bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of teenagers encountered by general physicians in Japanese hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kita Keiichiro , Kuroiwa Shota , Sekijima Azusa , Ogawa Daishi , Saito Mayuko , Kuroiwa Maiko , Yamashiro Seiji
Published: June 2022

Background
Although the number of teenage outpatients is not very high, it is sometimes difficult to manage them. To clarify the factors contributing to this difficulty, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of the patients using medical records from three hospitals.
Methods
The study included 342 patients aged 13–19 years who visited the Department of General Internal Medicine at Toyama University Hospital, N Municipal Hospital, and K General Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. Data on age, sex, referral status, chief complaint, period from onset to visit, and final diagnosis were collected from the medical records of each hospital. We used the Multiple comparison analysis by the Tukey honestly significant difference method, chi-square test, and residual analysis for statistical analyses of our data.
Results
Most cases from the two city hospitals visited within one month from the onset and were treated as mild cases of acute upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and traumatic injury. However, 56% of the patients visited the university hospital more than one month after the onset of illness. In addition, half of the patients were diagnosed with stress-related mental diseases, such as adjustment and eating disorders. The teenage patient group at the university hospital also had significantly higher rates of psychiatric diseases than the other age groups. Furthermore, most psychiatric patients complain of various somatic symptoms, such as somatic diseases. This situation may contribute to the difficulty in dealing with teenage outpatients.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that some teenagers complaining of somatic symptoms have stress-related mental illness, especially in university hospitals. These patients require not only physical management, but also environmental and emotional support. Therefore, the psychosomatic approach is essential for general practitioners, particularly for those who often encounter teenage patients.
Fuzi polysaccharides improve immunity in immunosuppressed mice by regulating gut microbiota composition
Authors: Tu Ran , Zhou Cheng , Huang Wenfeng , Feng Zhengping , Zhao Qiufang , Shi Xiaofei , Cui Langjun , Chen Keke
Published: June 2022

Fuzi is a traditional Chinese medicine, and polysaccharides therein are considered the most bioactive compounds and exhibit immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been evaluated. Immunosuppression was induced in mice using cyclophosphamide (CP), and the effects of Fuzi polysaccharides (FPS) on the gut microbiota and immune function were investigated. The results showed that PFS increasedthe concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and n-butyric acid in the cecum. FPS decreased the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Anaerotruncus, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Mucispirillum, and Mycoplasma and increased the relative abundance of Rhodospirillales, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, Mollicutes_RF39, Ruminococcus_1, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Muribaculaceae in the gut microbiota. FPS increased the spleen and thymus indexes and the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes. CP decreased the relative mRNA expression of NF-кB, IL-6, and iNOS, the differentiation of CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, and the protein expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1, whereas FPS reduced these effects. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the gut microbial compositionwas significantly correlated with inflammatory gene expression and intestinal barrier function.
Quercetin compound effect on a horse with chronic shoulder arthritis
Authors: Kawasumi Koh , Yamamoto Ichiro , Arai Toshiro
Published: June 2022

We measured changes in plasma metabolites and hormones concentrations and enzyme activities to evaluate effects of quercetin compound (QC) on a horse suffering from chronic arthritis. On 15days after supplemented with QC, the gait of the injured horse returned to normal. On 25days, the animal showed decreased plasma TG and MDA concentrations, increased MDH, AMPK, GPX activities. M/L ratio, an energic metabolism marker, was increased remarkably. The animal could start regular exercise. In healthy horse group, on 28 days after supplemented with QC, plasma NEFA concentrations and AST and LDH activities tended to decrease, and leukocytes AMPK activities and plasma GPX activities and M/L ratio tended to increase compared with those in the control (without QC). Supplementation with QC in horses may be useful for amelioration of chronic diseases which are induced by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Network Pharmacology and Animal Experiment Study for the Optic Neuroprotective Effect of Cryptotanshinone via Astrocyte Activity Regulation
Authors: Zhang Mingxu , Li Siqi , Yang Jiawei , Mi Qiulin , Song Qiuyi , Kan Liping , Huang Ju , Zhao Xiulan , Zhao Ying , Zhu Siquan
Published: June 2022

This study explores the effect and mechanism of activated astrocytes (AS) in optic nerve injury and finds out possible Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interventions via network pharmacology. Then we validated the result in Chronic ocular hypertension (COH) modeling rat experiment. We obtained the information about herbs and the ingredients from TCMSP database and constructed AS-related Target-Ingredient-Herb Network (TIHN) and Target-Ingredient Network (TIN) based on AS activation-related targets acquired from published articles. Then we screened candidate ingredients for animal experiments by the Degree in TIN, binding aﬀinities, and pharmacokinetic parameters. The treatment effect of the candidate ingredient was validated in COH modeling rats. 5 AS activation-related key targets were included in the network pharmacology study. According to these targets, 75 ingredients and 447 herbs were obtained. Cryptotanshinone (CTS) was chosen for the animal experiment due to its stable binding pattern and pharmacokinetic parameters. In animal experiment, the episcleral vein cauterization (EVC) effectively increased the intraocular pressure (IOP) of modeling rats, and CTS had no significant influence on modeling rats’ IOP. But CTS significantly alleviated the retinal lesion and ganglion cells apoptosis caused by the COH environment, which could attribute to the regulation of AS activation by CTS.
Sterol methyltransferases in annelid worms rewrite the molecular fossil record
Authors: Gold David , Brunoir Tessa , Mulligan Chris , Sistiaga Ainara , Vuu Khan , Shih Patrick , OReilly Shane , Summons Roger
Published: June 2022

Molecular fossils have been used to augment the physical fossil record, charting the expansion of complex life through the Neoproterozoic Era (~1000-541 Ma). This work relies on the hypothesis that C27 steranes preserved in sedimentary rocks originated from cholesterol, the predominant sterol produced by red algae and animals. Following the same logic, C28 and C29 carbon steranes are widely considered to be derived from the sterols of fungi, green algae and some protists. In this study, we demonstrate that the gene 24-C sterol methyltransferase (smt), which is necessary to produce C28 and C29 sterols, is present in segmented worms, an advanced group of animals. Phylogenetic analysis of the relevant gene suggests it was present in the first animals and lost independently in at least seven major lineages. A molecular clock demonstrates that the SMT specific to animals and their closest ancestors was present through the Neoproterozoic. Based on these results, C27 steranes cannot be considered indicative of Neoproterozoic animals, and C28+ steranes are not solely indicative of fungi or green algae. While our results do not necessarily contradict the emerging picture of Neoproterozoic life informed by molecular fossils, they refute the underlying hypothesis that drives the interpretive paradigm.
The mediating role of fear of COVID-19 in the association between COVID-19-related work stressors and subjective well-being: cross-sectional evidence in the child care sector across three samples
Authors: Gritzka Susan , Angerer Peter , Diebig Mathias
Published: June 2022

Background COVID-19 has changed the work conditions across many sectors and fear of COVID-19 is ever-present. Yet, research has overlooked the contributing factors to fear of COVID-19 and its impact on well-being within an occupational context. This study addressed this gap from an integrative perspective by focusing on the essential workforce of child care, particularly at high risk of infection and characterized by difficult COVID-19 risk management. Methods Across three independent samples, we tested whether (1) fear of COVID-19 relates to subjective well-being, (2) COVID-19-related work stressors (i.e., perceived risk of infection and poor employer support) relate to fear of COVID-19, and whether (3) fear of COVID-19 serves as a mediator between COVID-19-related work stressors and subjective well-being.The study utilized three cross-sectional samples of early childhood professionals (ECPs) (NT1 = 423, NT2= 142, NT3 = 584) gathered in Germany during different pandemic phases between June 2020 and May 2021. Hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis and by estimating indirect effects. Results Findings of T1 and T3 lent full support for hypotheses. Higher perceived risk of infection and poorer employer support were associated with greater fear of COVID-19 which in turn predicted lower subjective well-being of ECPs. The relationships between COVID-19-related work stressors and subjective well-being were mediated via fear of COVID-19 while controlling for age, gender, and leadership position. Results at T2 differed and reasons are discussed. Conclusions The results underline the importance of adapting the work conditions during pandemics to reduce fear of COVID-19 and in turn preserve employees’ subjective well-being.
Recombinant SARS-CoV2 S1-RBD peptide induces a concentration-dependent activation of macrophages and microglia cell lines in vitro
Authors: Filho Adriano Chaves , Jucá Paloma Marinho , Soares Michelle Verde Ramo , de Oliveira Caio Andrade , de Sousa Raul Cavalcante , Lós Deniele Bezerra , Russo Remo Castro , Yaochite Juliana Navarro Ueda , Macedo Danielle S.
Published: June 2022

Objective: We aimed to characterize the effects of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) peptide stimulating the macrophage and microglial immune activation compared with classical PAMPs in vitro. Material: Murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglial cells. Treatment: The cells were exposed to growing concentrations of the RBD peptide (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 µg/ml), LPS, and Poly(I:C) and evaluated after two h and 24h for significant markers of macrophage activation. Methods: We determined the effects of RBD peptide on cell viability, cleaved caspase 3 expressions, and nuclear morphometry analysis. RBD peptide induced a differential immune activation, dependent on the cell lineage, time of exposure, and concentration.Results: In RAW 264.7 cells, RBD peptide stimulation was cytotoxic but not for BV2 cells. RAW 264.7 cells showed increased arginase activity and IL-10 production; however, BV2 cells express iNOS and IL-6 after RBD peptide exposure. RAW 264.7 cells showed increased cleaved-caspase-3, apoptosis, and mitotic catastrophe after RBD peptide stimulation but not BV2 cells. In conclusion, RBD peptide exposure has different effects depending on cell line stimulated, RAW 264.7, and BV2 cells.Conclusion: This study brings new evidence about the immunogenic profile of RBD in macrophage and microglial cells, advancing the understanding of SARS-Cov2 immuno- and neuropathology.
Therapeutic Targeting of Interleukin-11 Up-Regulated Angiotensin II Induced Atrial Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Cong Xinpeng , Tian Bei , Zhu Xi , Zhang Xiaogang , Gu Wei , Zhao Hanjun , Hao Shuwen , Ning Zhongping
Published: June 2022

Purpose Inflammatory cytokines are closely associated with developing cardiac fibrosis. This research aimed to explore the significant role of IL-11 in atrial fibrosis progression and potential therapeutic targets. Methods 367 subjects were included in the case-control study. Blood samples were analyzed for the level of IL-11 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Angiotensin II (Ang II) treated fibrosis mouse models were generated and expression of IL-11 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. IL-11 antagonist was used to evaluate arterial fibrosis-related markers. Results The PeAF patients had significantly higher larger left atrial size (LAD), higher serum levels of hypertrophic protein BNP, proinflammatory cytokine high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared to PAF patients and healthy subjects (all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between serum IL-11 and cardiac fibrosis markers BNP (r=0.394, P<0.001), CTX-I (r=0.418, P<0.001), PICP (r=0.306, P<0.001), PIIINP (r=0.335, P<0.001) and TGF-β1 (r=0.273, P<0.001). In the fibrosis mouse model, Ang II infusion significantly upregulated IL-11 mRNA and protein expression in the left atrium of mice (P<0.05) as well as staining intensity of Masson trichrome, the intensity of α-SMA, increased mRNA expression of collagen I and III in arterial tissue. An IL-11 antagonist, recombinant mouse IL-11 Rα Fc Chimera (rmIL-11Rα Fc), significantly attenuated Masson trichrome, number of α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts in atrial tissue. Also, significantly reduced the p-ERK1/2 in atrial tissue of mice infused with Ang II (P<0.05).Conclusion Our data speculated that IL-11 upregulated Ang ll induced atrial fibrosis. Therefore, IL-11 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating atrial.
Celecoxib added to risperidone for depressive symptoms in first-episode and drug naïve schizophrenia: Pharmacogenetic impact of BDNF gene polymorphisms
Authors: Zhang Xiangyang , Chen Dachun , Xiu Meihong , Zhou Huixia , Kosten Thomas , Wang Dongmei
Published: June 2022

Although depressive symptoms are common in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), depression is not successfully treated in most SCZ patients. SCZ Patients with comorbid depression may have activated inflammatory responses, and celecoxib, a COX2 inhibitor, can dampen inflammation and improve treatment of depression. BDNF may be associated with the treatment response to antidepressants and has an important role in inflammation associated with depression. Therefore, we intended to explore the efficacy of celecoxib augmentation for depressive symptoms in SCZ patients and its possible relationship with BDNF serum levels and two BDNF genotypes. In a case-control study, two BDNF polymorphisms (rs6265 and rs10835210) were genotyped in 308 first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) SCZ patients and 422 healthy controls. Serum BDNF levels were measured in 239 patients and 259 healthy controls. We then randomly assigned 90 FEDN SCZ patients to enter a double-blind, randomized and placebo-control 12-week treatment with 400 mg per day of celecoxib. We assessed clinical efficacy with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and psychiatric symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Our results showed that SCZ patients had lower BDNF levels than healthy controls. BDNF levels were associated with PANSS total score, positive symptoms, general psychopathology and HAMD total score. The BDNF gene rs10835210 was associated with SCZ susceptibility, positive symptoms and BDNF serum levels in SCZ patients. Celecoxib treatment significantly improved depressive symptoms compared to placebo treatment. Furthermore, patients in the BDNF rs10835210 CC group showed significantly more improvement in depressive symptoms than the A allele carrier group. Our findings suggest that COX2 inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of comorbid depressive symptoms in FEDN SCZ patients. The BDNF system may be involved in the pathogenesis of depressive symptoms in SCZ patients and forms the pharmacogenetic basis for improvement after treatment with COX2 inhibitor.
Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Decision Support in Acute Ischemic Stroke Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hilbert Adam , Akay Ela , Carlisle Benjamin , Madai Vince , Mutke Matthias , Frey Dietmar
Published: June 2022

Established randomized-trial-based parameters for acute ischemic stroke care fail to consider individualized patient data, leading to attempts to support or automate treatment and diagnosis decisions using artificial intelligence methods. We review existing research, specifically regarding methodological robustness, thereby identifying constraints for clinical AI implementation.

Our systematic review of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) includes full-text English language publications proposing AI-based methods for decision support in acute ischemic stroke cases in adult patients. We (a) describe data and outcomes used in those systems, (b) estimate the systems’ benefits compared to traditional stroke diagnosis and treatment, and (c) report concordance with the MINIMAR checklist.

121 studies met our inclusion criteria. 65 were included for full extraction. In our sample, utilized data sources, methods, and reporting practices were highly heterogeneous; adherence to the MINIMAR checklist was low.

Our results suggest significant validity threats, dissonance in reporting practices and challenges to clinical translation. We outline practical recommendations for successful implementation of AI in acute ischemic stroke treatment and diagnosis.
Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilat (IOPE) ameliorates immune response via LKB1- Bax-Casepase-3-PARP pathways in B16-F10 cells induced low immunity BALB/c mice model
Authors: Lu Youyou , Zhou Xiaohong , Liang Xi , Wu Yeting , Wang Ruiqi , Zhang Zhe , Gong Pimin , Liu Tongjie , Yi Huaxi , Yu Zhuang , Zhang Lanwei
Published: June 2022

Objective: Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilat extract (IOPE) is a major active carbohydrate, an important herb used in traditional medicine, the aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects and possible underlying mechanisms of IOPE in B16-F10 cells induced low immunity mice. Material and Methods: IOPE was extracted and prepared, the inhibitory effect on B16-F10 cells was determined in vitro, different concentrations of the IOPE (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg/mL) were added to cells for 2, 12, 24, 48 h. BALB/c mice model was established by B16-F10 cells, and the IOPE (500, 250, 125 mg/kg/bw) were oral administration into mice. Results: The IOPE could not only owned inhibitory effect on B16-F10 cells (0.8 mg/mL), but also had a potent immune response improvement (250 mg/kg/bw), and effectively improved spleen immune index, CD3+ and CD8+ cell expression (79.8%,20.1%), strengthened phagocytosis of macrophages, significantly inhibited the over expression of inflammatory factors IL-6(308.02±6.48 pg/mL), IL-8(381.84±8.93 pg/mL), TNF-α(1877.50±11.11 pg/mL), promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 (419.90±5.55 pg/mL), finally activated the LKB1-Bax-Casepase-3-PARP pathway. Conclusions: IOPE might be potentially used as an effective regulator for the immunity improvement in future.
High-Transconductance, Highly Elastic, Durable and Recyclable All-Polymer Electrochemical Transistors with 3D Micro-engineered Interfaces
Authors: Xie Zhuang
Published: June 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have emerged as versatile platforms for broad applications spanning from flexible and wearable integrated circuits to biomedical monitoring to neuromorphic computing. Various materials and tailored micro/nanostructures have been recently developed to realized stretchable OECT devices that accommodate the complex deformation, however, a solid-state OECT with high elasticity has yet to be demonstrated. Herein we developed a general platform for the facile creation of highly elastic all-polymer OECTs, with high transconductance up to 12.7 mS, long-term mechanical and environmental stability, as well as recyclability. Rapid prototyping of such devices was achieved simply by transfer printing PEDOT:PSS/LiTFSI microelectrodes onto a resilient gelatin-based gel electrolyte, in which both depletion- and enhancement-mode OECTs were produced based on various active channel materials. Moreover, the 3D architectures of the PEDOT:PSS electrodes and channels were elaborately engineered by soft lithographic approaches, allowing well-defined channel geometry and patterned morphologies at microscales. Remarkably, an imprinted 3D-microstructured channel/electrolyte interface in combination with wrinkled electrodes afforded OECT performance retained under biaxial stretching of 100% strain and 1000 repeated cycles of 80% strain. And the all-polymer OECTs were demonstrated to reliably operate in proof-of-concept on-skin, synapse-mimicking and biosensing applications. Additionally, the anti-drying and degradable gelatin electrolyte with the self-crosslinked PEDOT:PSS/LiTFSI jointly enabled stable performance for > 4 months in ambient conditions, as well as on-demand disposal and recycling. Thus, this work presents a straightforward approach towards the development of high-performance stretchable organic electronics for wearable/implantable/sustainable soft devices.
Biogenic synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles as green adsorbent for catalytic breakdown and dye remediation
Authors: Ahmed Rabia , Rana Priyanka , Siddiqui SharfIlahi , Fatma Bushra , Ahmed Shakeel , Chaudhry Saif Ali
Published: June 2022

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were developed by a facile green synthesis approach using plant extractions of Casuasina equisetfolia . The confirmative preparation and morphology of synthesized ZnO NPs are analyzed by the FTIR, XRD, SEM, DLS, and TEM technologies. FTIR confirms the preparation of ZnO NPs, and XRD, SEM, and TEM gave the surface structure and morphological information of ZnO NPs. ZnO NPs particle size was11-13 nm with amorphous nature having uniform distribution. Synthesized ZnO NPs were further applied as photocatalysts to degrade hazardous dye, Orange G, and gave a significant result. The adsorption behavior of ZnO NPs was also evaluated for Congored dye, which could effectively treat dye from an aqueous medium. The sorption results coordinate well with the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm (D-R) paradigm. The optimum monolayered sorption efficacy of ZnO NPs for CR was 42.01mgg -1 . Reaction kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order, and thermodynamics of sorption of CR onto ZnO NPs exhibited that the mechanism was endothermic and spontaneous. Therefore, the present study is economically and environmentally sound for water treatment.
Developing a multi-stakeholder intervention for Lynch syndrome cascade screening: an intervention mapping approach
Authors: Passero Lauren , Srinivasan Swetha , Grewe Mary E , Leeman Jennifer , Berg Jonathan , Reuland Daniel , Roberts Megan C
Published: June 2022

Background
Lynch syndrome is an underdiagnosed hereditary condition carrying an increased lifetime risk for colorectal and endometrial cancer and affecting nearly 1 million people in the United States. Cascade screening, systematic screening through family members of affected patients, could improve identification of Lynch syndrome, but this strategy is underused due to multi-level barriers including low knowledge about Lynch syndrome, low access to genetics services, and challenging family dynamics.
Methods
We used intervention mapping, a 6-step methodology to create stakeholder-driven interventions that meet the needs of a target population, to develop an intervention to improve cascade screening for Lynch syndrome. The intervention development process was guided by input from key stakeholders in Lynch syndrome care and patients. We conducted usability testing on the intervention with Lynch syndrome patients using qualitative semi-structured interviewing and rapid qualitative analysis.
Results
We developed a workbook intervention named Let’s Talk that addresses gaps in knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy and other perceived barriers to cascade screening for Lynch syndrome. Let’s Talk contained educational content, goal setting activities, communication planning prompts and supplemental resources for patients to plan family communication. Evidence-based methods used in the workbook included information chunking, guided practice, goal setting and gain-framing. Usability testing results suggested the intervention was acceptable in terms of complexity and relative advantage to other available resources, but additional information for communication with young or distant family members and a web-based platform could enhance the intervention’s usability.
Conclusions
Intervention mapping provided a framework for intervention development that addressed the unique needs of Lynch syndrome patients in overcoming barriers to cascade screening. Future work is needed to transform Let’s Talk into a web-based tool and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in clinical practice with patients and genetic counselors. Intervention mapping can be useful to researchers as an evidence-based technique to develop stakeholder-centered interventions for addressing the needs of other unique populations.
Patronqmoba: An Overview of Feudalism in the Medieval Georgian Kingdom
Authors: ERCAN Ayşe Beyza
Published: June 2022

Gürcü tarihi hakkındaki çalışmalar tarihsel bağlar dolayısıyla Avrasya Türk dünyası tarihinin aydınlatılması konusunda önem arz etmektedir. Ancak, Gürcü dilinin zorluğu Türkiye literatüründe yapılacak çalışmaları sınırlandırmaktadır. Özellikle Gürcistan Orta Çağı’nı çalışan bir araştırmacının karşılaştığı sorunlardan en önemlisi bazı kavramlar hakkındaki bilgilerin kısıtlı olmasından ileri gelmektedir. Gürcü Krallığı, Orta Çağ döneminde feodal bir yapı arz etmiş, hatta feodal monarşi ile yönetilmiştir. 10. yüzyıldan 14. yüzyıla kadar Toreli (Gamrekeli) ailesi, 11. yüzyılda Bagvaşi ailesi, 12. yüzyılda Orbeliani ailesi ve ardından Mhargrdzeli ailesi ve 13. yüzyılda Cakeli ailesi Orta Çağ Gürcistan’ının kendisinden en çok bahsettiren soylu ailelerinden bazıları olmuşlardır. Bu ailelerden Mhargrdzeli hariç diğer ailelerin hepsinin krallık için mücadele ettiğini söylemek yanlış olmayacaktır. Bu bağlamda bu çalışma ile önce Orta Çağ Gürcistan Krallığı’ndaki feodal yapı açıklanmaya çalışılacak ve 9-13. yüzyıllar arasındaki Gürcü feodal düzeni hakkında genel bir değerlendirme yapılacaktır.
Success model of online food delivery system: The role of brand image in customer responses
Authors: Erkmen Ezgi , Turegun Nida
Published: June 2022

There is a growing interest in understanding the factors affecting the success of online food delivery (OFD) systems because online food ordering has increased considerably in recent years. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of brand image on customer satisfaction and purchase intention based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework by adopting DeLone and McLean IS success model. A convenience sample of 251 respondents, who use the most popular OFD applications in 3 largest cities of Turkey, was surveyed by an online self-administered structured questionnaire. The results were first organized as descriptive statistics for observed variables and frequencies of demographic variables. In the second phase, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the measurement and structural model. The results reveal that among OFD system success factors, only the system and service quality positively influence brand image, accounting for 46% of the variance. On the other hand, this study could not validate the proposed positive effect of information quality on brand image. For the role of brand image in customer responses, the findings evidence a significant positive effect of brand image on both customer satisfaction and intention to use. The variable explains 34% and 22% of the variance in satisfaction and purchase intention, respectively. In line with these results, this paper concludes that brand image can be introduced into the e-commerce success model as a new variable due to its partial mediating role and significant effects on customer responses.
El derecho a morir dignamente en Colombia: crónica de un periplo moral
Authors: Agudelo Gutiérrez Gabriel Jaime
Published: June 2022

El reciente hundimiento por parte del Congreso de la República de Colombia del segundo intento de reglamentación del derecho a morir dignamente concita la obligación de reflexionar sobre un tema profundamente complejo porque desborda la esfera de la discusión, del terreno social o netamente jurídico hacia la órbita de la ética; por ende, de la filosofía, atendiendo a ello este escrito planteará la reflexión considerando el carácter confesional del que se han impregnado, trascendentales decisiones del legislador, así como obstaculizado principios constitucionales como el de la pluralidad, el de la dignidad humana y el de autonomía, fundamentales en un Estado que, por vocación popular, se declaró Social y Democrático de Derecho.
Los protagonistas de este escrito serán, por un lado el legislador en su función de asignador de nombres, por el otro la Iglesia Católica como institución capaz de ligar la iniciativa de los fieles.
Evolución de los grupos de investigación en el área del derecho en Colombia 2014-2020
Authors: Cardona Zuleta Elvigia , Roldan Villa Ana Maria
Published: June 2022

A partir de una investigación documental de corte cualitativa con perspectiva territorial, se abordó la evolución de los grupos de investigación en derecho en Colombia. Los datos analizados evidenciaron que, si bien hay una tendencia al crecimiento y escalonamiento de los grupos, hay una concentración de los mismos en unos pocos departamentos; denotándose una desigualdad centro-periferia en la producción del conocimiento. Además, se analizó la limitada participación de las mujeres en investigación, evidenciándose la persistencia de las brechas de género que incluye una disparidad salarial, realidad acentuada por estereotipos y prejuicios propios del quehacer jurídico.
Los datos personales y sus riesgos jurídicos a partir de la transformación digital en el comercio electrónico
Authors: Niño Garcia Deisy Yolima
Published: June 2022

Este artículo se enfoca en los riesgos jurídicos que se presentan al momento de suministrar los datos personales o sensibles a las diferentes plataformas digitales, en el comercio electrónico, en las redes sociales y las entidades financieras. Se busca concientizar a personas naturales y jurídicas sobre los riesgos, así como sus derechos y deberes, mencionando además las responsabilidades de las empresas en el cuidado y la protección de los datos personales.
Se llevó a cabo una revisión de las sentencias de la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), y las guías sobre el tratamiento de datos personales elaboradas por la delegatura de protección de datos personales.
Se concluye que, si bien las personas autorizan el uso de los mismos, las compañías tienen la responsabilidad de protegerlos ya que se pueden generar daños económicos, sociales e incluso reputacionales.
Análisis de la inteligencia artificial en las relaciones laborales
Authors: Granados Ferreira Jackeline
Published: June 2022

La inteligencia artificial es considerada, una cadena de tecnologías, que se utilizan con el propósito de actuar como seres humanos, es decir, una serie de sistemas artificiales que permiten el desarrollo de labores o actividades profesionales mediante máquinas que piensan y funcionan como personas. Por eso, vemos que los empresarios han venido cuestionándose la importancia de articular la inteligencia artificial en su actividad económica. En esta época la inteligencia artificial ha alcanzado un espacio notable dentro el contexto laboral, por lo que resulta de inusitada importancia hacer un análisis sobre la preponderancia aventajada en las relaciones laborales. Este artículo tiene como propósito, no solo estudiar la relación histórica entre el mundo laboral y la inteligencia artificial, sino escudriñar sobre la seguridad jurídica y las relaciones sociales del trabajo humano ante la evolución de la inteligencia artificial en las relaciones propias de los escenarios laborales. Para el desarrollo de este ensayo partimos de la génesis sobre el tema de la inteligencia artificial, luego definimos el concepto por parte de los diferentes tratadistas para articularlo al campo empresarial y por ende la incidencia en las relaciones laborales, y finalmente develando una postura sobre el tema de reflexión.
Los derechos humanos de las mujeres reclusas en Colombia ¿Una doble victimización?
Authors: Mira González Clara María , Gómez Gómez Daniel
Published: June 2022

La ausencia de políticas penitenciarias con enfoque de género en materia de privación de la libertad quizás se deba a que en el imaginario social colombiano existe una creencia que sostiene que las mujeres no delinquen o delinquen menos.
Y aunque no es objeto de este editorial realizar discusiones relacionadas con la forma en la que se produce el delito, vale decir, solo por dejarlo escrito, que el delito surge del tipo penal y no de la violación a la norma que lo contraviene. Muchos de estos delitos en Colombia son económicos y, por ello, no extraña a la vista de los colombianos, que más de la mitad de las personas reclusas en nuestro país, son pobres y de escasa formación profesional, por supuesto producto de un sistema económico y social excluyente.
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) performance in fish canning industrial wastewater treatment
Authors: Ayyoub H. , Kitanou S. , Bachiri B. , Tahaikt M. , Taky M. , Elmidaoui A.
Published: June 2022

The fish canning industries produce a large amount of wastewater. The high-strength wastewater from fish processing industry is of great concern worldwide. This type of wastewater is rich in organic matter and has high total dissolved solids (TDS). The elimination of salts is usually expensive and, on the other hand, the high salinity and the seasonal variation of the effluent characteristics make the removal of organic matter difficult using only a biological process. For this purpose, the use of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) process combining both a biological treatment and ultrafiltration membrane separation could be a perfect option for fish canning wastewater treatment. In this work, the performance of a MBR process is investigated to treat the fish canning industry wastewater. The removal efficiency of important parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), five day-biological oxygen demand in (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate (NO3−), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), orthophosphate (PO43−) and TDS are followed. Experimental results show that the overall removal efficiencies obtained are: 96.6% for COD, 98% for BOD, 99.5% for TSS, 90% for nitrate, 96% for TDS and greater than 97% for TKN and PO43−. These results confirm that combination of both biological treatment and membrane process is regarded as an effective approach to reduce the contaminants in fish canning wastewater. Membrane bioreactor presents several advantages in terms of water resource protection because of the great quality of the treated water that can be reused.
Distribution pattern and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in Henan section of the Yellow River
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Kuangjia , Xin Rui , Xu Zhiheng , Zhang Zhongshuai , He Siyu , Zhao Zhenzhen , Tong Minghui , Cui Yongxin
Published: June 2022

Heavy metals (HMs) pollution in the environment is a persistent issue and draws public attention constantly. However, there is little research assessing the pollution level of HMs in the Henan section of the Yellow River although the river is one of the most important water supply rivers in Henan province. In this research, the fraction contents of six HMs in the Henan section of the Yellow River were investigated by adopting the European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure. Moreover, the potential health risk caused by HMs was evaluated by adopting both the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and ecological hazard index method. The results indicate the presence of a light HM pollution level in the Yellow River generally. However, the health risk caused by Cd cannot be neglected. Fraction analysis indicates that the content of the B2 fraction is high, which needs more attention. Overall, branch afflux might be one of the important pathways through which anthropogenic activities influence the Yellow River. The results of both the Igeo and ecological hazard index indicate that the potential health risk caused by HMs is low in the Yellow River, and the Yellow River protection policies implemented by Henan province may be the underlying reason.
Taxoids: A New Class of Antimitotic Compounds
Authors: Guenard Daniel , Gueritte-Voegelein Francoise , Lavelle Francois
Published: June 2022

Paclitaxel (Taxol®) and docetaxel (Taxotere®) are the first representatives of taxoids , a new class of antitumor compounds. These two taxoids are clinically active against breast, ovarian and lung cancers. Taxoids are highly complex diterpenoids from natural origin. Preclinical and clinical develop-ments have been made possible after a long and sustained chemical effort : paclitaxel is extracted from the barks of the Pacific yew tree Taxus brevifolia whereas docetaxel is prepared by hemisynthesis starting from 10-deacetyl-baccatin ill, a non cytotoxic precursor found in the needles of
the European yew tree Taxus baccata . These two drugs are active in various in vitro and in vivo preclinical models (cell lines, cloning of human tumor stem cells, murine grafted tumors , human xenografts). Taxoids constitute anew class of antimitotic
agents different from vinca-alkaloids: on the one hand, paclitaxel and docetaxel can be considered as inhibitors of the reaction of depolymerization of microtubules into tubulin ; on the other hand, vinca-a!kaloids inhibit the reaction of polymerization of tubulin into microtubules. An active program of medicinal chemistry is done in various pharmaceutical and academic Institutions with two objectives: knowledge of structure-activity relationships and selection of new candidates for clinical trials.
With the taxoid series, a variety of analogs have been prepared for their antitubulin and biological properties . Concerning the tubulin binding, some important structure activity relationships have been proposed. In this review the contribution of each functional group of docetaxel will be discussed following the evolution of antitubulin activity, going from docetaxel to taxoids possessing the minimum requirement of recognition by tubulin . The conformation of docetaxel and analogs will be compared taking into account the contribution and relevance of X-rays, NMR and molecular modelling studies in determining the molecular shape of active and inactive compounds.
Cardiotoxicity of Biological Therapies in Cancer Patients: An In-depth
Review
Authors: Madanat Luai , Gupta Ruby , Weber Paul , Kumar Navneet , Chandra Rohit , Ahaneku Hycienth , Bansal Yatharth , Anderson Joseph , Bilolikar Abhay , Jaiyesimi Ishmael
Published: June 2022

Cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy regimens has been long reported. However, the understanding
of cardiac side effects of biological therapies is rapidly evolving. With cancer patients
achieving higher life expectancy due to the use of personalized medicine and novel targeted anticancer
agents, the occurrence of cardiotoxicity is becoming more significant. Novel biological
therapies include anti-HER2 antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bruton kinase inhibitors, antivascular
endothelial growth factors, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulator drugs, and immune
checkpoint inhibitors. Potential cardiovascular toxicities linked to these anticancer agents include
hypertension, arrhythmias, QT prolongation, myocardial ischemia and infarction, left ventricular
dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and thromboembolism. Cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiography,
echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are common diagnostic modalities used
for early detection of these complications and timely intervention. This review discusses the various
types of cardiotoxicities caused by novel anticancer biologic agents, their molecular and pathophysiological
mechanisms, risk factors, and diagnostic and management strategies that can be
used to prevent, minimize, and treat them.
The Anticonvulsant Activity of Thiamine, Vitamin D3, and Melatonin Combination on Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures in Mice
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Azam , Mehrzadi Saeed , Dehdashtian Ehsan , Karimi Mohammad Yahya
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with the elevation of oxidative stress levels and alteration in vitamins and endogenous antioxidant levels. The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of Vit D3, thiamine, melatonin, and their combination on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced tonic-clonic seizures in mice along with measuring the alteration in oxidative stress markers.

Methods:

Male mice were randomly divided into seven groups; group I received normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) on the 15th day, group II received PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p) on the 15th day, groups III-VI received diazepam (4 mg/kg), Vit D3 (6000 IU/kg, p.o.), thiamine (200 mg/kg, p.o.), and melatonin (20 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively, before PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) injection on the 15th day, and group VII received the combination of Vit D3, thiamine, and melatonin, before PTZ injection on the 15th day. After PTZ injection, the seizure latency and duration were measured. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated in mice brains.

Results:

In the treatment group, the seizure latency was greater and the seizure duration was lower than in the PTZ group. These agents decreased the MDA level and increased SOD activity compared to the PTZ group. The combination of these agents was more effective than each alone to increase seizure latency and reduce seizure duration.

Conclusion:

The combination of Vit D3, thiamine, and melatonin could improve PTZ-induced seizures more effectively than each one alone; this may be mediated by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating various mechanisms involved in seizures.
Antihypertensive and Vasorelaxant Effects of Rumex vesicarius (L.)
through Receptor-Operated Calcium Channels in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Amssayef Ayoub , Bouadid Ismail , EL-Haidani Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Aims:

The aim of the study was to assess the antihypertensive activity of Rumex vesicarius.

Background:

The genus Rumex (sorrel, Polygonaceae), containing approximately 200 species, is distributed worldwide (African, European, Asian, and American countries). It is widely used in traditional medicine as analgesic, diuretic, antispasmodic, and antihypertensive plants.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the possible antihypertensive vasorelaxant capacity and effect on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) of the aqueous extract of Rumex vesicarius (R. vesicarius).

Material and Methods:

In the present study, the aqueous extract of R. vesicarius (AERV) was prepared, its antihypertensive activity was examined in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats, and its vasorelaxant ability along with its effect on stimulating or inhibiting ACE-2 were performed in isolated rat thoracic aorta.

Results:

The results indicated that AERV decreased the systolic, diastolic, mean, and mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The data revealed that AERV exerted its antihypertensive effect through vasodilatory properties via an endothelium-independent pathway. Interestingly, the study demonstrated that the vasorelaxation ability of AERV might be mediated through receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCC). However, AERV extract had no effect on either stimulating or inhibiting ACE-2.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates clearly the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities of R. vesicarius in hypertensive rats, supporting its beneficial action as an antihypertensive agent.
Creatinine Clearance Measurement with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
in Heart Failure Patients: Comparison with Estimated-Creatinine Clearance
Formulas
Authors: Scicchitano Pietro , Iacoviello Massimo , Guida Piero , De Palo Micaela , Potenza Angela , Basile Marco , Sasanelli Paolo , Trotta Francesco , Sanasi Mariella , Caldarola Pasquale , Massari Francesco
Published: June 2022

Background:

Kidney disease is common in patients with heart failure (HF). The Donadio
equation combines plasma creatinine and bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) to estimate creatinine
clearance. This study aimed to compare the Donadio formula to the Cockcroft-Gault (CG), Modification
of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD-4), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology
Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations in patients with HF.

Methods:

We analysed data from 900 patients (mean age: 76 ± 10 years) with HF. All of them underwent
clinical, laboratory, BIVA, and echocardiographic evaluations.

Results:

Donadio equation overestimated eGFR as compared to CG and CKD-EPI formulas (+6.8
and +12 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively) while computing similar results to MDRD-4 (overestimation:
+0.1 mL/min/1.73 m2).

:

According to the different formulas, the prevalence of renal insufficiency (eGFR< 30 ml/min/1.73
m2) in relation to the different formulas was as follows: 24% with Donadio, 21% with CG, 13% with
MDRD-4, and 23% with CKD-EPI formulas. All the equations demonstrated a high precision rate
(r>0.8 for all).

Conclusions:

The Donadio formula provided an estimation of GFR comparable to MDRD-4 in HF
patients, independently from acute or chronic HF conditions. The use of BIVA in HF patients may
be adopted both for HF management and for evaluating kidney function.
Artificial Intelligence as a Putative Tool for Newer Drug Development Approach in Cancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Jain Pooja , Mohapatra Sradhanjali , Hassan Nazia , Singh Manvi , Farooq Uzma , Mirza Mohd. Aamir , Iqbal Zeenat
Published: June 2022

The growing interest of researchers in artificial intelligence has unvealed its
potential applications in disease diagnosis, health monitoring, medical data
management, personalised medicine, and drug development. Artificial intelligence and
its related technology appear as a promising approach to treat the deadly disease of
cancer. Despite the enormous advancement in cancer research, the mortality rate is still
very high. Nanomedicine has played a vital role in cancer treatment, and the
introduction of artificial intelligence-related technology in nanomedicine increases the
hope of advanced cancer treatment and management. Artificial intelligence-enabled
nanofabrication techniques, along with a thorough understanding of cancer biology,
would enable selective anticancer drug targeting. Altogether, it can be stated that
artificial intelligence-based nanomedicine will act as a bridge between translational
research and effective clinical outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence for Cancer Nanotheranostics
Authors: Acharya Sarbari
Published: June 2022

As a nanotheranostics platform, therapeutic as well as diagnostic modalities
are loaded in a single nanoplatform for the successful development of clinical regimes
for treating the various types of cancer. These agents have demonstrated the emergence
of advanced platforms that can diagnose cancer at early stages and initiate first-line
therapy to monitor it and mitigate necessary treatments for its remission. Recently,
computational tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have
been implemented for enhancing and improving the simulation and modeling process
for nanotherapeutics. These fundamental concepts of AI and ML in cancer therapy and
their contributions and promise of nanotechnology coupled with AI for the
development of precision medicine for cancer therapy are reviewed in this book
chapter and illustrated lucidly.