bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Residual Stress of C Oriented AlN/Si (111) and Its Impact on Mushroom Shaped Piezoelectric Resonator 
Authors: PANDEY AKHILESH , Dutta Shankar , Gupta Nidhi , Kaur Davinder , Raman R.
Published: February 2021

Aluminum nitride-based MEMS resonators are one of the interesting recent research topics for its tremendous potential in a wide variety of applications. This paper focuses on the detrimental effect of residual stress on the AlN based MEMS resonator design for acoustic applications. The residual stress in the sputtered c axis (<001>) preferred oriented AlN layers on Si (111) substrates are studied as a function of layer thickness. The films exhibited compressive residual stresses at different thickness values: -1050 MPa (700 nm), -500 MPa (900 nm), and -230 MPa (1200 nm). A mushroom-shaped AlN based piezoelectric MEMS resonator structure has been designed for the different AlN layer thicknesses. The effect of the residual stresses on the mode shapes, resonant frequencies, and quality factor (Q) of the resonator structures are studied. The resonant frequency of the structures are altered from 235 kHz, 280 kHz, and 344 kHz to 65 kHz, 75 kHz and 371 kHz due to the residual stress of -1050 MPa (thickness: 700 nm), -500 MPa (thickness: 900 nm) and -230 MPa (thickness: 1200 nm) respectively. At no residual stress, the quality factors of the resonator structures are 248, 227, 241 corresponding to the 700 nm, 900 nm, and 1200 nm thick AlN layers respectively. The presence of the residual stress reduced the Q values from 248 (thickness: 700 nm), 227 (thickness: 900 nm), 241 (thickness: 1200 nm) to 28, 53, and 261 respectively.
The effectiveness of non-pharmacological or non-surgical interventions on the Health Related Quality of Life of People with Parkinson's Disease: a protocol of systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Paula Tamara Cristine de , Alcântara-Silva Tereza Raquel de Melo , Citon Leonardo Francisco , Porto Celmo Celeno
Published: February 2021

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative, progressive and disabling disease affecting the elderly population, with by motor and non-motor symptoms that interfere with the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of this population. Currently, there are still no resources to cure the disease, so the main treatment method used to reduce symptoms is based initially on pharmacological therapy, and in some cases, surgery is recommended. However, some unconventional interventions have been used, showing good results for the improvement of symptoms that also include HRQoL. Therefore, this investigation aimed to identify non-pharmacological or non-surgical interventions, in randomized clinical studies (RCTs) and their effectiveness in improving the HRQoL of people with PD.Methods: Systematic review, guided by the PRISMA method, using the SciELO, MEDLINE / PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations databases - BDTD, through CAFe Access on the CAPES / MEC Journals portal. "Quality of Life" - "Parkinson’s Disease" - "Randomized Controlled Trial", were the keywords used. Articles were selected by 2 independent reviewers using a third for doubts / discrepancies. Articles published until October 2020, in languages English, Portuguese and Spanish, RCTs, with non-pharmacological or non-surgical interventions, population diagnosed with PD, at any age or stage of the disease will be included. A narrative synthesis will be used to summarize the results and discussion, as well as a methodological evaluation of the RCTs using Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Discussion: This review will identify the effectiveness of non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions aimed at improving the HRQoL of people with PD, based on assessment instruments related to the proposed theme, based on RCT. Therefore, the findings show the current panorama of studies performed, discussion about their clinical applicability, as well as suggestions for improvements of future trials.Registration of Systematic Review: CRD42021221383
The Predictive Value of CHA2DS2–VASc Score as a Predictor for Left Ventricular Thrombus After Acute Anterior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Case-Control Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zheng Nan , Zang Jun
Published: February 2021

Objective: To determine the predictive value of CHA2DS2–VASc score as a predictor for left ventricular thrombus after acute anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: We performed a case–control retrospective study of 30 patients with left ventricular thrombus (median age: 60.6 years, range: 38–75 years old; 26 males, 74 females) and 60 age- and sex-matched controls without left ventricular thrombus. Correlation analysis was performed and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of CHA2DS2–VASc score in detecting left ventricular thrombus.Result: Patients with left ventricular thrombus after acute anterior STEMI had higher CHA2DS2–VASc scores than controls (P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that CHA2DS2–VASc scores were positively correlated with left ventricular thrombus after acute anterior STEMI (r = 0.413; P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that CHA2DS2–VASc scores (P = 0.001) and heart failure (P = 0.023) were risk factors of left ventricular thrombus. The ROC curve of CHA2DS2–VASc scores revealed that area under curve was 0.746 (95% confidence interval: 0.638–0.853, P < 0.001), sensibility was 86.7%, and specificity was 50.0%.Conclusion: Patients with heart failure have a high incidence of left ventricular thrombus after acute anterior STEMI. CHA2DS2–VASc scores contribute to the prediction for left ventricular thrombus after acute anterior STEMI.
Biodegradable and Transparent Films With Tunable UV-blocking Property From Xylose Residue by a Top-down Approach
Authors: Song Yijia , Chen Sheng , Chen Yanglei , Xu Yanglei , Xu Feng
Published: February 2021

As over exposure of the earth to ultraviolet (UV) light and increased amount of petroleum-based plastic waste, biodegradable UV-blocking materials are desired for diverse sustainable applications. Xylose residue, as the byproduct of xylitol production from corn cobs, is mainly composed of cellulose and lignin. Here, we develop a series of xylose residue films through a top-down approach (i.e., tunable delignification and regeneration) without any additional additives. The treated xylose residues with lignin content of 4.4-29.7% are used to prepare regenerated films, which exhibit excellent UV-blocking capability: 68.6-99.2% for UVB (290-320 nm) and 47.1-98.2% for UVA (320-400 nm). Moreover, these films remain a great optical transparency (50.6-86.6%) and show enhanced water vapor permeability (2.17-2.76 ×10-11 g·cm·cm-2·s-1·mmHg-1), surface hydrophobicity (water contact angle=72.3-86.4°), and thermal stability. Overall, our sustainable UV-blocking films have potential applications in the fields of electronics, food packaging, and windshields, etc. This study provides new insights into converting xylose residue directly to high value-added functional bioproducts.
Effects of Short-term Application of Moutai Lees Biochar on Nutrients and Fungal Community Structure in Yellow Soil of Guizhou
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Yanling , Wei Quanquan , Gou Jiulan
Published: February 2021

In order to realize the resource utilization of Guizhou sauce-flavor distiller's grains and the improvement of yellow soil fertility, a field experiment was carried out to study the effects of short-term application of vinasse biochar on soil nutrients and the diversity of fungal community structure by setting five biochar dosages of 0% (MB0), 0.5% (MB0.5), 1.0% (MB1.0), 2.0% (MB2.0), and 4.0% (MB4.0). The results showed that the application of lees biochar increased the pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium N (AN), nitrate N (NN), available phosphorus and available potassium of the yellow soil to varying degrees, but decreased the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass N (MBN) by 12.36%-26.49% and 34.10%-59.95% respectively. The application of lees biochar significantly reduced the number of fungal OTUs and community diversity. Compared with MB0 treatment, the application of lees biochar significantly changed the structure of the fungal community. The relative abundances of Mortierellomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota, and Chlorophyta were all increased in varying degrees, but the relative abundance of Ascomycota was significantly reduced by 23.86%-29.06%. At the same time, the application of lees biochar also increased the relative abundance of some functional bacteria, such as Mortierella and Chaetomium, and reduced the relative abundance of some pathogenic bacteria, such as Aspergillus and Fusarium. In addition, the results of redundant analysis showed that SOM, AN and NN were the main environmental factors that affect the change of yellow soil fungal community structure. In summary, the short-term application of lees biochar can increase the nutrient content of soil, change the structure and diversity of soil fungal communities, and also can reduce the relative abundance of some pathogenic bacteria, which can inhibit the growth and reproduction of harmful plant pathogens.
Optimization of whole-genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum from low-density dried blood spot samples
Authors: Teyssier Noam , Chen Anna , Duarte Elias , Sit Rene , Greenhouse Bryan , Tessema Sofonias
Published: February 2021

Background Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly useful to study the biology, epidemiology, and ecology of malaria parasites. Despite ease of sampling, DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) has a high ratio of human DNA compared to parasite DNA, which poses a challenge for downstream genetic analyses. The effects of multiple methods for DNA extraction, digestion of methylated DNA, and amplification were evaluated on the quality and fidelity of WGS data recovered from DBS.MethodsLow parasite density mock DBS samples were created, extracted either with Tween-Chelex or QIAamp, treated with or without McrBC, and amplified with one of three different amplification techniques (two sWGA primer sets and one rWGA). Extraction conditions were evaluated on performance of sequencing depth, percentiles of coverage, and expected SNP concordance.ResultsAt 100 parasites/μL, Chelex-Tween-McrBC samples had higher coverage (5X depth = 93% genome) than QIAamp extracted samples (5X depth = 76% genome). The two evaluated sWGA primer sets showed minor differences in overall genome coverage and SNP concordance, with a newly proposed combination of 20 primers showing a modest improvement in coverage over those previously published.ConclusionsOverall, Tween-Chelex extracted samples that were treated with McrBC digestion and are amplified using 6A10AD sWGA conditions had minimal dropout rate, higher percentages of coverage at higher depth, and more accurate SNP concordance than QiaAMP extracted samples. These findings extend the results of previously reported methods, making whole genome sequencing accessible to a larger number of low density samples that are commonly encountered in cross-sectional surveys.
A high prevalence of NCD multimorbidity in South African Adolescents and Youth Living with HIV: Implications for Integrated Prevention
Authors: Kamkuemah Monika , Gausi Blessings , Oni Tolu
Published: February 2021

Background: Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) face an elevated NCD risk resulting from HIV, psychosocial challenges and the complications of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in six primary care facilities to investigate the prevalence of common NCDs and risk factors among AYLHIV in Cape Town, South Africa between March 2019 and January 2020. We collected socio-demographic information, ascertained behaviours and knowledge and screened for pre-existent and previously unidentified NCDs and risk factors in adolescents and youth enrolled for primary HIV care. Characteristics between sexes and age groups were compared using parametric or non-parametric statistical tests.Results: Three out of four participants were female, and the median age was 20.5 years (IQR 18.9- 22.9). More than a quarter were not in education, employment or training (NEET) and 44% were multidimensionally poor. Our results show an existent burden of hypertension (5%) and central obesity (37%) as well as high levels of depression (43%) and psychological distress symptoms (44%). AYLHIV further self-reported high levels of household food insecurity (70%), low fruit and vegetable consumption, high fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage intake, low nutritional knowledge and insufficient physical activity. Beyond the NCD risk attributable to HIV and ART, these multiple risk factors further increase NCD risk. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of integrated prevention with NCD risk screening as part of HIV care for AYLHIV and the need for early intervention on social, environmental and economic determinants of NCDs targeting adolescents and youth.
Identification of an immune-related signature indicating the dedifferentiation of thyroid cells
Authors: Wang Xuemin , Peng Wen , Li Chunyan , Qin Rujia , Zhong Zhaoming , Sun Chuan-Zheng
Published: February 2021

Background: Immune cells account for a large proportion of the tumour microenvironment in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs). However, the expression pattern of immune-related genes (IRGs) in ATCs is unclear. Our study aimed to identify an immune-related signature indicating the dedifferentiation of thyroid cells.Methods: We compared the differences in thyroid differentiation score (TDS), infiltration of immune cells and enriched pathways between ATCs and papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) or normal thyroid tissues in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Univariate and multivariable Cox analyses were used to screen prognosis-associated IRGs in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. After constructing a risk score, we investigated its predictive value for differentiation and survival by applying receiver operating characteristic and Kaplan-Meier curves. We further explored its associations with important immune checkpoint molecules, infiltrating immune cells and response to immunotherapy. Results: Compared with PTCs or normal thyroid tissues, ATCs exhibited lower TDS values and higher enrichment of immune cells and activation of the inflammatory response. The quantitative analyses and immunohistochemical staining validated that most ATC cell lines and ATC tissues had higher expression of MMP9 and lower expression of SDC2 than normal thyroid samples and PTC. Higher risk scores indicates dedifferentiation and a worse prognosis. Additionally, the risk score was positively correlated with the immune checkpoint molecules PDL1, CTLA4, IDO1, and HAVCR2 and infiltration of multiple immune cells. Importantly, we found that the samples with higher risk scores tended to have a better response to immunotherapy than those with lower scores. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the risk score may not only contribute to the determination of differentiation and prognosis of thyroid carcinomas but also help the prediction of immune cells infiltration and immunotherapy response.
Episode Two: Ria Righteous
Authors: Shah Rajni , Righteous Ria , 周 Gibbons Fili
Published: February 2021

In this first full conversation, Rajni Shah and Ria Righteous take time to allow words to emerge between them through deep listening. The conversation is intimate and personal, meditating on themes of grief, selfhood, family, renewal, and the long and difficult work of dearmouring the heart and body.
This episode is accompanied by a short offering in which Ria guides the listener through a meditation called ‘Breathing the Body’. The offering was recorded by Ria in Kersal Dale, near the river Irwell in Salford.
Full credits and transcript for this episode will be published when the episode is released on 27 February 2021.
El ciberacoso entre jóvenes del barrio López de Mesa (Medellín-Colombia)
Authors: González Salazar Nohemí , Restrepo Diez Manuela , Padilla Jennifer Tatiana , Rúa Penagos Jonathan Andrés
Published: February 2021

El ciberacoso es aquel fenómeno que se produce a través de dispositivos digitales como teléfonos celulares o computadoras; suele ocurrir generalmente mediante mensajes de texto o redes sociales. Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los efectos del ciberacoso en los jóvenes del barrio López de Mesa (Medellín-Colombia), así como también las causas, consecuencias y posibles métodos de intervención. Como instrumento de recolección de datos se ha utilizado la encuesta, a través de la cual se concluye que los jóvenes son quienes se ven más afectados por el fenómeno estudiado.
Algunos mitos y realidades de la psicología social comunitaria. Modelos y conceptos fundamentales
Authors: Uribe Aramburo Nicolás Ignacio
Published: February 2021

En el presente artículo se describen y analizan algunos mitos y realidades de la psicología social comunitaria; a partir de la investigación de la cual deriva se evidencia la falta de sistematización teórica y conceptual en la literatura sobre este campo de la psicología; finalmente se presenta una síntesis sobre los principales modelos (sociocomunitario, stress psicosocial, sistema social humano, empoderamiento) y conceptos (comunidad, organización, participación, desarrollo) utilizados en este campo. Esto con el ánimo de facilitar que estudiantes y profesionales puedan aproximarse a estos conocimientos de forma ordenada y crítica, así como de sistematizar las experiencias comunitarias por parte de los psicólogos.
Autocuidado en el psicólogo
Authors: Villarreal Silva Geidy Vanessa , Rodríguez Bustamante Alexander
Published: February 2021

El hacer terapéutico se concentra principalmente en la alfabetización del paciente-consultante-cliente en el manejo de sus relaciones interpersonales, en las diferentes problemáticas motivo de consulta. Deja un poco relegado al terapeuta quien, también, sitúa en riesgo su propio ser en el contexto de la consulta, en la trama vincular consultante-terapeuta. Con esto en mente, el objetivo de este artículo tiene que ver con el desarrollo de habilidades de autocuidado en el psicólogo: un factor protector de la salud mental en el ejercicio profesional. Método: la revisión documental se realizó desde una orientación cualitativa que se basa en una descripción rigurosa de los hechos o situaciones, al mismo tiempo, se empleó una metodología hermenéutica; por medio del estado del arte se procuró comprender la literatura existente sobre la actual propuesta de investigación. Conclusiones: el autocuidado como un factor protector de la salud mental en el ejercicio profesional está encaminado a promover acciones de promoción y prevención a partir de habilidades de autorreflexividad y resiliencia frente al autocuidado en busca del bienestar y salud mental.
Salud mental en el profesional psicosocial
Authors: García Álvarez Andrés Felipe , Sepúlveda Berrío Lady Diana , Úsuga Henao Luz María , Rodríguez Bustamante Alexander
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: reconocer las situaciones que en contexto le generan ansiedad y depresión al profesional psicosocial, y comprender la importancia de ocuparse del bienestar físico y mental. Método: por la naturaleza de la investigación fue utilizado un enfoque cualitativo desde una perspectiva hermenéutica, bajo la modalidad del estado del arte, accediendo a un rastreo de la bibliografía relacionada con el tema a desarrollar, a partir de un rango de tiempo de veinte (20) años. Resultados y conclusiones: hubo importantes hallazgos como la falta de cuidado, especialmente en la salud mental de los profesionales psicosociales; también se encontró que la institucionalidad es un factor de riesgo importante en el desarrollo de enfermedades, tales como ansiedad y depresión, debido a la presión ejercida en los cargos ocupados; así mismo, se patentiza que el síndrome de burnout es el principal favorecedor de problemas de ansiedad, depresión y, en algunos casos, la muerte. Se concluye el artículo con una mirada holística de los factores que influyen en la obtención de enfermedades mentales y físicas de los profesionales psicosociales y su análisis.
Financialization of the global economy: Macroeconomic implications and policy challenges for Ukraine
Authors: Bogdan Tetiana , Lomakovych Vitalii
Published: February 2021

The acceleration of the global economy’s financialization with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the risks of financial markets volatility, boom and bust cycles, violation of price stability, and debt sustainability. In such conditions, the high degree of Ukraine economy’s external openness, significant amounts of external debt, and lack of domestic investment and credit resources raise the issue of external financial threats to the national economy. This study aims to identify the risks of financialization and debt accumulation across the globe, specify protective arrangements and vulnerabilities of Ukraine’s credit system to external shocks and develop a set of policy actions for global risks mitigation in Ukraine. To achieve this goal, available theoretical sources and policy studies were reviewed, and international databases of financial indicators have been analyzed. As a result, the underdevelopment of the financial system in Ukraine and insufficient use of the credit levers by the private sector are revealed, which impede economic growth but simultaneously mitigate the impact of external shocks in Ukraine’s economy. On the other hand, high external debt reliance is confirmed, which increases the risks of financialization and cross-border capital flows for Ukraine’s economy. A set of financial and organizational measures (targeted at eliminating credit and debt distortions in Ukraine and creating a financial basis for sustainable economic growth) are devised; they refer to development of the national capital market, fiscal policy adjustment, acceleration of the foreign direct investments inflows, shifts in the NBU’s monetary policy, and the management of foreign exchange reserves.
Toltén Bridge’s response under extreme conditions analysis through numerical models
Authors: Real Julia , Unión Alex , Achurra Sandra , Ribes-Llario Fran , Silva Gustavo
Published: February 2021

This article presents the structural health analysis of a full-scale vehicular bridge, using a twin model calibrated with experimental information. This structure consists of concrete arches, built more than 80 years ago, and reinforced in the 1990s with a steel structure. Different load combinations were evaluated in this model to determine the strength of the structure according to current design standards. Finally, it was found that several of its components do not meet the current design requirements, putting the structure in a vulnerable condition to seismic hazards and restricting its service to traffic loads.
АНАЛИЗ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ОДНОКОМПОНЕНТНЫХ И КОМБИНИРОВАННЫХ ГЕМОСТАТИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ
Authors: Солдатова Д.С. , Бежин А.И. , Литвиненко И.В.
Published: February 2021

Stopping bleeding during operations on parenchymal organs remains an urgent and unsolved task of medicine. One of the ways to stop it is local hemostatic sponges, which contain several active components. Objective: to study the effectiveness of new experimental hemostatic sponges based on collagen with the addition of hemostatic components. Materials and methods: hemostatic activity was evaluated in an experiment on modeling profuse parenchymal bleeding on the liver and spleen in 110 rats. We studied the amount of blood loss of new hemomtatic sponges based on collagen with the addition of: cryoprecipitate 10 %; cryoprecipitate and tranexamic acid; tranexamic acid 9%; chitosan and caproferr; hemoblock 2%; hemoblock 5%; hemoblock and tranexamic acid in a comparative aspect. The comparison groups were a control group, a hemostatic sponge "Вelkozin", " Zelenaya dubrava" and a gauze napkin. Results: the most effective sample was hemostatic sponge with 9% tranexamic acid, the decrease in the indicator relative to the control group was 83% (387 mg) for liver injury and 79% (284 mg) for spleen injury. Conclusion: the collagen matrix is a suitable carrier for one hemostatic component. This combination makes it possible to achieve the maximum hemostatic effect and the possibility of using these experimental samples in conditions of parenchymal bleeding.
HIGIENIC PROBLEMS OF USING PACKED WATER AND PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS BOTTLED WATER SELLING AT RETAIL CHAINS
Authors: И.И. Механтьев , Ю.И. Стёпкин , И.Г. Ненахов
Published: February 2021

Water is one of the most important compounds of the environment, the quality of which determines the health and life of all living things on the plane. That is why the quality and safety of water are subject to special requirements established at the legislative level. And if initially only the quality of water in the centralized and non-centralized water supply of the population was normalized, now requirements are also imposed on bottled water that is sold in retail chains. The goal is to identify the main hygienic problems of using bottled water by the population. Methods: General scientific, hygienic, sociological using questionnaires, analytical. Results: In the presented scientific work, we evaluated the attitude of the population of the city of Voronezh and the region to the use of bottled water. The majority of respondents prefer to buy bottled water in the volume of 5 liters more often in home stores or large supermarkets for drinking and cooking, focusing on the price and not focusing on the manufacturer and shape of the bottle. We have analyzed the main hygienic requirements for packaged water. The technical regulation of the Eurasian economic Union 044/2017 describes the requirements for organoleptics, Microbiology, chemical composition, impurities, etc. In contrast to SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 in the technical regulations, quality and safety requirements are regulated depending on the purpose of bottled water: water for children under 3 years of age, water for children over 3 years of age and just drinking water. Conclusion: based on the data obtained, we have developed an algorithm for the population aimed at protecting consumer rights when purchasing bottled water in retail chains.
Adsorption of hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions using nano-chitin: kinetic, isotherms and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Sheikhi Meghdad , Rezaei Hassan
Published: February 2021

Treatment of the industrial wastewater before discharging into aquatic ecosystems using a new technology such as nanotechnology seems necessary. There are different methods for the removal of the heavy metals in the wastewater. In this study, nano-chitin was purchased from the Nano-Novin Polymer Company and used as an adsorbent for the removal of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solution in a batch system. The effects of pH, temperature, contact time, concentration, and adsorbent dose were investigated. According to the results, the optimum conditions of adsorption occurred at pH = 6, temperature = 25 °C, 60 minutes contact time, and 0.6 g·L−1 adsorbent dose. Investigation of equilibrium isotherms showed that the isotherm fitted the Freundlich model with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9689. The pseudo second-order model with the larger correlation coefficient had a greater fitness against experimental data in the kinetic studies. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated, which indicated spontaneous, endothermic, and random processes, respectively. Given the good results of this project, nano-chitin can be suggested as a novel adsorbent which is highly capable of adsorbing hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Blood Pressure and Inflammation as Key Factors in the Development of Aneurysm Dissection
Authors: Postnov Anton , Suslov Andrey , Sobenin Igor , Chairkin Ivan , Sukhorukov Vasily , Ekta Mariam Bagheri , Khotina Victoria , Afanasiev Maxim , Chumachenko Peter , Orekhov Alexander
Published: February 2021

Aortic aneurism development is dependent on internal and external etiological factors that define the
width of the therapeutic window available for the treatment of patients with such diagnosis. In this review, we
provide a detailed overview of the most prominent of these factors. In particular, we discuss the input of elevated
blood pressure to the remodeling of the aortic wall, describe the mechanisms of inflammatory remodeling of
the aorta, and evaluate the cross-interaction of blood pressure, inflammation and immunity during the pathology
development. Better understanding of this interaction will allow broadening the therapeutic options available
for patients with aortic aneurism or preventive strategies for patients with known risk factors. To date, modulation
of the immune signaling appears to be a promising point of the therapeutic intervention for the treatment
of such patients. In this article, we also discuss the search for new diagnostic markers predicting changes
in the width of the therapeutic window for the management of patients with aortic aneurysm.
Emerging Protein Biomarkers in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Prognosis: An Aid for Multivariate Indexing
Authors: Paliwal Priya , Ranade Hemangi , Desai Dignya , Datta Manali
Published: February 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a chronic and degenerative disease propelled by a
mutation in BRCA1/2 genes, familial history, smoking and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although
the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is low, yet it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Surprisingly, EOC represents 90% of all ovarian cancers, out of which 70% of women are diagnosed
with the malignancy at its advanced III-IV stages. Early detection may increase the life expectancy
up to 5 years. Thus, it has become the need of the hour to attain improvement of clinical
outcomes of EOC and improve the life expectancy of patients. A plethora of proteins in different
biological fluids may serve as prospective identifiers for the disease. Over the years, accurate identification
of proteins secreted by EOC cells has been perfected by in vitro and in silico state-of-theart
technologies. Multivariate test, consisting of histo-pathological data in combination with protein
biomarker panel has paved way for enhanced and accurate assessment of EOC; still, there is a
chance of further improvement. This review encompasses the advances made in ovarian cancer
biomarker discovery and demonstrates their potential usefulness for the design of early diagnostics
of EOC.
Quinoline: An Attractive Scaffold in Drug Design
Authors: Moor Lucas F.E. , Vasconcelos Thatyana R.A. , da R. Reis Raisa , Pinto Ligia S.S. , da Costa Thamires M.
Published: February 2021

Quinoline and its derivatives comprise an important group of heterocyclic compounds that
exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antiparasitic,
anti-Alzheimer and anticholesterol. The quinoline nucleus is found in the structure of many
drugs and rational design in medicinal chemistry for the discovery of novel bioactive molecules. Persistent
efforts have been made over the years to develop novel congeners with superior biological activities
and minimal potential for undesirable side effects. This review highlights some discoveries on
the development of quinoline-based compounds in recent years (2013-2019), focusing on their biological
activities, including anticancer, antitubercular, antimalarial, anti-ZIKV, anti-DENV, anti-
Leishmania and anti-Alzheimer’s disease.
Molecular and Epigenetic Basis of Extracellular Vesicles Cell
Repair Phenotypes in Targeted Organ-specific Regeneration
Authors: Fareez Ismail Muhamad , Seng Wu Yuan , Zaki Ramli Muhammad , Shafiq Aazmi , Izwan Ismail Mohamad
Published: February 2021

:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which released by most of the cells, constitute a new system of cell-cell communication by transporting DNA, RNA and proteins, in various vesiclesnamely exosomes, apoptotic bodies, protein complexes, high-density lipid (HDL) microvesicles, among others.To ensure accurate regulation of somatic stem cell activity, EVs function as an independent metabolic unit mediating the metabolic homeostasis and pathophysiological of several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases,immune diseases andcancer. Whist examining the EV biomolecules cargos and its microenvironments that lead to epigenetic alteration of the cell in tissue regeneration, studies have gainedfurther insights into the biogenesis of EVs and their potential roles in cell biology and pathogenicity. Due to its small size, non-virulence, flexibility and ability to cross biological barriers, EVs become promising therapeutic potentials in various diseases.In this review, we describe EV’s mechanism of action in intercellular communication and transfer of biological informationas well as some details about EV-induced epigenetic changes in recipient cells that causephenotypic alteration during tissue regeneration. We also highlight some of the therapeuticpotentials of EVs in organ-specific regeneration.
Antiproliferative Activity of Cissus quadrangularis L. Extract Against Human Cervical Cancer Cells: In Vitro and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Sahabjada , Zia Qamar , Abbas Mohd , Verma Sushma , Jafri Asif , Misra Deepika , Luqman Suaib , Ahamed Maqusood , Ahmad Mohd S. , Arshad Mohd
Published: February 2021

Background:

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women, which necessitates safe
and potential therapeutic agents.

Objective:

This study was designed to investigate the antiproliferative effect of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis L. (CQ) against human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cell line and in silico analysis of selected active agents against apoptosis executioner enzyme caspase-3. Methods: Cell viability was analyzed in HeLa cells at different concentrations (25-300 μg/ml) of CQ extract. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular apoptosis, cell cycle analysis and caspases-3 activation were evaluated. In silico structure-based virtual screening analysis was carried out using AutoDock Vina and iGEMDOCK.

Results:

Cell viability was analyzed in HeLa cells at different concentrations (25-300 μg/ml) of CQ extract.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular apoptosis, cell cycle analysis and caspases-3 activation were
evaluated. In silico, structure-based virtual screening analysis was carried out using AutoDock Vina and
iGEMDOCK.

Results:

Cell viability of HeLa cells was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, however,
CQ extract showed non-toxic to normal kidney epithelial NRK-52E cells. CQ extract induced the intracellular
ROS level, nuclear condensation and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) with the induction
of annexin V-FITC positive cells. CQ extract arrested cells in G0/G1 and G2/M checkpoints and activated
caspase-3 activity significantly in HeLa cells. The molecular docking study showed a strong binding affinity of
CQ phytocomponents against the caspase-3 (PDB ID: 1GFW) protein of human apoptosis. PASS analyses of
selected active components using Lipinski’s Rule of five showed promising results. Further, drug-likeness and
toxicity assessment using OSIRIS Data Warrior V5.2.1 software exhibited the feasibility of phytocomponents as
drug candidates with no predicted toxicity.

Conclusion:

This study suggested that active constituents in CQ extract can be considered as potential
chemotherapeutic candidates in the management of cervical cancer.
Flavonoids as Prospective Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Prevention/ Therapy
Authors: Seth Richa , Kushwaha Soni , Luqman Suaib , Meena Abha
Published: February 2021

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Flavonoids have been shown to target aromatase, suppressing the transformed cells' proliferation
and growth. Such experimental data further promoted the usage of flavonoids as an aromatase
inhibitor and helps prevent cancer, specifically breast and lung cancer. Conversely,
flavonoids have certain limitations like low absorption, potency, and some side effects in addition
to their tremendous advantages. The pharmacokinetics and toxicity of flavonoids are now being addressed
by using advanced nanotechnological approaches. This review discusses the comprehensive
aromatase signaling pathway in normal and cancer cells. It also draws attention to how do
flavonoids modulate aromatase signaling pathways. Also, different flavonoid groups inhibiting aromatase
activities are discussed and listed in the Table comprising flavonoids group, cancer type,
clinical trials, IC50, and the assay employed. Moreover, nanoparticles-mediated improvement in the
pharmacokinetics and toxicity issues of flavonoids in targeting aromatase are also deliberated. In
conclusion, flavonoids act as a potential anticancer agent via targeting aromatase. Besides, nanotechnological
approaches are useful in addressing the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of
flavonoids.
Epidemiology, Evolution, Transmission, and Therapeutics of COVID-19 Outbreak: An Update on the Status
Authors: Singh Karan , Mittal Amit Kumar , Gujral Akash
Published: February 2021

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an etiologic agent of
the respiratory disease in humans known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The beginning
of the outbreak of the disease was initially reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December
2019, where patients felt SARS pneumonia-like symptoms with unknown etiology. Since then,
it has been noticed that SARS-CoV-2 positive patients show mild to severe upper respiratory illness.
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the class of Coronavirus, which is known to make its transfer from
animals to humans and for the concerned virus; investigators have claimed its origin from bat coronavirus
at whole-genome level with a 96% sequence identity. The COVID-19 virus is extremely
contagious and communicable in nature and has spread across the world since its first outbreak documented
in Wuhan, China. On March 9, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a
pandemic, and within a month, it was already reported to have shown its presence in 213 countries
and territories or areas. As of Nov15, 2020, this novel virus has infected approximately. 53.7 million
people and caused 1.3 million mortalities worldwide. However, the mortality rate varied between
3-13% and was influenced by a number of factors, including the demographic distribution
and maybe age, comorbidities, etc. Diagnosis of the disease is a key component of controlling the
spread of the virus, and several techniques, including RT-PCR, ELISA, and sequencing-based approaches,
are in use. To cure COVID-19 patients, as of now, we do not have any safe and effective
treatment. Currently, there is no safe and effective drug for the disease. Furthermore, various pharmaceutical
industries are working on vaccine developments, which are in progress with the final
stages of clinical studies. Therapeutic options are also currently under investigation in various regions
of the world. However, there are various potential therapeutic targets to repurpose the present
antiviral therapy for developing potential interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Boosting
the immune system can also help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 using various medications
and exercises. Here, this review summarizes and discusses the epidemiology, evolution, transmission,
and therapeutics scientific advancements related to this novel pandemic.
Estudio de color de la Facultad de Arquitectura Urbanismo y Artes de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería
Authors: Olazábal Furuya Lorena
Published: February 2021

En el año 2017, se realizó el estudio de color del edificio de la Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Artes (FAUA) con la finalidad de reconocer los diferentes estratos pictóricos subyacentes para poder conocer la paleta cromática empleada en el pintado de los inmuebles que corresponden a la FAUA a lo largo del tiempo. Esto ha permitido conocer los diversos usos y estilos cromáticos empleados, así como técnicas usadas y materiales empleados. Por otro lado, este tipo de prospección ha permitido definir el estado de conservación de ciertos estratos.

El uso de técnicas de prospección, como la elaboración de las calas estratigráficas permiten investigar y estudiar el bien inmueble como un documento histórico y a su vez dejar un vestigio sobre los cambios que se han suscitado a nivel estético y estilístico.
acercamiento contextualizado a la gestión del proceso de evaluación del desempeño de los docentes universitarios
Authors: González Perdigón Saily , Hidalgo Bárcenas Norlán , Lombillo Rivero Ideleichy
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de esta contribución fue diagnosticar el estado actual de la gestión del proceso de evaluación del desempeño de los docentes en la Universidad Agraria de La Habana. La investigación fue de tipo descriptiva y se sustentó en un enfoque cuantitativo ­ cualitativo. Se combinaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y matemáticos - estadísticos y la técnica de triangulación lo que se complementó con la utilización de guías de observación científica y revisión documental, respectivamente, así como con cuestionarios de encuestas y entrevistas que se aplicaron a los sujetos que conformaron la muestra. La sistematización de los referentes teóricos y metodológicos condujo a la determinación de las relaciones esenciales entre gestión y evaluación del desempeño en el contexto de la Educación Superior. El estudio empírico que se realizó puso de relieve que la carencia de vías o alternativas metodológicas encaminadas a la orientación de los evaluadores limitó la gestión del proceso de evaluación del desempeño en el contexto de indagación y reforzó la importancia de concebir una mejor preparación de ellos. Finalmente, la contrastación de los datos y la información obtenida evidenció el grado de afectación de la variable fundamental en sus tres dimensiones: Cognoscitiva, Procedimental y Desarrolladora.
Термоэлектрические свойства твердых растворов с катионным и анионным замещением на основе слоистого тетрадимитоподобного соединения GeSnSb-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-Te-=SUB=-8-=/SUB=-
Authors: Гурбанов Г.Р. , Джафаров Т.А. , Адыгезалова М.Б.
Published: February 2021

Термоэлектрические свойства четвертного соединения GeSnSb4Te8 и твердых растворов GeSnSb4-xBixTe8-ySey исследованы в широком интервале температур 300-600 K. Замещение атомов Sb атомами Bi и атомов Te атомами Se в твердых растворах приводит к росту коэффициента термоэдс и уменьшению решеточной составляющей теплопроводности по сравнению с соответствующими характеристиками GeSnSb4Te8. Более низкие значения решеточной теплопроводности в сплавах с x=0.6, y=0.4 по сравнению c GeSnSb4Te8 связаны с искажениями из-за различия атомных масс и размеров атомов Sb и Bi, а также Te и Se. Показано, что с увеличением количества атомов, участвующих в замещениях в обеих подрешетках при образовании твердого раствора, максимум температурной зависимости термоэдс и минимум температурной зависимости теплопроводности сдвигаются в область более высоких температур, что обусловлено увеличением ширины запрещенной зоны. При увеличении содержания Bi и Se в твердых растворах уменьшается решеточная теплопроводность и соответственно увеличивается термоэлектрическая эффективность. Термоэлектрическая эффективность образца GeSnSb4-xBixTe8-ySey (x=0.6, y=0.4) имеет максимальное значение Z=3.34·10-3 K-1 при 300 K. Ключевые слова: GeSnSb4Te8, твердые растворы GeSnSb4-xBixTe8-ySey, коэффициент термоэдс, теплопроводность, электропроводность, термоэлектрическая эффективность.
Изотипные гетероструктуры n-AlGaAs/n-GaAs, оптимизированные для эффективной межзонной излучательной рекомбинации при накачке электрическим током
Authors: Соболева О.С. , Слипченко С.О. , Пихтин Н.А.
Published: February 2021

Проведен анализ транспорта носителей заряда при накачке током изотипной AlGaAs/GaAs-гетероструктуры, оптимизированной для эффективной межзонной излучательной рекомбинации. Для анализа особенностей транспорта носителей заряда использовались модели: дрейф-диффузионная, дрейф-диффузионная с полевой зависимостью подвижности, а также энергетического баланса. Показано, что при низких токах уровень излучательной рекомбинации в активной области выше в модели энергетического баланса из-за более эффективного накопления носителей, генерируемых посредством ударной ионизации. Это объясняется наличием на гетерогранице эффекта "velocity overshoot", возникающего из-за резкого изменения концентрации электронов и электрического поля на гетеропереходе, тогда как в дрейф-диффузионном приближении скорость дрейфа в данной области равна насыщенной, и наблюдается снижение потенциального барьера из-за накопления большой концентрации электронов вблизи гетероперехода. При токах >40 А уровень излучательной рекомбинации в активной области выше в дрейф-диффузионнном приближении, что объясняется более высокими значениями напряженности поля и темпа ударной ионизации в слое с доменом электрического поля. Продемонстрировано увеличение тока излучательной рекомбинации в активной области более чем на 50% до 13.5 А (при токе накачки 100 А) и максимальной внутренней квантовой эффективности до 16% (при токе 40 А) при уменьшении толщины слоя накопления неравновесных носителей заряда до 100 нм. Ключевые слова: гетероструктуры, изотипные структуры, ударная ионизация, модель энергетического баланса, излучательная рекомбинация.
Морфология поверхности и оптические свойства стеклообразных пленок селена после лазерной модификации
Authors: Александрович Е.В. , Александрович А.Н. , Быстров С.Г. , Михеев Г.М.
Published: February 2021

Abstract The results of studies of the effect of low–power He-Ne laser radiation at a wavelength of 632.8 nm on the surface morphology of glassy (amorphous) Se films with a thickness of ~ 1 µm synthesized by vacuum-thermal evaporation are presented. It is shown that depending on the intensity and time of radiation exposure, laser modification of films is accompanied by various changes in their roughness and the appearance of structures on the surface of the films under study that differ in size and phase composition. The formation of submicron ridge chains on the surfaces of laser-modified films leads to an increase in their reflection coefficient and refraction index and a decrease in their optical thickness.
Оптимизация диэлектрического волновода для лазерных структур дальнего инфракрасного диапазона на основе HgTe/CdHgTe
Authors: Дубинов А.А. , Румянцев В.В. , Фадеев М.А. , Уточкин В.В. , Морозов С.В.
Published: February 2021

Проведена оптимизация параметров диэлектрического волновода для лазерных гетероструктур с квантовыми ямами на основе HgCdTe, рассчитанных на диапазон длин волн 25-41 мкм, с точки зрения минимизации внутренних потерь. Показано, что для излучения в диапазоне длин волн 25-33.5 мкм оптимальный вариант волновода реализуется при росте лазерной HgCdTe-структуры на подложке CdTe или на подложке GaAs с толстым (15 мкм и более) буферным слоем CdTe. Для более длинноволнового излучения (диапазон длин волн 33.5-41 мкм) оптимальным решением является стравливание подложки и буферного слоя CdTe с последующей металлизацией поверхности структуры. Ключевые слова: лазерная структура, волновод, дальний инфракрасный диапазон длин волн, HgCdTe, квантовая яма.