bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A INEFICIÊNCIA DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS VOLTADAS AO IDOSO E A ADOÇÃO COMO ALTERNATIVA AO ABANDONO DELES
Authors: Thales de Araújo Martos Frederico , De Faria Matos José Antonio
Published: August 2023

O aumento da expectativa de vida reconfigurou a sociedade, levando-a a um olhar mais cauteloso sobre o envelhecimento e a velhice, pois trazem consigo um processo de vulnerabilização do sujeito idoso, já que alteram características físicas, psíquicas, culturais e sociais. Cabe ao Estado, à sociedade e à família o dever de proteção dessas pessoas. O Estado, por meio de políticas públicas, não consegue proteger e atender a toda demanda que envolve os idosos, sobrando à família e à sociedade o dever de cuidar. Contudo, quando a família se esquiva de tal obrigação, acentua-se a condição de vulnerabilidade do idoso, pois fala-se em abandono. O Estatuto do Idoso prevê a possibilidade de colocação do idoso em família substituta nesses casos, como forma de garantir ao idoso melhores condições de vida e integração social e familiar. O convívio entre idoso e família substituta pode criar laços afetivos e, a depender do caso, uma verdadeira relação de adoção. Assim sendo é objetivo do presente artigo demonstrar a ineficiência das políticas públicas voltadas ao idoso, que leva à necessidade de se pensar em alternativas diante de sua vulnerabilidade, nos casos de abandono, como também discorrer sobre a adoção de idosos e o posicionamento do Judiciário diante tal pleito.  Para isso parte-se de uma metodologia com abordagem qualitativa, método dedutivo e técnica bibliográfica, pesquisando a doutrina nacional, bem como documental, ao observar as normas que tratam sobre o cuidado com o idoso. Ao final, espera-se concluir se a colocação de idoso em família substitua especialmente com a adoção de idoso, enseja alternativa que permitirá o idoso gozar de direitos estabelecidos pela Constituição Federal, Estatuto do Idoso e demais leis que protegem esse público.
O FUTURO DO DIREITO E DO ESTADO NA SOCIEDADE DA INFORMAÇÃO
Authors: Dal Farra Naspolini Samyra Haydêe , Yunes Cestari Ricardo
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo analisa as transformações do Direito e do Estado na Sociedade da Informação. A popularização da internet e das redes internas automatizou processos e interligou os mercados globais, em tempo real. Quando trabalhar em rede é um imperativo econômico, a conectividade e o conhecimento intermediário em informática se tornam fundamentais. Nas empresas, a distribuição de gadgets aos funcionários traz à luz o “direito à desconexão”. No âmbito estatal, a administração, o processo legislativo e a jurisdição são repensados face à velocidade dos avanços tecnológicos que multiplica e diversifica demandas e conflitos. Nesse contexto, a problemática enfrentada pelo artigo é como o Direito pode responder às demandas de direitos na velocidade em que elas acontecem. A interpretação sistemática entre normas genéricas e princípios gerais sobre a sociedade em rede, e entre as codificações clássicas sobre condutas no mundo físico, bem como o emprego da analogia, surgem como soluções para a jurisdição e tutela estatal das relações jurídicas nascidas em âmbito digital.
PLGA Nanoparticles as New Drug Delivery Systems in Leishmaniasis Chemotherapy: A Review of Current Practices
Authors: Valiallahi Alaleh , Vazifeh Zahra , Gatabi Zahra Rezanejad , Davoudi Maryam , Gatabi Iman Rezanezhad
Published: August 2023

:

Although leishmaniasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases, its traditional
treatments suffer from some serious problems. To solve such issues, we can take advantage
of the effective nanoparticle-based approaches to deliver anti-leishmanial agents into
leishmania-infected macrophages either using passive targeting or using macrophagerelated
receptors. Despite the high potential of nanotechnology, Liposomal Amphotericin B
(AmBisome®) is the only FDA-approved nanoparticle-based anti-leishmanial therapy. In an
effort to find more anti-leishmanial nano-drugs, this 2011-2021 review study aimed to investigate
the in-vivo and in-vitro effectiveness of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles
(PLGA-NPs) in the delivery of some traditional anti-leishmanial drugs. Based on the results,
PLGA-NPs could improve solubility, controlled release, trapping efficacy, bioavailability,
selectivity, and mucosal penetration of the drugs, while they decreased resistance,
dose/duration of administration and organotoxicity of the agents. However, none of these
nano-formulations have been able to enter clinical trials so far. We summarized the data
about the common problems of anti-leishmanial agents and the positive effects of various
PLGA nano-formulations on reducing these drawbacks under both in-vitro and in-vivo conditions
in three separate tables. Overall, this study proposes two AmB-loaded PLGA with a
99% reduction in parasite load as promising nanoparticles for further studies.
Analysis of Potential Circular RNAs in Regulating Imatinib Resistance of
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Yan Jingyi , Chen Xiaolei , Dong Qiantong , Lin Ji , Sun Xuecheng
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Recent studies have found that circular RNA is an abundant RNA species
that belongs to part of the competing endogenous RNA network (ceRNA), which was proven to
play an important role in the development, diagnosis and progress of diseases. However, the function
of circRNAs in imatinib resistance in Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) are poorly understood
so for. The present study aimed to screen and predict the potential circRNAs in imatinib resistance
of GIST using microarray analysis.

Methods:

We determined the expression of circular RNAs in paired normal gastric tissues (N),
primary GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) tissues (YC) and imatinib mesylate secondary
resistance GIST tissues (C) with microarray and predicted 8677 dysregulated circular RNAs.

Results:

Compared with the YC group, we identified 15 circRNAs that were up-regulated and 8
circRNAs that were down-regulated in the C group. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia
of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that these host linear transcripts that
differentially express circular RNAs are involved in many key biological pathways, predicting the
potential tumor-genesis and drug resistance mechanismrelated to HIF-1 pathway, later we draw the
cirRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involved in the HIF-1 pathway and found several dysregulated
circRNAs and the relationship between circRNA-miRNAs-mRNA, such as circRNA_06551,
circRNA_14668, circRNA_04497, circRNA_08683, circRNA_09923(Green, down-regulation)
and circRNA_23636, circRNA_15734 (Red, up-regulation).

Conclusion:

Taken together, we identified a panel of dysregulated circRNAs that may be potential
biomarkers even therapy relevant to the GIST, especially imatinib secondary resistance GIST.
Machine Learning-derived Multi-omics Prognostic Signature of
Pyroptosis-related lncRNA with Regard to ZKSCAN2-DT and Tumor
Immune Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Jiamin , Jin Dan , Shao Liming , Wang Lingling , Zhou Liuzhi , Cai Jianting
Published: August 2023

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become the most prevalent gastrointestinal
malignant tumor, ranking third (10.2%) in incidence and second (9.2%) in death among all malignancies
globally. The most common histological subtype of CRC is colon adenocarcinoma
(COAD), although the cause of CRC remains unknown, as there are no valid biomarkers.

Methods:

A thorough investigation was used to build a credible biomolecular risk model based on
the pyroptosis-associated lncRNAs discovered for COAD prediction. Furthermore, Cibersort and
Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), the methods of exploring tumor immune infiltration,
were adopted in our paper to detect the effects of differential lncRNAs on the tumor microenvironment.
Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), as the approach of
exploring expressions, was utilized on four different cell lines.

Results:

Seven pyroptosis-related lncRNAs have been identified as COAD predictive risk factors.
Cox analysis, both univariate and multivariate, revealed that the established signature might serve
as a novel independent factor with prognostic meaning in COAD patients. ZKSCAN2-DT was
shown to be considerably overexpressed in the COAD cell line when compared to normal human
colonic epithelial cells. Furthermore, ssGSEA analysis results revealed that the immune infiltration
percentage of most immune cells dropped considerably as ZKSCAN2-DT expression increased,
implying that ZKSCAN2-DT may play an important role in COAD immunotherapy.

Conclusion:

Our research is the first to identify pyroptosis-related lncRNAs connected with COAD
patient prognosis and to construct a predictive prognosis signature, directing COAD patient
prognosis in therapeutic interventions.
BH3 Mimetic Peptides: An Effective Strategy to Complement Anticancer
Therapy
Authors: Saraswathy Sundra Dhakshinamurthy , Mirunalini Arumugam , Karthikeyan Kandasamy , Premkumar Kumpati
Published: August 2023

Apoptosis, a natural process of programmed cell death, is a promising therapeutic target
as the disruption of apoptosis evolves in many diseases including cancer. Several pieces of evidence
indicate that errors in apoptotic pathways result in the imbalance between cell proliferation
and death, allowing cells with genetic abnormalities to survive. The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways
of apoptosis utilize different caspases to execute the event of cell death through the cleavage
of hundreds of proteins. Proteins from the Bcl-2 family, a pivotal component of the mitochondrial
apoptosis pathway, activate the death signal either directly or indirectly involving mitochondrial
translocation of Bax/Bak, which are recognized critical elements in defective apoptosis. The majority
of chemotherapeutic drugs destroy cancer cells by activating the apoptotic machinery via
Bcl-2/Bax-dependent process and failure of which leads to an intrinsic chemoresistance. Recent insights
into the dynamic action of pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins in cancer pathogenesis and resistance
has set the stage for the development of small molecules as Bcl-2 antagonist and modulators of
apoptosis. The BH3-only proteins are vital inducers of the mitochondrial apoptosis mechanism that
operate either by assuming the functional activity of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members or by
impeding the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Based on the structural interaction studies between the
proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, several synthetic peptides have been designed to functionally
mimic the BH3 domain, targeting directly the pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins. The “BH3-peptide
mimetics” a novel class of Bcl-2 protein antagonists essentially play an important role in the treatment
of malignancies as they are predicted to persuade non-receptor mediated programmed cell
death. This review summarizes the most promising BH3-peptide mimetic compounds that function
as selective antagonists of Bcl-2 proteins and would be effective in treating various cancers.
Overexpressed microRNA (miR)-382-3p promoted vascular remodeling via suppressing autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Feng Xiaona , Yang Ting , Dang Bo , Wang Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

Background:

This research has investigated the role of miR-382-3p in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods:

Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) were treated with PDGF-BB to induce proliferation, and then transfected with miR-382-3p mimic, miR-382-3p inhibitor, ATG7 overexpression plasmid, and siATG7. MiR-382-3p, ATG7, VEGF, PCNA, p62, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell viability and migration were tested through CCK-8 and wound healing assays, respectively. Target genes of miR-382-3p were predicted by Targetscan and starBase, and pathway analysis was implemented through WebGestalt. The binding relationship between miR-382-3p and ATG7 was analyzed by the dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays. A CTEPH model was constructed in rats with the treatment of miR-382-3p antagomir or agomir, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was measured. Lung tissue was observed through the HE staining assay.

Results:

MiR-382-3p level in hPASMCs was obviously upregulated with the increasing dose of PDGF-BB. MiR-382-3p mimic promoted yet miR-382-3p inhibitor suppressed hPASMC proliferation. MiR-382-3p directly targeted ATG7. ATG7 overexpression repressed hPASMC proliferation and migration, whereas siATG7 exerted the opposite effects. ATG7 overexpression partly neutralized the effects of miR-382-3p mimic on proliferation, migration, and autophagy-related proteins (ATG7, p62, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I) in hPASMCs, whereas siATG7 partly offset the impacts of miR-382-3p inhibitor. MiR-382-3p antagomir reversed CTEPH-induced mPAP elevation, miR-382-3p upregulation, thickening of the pulmonary artery wall, and increased expressions of VEGF, PCNA, and autophagy-related proteins in rats, while miR-382-3p agomir potentiated these effects induced by CTEPH.

Conclusion:

Overexpressed miR-382-3p promotes vascular remodeling via ATG7 inhibition in CTEPH.
Wheel Running Adversely Affects Disease Onset and Neuromuscular
Interplay in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Slow Progression Mouse Model
Authors: Golini Elisabetta , Marinelli Sara , Pisu Simona , De Angelis Federica , Vacca Valentina , Rava Alessandro , Casola Irene , Laurenzi Gaia , Rizzuto Emanuele , Giuliani Alessandro , Musarò Antonio , Dobrowolny Gabriella , Mandillo Silvia
Published: August 2023

Background:

Physical activity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) plays a controversial
role. In some epidemiological studies, both recreational or professional sport exercise has
been associated to an increased risk for ALS but the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise
have not been fully elucidated in either patients or animal models.

Methods:

To better reproduce the influence of this environmental factor in the pathogenesis of
ALS, we exposed SOD1G93A low-copy male mice to multiple exercise sessions at asymptomatic
and pre-symptomatic disease stages in an automated home-cage running-wheel system for about 3
months.

Results:

Repeated voluntary running negatively influenced disease progression by anticipating
disease onset, impairing neuromuscular transmission, worsening neuromuscular decline, and exacerbating
muscle atrophy. Muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) as well as key molecular
players of the nerve-muscle circuit were similarly affected.

Conclusion:

It thus appears that excessive physical activity can be detrimental in predisposed individuals
and these findings could model the increased risk of developing ALS in predisposed and
specific professional athletes.
Second-trimester Uterine Artery Doppler Pulsatility Index in Singleton
Pregnant Women with and without Risk of Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Shojaei Kobra , Elahian Shima , Saadati Najmieh , Jafari Razieh Mohammad , Gharibvand Mohammad Momen , Seyedtabib Maryam , Mohammadi Shooka
Published: August 2023

Background:

Preeclampsia (PE) is gestational hypertension and one of the most serious
disorders in pregnant women.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare second-trimester uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (UAPI) in singleton pregnant women with and without risk of PE.

Methods:

A case-control study was carried out among 200 singleton pregnant women in the second
trimester of pregnancy, who were referred to Imam Hospital in Ahvaz (Iran). The data were recorded
on their demographic, obstetric, clinical characteristics, and Doppler indices. The average UA-PI value was considered as the mean PI between the right and left arteries. Women who were categorized
into Groups 1 and 2 had a moderate-high and low risk of PE, respectively.

Results:

The mean UA-PI, right UA-PI, left UA-PI, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP), age,
body mass index (BMI), and abdominal circumference (AC) of women in Group 1 were significantly
higher than those in Group 2 (p< 0.05). Furthermore, Group 1 had a higher frequency of abortions,
comorbidities, abnormal UA Doppler results, and nulliparous women than Group 2 (p< 0.05). Based
on maternal age (<35, ≥35), BMI (<25, ≥25), comorbidities (yes, no), and nulliparity (yes, no) categories, those who were in Group 1 had a significantly higher mean systolic and diastolic BP, UA-PI,
right UA-PI, and left UA-PI than their counterparts in Group 2 (P< 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study declared the second-trimester UA-PI had good potential for timely prediction
of PE risk in pregnant women.
A Diagnostic Tool for Good Chromatographic Practices Applied to HPLC
in Pharmaceutical Quality Control
Authors: Menezes Gama Rodolpho Guilherme , Ramos Aline de Souza , Amaral Ana Claudia Fernandes
Published: August 2023

Background:

High-performance liquid chromatography is one of the most used analytical
techniques in quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Since it is a complex technique, it needs
good practices that can contribute to compliance with regulatory requirements.

Objetive:

This study aims to establish a diagnostic tool for Good Chromatographic Practices (GCP)
for the self-assessment of a Quality Control Laboratory (QCL).

Methods:

The research was carried out on scientific bases, pharmaceutical legislation, as well as
guides published by manufacturers.

Results:

Seven axes of action were identified: implementation, management, and continuous improvement
of GCP in the laboratory; GCP in the installation, operationalization, qualification, and
validation processes of the equipment and software; GCP in processes related to data management,
including guidelines regarding access, generation, integrity, and traceability; GCP related to the management
and use of consumables; GCP related to handling, maintenance, analytical and operational
troubleshooting; GCP in the processes of preparation, use, and storage of analytical solutions and reagent
solutions; and GCP related to the acquisition and processing of standards, samples, and results.
These axes resulted in a diagnostic tool with 124 questions.

Conclusion:

The application of the GCP diagnostic tool provides the mapping of the routine and procedures
related to the execution of the HPLC technique for quality control in the pharmaceutical industry,
contributing to meeting regulatory requirements.
Application of a Quantitative Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Method for the Determination of Protopine in Radix Dactylicapnotis
Authors: Li Xue-Jiao , Dong Jian-Wei , Liu Zheng-Fen , Shi Jun-You , Zhang Feng-Mei , Fa Yan-Mei , Li Ya-Li , Wang Xue-Xian
Published: August 2023

Background:

The Bai ethnologic herb Radix Dactylicapnotis, the root and tuber of Dactylicapnos
scandens (Papaveraceae), is used for clearing heat, relieving pain, and achieving hemostasis
and antihypertensive effects.

Objective:

The study aimed to develop a quantitative method for determining the protopine content in
Radix Dactylicapnotis by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy.

Methods:

The deuterium solvent, internal standard, and NMR parameters were optimized. The quantitative
method was validated by linearity, precision, accuracy, repeatability, and stability, as well as
limit-of-detection (LOD) and limit-of-quantitation (LOQ) assays.

Results:

A mixture solution consisting of 500 μL of DMSO-d6 and 20 μL of D2O enabled satisfactory
separation of the signals to be integrated into the 1H NMR spectrum. Trimethyl benzene-1,3,5-
tricarboxylate (TMBT) was selected as an internal standard. The integration of δ 6.05-6.08 corresponding
to OCH2O was selected to quantify protopine. The developed quantitative method was
found to be precise and accurate and to exhibit excellent linearity and range. The protopine content in
Radix Dactylicapnotis could be quantified accurately using the featured signal.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to report quantitative 1H NMR determination of protopine in Radix
Dactylicapnotis. The study results indicate that quantitative 1H NMR represents a feasible alternative
to HPLC-based methods for the quantitation of protopine in Radix Dactylicapnotis, and is suitable for
the quality control of Radix Dactylicapnotis.
Efficacy and Safety of Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cell Therapy for
Ischemic Stroke: Evidence from Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xing , Yang Jingguo , You Chao , Bao Xinjie , Ma Lu
Published: August 2023

Background:

Several types of stem cells are available for the treatment of stroke patients. However, the optimal type of stem cell remains unclear.

Objective:

To analyze the effects of bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy in patients with ischemic stroke by integrating all available direct and indirect evidence in network meta-analyses.

Methods:

We searched several databases to identify randomized clinical trials comparing clinical outcomes of bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy vs. conventional treatment in stroke patients. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) were reported. The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was used to rank the probabilities of each agent regarding different outcomes.

Results:

Overall, 11 trials with 576 patients were eligible for analysis. Three different therapies, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), mononuclear stem cells (MNCs), and multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), were assessed. The direct analysis demonstrated that stem cell therapy was associated with significantly reduced all-cause mortality rates (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.93; I2=0%). Network analysis demonstrated MSCs ranked first in reducing mortality (RR 0.42, 95% CrI 0.15 to 0.86) and improving modified Rankin Scale score (MD -0.59 95% CI -1.09 to -0.09), with SUCRA values 80%, and 98%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed intravenous transplantation was superior to conventional therapy in reducing all-cause mortality (RR 0.53, 95% CrI 0.29 to 0.88).

Conclusion:

Using stem cell transplantation was associated with reduced risk of death and improved functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. Additional large trials are warranted to provide more conclusive evidence.
Bone Mineral Density is Related to CD4+ T Cell Counts and Muscle Mass
is Associated with B Cells in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients
Authors: de Melo Daniel Barreto , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Sini Bruno , Levy Débora , Takayama Lilian , Kokron Cristina Maria , Berselli Marinho Ana Karolina , Grecco Octavio , Kalil Filho Jorge Elias , Barros Myrthes Toledo
Published: August 2023

Background:

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by chronic/recurrent respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, autoimmunity, inflammatory, gastrointestinal diseases and malignancies associated with a chronic inflammatory state and increased risk of osteoporosis and muscle loss.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and their relationship with lymphocyte subpopulations in CVID patients.

Methods:

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to assess BMD, lean mass, and fat mass in CVID patients. Peripheral blood CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ cells were measured using flow cytometry.

Results:

Thirty-three patients (37.3 ± 10.8 years old) were examined. Although only 11.8% of the in-dividuals were malnourished (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), 27.7% of them had low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and 57.6% of them had low BMD. Patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis presented lower weight (p = 0.007), lean mass (p = 0.011), appendicular lean mass (p = 0.011), SMI (p = 0.017), and CD4+ count (p = 0.030). Regression models showed a positive association between CD4+ count and bone/muscle parameters, whereas CD19+ B cell count was only associated with muscle variables. Analysis of ROC curves indicated a cutoff value of CD4+ count (657 cells/mm3; AUC: 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.90) which was related to low BMD. Weight (p = 0.004), lean mass (p = 0.027), appendicular lean mass (p = 0.022), SMI (p = 0.029), total bone mineral content (p = 0.005), lumbar (p = 0.005), femoral neck (p = 0.035), and total hip BMD (p<0.001) were found to be lower in patients with CD4+ count below the cutoff.

Conclusion:

CVID patients presented with low BMD, which was associated with CD4+ count. More-over, low muscle parameters were correlated with B cell count.
Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Plants and Herbs of North Aegean,
Greece: Current Clinical Evidence and Future Perspectives
Authors: Poulios Efthymios , Vasios Georgios K. , Psara Evmorfia , Antasouras Georgios , Gialeli Maria , Pavlidou Eleni , Tsantili-Kakoulidou Anna , Troumbis Andreas Y. , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: August 2023

Background:

Medicinal plants and herbs constitute rich sources of flavoring, and aromatic
compounds, namely phytochemicals, which have many positive impacts on human health, such as antioxidant,
anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Such
bioactive compounds may be considered lead compounds that can be introduced in the drug design process
to obtain novel drug candidates with better bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency. The Islands of
the North Aegean have rich biodiversity and many medicinal plants and herbs with multiple health benefits.

Objective:

This study aims to summarize and scrutinize the antioxidant activity of medicinal plants and
herbs of the North Aegean islands.

Methods:

A thorough search of the existing literature was performed in the most accurate scientific databases,
using a set of effective and relative keywords and including only clinical human studies written in
English.

Results:

Several clinical studies have highlighted the potential antioxidant activity of phytochemicals
from plants such as St. John's wort, chamomile, rosemary, spearmint, mastiha, mountain tea, oregano,
sage, and thyme, as measured in the blood and saliva of human individuals, after administration of extracts
and solutions of these plants. Decreased levels of oxidized lipoproteins, increased activity of antioxidant
enzymes, and an enhanced total antioxidant capacity were observed.

Conclusions:

Current clinical trials remain still limited, and an enhanced series is needed with a better
methodology design, larger sample size, longer intervention periods, using controlled groups and randomization
to unravel the antioxidant activity of these North Aegean endemic plants in human individuals.
The Sequelae of Sleeping Issues and their Management in Post COVID-
19: A Unani and Contemporary Narrative Review
Authors: Jamal Anwar , Siddiqui Aisha , Akhlaq Shaheen , Ara Shabnam Anjum , Itrat Malik
Published: August 2023

Background:

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impacted not only physical health
but also psychological health, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep issues. Disrupted
sleep has now become a global concern and burden in the post-COVID period of recovery. The
Unani system of medicine elaborated on sleeping issues and their management during the pandemic.
However, the claims of the Unani system and its medications in improving the various domains
of sleep quality during the revival period have not been investigated.

Materials and Methods:

A search of electronic databases on Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science,
and CINAHL, on sleep disorders, post-COVID-19 and a manual search of Unani classical text related
to sleep quality improvement methods was conducted.

Results:

Recent scientific evidence has found a positive association between COVID-19 and sleep
disorders. Unani medicine suggests improvement of sleep issues by maintaining six essential factors,
dieto-therapy, pharmacotherapy, and regimens (like Nutool (irrigation), Hamam (Turkish
bath), and Dalk (massage). Several pre-clinical and clinical trials done on Unani herbs (single and
poly-herbal preparations) have elucidated the scientific rationale for improving sleep quality.

Conclusion:

Unani therapy has sufficient potential for improving sleep outcomes for COVID-19
patients as they are efficacious, safe and affordable therapeutic options. Additionally, there is still a
need for evidence to support the validity of Unani psychotherapy as a multifaceted and holistic
approach.
BDNF and Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Lalonde Robert , Hernandez Magali , Strazielle Catherine
Published: August 2023

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed as a treatment for neurodegeneration,
including diseases of the cerebellum, where BDNF levels or those of its main receptor,
TrkB, are often diminished relative to controls, thereby serving as replacement therapy. Experimental
evidence indicates that BDNF signaling countered cerebellar degeneration, sensorimotor
deficits, or both, in transgenic ATXN1 mice mutated for ataxin-1, Cacna1a knock-in mice mutated
for ataxin-6, mice injected with lentivectors encoding RNA sequences against human FXN
into the cerebellar cortex, Kcnj6Wv (Weaver) mutant mice with granule cell degeneration, and rats
with olivocerebellar transaction, similar to a BDNF-overexpressing transgenic line interbred with
Cacng2stg mutant mice. In this regard, this study discusses whether BDNF is effective in cerebellar
pathologies where BDNF levels are normal and whether it is effective in cases with combined
cerebellar and basal ganglia damage.
Progress in Superhydrophobic Structure Optimisation and Performance Enhancement: A Review
Authors: Tang Jinjing , Yang Daolong , Xing Bangsheng , Duan Haichao , Li Zijie
Published: August 2023

Background:

Superhydrophobic surfaces have broad application prospects in
several fields due to their excellent hydrophobic properties, but the traditional methods
of manufacturing superhydrophobic surfaces are time-consuming and laborious, the surface
wear resistance is poor, and the chemical reagents contain toxic substances, making
it difficult to promote the use of superhydrophobicity inexpensively.

Objective:

To solve the problems of high cost, instability, and poor mechanical properties
of superhydrophobic structures, we explore the preparation methods of superhydrophobic
surface structures to improve the surface superhydrophobicity and reduce manufacturing
and usage costs.

Method:

This paper provides an overview of the literature on preparing superhydrophobic
structures and improving superhydrophobic properties. Based on the summary of
the research results of other scholars, this paper focuses on the preparation of superhydrophobic
surfaces by carbine-co-polymerization covalent grafting chemical reactions
and the improvement of superhydrophobic properties by durable opaque coatings with
vacuum-deposited layers.

Results:

These two methods are simple to operate and circumvent the problem of oxidative
degradation of compounds in the natural environment to produce environmental
pollutants. The method I produces a low surface energy stratified micro-nano composite
structure on the fiber surface of the fabric by carbon copolymerization covalent grafting
reaction. The method II prepares a durable opaque coating with a vacuum-deposited
layer, particularly useful on mechanical components or for any other applications not
requiring an optically clear coating.

Conclusion:

This paper provides an important basis for optimizing the preparation process
of superhydrophobic structures, synthesizing and developing environmentally
friendly superhydrophobic materials, extending the service life of superhydrophobic
materials, and provides specific guidance for improving the superhydrophobic properties
and durability and enhancing the combination of superhydrophobic surfaces with
additional functions.
Analytical Method Development, Validation and Forced Degradation
Study of Dapagliflozin by RP-HPLC
Authors: Chaudhari Ujwal , Sahu Jagdish K. , Dande Payal R.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Worldwide, it is projected that 285 million individuals have diabetes, and by 2030, this number is expected to climb to 438 million. About 90% of cases of diabetes mellitus are type 2 (T2DM). Insulin sensitizers, such as metformin and thiazolidinediones; insulin secreta-gogues, such as sulfonylureas and glinides; dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors; glucosidase inhibitors, or oral combination therapy are currently available treatments for type 2 diabetes. Some of these drugs exhibit serious limitations; thus, it is crucial to design an innovative therapy that is efficient and depends on a new channel.

Aim:

In the current work, a stability-indicating reverse phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) technique was developed and subsequently validated for the detection of dapagliflozin in its API.

Methods:

The stability-indicating HPLC method for assay included the use of Kromasil 100-5-C8 (100 mm × 4.6 mm) column, UV detector 224 nm, mobile phase composition involving a mixture of acetonitrile:water (52:48), and a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. ICH guidelines were followed for the method's validation. To assess the method's specificity and stability in showing characteristics, stress degradation studies were carried out. The working standard solution of dapagliflozin was exposed to 1 and 2 N HCl by refluxing 1 and 2 N NaOH with 30% hydrogen peroxide by volume and UV radiation in order to conduct a degradation study.

Results:

All system suitability parameters were determined to be within the intended ranges, and the drug's retention duration was discovered to be 1.67 minutes. It was also investigated as to how the drug degraded under various circumstances. The drug was discovered to be stable under situations of photolytic, thermal, neutral, alkaline, and oxidative deterioration. The developed stability-indicating HPLC technique was validated in accordance with ICH Q2 recommendations, and the validation parameters, such as linearity, precision, and robustness, were achieved within the ap-proved standards.

Conclusion:

It may be concluded that this method is stability-indicating and specific, and it can be successfully applied to analyze tablet dosage forms containing dapagliflozin.
Storage and visualization on-the-ground and in near real-time of the data measured by the optical sensors connected to a flying test bench
Authors: Marceddu A.C.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Nowadays, sensors are massively used for different types of applications, ranging from the control of production processes to the continuous monitoring of systems of various kinds. Often, due to the large amount of data collected, it can be difficult to fully understand them or extract their inherent value. For this reason, the main research objective discussed in this paper regards the creation of intuitive tools for the visualization of sensor data in a human-readable way so as to facilitate their deep analysis. One of the main cases of study is linked to the PhotoNext Interdepartmental Center and regards the intuitive visualization of near real-time data coming from a flying test bench.
Optical fiber sensor fusion for aerospace systems lifecycle management
Authors: Aimasso A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Optical fiber is a material that can transport light signals, so resulting useful for data transmission and sensing applications. Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) are a specific type of optical sensors that can measure parameters like temperature, strain, and vibration. The PhD program focuses on developing a sensing and monitoring strategy for aerospace systems using FBG sensors networks. The study will include material selection, optical fiber manufacturing, sensors packaging and integration, calibration and interrogation techniques and smart logics development for acquiring and controlling phenomena affecting the equipment under test. Some experimental activities have already been conducted to analyse thermal and mechanical sensing and to define a reliable methodology for integrating sensors into various systems. During the tests, FBGs were found to have high accuracy and sensitivity for thermal variations, mechanical strain and short-term thermal transients. The crucial role of bounding technique was also enhanced. Additionally, more complex tests have been conducted for sensor more realistic systems, both for space and aeronautic environments. The results gained in this first period are positive and encouraging, suggesting further developments during PhD program.
DNS of momentum and heat transfer inside rough pipes
Authors: De Maio M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. We carry out direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent flow in pipes with a grit-blasted surface, to investigate both on momentum and heat transfer. A wide range of Reynolds numbers are considered, while maintaining a constant molecular Prandtl number of 0.7. The large relative roughness influences both the velocity and the temperature fields, indicating that the Reynolds analogy does not hold at high Reynolds bulk number.
Trends in the Baidu Index in Search Activity Related to Mpox at Geographical and Economic Levels and Associated Factors in China: National Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Du Min , Yan Wenxin , Zhu Lin , Liang Wannian , Liu Min , Liu Jue
Published: August 2023

Background

Research assessing trends in online search activity related to mpox in China is scarce.

Objective

We aimed to provide evidence for an overview of online information searching during an infectious disease outbreak by analyzing trends in online search activity related to mpox at geographical and economic levels in China and explore influencing factors.

Methods

We used the Baidu index to present online search activity related to mpox from May 19 to September 19, 2022. Segmented interrupted time-series analysis was used to estimate trends in online search activity. Factors influencing these trends were analyzed using a general linear regression (GLM) model. We calculated the concentration index to measure economic-related inequality in online search activity and related trends.

Results

Online search activity was highest on the day the first imported case of mpox appeared in Chongqing compared to 3 other cutoff time points. After the day of the first imported mpox case in Taiwan, the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, the first imported mpox case in Hong Kong, and the first imported mpox case in Chongqing, national online search activity increased by 0.642%, 1.035%, 1.199%, and 2.023%, respectively. The eastern regions had higher increases than the central and western regions. Across 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, the top 3 areas with higher increases were Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin at 3 time points, with the exception of the day of the first imported mpox case in Chongqing (Chongqing replaced Tianjin on that day). When AIDS incidence increased by 1 per 100,000 people, there was an increase after the day of the first imported mpox case in Chongqing of 36.22% (95% CI 3.29%-69.15%; P=.04) after controlling for other covariates. Online search activity (concentration index=0.18; P<.001) was more concentrated among populations with a higher economic status. Unlike the central area, the eastern (concentration index=0.234; P<.001) and western areas (concentration index=0.047; P=.04) had significant economic-related disparities (P for difference <.001) in online search activity. The overall concentration index of changes in online search activity became lower over time.

Conclusions

Regions with a higher economic level showed more interest in mpox, especially Beijing and Shanghai. After the day of the first imported mpox case in Chongqing, changes in online search activity were affected by AIDS incidence rate. Economic-related disparities in changes in online search activity became lower over time. It would be desirable to construct a reliable information source in regions with a higher economic level and higher AIDS incidence rate and promote public knowledge in regions with a lower economic level in China, especially after important public events.
Can AI Mitigate Bias in Writing Letters of Recommendation? (Preprint)
Authors: Leung Tiffany I , Sagar Ankita , Shroff Swati , Henry Tracey L
Published: August 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Letters of recommendation play a significant role in higher education and career progression, particularly for women and underrepresented groups in medicine and science. Already, there is evidence to suggest that written letters of recommendation contain language that expresses implicit biases, or unconscious biases, and that these biases occur for all recommenders regardless of the recommender’s sex. Given that all individuals have implicit biases that may influence language use, there may be opportunities to apply contemporary technologies, such as large language models or other forms of generative artificial intelligence (AI), to augment and potentially reduce implicit biases in the written language of letters of recommendation. In this editorial, we provide a brief overview of existing literature on the manifestations of implicit bias in letters of recommendation, with a focus on academia and medical education. We then highlight potential opportunities and drawbacks of applying this emerging technology in augmenting the focused, professional task of writing letters of recommendation. We also offer best practices for integrating their use into the routine writing of letters of recommendation and conclude with our outlook for the future of generative AI applications in supporting this task.
Tracking Upper Limb Motion via Wearable Solutions: Systematic Review of Research From 2011 to 2023 (Preprint)
Authors: Karoulla Eirini , Matsangidou Maria , Frangoudes Fotos , Paspalides Panayiotis , Neokleous Kleanthis , Pattichis Constantinos S
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The development of wearable solutions for tracking upper limb motion has gained research interest over the past decade. This paper provides a systematic review of related research on the type, feasibility, signal processing techniques, and feedback of wearable systems for tracking upper limb motion, mostly in rehabilitation applications, to understand and monitor human movement.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to investigate how wearables are used to capture upper limb functions, especially related to clinical and rehabilitation applications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search identified 27 relevant studies published in English from 2011 to 2023, across 4 databases: ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. We included papers focusing on motion or posture tracking for the upper limbs, wearable devices, feedback given to end users, and systems having clinical or rehabilitation purposes. We excluded papers focusing on exoskeletons, robotics, prosthetics, orthoses, or activity recognition systems; reviews; and books.

RESULTS

The results from this research focus on wearable devices that are designed to monitor upper limb movement. More specifically, studies were divided into 2 distinct categories: clinical motion tracking (15/27, 56%) and rehabilitation (12/27, 44%), involving healthy individuals and patients, with a total of 439 participants. Among the 27 studies, the majority (19/27) used inertial measurement units to track upper limb movement or smart textiles embedded with sensors. These devices were attached to the body with straps (mostly Velcro), providing flexibility and stability. The developed wearable devices positively influenced user motivation through the provided feedback, with visual feedback being the most common owing to the high level of independence provided. Moreover, a variety of signal processing techniques, such as Kalman and Butterworth filters, were applied to ensure data accuracy. However, limitations persist and include sensor positioning, calibration, and battery life, as well as a lack of clinical data on the effectiveness of these systems. The sampling rate of the data collection ranged from 50 Hz to 2000 Hz, which notably affected data quality and battery life. In addition, several findings were inconclusive, and thus, further future research is needed to understand and improve upper limb posture to develop progressive wearable systems.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper offers a comprehensive overview of wearable monitoring systems, with a focus on upper limb motion tracking and rehabilitation. It emphasizes the various types of available solutions; their efficacy, wearability, and feasibility; and proposed processing techniques. Finally, it presents robust findings regarding feedback accuracy derived from experiments and outlines potential future research directions.
Klasifikasi Data pada Sistem Penjurusan dengan Preferensi Standar Simple Additive Weighting (PS-SAW)
Authors: Basri  , Muhammad Assidiq
Published: August 2023

Academic potential of students becomes the main success factor in learning activity. Academic potential analysis with various types of variables requires reliable computational classification techniques. The main objective of this study is to implement the Simple Additive Weighting formula with Standard Preference approach (PS-SAW) as a new technique in classification field. In this study, PS-SAW was implemented based on research need and research objectives. The PS-SAW method was applied by finding average value of preferences from the best data classification as a standard preference, and further becomes the basis for determining the classification of new data. The results showed that the implementation of PS-SAW in data test was more selective than the basic SAW with selectivity about 21,02%, and early recommendation by 85,99%. This research can be a reference for building major system and can be implemented in general application classification system.
Delivering Person-Centered Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Corbett Richard W. , Beckwith Hannah , Lucisano Gaetano , Brown Edwina A.
Published: August 2023

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) enables people to have a home-based therapy, permitting greater autonomy for individuals along with enhanced treatment satisfaction compared with in-center dialysis care. The burden of treatment on PD, however, remains considerable and underpins the need for person-centered care. This reflects the need to address the patient as a person with needs and preferences beyond just the medical perspective. Shared decision making is central to the recent International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis recommendations for prescribing PD, balancing the potential benefits of PD on patient well-being with the burden associated with treatment. This review considers the role of high-quality goal-directed prescribing, incremental dialysis, and remote patient monitoring in reducing the burden of dialysis, including an approach to implementing incremental PD. Although patient-related outcomes are important in assessing the response to treatment and, particularly life participation, the corollary of dialysis burden, there are no clear routes to the clinical implementation of patient-related outcome measures. Delivering person-centered care is dependent on treating people both as individuals and as equal partners in their care.
A Transitivity Analysis of International Ecological Discourse – Taking Remarks at the APEC Informal Economic Leaders’ Retreat as an Example
Authors: Li Chen
Published: August 2023

This study is guided by the International Ecosophy of “diversity and harmony, interaction and co-existence” proposed by He Wei and Wei Rong, and draw on the analytical model of transitivity for international ecological discourse to analyze China’s President Xi Jinping’s Remarks at the APEC Informal Economic Leaders’ Retreat. The study finds that: first, in this speech, the action process plays a dominant role in the transitivity process, which explains that China not only plays more roles in the international community, but also attaches importance to and advocates starting from all aspects of action to establish an image of actively participating in international affairs and being responsible in the international community; second, in this speech, most of the speech discourse is beneficial discourse, few neutral discourse and no destructive discourse, which shows that China is committed to establishing a good international social ecological discourse system, so as to promote the benign development of the international social ecosystem.