bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutraceutical Properties of Polyphenols against Liver Diseases
Authors: Simón Jorge , Casado-Andrés María , Goikoetxea-Usandizaga Naroa , Serrano-Maciá Marina , Martínez-Chantar María Luz
Published: November 2020

Current food tendencies, suboptimal dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle are spreading metabolic disorders worldwide. Consequently, the prevalence of liver pathologies is increasing, as it is the main metabolic organ in the body. Chronic liver diseases, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the main cause, have an alarming prevalence of around 25% worldwide. Otherwise, the consumption of certain drugs leads to an acute liver failure (ALF), with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) as its main cause, or alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Although programs carried out by authorities are focused on improving dietary habits and lifestyle, the long-term compliance of the patient makes them difficult to follow. Thus, the supplementation with certain substances may represent a more easy-to-follow approach for patients. In this context, the consumption of polyphenol-rich food represents an attractive alternative as these compounds have been characterized to be effective in ameliorating liver pathologies. Despite of their structural diversity, certain similar characteristics allow to classify polyphenols in 5 groups: stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and curcuminoids. Herein, we have identified the most relevant compounds in each group and characterized their main sources. By this, authorities should encourage the consumption of polyphenol-rich products, as most of them are available in quotidian life, which might reduce the socioeconomical burden of liver diseases.
Ready to Change: Attitudes of an Elderly CKD Stage 3–5 Population towards Testing Protein-Free Food
Authors: Longhitano Elisa , Trabace Tiziana , Fois Antioco , Chatrenet Antoine , Moio Maria Rita , Lippi Francoise , Vigreux Jerome , Beaumont Coralie , Santoro Domenico , Torreggiani Massimo , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: November 2020

The recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K-DOQI) guidelines suggest an early start of protein restriction, raising issues on willingness to change dietary habits. The aim of this exploratory real-life study was to report on a test of dietary products (protein-free, not previously available in France) in a large, mainly elderly, chronic kidney disease (CKD) population (220 patients, median age: 77.5 years, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI): seven, malnutrition inflammation score (MIS): five, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 26 mL/min), also as a means to tailor further implementation strategies. Forty-nine patients (22.28%) were considered to be poor candidates for the trial (metabolically unstable or with psychological, psychiatric or logistic barriers); of the remaining 171, 80.70% agreed to participate. Patients to whom the diet was not proposed had lower eGFR and higher comorbidity (eGFR 21 vs. 27 p = 0.021; MIS six vs. four p: <0.001). Patients who refused were 10 years older than those who accepted (83 vs. 73 years p < 0.001), with a higher CCI (eight vs. seven p = 0.008) and MIS (five vs. four p = 0.01). In the logistic regression, only age was significantly associated with refusal to participate (Odds ratio (OR): 5.408; 95% CI: 1.894 to 15.447). No difference was found according to low/intermediate/high frequency of weekly use of protein-free food. Our study suggests that most of the patients are ready to test new diet approaches. Only old age correlated with refusal, but frequency of implementation depended on individual preferences, underlying the importance of tailored approaches to improve adherence.
Effects of Beetroot Powder with or without L-Arginine on Postprandial Vascular Endothelial Function: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial with Abdominally Obese Men
Authors: Smeets Ellen T. H. C. , Mensink Ronald P. , Hoeks Joris , de Vogel-Van den Bosch Johan , Hageman Robert J. J. , Joris Peter J.
Published: November 2020

Background: Through effects on nitric oxide bioavailability, vascular endothelial function is improved after the intake of a high amount of nitrate or L-arginine, but decreased after the intake of a high-fat meal. Therefore, we compared the effects of beetroot powder with or without L-arginine on postprandial brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) after consumption of a high-fat mixed-meal. Methods: Eighteen abdominally obese men completed this randomized, double-blinded, cross-over trial. The study consisted of five test days, each separated by a wash-out period of at least one week. Participants received in random order, a blended meal with a control or nutritional supplement consisting of beetroot powder providing 200 mg nitrate, beetroot with 0.8 g of L-arginine, beetroot with 1.5 g of L-arginine, or 3.0 g of L-arginine. Participants then fasted and 2 h postprandial FMD measurements were performed. Results: No significant differences between meals were observed for postprandial FMD (p = 0.45) levels. However, there was a non-significant trend towards a more beneficial postprandial FMD response with the beetroot-containing meals as compared with meals without beetroot. Conclusion: This trial could not provide evidence for beneficial additive effects of a single dose of beetroot powder combined with L-arginine on postprandial endothelial function in abdominally obese men.
Food Addiction and Psychosocial Adversity: Biological Embedding, Contextual Factors, and Public Health Implications
Authors: Wiss David A. , Avena Nicole , Gold Mark
Published: November 2020

The role of stress, trauma, and adversity particularly early in life has been identified as a contributing factor in both drug and food addictions. While links between traumatic stress and substance use disorders are well documented, the pathways to food addiction and obesity are less established. This review focuses on psychosocial and neurobiological factors that may increase risk for addiction-like behaviors and ultimately increase BMI over the lifespan. Early childhood and adolescent adversity can induce long-lasting alterations in the glucocorticoid and dopamine systems that lead to increased addiction vulnerability later in life. Allostatic load, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and emerging data on epigenetics in the context of biological embedding are highlighted. A conceptual model for food addiction is proposed, which integrates data on the biological embedding of adversity as well as upstream psychological, social, and environmental factors. Dietary restraint as a feature of disordered eating is discussed as an important contextual factor related to food addiction. Discussion of various public health and policy considerations are based on the concept that improved knowledge of biopsychosocial mechanisms contributing to food addiction may decrease stigma associated with obesity and disordered eating behavior.
Administration of an Intravenous Fat Emulsion Enriched with Medium-Chain Triglyceride/ω-3 Fatty Acids is Beneficial Towards Anti-Inflammatory Related Fatty Acid Profile in Preterm Neonates: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Papandreou Panos , Gioxari Aristea , Ntountaniotis Dimitrios , Korda Olga-Natalia , Skouroliakou Maria , Siahanidou Tania
Published: November 2020

Intravenous administration of pure soybean oil emulsions high in linoleic acid may lead to inflammation and lipid peroxidation in preterm neonates. We aimed to investigate the effects of a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) on plasma fatty acid (FA) profile and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in preterm neonates. In this double-blind randomized study, 92 preterm neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500 g) were assigned to receive either MCT/ω-3 PUFA-enriched IVFE (Intervention Group) or soybean oil-based IVFE (Control Group). Levels of FAs were measured at baseline (day 0) and day 15 of parenteral nutrition with gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Serum IL-6 was measured with sandwich ELISA in 59 neonates. Plasma FAs changed significantly over time; the MCT/ω-3 PUFA-IVFE group showed higher ω-3 PUFAs (p = 0.031), eicosapentaenoic acid (p = 0.000), and oleic acid (p = 0.003), and lower ω-6/ω-3 PUFAs ratio (p = 0.001) and ω-6 PUFAs (p = 0.023) compared to control group. Linoleic acid was higher in the soybean oil (SO)-based IVFE arm compared to the MCT/ω-3 PUFAs-IVFE arm (p = 0.006). Both fat emulsion types decreased IL-6 compared to baseline, but changes were insignificant between groups. Administration of MCT/ω-3 PUFA-enriched IVFE in preterm neonates is beneficial in changing the FA profile consistent with attenuated inflammatory response.
Allosteric Modulators of G Protein-Coupled Dopamine and Serotonin Receptors: A New Class of Atypical Antipsychotics
Authors: Fasciani Irene , Petragnano Francesco , Aloisi Gabriella , Marampon Francesco , Carli Marco , Scarselli Marco , Maggio Roberto , Rossi Mario
Published: November 2020

Schizophrenia was first described by Emil Krapelin in the 19th century as one of the major mental illnesses causing disability worldwide. Since the introduction of chlorpromazine in 1952, strategies aimed at modifying the activity of dopamine receptors have played a major role for the treatment of schizophrenia. The introduction of atypical antipsychotics with clozapine broadened the range of potential targets for the treatment of this psychiatric disease, as they also modify the activity of the serotoninergic receptors. Interestingly, all marketed drugs for schizophrenia bind to the orthosteric binding pocket of the receptor as competitive antagonists or partial agonists. In recent years, a strong effort to develop allosteric modulators as potential therapeutic agents for schizophrenia was made, mainly for the several advantages in their use. In particular, the allosteric binding sites are topographically distinct from the orthosteric pockets, and thus drugs targeting these sites have a higher degree of receptor subunit specificity. Moreover, “pure” allosteric modulators maintain the temporal and spatial fidelity of native orthosteric ligand. Furthermore, allosteric modulators have a “ceiling effect”, and their modulatory effect is saturated above certain concentrations. In this review, we summarize the progresses made in the identification of allosteric drugs for dopamine and serotonin receptors, which could lead to a new generation of atypical antipsychotics with a better profile, especially in terms of reduced side effects.
The Landscape of Novel Therapeutics and Challenges in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Contemporary State and Future Directions
Authors: Khaddour Karam , Johanns Tanner , Ansstas George
Published: November 2020

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant intracranial neoplasm that constitutes a therapeutic challenge because of the associated high morbidity and mortality given the lack of effective approved medication and aggressive nature of the tumor. However, there has been extensive research recently to address the reasons implicated in the resistant nature of the tumor to pharmaceutical compounds, which have resulted in several clinical trials investigating promising treatment approaches. Methods: We reviewed literature published since 2010 from PUBMED and several annual meeting abstracts through 15 September 2020. Selected articles included those relevant to topics of glioblastoma tumor biology, original basic research, clinical trials, seminal reviews, and meta-analyses. We provide a discussion based on the collected evidence regarding the challenging factors encountered during treatment, and we highlighted the relevant trials of novel therapies including immunotherapy and targeted medication. Results: Selected literature revealed four main factors implicated in the low efficacy encountered with investigational treatments which included: (1) blood-brain barrier; (2) immunosuppressive microenvironment; (3) genetic heterogeneity; (4) external factors related to previous systemic treatment that can modulate tumor microenvironment. Investigational therapies discussed in this review were classified as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Immunotherapy included: (1) immune checkpoint inhibitors; (2) adoptive cell transfer therapy; (3) therapeutic vaccines; (4) oncolytic virus therapy. Targeted therapy included tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other receptor inhibitors. Finally, we provide our perspective on future directions in treatment of glioblastoma. Conclusion: Despite the limited success in development of effective therapeutics in glioblastoma, many treatment approaches hold potential promise including immunotherapy and novel combinational drugs. Addressing the molecular landscape and resistant immunosuppressive nature of glioblastoma are imperative in further development of effective treatments.
Synthesis of New 1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole-Incorporated 1, 2, 3-Triazole Moieties as Potential Anticancer Agents Targeting Thymidylate Synthase and Their Docking Studies
Authors: Alam Mohammad Mahboob , Almalki Abdulraheem SA , Neamatallah Thikryat , Ali Nada M. , Malebari Azizah M. , Nazreen Syed
Published: November 2020

Thymidylate synthase (TS) has emerged as a hot spot in cancer treatment, as it is directly involved in DNA synthesis. In the present article, nine hybrids containing 1,2,3-triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole moieties (6–14) were synthesized and evaluated for anticancer and in vitro thymidylate synthase activities. According to in silico pharmacokinetic studies, the synthesized hybrids exhibited good drug likeness properties and bioavailability. The cytotoxicity results indicated that compounds 12 and 13 exhibited remarkable inhibition on the tested Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF-7) and Human colorectal Carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines. Compound 12 showed four-fold inhibition to a standard drug, 5-fluoruracil, and comparable inhibition to tamoxifen, whereas compound 13 exerted five-fold activity of tamoxifen and 24-fold activity of 5-fluorouracil for MCF-7 cells. Compounds 12 and 13 inhibited thymidylate synthase enzyme, with an half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 of 2.52 µM and 4.38 µM, while a standard drug, pemetrexed, showed IC50 = 6.75 µM. The molecular docking data of compounds 12 and 13 were found to be in support of biological activities data. In conclusion, hybrids (12 and 13) may inhibit thymidylate synthase enzyme, which could play a significant role as a chemotherapeutic agent.
Novel 1-Amidino-4-Phenylpiperazines as Potent Agonists at Human TAAR1 Receptor: Rational Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Francesconi Valeria , Cichero Elena , Kanov Evgeny V. , Laurini Erik , Pricl Sabrina , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Tonelli Michele
Published: November 2020

Targeting trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) receptor continues to offer an intriguing opportunity to develop innovative therapies in different pharmacological settings. Pursuing our endeavors in the search for effective and safe human TAAR1 (hTAAR1) ligands, we synthesized a new series of 1-amidino-4-phenylpiperazine derivatives (1–16) based on the application of a combined pharmacophore model/scaffold simplification strategy for an in-house series of biguanide-based TAAR1 agonists. Most of the novel compounds proved to be more effective than their prototypes, showing nanomolar EC50 values in functional activity at hTAAR1 and low general cytotoxicity (CC50 > 80 µM) when tested on the Vero-76 cell line. In this new series, the main determinant for TAAR1 agonism ability appears to result from the appropriate combination between the steric size and position of the substituents on the phenyl ring rather than from their different electronic nature, since both electron-withdrawing and electron donor groups are permitted. In particular, the ortho-substitution seems to impose a more appropriate spatial geometry to the molecule that entails an enhanced TAAR1 potency profile, as experienced, in the following order, by compounds 15 (2,3-diCl, EC50 = 20 nM), 2 (2-CH3, EC50 = 30 nM), 6 (2-OCH3, EC50 = 93 nM) and 3 (2-Cl, EC50 = 160 nM). Apart from the interest in them as valuable leads for the development of promising hTAAR1 agonists, these simple small molecules have further allowed us to identify the minimal structural requirements for producing an efficient hTAAR1 targeting ability.
Clinical Evaluation of Basal-Bolus Therapy Delivered by the V-Go® Wearable Insulin Delivery Device in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zeidan Trisha , Nikkel Carla , Dziengelewski Beth , Wu Stephanie , Chen Aleda M. H.
Published: November 2020

Insulin therapy is frequently required to achieve glycemic targets (A1c) in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, clinicians and patients face barriers with the complexities of multiple daily injection regimens. Patch-like wearable insulin devices, such as V-Go, may simplify and optimize this complexity. This study evaluated the change in A1C and insulin total daily dose (TDD) in a suboptimally-controlled (not achieving A1C targets) T2D population after switching to V-Go. A retrospective chart analysis at a diabetes clinic was performed to evaluate change in A1c measurements from baseline (V-Go initiation) to end of study observation. Of the 139 patients enrolled, A1C significantly decreased from baseline (−1.5 ± 1.79%; p < 0.001). Patients prescribed insulin at baseline (n = 122) used significantly less insulin TDD (−8 u/day; p = 0.006). The percentage of patients meeting the target of A1C < 8% increased from 14% at baseline to 48% at study completion (p = 0.008). Patients prescribed a basal-bolus regimen prior to V-Go achieved an A1C reduction of 1.5 ± 2.0% (p < 0.0001) and experienced the greatest reduction in TDD (−24 u/day; p < 0.0001). Thus, patients switching to V-Go from a variety of therapies at baseline experienced reductions in A1C while using less insulin, with a reduction in clinically relevant hypoglycemia, indicating the potential benefit of V-Go in optimizing and simplifying T2D care.
TIPS for Scaling up Research in Upper Limb Prosthetics
Authors: van der Sluis Corry K. , Bongers Raoul M.
Published: November 2020

Many research initiatives have been employed in upper limb prosthetics (ULP) in the last few decades. The body of knowledge is growing and inspired by new and interesting technology that has been brought to the market to facilitate functioning of people with upper limb defects. However, a lot of research initiatives do not reach the target population. Several reasons can be identified as to why research does not move beyond the lab, such as lack of research quality, disappointing results of new initiatives, lack of funding to further develop promising initiatives, and poor implementation or dissemination of results. In this paper, we will appraise the current status of the research in ULP. Furthermore, we will try to provide food for thought to scale up research in ULP, focusing on (1) translation of research findings, (2) the quality of innovations in the light of evidence-based medicine and evidence-based practice, (3) patient involvement, and (4) spreading of research findings by focusing on implementation and dissemination of results and collaboration in a national and international perspective. With this paper, we aim to open the discussion on scaling up research in the community of professionals working in the field of ULP.
Regularized Estimation of the Four-Parameter Logistic Model
Authors: Battauz Michela
Published: November 2020

The four-parameter logistic model is an Item Response Theory model for dichotomous items that limit the probability of giving a positive response to an item into a restricted range, so that even people at the extremes of a latent trait do not have a probability close to zero or one. Despite the literature acknowledging the usefulness of this model in certain contexts, the difficulty of estimating the item parameters has limited its use in practice. In this paper we propose a regularized estimation approach for the estimation of the item parameters based on the inclusion of a penalty term in the log-likelihood function. Simulation studies show the good performance of the proposal, which is further illustrated through an application to a real-data set.
Grazing Systems to Retain and Redistribute Soil Phosphorus and to Reduce Phosphorus Losses in Runoff
Authors: Subedi Anish , Franklin Dorcas , Cabrera Miguel , McPherson Amanda , Dahal Subash
Published: November 2020

A study of phosphorus accumulation and mobility was conducted in eight pastures in the Georgia piedmont, USA. We compared two potential grazing treatments: strategic-grazing (STR) and continuous-grazing-with-hay-distribution (CHD) from 2015 (Baseline) to 2018 (Post-Treatment) for (1) distribution of Mehlich-1 Phosphorus (M1P) in soil and (2) dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and total Kjeldahl phosphorus (TKP) in runoff water. STR included rotational grazing, excluding erosion vulnerable areas, and cattle-lure management using movable equipment (hay-rings, shades, and waterers). After three years of treatment, M1P had significantly accrued 6- and 5-fold in the 0–5 cm soil layer and by 2- and 1.6-fold in the 5–10 cm layer for CHD and STR, respectively, compared to Baseline M1P. In STR exclusions, M1P also increased to 10 cm depth post-treatment compared to Baseline. During Post-Treatment, TKP runoff concentrations were 21% and 29% lower, for CHD and STR, respectively, in 2018 compared to 2015. Hot Spot Analysis, a spatial clustering tool that utilizes Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, revealed no change in Post-Treatment CHD pastures, while hotspots in STR pastures had moved from low-lying to high-lying areas. Exclusion vegetation retained P and reduced bulk density facilitating vertical transportation of P deeper into the soil, ergo, soil P was less vulnerable to export in runoff, retained in the soil for forage utilization and reduced export of P to aquatic systems
Risk Factors for Elevated Serum Lipopolysaccharide in Acute Dengue and Association with Clinical Disease Severity
Authors: Shyamali N. L. Ajantha , Mahapatuna Sameera D. , Gomes Laksiri , Wijewickrama Ananda , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: November 2020

Although serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was shown to associate with development of severe dengue, the reasons for high LPS and its subsequent involvement in disease pathogenesis are not known. We assessed serum LPS, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin in patients with acute dengue fever (DF = 129) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF = 64) and correlated these observations with the presence of comorbid illnesses, and clinical disease severity. Serum LPS levels were significantly (p = 0.01) higher in patients with DHF, compared to those with DF. In total, 45 (70%) of those with DHF and 63 (49%) of those with DF had detectable LPS and therefore, the presence of LPS was significantly associated with DHF (p = 0.005, OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.29 to 4.64). Those with metabolic diseases, 22/29 (75.9%) and those with atopic diseases 17/22 (77.3%) were significantly more likely to have detectable LPS levels (p = 0.025, OR = 2.9, 95% CI-1.17 to 7.59 and p = 0.039, OR = 3.06, 95% CI-1.07 to 7.81 respectively). Those with detectable LPS levels were also more likely to develop shock and severe thrombocytopenia. Patients with detectable LPS were more likely to have elevated CRP levels and were more likely to develop DHF. Procalcitonin levels too were significantly (p = 0.009) higher in those with DHF compared to those with DF and were more likely to be high in those with detectable serum LPS. Since serum LPS levels were higher in patients with DHF and significantly more likely to be present in those with comorbid illnesses, the possible role of LPS in disease pathogenesis should be further investigated.
A Note on Variation of the Acoustic Environment in a Quiet Residential Area in Kobe (Japan): Seasonal Changes in Noise Levels Including COVID-Related Variation
Authors: Sakagami Kimihiro
Published: November 2020

This communication compares the previously reported results of the acoustic environment, mainly noise levels at a fixed point, in a quiet residential area in Kobe, Japan, under the declaration of the COVID-19 state of emergency in May 2020 with the results of two follow-up studies in the same area: subsequent follow-up noise measurements in June and July–August 2020, and the present results of measurements in September–October 2020. The results of the comparison among the above three measurements suggest that noise levels were lower during September-October 2020 than during the declaration of the state of emergency in May 2020. In the period from May to October 2020, the noise level was significantly higher in July and August of the same year due to the sound of cicadas, which are common in this area. This suggests that it is difficult to set the target values of the acoustic environment planning by referring to the low noise level at lockdown or similar measures in areas with large seasonal variations in acoustic environment. Although many case studies are necessary to obtain appropriate target values, one case study is presented in this communication to illustrate an example and discuss its difficulty.
Genomic Diversity and Evolution of Quasispecies in Newcastle Disease Virus Infections
Authors: Jadhav Archana , Zhao Lele , Liu Weiwei , Ding Chan , Nair Venugopal , Ramos-Onsins Sebastian E. , Ferretti Luca
Published: November 2020

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infections are well known to harbour quasispecies, due to the error-prone nature of the RNA polymerase. Quasispecies variants in the fusion cleavage site of the virus are known to significantly change its virulence. However, little is known about the genomic patterns of diversity and selection in NDV viral swarms. We analyse deep sequencing data from in vitro and in vivo NDV infections to uncover the genomic patterns of diversity and the signatures of selection within NDV swarms. Variants in viruses from in vitro samples are mostly localised in non-coding regions and 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs or 5′UTRs), while in vivo samples contain an order of magnitude more variants. We find different patterns of genomic divergence and diversity among NDV genotypes, as well as differences in the genomic distribution of intra-host variants among in vitro and in vivo infections of the same strain. The frequency spectrum shows clear signatures of intra-host purifying selection in vivo on the matrix protein (M) coding gene and positive or diversifying selection on nucleocapsid (NP) and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN). The comparison between within-host polymorphisms and phylogenetic divergence reveals complex patterns of selective pressure on the NDV genome at between- and within-host level. The M sequence is strongly constrained both between and within hosts, fusion protein (F) coding gene is under intra-host positive selection, and NP and HN show contrasting patterns: HN RNA sequence is positively selected between hosts while its protein sequence is positively selected within hosts, and NP is under intra-host positive selection at the RNA level and negative selection at the protein level.
Site-Specific Evolutionary Rate Shifts in HIV-1 and SIV
Authors: Gelbart Maoz , Stern Adi
Published: November 2020

Site-specific evolutionary rate shifts are defined as protein sites, where the rate of substitution has changed dramatically across the phylogeny. With respect to a given clade, sites may either undergo a rate acceleration or a rate deceleration, reflecting a site that was conserved and became variable, or vice-versa, respectively. Sites displaying such a dramatic evolutionary change may point to a loss or gain of function at the protein site, reflecting adaptation, or they may indicate epistatic interactions among sites. Here, we analyzed full genomes of HIV and SIV-1 and identified 271 rate-shifting sites along the HIV-1/SIV phylogeny. The majority of rate shifts occurred at long branches, often corresponding to cross-species transmission branches. We noted that in most proteins, the number of rate accelerations and decelerations was equal, and we suggest that this reflects epistatic interactions among sites. However, several accessory proteins were enriched for either accelerations or decelerations, and we suggest that this may be a signature of adaptation to new hosts. Interestingly, the non-pandemic HIV-1 group O clade exhibited a substantially higher number of rate-shift events than the pandemic group M clade. We propose that this may be a reflection of the height of the species barrier between gorillas and humans versus chimpanzees and humans. Our results provide a genome-wide view of the constraints operating on proteins of HIV-1 and SIV.
Specific Antibodies and Arachidonic Acid Mediate the Protection Induced by the Schistosoma mansoni Cysteine Peptidase-Based Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Tallima Hatem , Abou El Dahab Marwa , El Ridi Rashika
Published: November 2020

Several reports have documented the reproducible and considerable efficacy of the cysteine peptidase-based schistosomiasis vaccine in the protection of mice and hamsters against infection with Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosomahaematobium, respectively. Here, we attempt to identify and define the protection mechanism(s) of the vaccine in the outbred CD-1 mice-S. mansoni model. Mice were percutaneously exposed to S. mansoni cercariae following immunization twice with 0 or 10 μg S. mansoni recombinant cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) or L3 (SmCL3). They were examined at specified intervals post infection (pi) for the level of serum antibodies, uric acid, which amplifies type 2 immune responses and is an anti-oxidant, lipids, in particular, arachidonic acid (ARA), which is an endoschistosomicide and ovocide, as well as uric acid and ARA in the lung and liver. Memory IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies to the cysteine peptidase immunogen were detectable at and following day 17 pi. Serum, lung, and liver uric acid levels in immunized mice were higher than in naïve and unimmunized mice, likely as a consequence of cysteine peptidase-mediated catabolic activity. Increased circulating uric acid in cysteine peptidase-immunized mice was associated with elevation in the amount of ARA in lung and liver at every test interval, and in serum starting at day 17 pi. Together, the results suggest the collaboration of humoral antibodies and ARA schistosomicidal potential in the attrition of challenge S. mansoni (p < 0.0005) at the liver stage, and ARA direct parasite egg killing (p < 0.005). The anti-oxidant and reactive oxygen species-scavenger properties of uric acid may be responsible for the cysteine peptidase vaccine protection ceiling. This article represents a step towards clarifying the protection mechanism of the cysteine peptidase-based schistosomiasis vaccine.
Combined Exercise Training and l-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Both Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses after Influenza Virus Vaccination in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Monteiro Fernanda R. , Roseira Tamaris , Amaral Jonatas B. , Paixão Vitória , Almeida Ewin B. , Foster Roberta , Sperandio Adriane , Rossi Marcelo , Amirato Gislene R. , Apostólico Juliana S. , Santos Carlos A. F. , Felismino Eduardo S. , Leal Fabyano B. , Thomazelli Luciano M. , Durigon Edison L. , Oliveira Danielle B. L. , Vieira Rodolfo P. , Santos Juliana M. B. , Bachi André L. L.
Published: November 2020

Background: Since aging affects the immune responses against vaccination, the present study evaluated the effects of L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation in the humoral and cellular immune responses in elderly subjects, practitioners or not, of physical exercise training. Methods: Eighty-four elderly people (aged 72.6 ± 6.1), non-practitioners (NP, n = 31), and practitioners of combined-exercise training (CET, n = 53) were submitted to Influenza virus vaccination and supplemented with Gln (0.3 g/kg of weight + 10 g of maltodextrin, groups: NP-Gln (n = 14), and CET-Gln (n = 26)), or placebo (10 g of maltodextrin, groups: NP-PL (n = 17), and CET-PL (n = 27)). Blood samples were collected pre (baseline) and 30 days post-vaccination and supplementation. Results: Comparing with the baseline values, whereas the NP-Gln and CET-PL groups showed higher specific-IgM levels, the CET-Gln group showed higher specific-IgM and IgA levels post-vaccination. The titer rate of hemagglutination inhibition was higher in the CET-Gln, NP-PL, and NP-Gln groups post-vaccination than baseline values. The absolute number of naive and effector CD4+ T cells was higher especially in the NP-Gln and CET-Gln groups, whilst activated CD4+ T cells were higher in CET subgroups post-vaccination. Conclusion: Our results showed that both l-glutamine supplementation and combined-exercise training can improve the immune responses to the Influenza virus vaccine in elderly subjects.
Pengaruh Penerapan Good Corporate Governance dan Perubahan Budaya Perusahaan terhadap Kepuasan Karyawan serta Implikasinya terhadap Kinerja Karyawan (Studi Pada Bank XY Kantor Cabang Utama Bandung)
Authors: E M Cininta Golda , Sya’roni Deden A. Wahab
Published: November 2020

Tahun 1997 akhir Indonesia dilanda krisis ekonomi terparah di Asia tenggara, yang selanjutnya berkembang menjadi krisis sosial, krisis politik sampai krisis perbankan hingga banyak bank dilikuidasi. Bank XY merupakan salah satu bank yang dapat melalui krisis tersebut tanpa bantuan dana pemerintah, setelah berhasil melewati krisis tersebut Bank XY melakukan beberapa perubahan melalui proses akuisisi dengan Bank Singapura terlebih dahulu.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh perubahan-perubahan yaitu penerapan Good Corporate Governance dan perubahan Budaya Perusahaan terhadap kinerja karyawan Bank XY. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis deskripsi dan verifikatif dengan metode survey melalui kuesioner kepada 153 responden karyawan Bank XY. Analisis statistik pada penelitian menggunakan Path Analysis dengan bantuan software Lisrel 8.80.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara penerapan good corporate governance dan perubahan budaya perusahaan terhadap kinerja karyawan, tetapi pengaruh dengan signifikansi lebih tinggi ditunjukkan antara penerapan good corporate governance dan perubahan budaya perusahaan terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui variabel moderator kepuasan karyawan.
PENGARUH KEPUASAN NASABAH DAN KEPERCAYAAN NASABAH TERHADAP KINERJA PEMASARAN KANTOR LAYANAN PADA PT. BANK NEGARA INDONESIA (PERSERO) Tbk KANTOR CABANG PERGURUAN TINGGI BANDUNG
Authors: Kusmiati Teti
Published: November 2020

Studi ini meneliti adanya fenomena-fenomena yang diidentifikasi adanya kelemahan secara situasional dan kondisional di lapangan berkaitan kepuasan dan kepercayaan yang dirasakan oleh para nasabah terhadap kinerja pemasaran perbankan PT. Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero), Tbk di cabang Perguruan Tinggi Bandung.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Kepuasan Nasabah dan Kepercayaan Nasabah Terhadap Kinerja Pemasaran Kantor layanan Pada PT. Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk di Cabang Perguruan Tinggi Bandung.Objek penelitian ini adalah nasabah di PT. BNI (Persero) Tbk Cabang PTB Bandung sebagai unit analisis. Analisis yang digunakan di dalam penelitian ini, disandarkan pada analisis deskriptif dan verifikatif dengan menggunakan skor penelitian responden atau pelanggan berkaitan dengan variabel-variabel peneltiian, sedangkan untuk mengverifikasi di dalam menjawab hipotesis penelitian digunakan analisis structural equation modeling (SEM)Hasil penelitian ini berdasarkan analisis diskriptif dengan menggunakan distribusi frekuensi, dapat menunjukkan akar permasalahan yang dihadapi PT. BNI (Persero) Tbk di kantor cabang Perguruan Tinggi Bandung, serta akan dilihat dari hipotesis pertama apakah perbankan layanan terhadap kepuasan dan kepercayaan nasabah berpengaruh terhadap kinerja pemasaran baik secara parsial maupun simultan.
PENGARUH BUDAYA ORGANISASI DAN KOMPENSASI TERHADAP KINERJA MELALUI KOMITMEN BNI CABANG PERGURUAN TINGGI BANDUNG
Authors: Maryati Mari , Sya’roni Deden A. Wahab
Published: November 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menyelidiki faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh pada kinerja karyawan bank. Studi kasus dilakukan pada Bank BUMN Indonesia di salah satu cabang kota Bandung. Kuesioner dibagikan kepada teller dan petugas layanan pelanggan di kantor cabang bank. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan jumlah responden adalah 107 karyawan. Analisis data untuk uji validitas, reliabilitas, dan uji hipotesis menggunakan SmartPLS 3.0. Budaya organisasi, kompensasi dan komitmen diprediksi sebagai faktor yang berpengaruh dalam penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa budaya organisasi, kompensasi dan komitmen memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan bank. Ketiga faktor ini menjadi krusial karena budaya yang baik dan karyawan yang puas akan menghasilkan komitmen yang baik dan pada gilirannya menciptakan kinerja yang baik. Namun secara parsial kompensasi dan komitmen tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja. Penelitian ini akan memberikan referensi untuk manajemen pekerjaan yang lebih baik.
ANALISIS PENGARUH HARGA, KUALITAS PRODUK, DAN MARKETING ONLINE TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN SERTA PENGARUHNYA PADA KEPUASAN KONSUMEN (Studi Penelitian Terhadap Produk Pakaian Anak Pada Zahra Baby shop)
Authors: Wati Nia
Published: November 2020

Pada era teknologi dan ketatnya persaingan banyak cara dilakukan orang-orang yang berkerjasebagai wirausaha dalam mengembangkan dan memasarkan produk dan jasa mereka, salahsatunya adalah dengan cara bisnis online. Salah satu online shop yang kini sedang berkembangadalah Zahra Baby Shop, yang menjual beragam produk pakaian anak. Namun, karena ketatnyapersaingan bisnis melalui online shop ini menyebabkan Zahra Baby Shop mengalami penurunanpenjualan pada tahun 2013.Tujuan diadakannya penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat hubungan antaravariabel X. Kemudian apakah variabel X1, X2, dan X3 berpengaruh secara parsial dan simultanterhadap Y; dan apakah variabel X1, X3, dan Y berpengaruh secara parsial dan simultan terhadapZ . Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif analisis dengan menggunakan programSPSS, dan dengan sampel sebanyak 100 responden.Dari hasil penelitian didapatlah hubungan antara X1 dan X2 sebesar 0,122, X2 dan X3 sebesar0,406, lalu X1 dan X3 sebesar 0,442. Kemudian X1, X2, dan X3 terhadap Y masing-masing0,090, 0,204, dan 0,313. Terakhir X1, X3, dan Y terhadap Z masing-masing 0,402, 0,206, dan0,401.
Pelatihan dan Pameran Desain Poster Daring untuk Remaja Indonesia
Authors: Maulina Rini , Cahyadi Arif Try , Madjid Wahyu Maulana , Dewi Febby Permata
Published: November 2020

Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) dilakukan oleh Dosen dan mahasiswa dari Program Studi Desain Komunikasi Visual, Fakultas Desain, Universitas Komputer Indonesia (UNIKOM). PKM dilaksanakan atas dasar kebutuhan mitra yaitu SMK Nasional Bandung terhadap kemajuan kreativitas, prestasi dan kepercayaan diri siswa-siswinya melalui kompetisi. Program PKM yaitu Pelatihan Desain Poster bertema COVID-19 yang disepakati dapat diikuti oleh peserta dari seluruh Indonesia. Peserta berjumlah 124, dilaksanakan melalui daring. Tujuan dari kegiatan PKM untuk meningkatkan kreativitas, prestasi dan kepercayaan diri siswa-siswi SMK Nasional Bandung. Metode PKM terdiri dari metode pelaksanaan dan metode analisis karya. Metode pelaksanaan PKM terdiri dari 12 tahapan, di antaranya yaitu need assesment, introduksi, pelatihan, lokakarya, kurasi, pameran, dan penghargaan. Metode analisis visual berargumen digunakan untuk menguji hasil pelatihan pada 3 karya peserta terbaik. Hasil dari Pelatihan desain poster terdapat 52 karya desain poster yang dipamerkan di halaman web https://ideas.my.id. hasil dari analisis visual berargumen menunjukkan peserta pelatihan memahami materi pelatihan.
Екзистенційні пошуки «втраченого покоління» в романі С. Жадана «Ворошиловград»
Authors: Землянська Аліна Вікторівна , Землянський Анатолій Миколайович
Published: November 2020

Метою дослідження є висвітлення екзистенційного виміру роману С. Жадана «Ворошиловград» в контексті теми «втраченого покоління» 1990-х років.

Акцент зроблено на категорії «загубленості», «втраченості» в аспекті філософії екзистенціалізму, визначенні суті «межової ситуації» в романі, розкритті екзистенційних пошуків персонажів твору.

У дослідженні застосовано трансдисциплінарний метод, який передбачає залучення до літературознавчого аналізу відомостей з інших галузей гуманітаристики, зокрема філософії (екзистенціалізму, феноменології), психології тощо, що дозволило розкрити екзистенційний вимір твору в усій його багатоаспектності.

Визначено, що у романі «Ворошиловград» С. Жадан висвітлив екзистенційні пошуки персонажів, для існування яких найхарактернішими є відчуття «втраченості» та «загубленості» у житті. Протагоніст твору Герман Корольов є носієм філософського світогляду самого автора, тому потрапляє у так звану «межову ситуацію» й у результаті виявляється духовно та фізично стійким до погроз і ганебних впливів, бо він бачить конкретну мету й віднаходить засоби її досягнення. Виявлено, що кожна особистість у творі свого часу опиняється в «межовій ситуації», коли змушена обирати власну життєву позицію. У тексті подібні філософські пошуки виражені спробами втечі від ворожого світу, існуванням особистісної психології окремо від соціальної, відстороненням від суспільного життя, різними формами песимізму тощо.

Зроблено висновок, що митець розкриває в романі такі важливі філософські проблеми, як свобода, смерть, сенс буття на тлі існування «загубленої» генерації періоду 1990-х років. Філософія твору з позицій проблематики «втраченого покоління» вимагає системного аналізу, що становить неабиякий простір для подальших літературознавчих досліджень.
Cardiac arrhythmias in children and adolescents
Authors: Stolina M. L. , Shegeda M. G. , Katenkova E. Yu.
Published: November 2020

Summary: The lecture covers modern concepts of various causes of cardiac arrhythmias in children and adolescents. The working classification of arrhythmias, based on their pathophysiological mechanisms, is given. The diagnostics of cardiac arrhythmias including clinical criteria, various instrumental and ultrasound methods are presented. The group of life-threatening arrhythmias, which are considered to be one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death, is distinguished. Each type of lifethreatening arrhythmias is defined. Medical and surgical methods of treatment are presented.
Preventive vaccination in children: Parents’ knowledge or physician’s competence
Authors: Vanyarkina A. S. , Petrova A. G. , Bayanova T. A. , Kazantseva E. D. , Krivolapova O. A. , Bugun O. V. , Stankevich A. S.
Published: November 2020

Objective: The study objective is to assess parents’ opinion and awareness of preventive vaccination issues.

Methods: Using the data of cross-sectional multicenter study the assessment of 1620 parents’ awareness of preventive vaccination issues was taken; we checked up on factors causing decline of trust in vaccination.

Results: The most respondents (n=1590) vaccinated children adhering to recommendation of National calendar, 25 % of parents additionally vaccinated them due to epidemic indications. The refusal of vaccination in 2 % of respondents was influenced by level of education (lower secondary education), family financial state (average or above the average), choice of mass media as prevailing source of information about vaccination. High level of credibility to the opinion of neighborhood pediatrician (91.7 %) and parents› interest in receiving additional information about vaccinations (71.2 %) were revealed.

Conclusions: Providing the accurate information on vaccination by doctors will enable to increase parents’ adherence to children vaccination.
Clinical features of infectious mononucleosis in children, depending on the etiological factor
Authors: Martynova G. P. , Ikkes L. A. , Bogvilenе Ya. A.
Published: November 2020

Objective: The objective is to analyze clinical and laboratory features of infectious mononucleosis (IM) depending on disease etiology.

Methods: 102 children with IM aged from 1 to 15 y.o. were examined. Polymerase chain reaction and immunoenzyme method were used to verify disease etiology.

Results: In patients with Epstein–Barr virus and mixed infection, the most pronounced manifestations of lymphoproliferative syndrome and tonsillitis, high content of atypical mononuclear cells in peripheral blood are detected. Aspects of IM of cytomegaloviral etiology were notable for the prevalence of toxic syndrome along with other less pronounced clinical and laboratory manifestations of the disease.

Conclusions: The detected features of the aspects of IM depending on etiological factor allow to prognosticate a variant and a character of the disease course and to early improve the therapy.
Improved diagnostic algorithm for gastrointestinal food allergy in infants
Authors: Denisov M. Yu. , Gild E. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective:The objective is to improve non-invasive diagnostic algorithm (NDA) to identify food allergy (FA) in infants since their first months of live.

Methods:We have done clinical and anamnestic examination and subsequent follow-up of 26 infants aged from 1 week old to 9 months old having admitted with complaints about colics, diarrhea, abdominal distension and skin rashes. Primary screening was performed using CoMiss tool, then anamnesis data was collected according NDA.

Results:FA was diagnosed in 34.6 % of infants due to improved NDA. Case follow-up suggested the presence of FA in 46.1% of patients.

Conclusions:The questionnaire showed a high clinical effectiveness and uniqueness, exceeding current alternatives for non-invasive diagnostics of malabsorption syndrome in infants.
Hemodynamic indicators informativity in ischemic heart disease patients for forecasting results of coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Rublev V. Y. , Sergeev E. A. , Geltser B. I.
Published: November 2020

The review presents an analysis of the scientific literature on the assessment of the predictive value of hemodynamic parameters for predicting the immediate and long-term results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Modern options for hemodynamic and volumetric monitoring are considered, including transesophageal echocardiography, prepulmonary, transpulmonary thermodilution, as well as other methods based on estimation of pulse wave transit time. The information content of individual hemodynamic parameters is discussed to optimize the early diagnosis, prevention and intensive care of cardiovascular events associated with CABG. The scientific literature on stratification of the risks of postoperative complications and mortality based on the analysis of the predictive value of hemodynamic parameters is generalized. Variants of the integrated application of hemodynamic monitoring methods and artificial intelligence technologies for the development of automated systems for predicting the near and long-term results of CABG are analyzed.
Surgical care in the regions of Russian Far East
Authors: Revishvili A. Sh. , Olovyannyi V. E.
Published: November 2020

The article covers the state of surgical care in the Russian Far East. Data of official statistics, reports of chief surgeons of the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District and employees of NMRC for Surgery named after A.V. Vishnevsky on visiting medical institutions of Primorskiy and Khabarovs territories as well as Jewish Autonomous Province in 2019 was used. A comparative analysis of the indicators of the organization of surgical care was done. A number of organizational problems were identified; a decrease in the quality and accessibility of surgical care for a number of diseases in the Far East was noted. Organizational solutions to reduce mortality in acute surgical diseases of the abdominal organs, possible ways of developing surgical care in the regions are proposed. The emphasis is on the feasibility of increasing the pace of implementation of minimally invasive surgical technologies, centralizing complex types of surgical interventions.