bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MG53 inhibits angiogenesis through regulating focal adhesion kinase signaling
Authors: Dong Jinling , Zhou Haiyan , Li Yongjie , Li Rong , Chen Ni , Zheng Youkun , Deng Xin , Luo Mao , Wang Liqun
Published: February 2021

Mitsugumin 53 (MG53), which is expressed predominantly in striated muscle, has been demonstrated to be a myokine/cardiokine secreted from striated muscle under specific conditions. The important roles of MG53 in non-striated muscle tissues have also been examined in multiple disease models. However, no previous study has implicated MG53 in the control of endothelial cell function. In order to explore the effects of MG53 on endothelial cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53). Then rhMG53 uptake, focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src/Akt/ERK1/2 signaling pathway activation, cell migration and tube formation were determined in vitro. The efficacy of rhMG53 in regulating angiogenesis was also detected in postnatal mouse retinas. The results demonstrated that rhMG53 directly entered into endothelial cells in a cholesterol-dependent manner. The uptake rhMG53 directly bound to FAK in endothelial cells, which resulted in significant decrease of FAK phosphorylation at Y397. Accompanied by the dephosphorylation of FAK, rhMG53 uncoupled FAK-Src interaction and reduced the phosphorylation of Src at Y416. Consequently, the activation of FAK/Src downstream signaling pathways, such as Akt and ERK1/2, was also significantly inhibited by rhMG53. Furthermore, rhMG53 remarkably decreased HUVEC migration and tube formation in vitro and postnatal mouse retinal angiogenesis in vivo. Taken together, these data indicate that rhMG53 inhibits angiogenesis through regulating FAK/Src/Akt/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. This may provide a novel molecular mechanism for the impaired angiogenesis in ischemic diseases.
LRP3, an apolipoprotein receptor that links reelin signalling and APP expression, is affected in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cuchillo-Ibañez Inmaculada , Lennol Matthew P , Escamilla Sergio , Mata-Balaguer Trinidad , López-Font Inmaculada , Ferrer Isidro , Saez-Valero Javier
Published: February 2021

Background. Members of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family are involved in endocytosis and in transducing signals, but also in APP (amyloid precursor protein) processing and β-amyloid secretion. ApoER2/LRP8 is a member of this family with key roles in synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. ApoER2 is cleaved after the binding of its ligand, the reelin protein, generating an intracellular domain (ApoER2-ICD) that modulates reelin gene transcription itself. In this work, we have analysed whether ApoER2-ICD is able to regulate the expression of other members of the LDL receptor family. We focused on LRP3, the most unknown member of the LDL receptor family, whose precise physiological role and potential participation in pathological processes such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are still unknown.Methods. The effects of full-length ApoER2 and ApoER2-ICD overexpression on protein levels, in presence of recombinant reelin or Ab42 peptide, were evaluated by a microarray, qRT-PCRs and western blots. The expression of LRP3 was analysed in human frontal cortex extracts from AD and non-demented subjects by qRT-PCRs and western blot; and LRP3 interaction with other proteins was assessed by immunoprecipitation. In CHO cells overexpressing LRP3, protein levels of full-length APP and fragments were evaluated by western blots. Results. We have identified that ApoER2 overexpression increases LRP3 expression. Stimulation of ApoER2 signaling by reelin increased LRP3 levels, and the same occurred following ApoER2-ICD overexpression. In human frontal cortex extracts we demonstrate that LRP3 interacts with apolipoprotein E and APP. In extracts from AD subjects, the levels of LRP3 mRNA and protein were lower than those in control subjects. Interestingly, LRP3 transfection in CHO-PS70 cells induced a decrease of full-length APP levels and APP-CTF, and in the supernatant, levels of soluble APP fragments from the amyloidogenic (sAPPa) or non-amyloidogenic (sAPPβ) pathway, as well as Aβ peptides, were drastically reduced respect to mock-transfected cells.Limitations. There is a scarce knowledge of LRP3 physiological function as a neuronal receptor.Conclusion. We describe that LRP3 expression is regulated via ApoER2/reelin signaling, and its levels are affected in AD; similarly to other LDL receptors, LRP3 is involved in APP expression.
A Single-Phase Modelling for the Oxygen Uptake Rate in Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption
Authors: Gama Maria Carolina Traina , Gobatto Claudio Alexandre , Vollet Dimas Roberto
Published: February 2021

A two-parameters [a rate constant k and a factor f (0≤f < 1)] modelling, describing satisfactorily the post-exercise oxygen uptake rate (VO2) as a function of the recovery time (t), is presented. f controls the rate equation dVO2/dt, particularly at t = 0 where (dVO2/dt)t=0 ∝ −k(1−f), a less abrupt decay than (dVO2/dt)t=0 ∝ −k expected from an exponential. Fitting the model to a set of experimental VO2 vs t data after a 3MT it was found a set of values with f close to 0 and another with f > 1/2, with a narrow distribution of values for the half-recovery time τ1/2=(1/k)ln[(2−f)/(1−f)] (〈τ1/2〉=0.641 min, σ = 0.062 min), very similar to that (T) found by fitting a model based on a logit transform (〈T〉 = 0.672 min, σ = 0.081 min). The parameter f is a reliable index of the initial acceleration of the oxygen uptake rate recovery (and likely of the heart rate recovery) and, together with the half-recovery time τ1/2, may be a useful method in characterizing and monitoring performs and exercise forms, very important in the physiology area.
Forecasting COVID-19 cases in Algeria using logistic growth and polynomial regression models
Authors: LOUNIS Mohamed , Malavika Babu
Published: February 2021

The novel Coronavirus respiratory disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still expanding through the world since it started in Wuhan (China) on December 2019 reporting a number of more than 84.4 millions cases and 1.8 millions deaths on January 3rd 2021.In this work and to forecast the COVID-19 cases in Algeria, we used two models: the logistic growth model and the polynomial regression model using data of COVID-19 cases reported by the Algerian ministry of health from February 25th to December 2nd, 2020. Results showed that the polynomial regression model fitted better the data of COVID-19 in Algeria the Logistic model. The first model estimated the number of cases on January, 19th 2021 at 387673 cases. This model could help the Algerian authorities in the fighting against this disease.
First Description of Migratory Behavior of Humpback Whales From an Antarctic Feeding Ground to a Tropical Breeding Ground
Authors: Modest Michelle , Irvine Ladd , Andrews-Goff Virginia , Gough William , Johnston David , Nowacek Douglas , Pallin Logan , Read Andrew , Moore Reny Tyson , Friedlaender Ari
Published: February 2021

Background: Despite exhibiting one of the longest migrations in the world, half of the humpback whale migratory cycle has remained unexamined; until this point, no study has provided a continuous description of humpback whale migratory behavior from a feeding ground to a breeding ground. We present new information on the satellite derived offshore migratory movements of 16 humpback whales from Antarctic feeding grounds to South American breeding grounds. Satellite locations were used to demonstrate migratory corridors, while the impact of departure date on migration speed was assessed using a linear regression, and a Bayesian hierarchical state-space animal movement model was utilized to investigate the presence of feeding behavior en route. Results: 35,642 Argos locations from 16 tagged whales from 2012-2017 were collected. The 16 whales were tracked for an average of 38.5 days of migration (range 10-151 days). The length of individually derived tracks ranged from 645–6,381 km. Humpbacks were widely dispersed geographically during the initial and middle stages of their migration but convened in two bottleneck regions near the southernmost point of Chile as well as Peru’s Illescas Peninsula. The state space model found almost no instances of ARS, a proxy for feeding behavior, along the migratory route. The linear regression assessing whether departure date affected migration speed found suggestive but inconclusive support for a positive trend between the two variables. No clear stratification by sex or reproductive status, either in migration speed, departure date, or route choice, was found.Conclusions: Southern hemisphere humpback whale populations are recovering quickly from intense commercial whaling and, around the Antarctic Peninsula, are doing so in the face of a rapidly changing environment. The current lack of scientific knowledge on marine mammal migration is a major barrier to cetacean conservation. This multi-year study sets a baseline against which the effects of climate change on humpback whales can be studied across years and conditions and provides an excellent starting point for the investigation into humpback whale migration.
Nlr & Brca Mutational Status In Patients With High Grade Serous Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Large Population Study
Authors: Marchetti Claudia , D'Indinosante Marco , Bottoni Carolina , Ilio Chiara Di , Berardino Stefano Di , Costantini Barbara , Minucci Angelo , Vertechy Laura , Scambia Giovanni , Fagotti Anna
Published: February 2021

Laboratory-markers of the systemic inflammatory-response, such as neutrophil/lymphocyte-ratio (NLR) have been studied as prognostic factors in several tumors but in OC-patients their role is still controversial and no data about the possible correlation with the BRCA-status has been ever reported.We consecutively enrolled a series of 397 newly diagnosed high-grade serous-advanced OC-patients. All patients were tested for BRCA-mutational-status and blood-parameters have been collected 48 hours before staging-surgery. A significant correlation of NLR with disease distribution (p<0.005) was found and patients with NLR<4 underwent primary-debulking-surgery more frequently (p-value 0.001), with a lower surgical-complexity-score (p-value 0.002). Regarding survival-data, patients with NLR< 4 had a significant 7-month increase in mPFS (26 vs 19 months, p=0.009); focusing on the BRCA-status, among both BRCA-mutated and BRCA-wild type patients, those with lower NLR had a significantly prolonged mPFS compared to patients with NLR> 4 (BRCA-mutated: 35 vs 23 months, p= 0.03; BRCA-wt: 19 vs 16 months, p=0.05). At multivariate-analysis, independent factors of prolonged PFS were BRCA mutational status, having received complete cytoreduction and NLR< 4. Also, the strongest predictors of longer OS were BRCA-mutational status, having received complete, NLR< 4 and age.NLR is confirmed to be a prognostic marker in OC-patients and it seems unrelated with BRCA-mutational status.
Conformational Variability Assessment of the Mutation Sites for D614G, B.1.1.7, and B.1.351 using SSSCPreds
Authors: Izumi Hiroshi , Nafie Laurence , Dukor Rina
Published: February 2021

Complementary techniques for the analysis of mutation sites at flexible regions, in which the position of atoms could not be determined by cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) such as the furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2, are necessary. The prediction data from SSSCPreds, a deep neural network-based prediction software of conformational flexibility or rigidity in proteins, can give insight into the conformational variability of mutation sites. We find that although the conformation of G614 is rigid, which is assigned as a left-handed (LH) α-helix-type one, that of D614 is flexible without the hydrogen bonding latch to T859. The rigidity of glycine which stabilizes the local conformation more effectively than that of aspartic acid with the latch, thereby contributes to the reduction of S1 shedding and increase in infectivity. Further it is predicted that no other amino acid allows the same conformation and stability as the glycine mutation in D614. The individual mutations in B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 have a lower effect and are not comparable to the overwhelming effectiveness of the D614G mutation. SSSCPreds provides important conformational flexibility insights into the deep neural network-based understanding of the current mutation sites and the potential for new ones in future.
Exploring Early Combination Strategy in Latin American Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Sub-analysis of the VERIFY Study 
Authors: Vencio Sergio , Manosalva Juan P , Mathieu Chantal , Proot Pieter , Lozno Hernan Yupanqui , Paldánius Päivi M
Published: February 2021

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from Latin American countries face challenges in access to healthcare, leading to under-diagnosis, under-achievement of glycemic target, and long-term complications. Early diagnosis and treatment initiation are of paramount importance in this population due to the high prevalence of risk factors such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. The VERIFY study in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (across 34 countries), assessed the normoglycemic durability (5 years), with early combination (EC) therapy approach versus the traditional stepwise approach of initiating treatment with metformin monotherapy (MET). Here we present the results from the VERIFY study for participants from eight countries in Latin America. Methods: Newly diagnosed adult patients with T2DM, HbA1c 6.5%–7.5% and body-mass index (BMI) of 22–40 kg/m² were enrolled. The primary endpoint was time to initial treatment failure (TF; HbA1c ≥7.0% at two consecutive scheduled visits 13 weeks apart). Time to second TF was evaluated when patients in both groups were receiving and failing on the vildagliptin combination. Safety and tolerability were also assessed for both treatment approaches during the study.Results: A total of 537 eligible patients (female, 58.8%) were randomly assigned to receive either EC (n=266) or MET (n=271). EC significantly reduced the relative risk of time to initial TF by 47% versus MET (HR [95% CI] 0.53 [0.4, 0.7]; p<0.0001). Overall, 46.4% versus 66.3% of patients achieved the primary endpoint in the EC and MET groups, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to TF of 59.8 (27.5, not evaluable) and 33.4 (12.2, 60.1) months, respectively. The risk for time to second TF was 31% lower with EC (p<0.0092). A higher proportion of patients receiving EC maintained durable HbA1c <7.0%, <6.5%, and <6.0%. Both treatment approaches were well tolerated, and only 3.2% of participants discontinued the study due to adverse events. All hypoglycemic events (EC: n=7 and MET: n=3) were single, mild episodes and did not lead to study discontinuation. Conclusion: Similar to the global population, long-term clinical benefits were achieved more frequently and without tolerability issues with EC versus standard-of-care MET in this Latin American sub-population.This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01528254.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Glycyrrhizic acid Biosynthesis in Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Fisch.
Authors: He Junping , Yao Lu , Wang Juan , Gao Wenyuan
Published: February 2021

In order to better understand the mechanism of glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis and explore important enzyme gene resources in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., we sequenced the transcriptome of the adventitious roots of G. uralensis treated by methyl jasmonate (MJ) and assembled the de novo sequence. 256503 unique transcripts with an average length of 898bp were produced. Transcriptome sequencing and data analysis showed that the key genes of glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis changed significantly after MJ treatment. 2720 up-regulated genes and 3493 down regulated genes were found. In the process of oxidation and glycosylation of glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis. A putative CYP450 gene (Cluster-30944.70498) is positively correlated with glycyrrhetinic acid. The glycosyltransferase gene (Cluster-30944.25725) is positively correlated with glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid. In addition, we found an AP2-EREBP family transcription factor (Cluster-30944.55070). It had high amino acid sequence similarity with PgERF1. In Panax ginseng, PgERF1 was identified as promoting the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins. According to the correlation analysis of transcription factors, functional gene expression and component accumulation, we speculated that this transcription factor can positively regulate the expression of farnesyl diphosphate, squalene epoxide and glycosyltransferase (Cluster-30944.25725) genes and ultimately increase the content of glycyrrhizic acid.
miRNA miRNA on the Wall, Who Is the Most Cardio-Specific of Them All? Circulating microRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Wulandari Prima Hapsari
Published: February 2021

The severe and acute manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) is acute coronary syndrome (ACS); therefore, prompt diagnosis can save lives. Cardiac biomarkers that are accepted to use in evaluating ACS are creatine kinase muscle/brain subtype (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (CTnI), or cardiac troponin T (CTnT). However, these markers have several drawbacks, such as prolonged time to rise for prompt diagnosis and elevation in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Lately, potential, novel candidates for cardiac ischemia biomarkers have been developed, one of which is micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs). miRNAs are potential due to their remarkable reproducibility and stability. Several miRNAs, such as, miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-208a, miR-208b, and miR-499a, greatly rise in concentration in the plasma or serum of patients with acute cardiac ischemia, signifying their cardiac specificity and promising biomarkers in patients with ACS. This systematic review aims to elucidate the role of cardio-specific miRNA in acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and its relationship with other cardiac biomarkers.
Grey-box modeling and hypothesis testing of functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based cerebrovascular reactivity to anodal high-definition tDCS in healthy humans
Authors: Arora Yashika , Walia Pushpinder , Hayashibe Mitsuhiro , Muthalib Makii , Chowdhury Shubhajit Roy , Perrey Stephane , Dutta Anirban
Published: February 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to evoke hemodynamics response; however, the mechanisms have not been investigated systematically using systems biology approaches. We postulate that such a mechanistic understanding of the hemodynamics response, called cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to tDCS, can facilitate adequate delivery of the tDCS current density to the neurovascular tissue in cerebrovascular diseases. Our study presents a systems biology approach to evaluate CVR during high-definition (HD) tDCS using a physiologically constrained grey-box linear model. Our grey-box linear model was developed for the multi-compartmental neurovascular unit consisting of the vascular smooth muscle, perivascular space, synaptic space, and astrocyte glial cell. The physiologically detailed model generated vessel oscillations in the frequency range of 0.05–0.2 Hz driven mainly by non-linear calcium dynamics. Then, model linearization was performed to develop a grey-box linear model for evaluating the acute effects during the first 150 seconds of anodal HD-tDCS in eleven healthy humans using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) based measure of blood volume. The grey-box linear model was fitted to the total hemoglobin concentration (tHb) changes with optodes in the vicinity of 4x1 HD-tDCS electrodes. We found that the grey-box model pathway from perivascular potassium to the vessel circumference (Pathway 3) presented the best fit to fNIRS tHb time series with the least mean square error (MSE, median < 2.5%). Then, minimal realization transfer function with reduced-order approximations of the grey-box model pathways was fitted to the average tHb time series. Pathway 3, with nine poles and two zeros (all free parameters), provided the best Chi-Square Goodness of Fit of 0.0078. Therefore, our study provided a sound systems biology approach to investigate the hemodynamic response to tDCS that needs further investigation in health, aging, and disease. Future studies can leverage transcranial alternating current stimulation for frequency-dependent physiological entrainment of relevant pathways, e.g., oscillations driven by nonlinear calcium dynamics, that can provide additional insights based on our grey-box modeling approach.
Avaliação da percepção dos alunos de graduação sobre a utilização de instrumentos manuais de NiTi
Authors: Fernandes Alexandre Moreira , Sodré Ana Cláudia Souza , Moreira Isadora Santana , Moura Lara Duarte
Published: February 2021

As limas de ligas com NiTi vieram para modernizar e facilitar a vida dos estudantes ao realizarem tratamentos endodônticos, apresentando grandes vantagens em relação a qualidade do aprendizado dos mesmos. No entanto, muitas instituições não acompanham a evolução da endodontia, que como comprovada pode não ser a melhor opção. O projeto de pesquisa foi submetido ao Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa Humana, por meio da Plataforma Brasil. Esse trabalho foi realizado no Centro Universitário Newton Paiva em Belo Horizonte MG, com o objetivo de avaliar a percepção de 14 estudantes de odontologia, ao realizarem tratamentos endodônticos executados com instrumentos manuais de NiTi em comparação com os tradicionais de aço inoxidável, por meio de um questionário estruturado com sete perguntas observando os seguintes tópicos: percepções sobre o aprendizado, percepções sobre as características das técnicas, experiência na prática endodôntica e avaliação geral das técnicas pelos alunos. Os resultados mostraram que os estudantes percebem a experiência clínica como sendo o aspecto mais importante da sua educação odontológica, independente do seu ano na graduação. Dado que, a experiência é alcançada pela maior exposição aos pacientes, sendo adquirida por instrumentos que proporcionam maior agilidade, facilidade, simplicidade e entendimento dos tratamentos. Em síntese, as limas manuais de NiTi Pro Design- M (PDM) devem ser instituídas na graduação odontológica.
Evaluation of the quality of life and the impact of pain in patients with temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Santana Junior Claudio Marcio Rodrigues , Bento Victor Augusto Alves , Zafalon Edilson José , Mesquita Maria Cristina , Castillo Daisilene Baena
Published: February 2021

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life and the impact of pain in patients with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Muscle/joint TMJ of a public institution in Brazil. Methods: The study consisted of two stages: the first step was the application of the Ohip-14 questionnaires, Fonseca's Anamnestic Questionnaire and the McGill Questinionaire (Br-MPQ). In the next step, after the clinical treatment, only the Ohip-14 questionnaire was applied to compare the results after the treatment. The significance level was set at α = 0,05. Results: Overall, 100 individuals were examined and diagnosis with TMD Muscle/joint TMJ. The score OHIP-14 scale before the treatment was 30.02 ± 1.26 (mean ± standard error of the mean) points, being that after treatment it was 8.94 ± 0.63 points, statistically significant (p<0,001). The mean score in the Fonseca scale was 73.25 ± 1.93 points. Regarding the Br-MPQ, the results showed that TMD pain affects the patient in the area of work, leisure, home activities, family relationships, relationships with friends, sleep and appetite. Conclusion: SERDOF-DTM patients had severe TMD with a negative impact on quality of life, directly affecting their daily activities. The treatment proved to be effective in improving this condition.
Bilateral septic arthritis of the shoulder: case report and literature review
Authors: Maia Roberto Barreto , Silva Lucas Fraga Cunha da , Santos Herbert Nascimento dos , Andrade Fernando Antônio Batista , Matos Marcos Antônio Almeida , Barros Rogério Meira , Santos Marcus Vinícius Silva , Alves Rezende Luis Guilherme Rosifini
Published: February 2021

Bilateral shoulder septic arthritis is a rare condition in immunocompetent patients without known risk factors, therefore, it can be easily misdiagnosed.  Septic arthritis is an emergency due to its potential to cause rapid destruction of cartilage and bone as well as the risk for systemic spread. Aggressive early treatment is crucial for easing pain, preventing joint collapse, and permanent loss of shoulder function. We presented a case report of a 68 years-old man, suffering from multiple comorbidities and bilateral shoulder septic arthritis. The patient underwent arthroscopic surgery in the left shoulder. Antibiotic therapy was carried out after the surgical procedure using clindamycin. The patient had a satisfactory outcome, characterized by regression of the inflammatory symptoms in both shoulders. There was an improvement in pain and fevers settled. In this case report, we have also discussed treatment options as well as possible outcomes.
Economic Analysis of Growing Grafted Cucumber Plants for High Tunnel Production
Authors: Rodriguez Izaba Orlando F. , Guan Wenjing , Torres Ariana P.
Published: February 2021

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is one of the most important vegetables produced and consumed in the United States. In the midwestern United States, a major obstacle to spring cucumber production is low soil temperatures during plant establishment. High tunnel is a popular tool for season extension of vegetable production. Low soil temperature is a challenge for cucumber production even inside high tunnels. Grafting is a cultural practice known to help control soilborne diseases and improve plants’ tolerance to abiotic stresses. Recent studies found that using grafted cucumber plants with cold-tolerant rootstocks greatly benefited early-season seedless cucumber production in high tunnels. The objective of this study was to analyze the economic feasibility of growing grafted cucumber in high tunnels. A comparison of partial costs and returns between growing grafted and nongrafted cucumbers in a high tunnel in Vincennes, IN, was conducted. Data were used to develop a partial budget analysis and sensitivity tests. Data included production costs, marketable yield, and price of cucumber through different market channels. This study provided a baseline reference for growers interested in grafting seedless cucumber and for high tunnel production. Although costs of grafted transplants were higher, their yield and potential revenue helped to offset the higher costs. Results indicated that grafting can help farmers increase net returns through the increasing yield of grafted plants. Results from the sensitivity analysis illustrated how the increased yield of grafted cucumbers offsets the extra cost incurred in the technique while providing a higher revenue. While actual production costs for individual farmers may vary, our findings suggested that grafting can be an economically feasible tool for high tunnel seedless cucumber production.
EFFECTIVENESS OF INTRAOPERATIVE PLACEMENT OF A PERINEURAL NERVE CATHETER IN PATIENT ROAD TO RECOVERY
Authors: Thurai S Maruthu , Manivannan Murali , Raja P Mohan
Published: February 2021

Post surgical pain after major lower limb amputation is a major problem to the patients recovery. The majority of patients require continuous opioid analgesics and NSAIDs after surgery, which are associated with side-effects. In order to overcome the pain encountered by these patients, we routinely practice intraoperative placement of aNerve catheter along the peripheral nerve stump. The anesthetic medication is used to calm the nerves and overcome pain perceived by the patient. We study the effectiveness of pain control and reduction in the need for oral / parenteral administration of analgesics. This step could potentially reduce post-procedure analgesics usage and other related adverse effects. Methods: A retrospective study and data review of 98 patients who had major lower limb amputation for peripheral vascular disease over a 5-year duration. Intra-operatively, 42 patients had a perineural catheter placement were compared to 56 patients who had oral and parenteral analgesics prescribed to treat post operative pain. The primary outcomes of this studywere the number and quantity of drug needed in the first 4 days postoperatively and swiftness in postoperative recovery to do rehabilitation. Results: 98 major lower-limb amputations were selected. Analysis shows that perineural catheter use was associated with a decreased need for postoperative analgesics and decreased postoperative pain scores at 72 hours. Perineural catheter use led to a 65% reduction inopioid + NSAIDs use during the early postoperative period. Data also suggests the patient tend to fair better in rehabilitation work with nerve catheter placement. Conclusions: Post operative continuous infusions of local anesthetic through nerve catheter are safe and effective in reducing pain post-amputation. The analgesic medications requirement after major lower limb amputation can be significantly lowered so are the complications.
SYNERGITY OF HEALTH SERVICES ON SOCIAL ATTITUDES OF HEALTHY LIVING COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Authors:   Al Ghasali High School Lecturer, Pare Pare. South Sulawesi, Indonesia., Calundu Mkes Rasidin , Tenriningsih M.pd Andi ,   Al Ghasali High School Lecturer, Pare Pare. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Published: February 2021

Types of qualitative research through the phenomenological approach, the results showed that the health services conducted to date are not yet effective, this is due to the level of consciousness of society has not realized the importance of value healthy life, meaning many people think when sick there is a doctor, there is a hospital, it needs to get attention and cooperation from all stakeholders, academics, community leaders, related officials. Communities are expected to have a pmahaman related to the health and effects posed by.
AN ARTICLE REVIEW ON TUMOR-SPECIFIC AUTOMATED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Science and Technology, JNTUH, Hyderabad, India., Lavanya M.
Published: February 2021

In this article, targeted and controlled anticancer drug delivery and release with magneto-electric nanoparticles, published in 2016, rodzinski et al., explain how magneto-electric nanoparticles abbreviated as (mens) can be used to monitor the delivery of drugs and their release into cancer cells. They go further to explain how they use this automated drug delivery system to eradicate cancerous tumor cells.
SAFETY PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ETHICAL ISSUES IN CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors:   Doctorate in Health Sciences College of Graduate Health Studies A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA., Aziz Maria , J. Khan Azma ,   Clinical Research CoordinatorPri -Med Care/DFW Wound Care Center., Khan Sefia ,   Research Assistant Pri-Med Care/DFW Wound Care Center.
Published: February 2021

Ethical issues in clinical trials are of worth concern, hence for we propose a safety program that will help in achieving excellence in the conduct of the trials. Our paper presents a clear outline of the safety program under headings as: organizational structure remodeling, site staff training and educational programs, a plan for incident reporting and data collection.The proposed Safety Program has been designed on evidence based practice and is dedicated to achieve patient safety and quality assurance in clinical trials. The proposed program will help institutions to develop guidelines for better research outcomes, improve quality of projects, help in data management, provide training opportunities to site staff, ensure professional excellence and will help stakeholders to collaborate for patient safety.
THE 1986 LAKENYOSGAS DISASTER IN CAMEROON:CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS ON SURVIVORS AND THE LIVESTOCK ECONOMY
Authors:   Department of History and Archaeology The University of Bamenda., Comfort Sjinkwe Kimah
Published: February 2021

This paper seeks to examine how the Lake Nyos gas disaster of 21 August 1986 affectedlivestock production and cattle rearing within the environment of Subum, Cha and Nyos. It brings to the forefront, the post-disaster effects onthe pastoral cattle rearing community. Thepolicies and strategies put forth by the various stakeholdersat the national and international levels have partially addressed some of the worries posed by this disaster, even thoughthe area is still in dire need of government and humanitarian support to improve onthe sector.The paper argues that, the resettlement of these livestock breeders could improvethis sector and render the environment sustainable for human habitation. Gleaned from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, the paper concludes that there isabsolute need for the government of Cameroon to tackle these long-term difficulties faced by these communities and to develop an effective livestock policy geared towards improving the livelihoods of the people around Lake Nyos.
A GENERAL REVIEW ON NUTRACEUTICALS: ITS GOLDEN HEALTH IMPACT OVER HUMAN COMMUNITY
Authors: I. Raut Harsha , N. Lodhi Geeta , P. Kalode Deepika
Published: February 2021

Nutraceutical is the hybrid of Nutrition and Pharmaceutical. Nutraceuticals, in broad, are food or part of food playing a significant role in modifying and maintaining normal physiological function that maintains healthy human beings. The principal reasons for the growth of the nutraceutical market worldwide are the current population and the health trends. The food products used as nutraceuticals can be categorized as dietary fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and other different types of herbal/ natural foods. These nutraceuticals help in combating some of the major health problems of the century such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol etc. In whole, Nutraceutical has led to the new era of medicine and health, in which the food industry has become a research-oriented sector.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TERRESTRIAL GAMMA DOSE RATE IN AIR MEASURED BY DIFFERENT PORTABLE SURVEY METERS AROUND THE PETROLEUM-PRODUCING AREAS OF THE-QAR PROVINCE, IRAQ
Authors:   Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., F. Majeed Karwan , M. Zayir Al-Bakhat Yousif ,   Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.
Published: February 2021

Two different survey-meters are used to measure the gamma dose rate inthe area of oil and gas production of the Thi-Qar province, southeast of Iraq. The obtained results are compared with those previously obtained by the gamma spectroscopic analysis of collected soil samples from the same study regions.The obtained dose rate by using RadEye (PRD) survey-meter was ranged (0.06-0.19)nGyh-1, while those by using Ludlum survey meter were ranged(10.23-33.48) nGyh-1. Gamma spectroscopic analysis of the collected samples showed that the calculated dose rate is ranged(14.77-38.78) nGyh-1which is higher than those obtained by RadEye (PRD) survey-meter and comparable with those obtained byLudlum survey meter. Using the gamma survey meters to determine the dose rates inside these regions cannot be trustedand the long methodology of the gamma spectroscopic analysis of the collected samples is highly required.
Understanding the preference of individual retail investors on green bond in India: An empirical study
Authors: Prajapati Dhaval , Paul Dipen , Malik Sushant , K. Mishra Dharmesh
Published: February 2021

The biggest challenge facing countries, including India, is creating and managing an LCR (low carbon resilient) economy, which balances the need for high growth rates and is environmentally sustainable. The green bond market provides investors the means to help change the economy into an LCR economy. The study was undertaken to understand the key drivers and the factors influencing the individual retail investor’s decision to invest in green bonds. A survey instrument was designed and administered through the snowball sampling technique to 125 Indian respondents of various age groups who were eligible to invest in the Indian bond market. SPSS software was used to conduct a descriptive analysis followed by regression and conjoint analyses. The study results suggest that the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating and credit rating of the green bond issuers are the key factors that influence an individual’s investment decision. The findings also highlight that incentives such as tax exemptions and awareness of green bonds also affect an investor’s decision. This research stands out as one of the first attempts to understand the Indian retail investors’ perception of a green bond.
Influence of bridge piers shapes on the flow of the lower Yellow River
Authors: Zhang Xianqi , Wang Tao , Lu Xiaobin
Published: February 2021

The shape of bridge piers across rivers is one of the significant factors that affect the backwater in the river. The study on the influence of bridge pier shapes on the flow patterns of the river is valuable to the design of the bridge and river flooding. Based on the MIKE21 Flow Model hydrodynamic model, dynamic numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the effect of different shapes of bridge piers on water flow. The result shows that rectangular, circular and elliptical piers have a water blocking effect on the river. The flow patterns changed in local areas near the piers. Under the same flow rate, the backwater of the rectangular pier was the largest, followed by the circular piers, and the elliptical pier was the smallest. The value of backwater volume caused by the rectangular pier was 1.95 times the elliptical pier. The elliptical bridge piers basically do not change the overall flow patterns of the river, and have little effect on the river regime. This work provides a reference for the layout of river bridge piers.
Statistical modeling of monthly streamflow using time series and artificial neural network models: Hindiya Barrage as a case study
Authors: Al-Saati Nabeel H. , Omran Isam I. , Salman Alaa Ali , Al-Saati Zainab , Hashim Khalid S.
Published: February 2021

Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) Box-Jenkins models combine the autoregressive and moving average models to a stationary time series after the appropriate transformation, while the nonlinear autoregressive (N.A.R.) or the autoregressive neural network (ARNN) models are of the kind of multi-layer perceptron (M.L.P.), which compose an input layer, hidden layer and an output layer. Monthly streamflow at the downstream of the Euphrates River (Hindiya Barrage) /Iraq for the period January 2000 to December 2019 was modeled utilizing ARIMA and N.A.R. time series models. The predicted Box-Jenkins model was ARIMA (1,1,0) (0,1,1), while the predicted artificial neural network (N.A.R.) model was (M.L.P. 1-3-1). The results of the study indicate that the traditional Box-Jenkins model was more accurate than the N.A.R. model in modeling the monthly streamflow of the studied case. Performing a one-step-ahead forecast during the year 2019, the forecast accuracy between the forecasted and recorded monthly streamflow for both models was as follows: the Box-Jenkins model gave root mean squared error (RMSE = 48.7) and the coefficient of determination = 0.801), while the (NAR) model gave (RMSE = 93.4) and = 0.269). Future projection of the monthly stream flow through the year 2025, utilizing the Box-Jenkins model, indicated the existence of long-term periodicity.
Adsorptive decontamination of paper mill effluent by nano fly ash: response surface methodology, adsorption isotherm and reusability studies
Authors: Bisht Divya , Sinha Surbhi , Nigam Sonal , Bisaria Kavya , Mehrotra Tithi , Singh Rachana
Published: February 2021

In the present study, adsorption of colour and other pollutants from agro-based paper mill effluent onto fabricated coal fly ash nanoparticles (CFA-N) have been investigated. Response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the operational conditions for maximum ouster of colour from effluent by nano structured CFA-N. Maximum reduction in colour (92.45%) and other pollutants were obtained at optimum conditions: 60 min interaction time, 60 g/L adsorbent dosage and 80 rpm agitation rate. The regression coefficient values (adjusted R2= 0.7169; predicted R2= 0.7539) established harmony between predicted and the experimental data. The adsorption equilibrium results matched perfectly with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with maximum adsorption capacity of 250 platinum–cobalt/g. Additionally, the efficacy of CFA-N was also assessed in a continuous column mode. Furthermore, the feasibility of treated effluent for irrigation purpose was checked by growing the plant Solanum lycopersicum. Overall, the findings demonstrated the outstanding role of inexpensive and abundantly available CFA-N in treatment of paper mill effluent to the required compliance levels.
Small-molecule Antiviral Agents in Ongoing Clinical Trials for COVID-19
Authors: Apaydın Çağla Begüm , Çınar Gözde , Cihan-Üstündağ Gökçe
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, due to the novel severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in December 2019 and has rapidly
spread globally. As the confirmed number of cases has reached 83 million worldwide, the potential
severity and the deadly complications of the disease requires urgent development of effective drugs
for prevention and treatment. No proven effective treatment for this virus currently exists. Most of
the antiviral discovery efforts are focused on the repurposing of approved or clinical stage drugs.
This review highlights the small-molecule repurposed antiviral agents that are currently under investigation
in clinical trials for COVID-19. These include viral polymerase and protease inhibitors
remdesivir, galidesivir, favipiravir, ribavirin, sofosbuvir, tenofovir/emtricitabine, baloxavir marboxil,
EIDD-2801, lopinavir/ritonavir; virus-/host-directed viral entry and fusion inhibitors arbidol
chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, chlorpromazine, camostat mesylate, nafamostat mesylate,
bromhexine and agents with diverse/unclear mechanism of actions as oseltamivir, triazavirin,
ivermectin, nitazoxanide, niclosamide and BLD-2660. The published preclinical and clinical data
to date on these drugs as well as the mechanisms of action are reviewed.
Fast Dissolution Electrospun Medicated Nanofibers for Effective Delivery
of Poorly Water-Soluble Drug
Authors: Wang Ke , Yu Deng-Guang , Aidana Yrysbaeva , Wang Yibin , Li Jie , Chang Shuyue
Published: February 2021

Background:

Electrospinning is developing rapidly from an earlier laboratory method into an industrial process. The clinical applications are approached in various ways through electrospun medicated nanofibers. The fast-dissolving oral drug delivery system (DDS) among them is one of the most promising routes in the near future for commercial applications.

Methods:

Related papers have been investigated, including the latest research results, on electrospun nanofiber-based fast-dissolution DDSs.

Results:

Several relative topics have been concluded: 1) The development of electrospinning, ranging from 1-fluid blending to multi-fluid process and potential applications in the formation of medicated nanofibers involving poorly water-soluble drugs; 2) Selection of appropriate polymer matrices and drug carriers for filament formation; 3) Types of poorly water-soluble drugs ideal for fast oral delivery; 4) The methods for evaluating fast-dissolving nanofibers; 5) The mechanisms that promote the fast dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs by electrospun nanofibers; 6) The important issues for further development of electrospun medicated nanofibers as oral fast-dissolving drug delivery systems.

Conclusions & Perspectives:

Electrospun-medicated nanofibers can be used as oral fast dissolving DDSs of poorly water-soluble drugs due to their unique properties. However, some significant issues need to be investigated, such as scalable productions and solid dosage form conversions.
Study of Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Authors: Ahmad Syed Sayeed , Khalid Mohammad , Kamal Mohammad A. , Younis Kaiser
Published: February 2021

Background:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects several people worldwide and has devastating
impacts on society with a limited number of approaches for its pharmacological treatment.
The main causes of AD are not clear yet. However, the formation of senile plaques, neurofibrillary
tangles, hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein, and disruption of redox homeostasis may cause AD.
These causes have a positive correlation with oxidative stress, producing reactive ions, which are
responsible for altering the physiological condition of the body.

Conclusion:

Ongoing research recommended the use of phytochemicals as acetylcholinesterase
inhibitors to hinder the onset and progression of AD. The natural compound structures, including
lignans, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids have anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief introduction
to AD along with the use of natural compounds as new therapeutic approaches for its
management.
The Complexity of Secondary Cascade Consequent to Traumatic Brain Injury: Pathobiology and Potential Treatments
Authors: Khatri Nidhi , Sumadhura Bommaraju , Kumar Sandeep , Kaundal Ravinder Kumar , Sharma Sunil , Datusalia Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2021

According to the World Health Organization, Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major
cause of death and disability and will surpass the other diseases by the year 2020. Patients who suffer
TBI face many difficulties which negatively affect their social and personal life. TBI patients suffer
from changes in mood, impulsivity, poor social judgment and memory deficits. Both open and closed
head injuries have their own consequences. Open head injury associated problems are specific in nature
e.g. loss of motor functions whereas closed head injuries are diffused in nature like poor memory,
problems in concentration etc. Brain injury may have a detrimental effect on the biochemical processes
responsible for the homeostatic and physiological disturbances in the brain. Although significant research
has been done in order to decrease the overall TBI-related mortality, many individuals suffer
from a life-long disability. In this article, we have discussed the causes of TBI, its consequence and the
pathobiology of secondary injury. We have also tried to discuss the evidence-based strategies which
are shown to decline the devastating consequences of TBI.