: Dewangan Hitesh Kumar
Published: December 2021

:

Poor solubility of some medicinal compounds is a serious challenge that can be addressed
by using a nano-suspension for improved delivery. The nanoparticles enhance the bioavailability
along with the aqueous solubility of the drug, which is accomplished by increasing the active
surface area of the drug. The gained attention of the nanosuspension is due to its stabilization
facility, which is achieved by polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), having a particular
size range of 10 - 100 nm. Hence, these nanoparticles have the capacity of binding to the targeted
with very low damage to the healthy tissues. These are prepared by various methods, such as
milling, high-pressure homogenization, and emulsification, along with melt emulsification. Moreover,
surface modification and solidification have been used to add specific properties to the advanced
therapies as post-processing techniques. For many decades, it has been known that water
solubility hampers the bioavailability and not all drugs are water-soluble. In order to combat this
obstacle, nanotechnology has been found to be of specific interest. For elevating the bioavailability
by increasing the dissolution rate, the methodology of reduction of the associated drug particles into
their subsequent submicron range is incorporated. For oral and non-oral administration, these
nanosuspension formulations are used for the delivery of drugs.