bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Complex Vaccine Strategies to Combat HIV-1 and Other Infectious Diseases
Authors: Tang Alex F. , Enyindah-Asonye Gospel , Hioe Catarina E.
Published: December 2020

Immune complexes (ICs) made of antibody-bound antigens exhibit immunomodulatory activities exploitable in a vaccination strategy to optimize vaccine efficacy. The modulatory effects of ICs are typically attributed to the Fc fragments of the antibody components, which engage Fc receptors, complement and complement receptors on various immune cells. These Fc-mediated functions facilitate the critical interplay between innate and adaptive immune systems to impact the quality and quantity of the elicited adaptive responses. In addition to the Fc contribution, the Fab fragment also plays an immunoregulation role. The antigen-binding domains of the Fab fragment can bind their specific epitopes at high affinity to sterically occlude these antigenic sites from recognition by other antibodies. Moreover, the Fab-mediated binding have been demonstrated to induce allosteric alterations at nearby or distant antigenic sites. In this review article, we survey published studies to illuminate how the immunomodulatory functions of ICs have been investigated or utilized in a vaccination strategy to fight against an array of infectious pathogens, culminating with IC vaccine designs aimed at preventing HIV-1 infection. In particular, we highlight IC vaccine candidates that exploit Fab-mediated steric and allosteric effects to direct antibody responses away or toward the V1V2 domain, the V3 loop, and other antigenic sites on the HIV-1 envelope gp120 glycoprotein. Like other HIV-1 vaccine approaches, the path for IC-based vaccines to reach the clinic faces major hurdles yet to be overcome; however, investigations into this vaccine strategy have provided insights into the multifaceted activities of antibodies beyond their conventional roles in the host defense against HIV-1 and other microbial pathogens.
Apply VGGNet-Based Deep Learning Model of Vibration Data for Prediction Model of Gravity Acceleration Equipment
Authors: Lee SeonWoo , Yu HyeonTak , Yang HoJun , Song InSeo , Yang JaeHeung , Lim GangMin , Kim KyuSung , Choi ByeongKeun , Kwon JangWoo
Published: December 2020

Hypergravity accelerators are a type of large machinery used for gravity training or medical research. A failure of such large equipment can be a serious problem in terms of safety or costs. This paper proposes a prediction model that can proactively prevent failures that may occur in a hy-pergravity accelerator. The method proposed in this paper was to convert vibration signals to spectograms and perform classification training using a deep learning model. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the method proposed in this paper. A 4-channel accel-erometer was attached to the bearing housing, which is a rotor, and time-amplitude data were obtained from the measured values by sampling. The data were converted to a two-dimensional spectrogram, and classification training was performed using a deep learning model for four conditions of the equipment: Unbalance, Misalignment, Shaft Rubbing, and Normal. The ex-perimental results showed that the proposed method had a 99.5% F1-Score, which was up to 23% higher than the 76.25% for existing feature-based learning models.
GNSS RUMS: GNSS Realistic Urban Multi-agent Simulator for Collaborative Positioning Research
Authors: Zhang Guohao , Xu Bing , Ng Hoi-Fung , Hsu Li-Ta
Published: December 2020

Accurate localization of road agents is the basis of intelligent transportation systems, which is still difficult to achieve for GNSS positioning in urban areas due to the signal interferences from buildings. Various collaborative positioning techniques are recently developed to improve the positioning performance by the aid from neighboring agents. However, it is still challenging to study their performances comprehensively. The GNSS measurement error behavior is complicated in urban areas and unable to be represented by naive models. On the other hand, real experiment requiring numbers of devices is hard to be conducted, especially for a large-scale test. Therefore, a GNSS realistic urban measurement simulator is developed to provide measurements for collaborative positioning studies. The proposed simulator employs a ray-tracing technique searching for all possible interferences in the urban area. Then, it categorizes them into direct, reflected, diffracted, and multipath signal to simulate the pseudorange, carrier-phase, 〖C/N〗_0, and Doppler shift measurements correspondingly. The performance of the proposed simulator is validated through real experimental comparisons with different scenarios. The proposed simulator is also applied with different positioning algorithms, which verifies it is sophisticated enough for the collaborative positioning studies in the urban area.
Isolation of Industrial Important Bioactive Compounds From Microalgae: A Review
Authors: Balasubramaniam Vimala , Gunasegavan Rathi Devi Nair , Mustar Suraiami , Lee June Chelyn , Mohd Noh Mohd Fairulnizal
Published: December 2020

Microalgae are known as a rich source of bioactive compounds which exhibit different biological activities. Increased demand for sustainable biomass for production of important bioactive components with various potential especially therapeutic applications has resulted in noticeable interest in algae. Utilization of microalgae in multiple scopes has been growing in various industries ranging from harnessing renewable energy to exploitation of high-value products. The focuses of this review are on the isolation of bioactive compounds from microalgae regarding different metabolites which are currently used and new possible applications of the compounds in industries and future prospects. Moreover, this work discusses the advantage, potential new beneficial strains, applications, limitations, research gaps and future prospect of microalgae in industry.
Perceptions of Students Toward Digital Transformation in University Teaching to Improve Sustainability in Education
Authors: Díaz-Noguera María Dolores , Hervás-Gómez Carlos , Guijarro-Cordobés Olga , Gallardo-Pérez Julia
Published: December 2020

The management of a cultural change in higher education is becoming necessary and unavoidable: changes in teaching, changes in research and changes in governance. Digital transformation is an essential part of many countries’ modernisation agendas. The aim of this non-experimental, descriptive, survey-based study was to explore the perceptions of university students toward the digital transformation that took place in university teaching as a consequence of COVID-19. The specific objectives proposed were to: a) analyse the perceptions of students toward digital transformation in university teaching; b) determine the valuation of students about the digital transformation that occurred in university teaching as a result of COVID-19; and c) explore the resources (hardware-software), professional collaboration, digital pedagogy and student empowerment (motivation) with respect to digital education and the recent changes in university teaching due to the pandemic. The results show that a large number of items are positively correlated. In conclusion, further research should delve into motivation, collaboration, reflective experience sharing, self-learning and initiatives that promote the development of competences in future teachers.
In search of marine terraces from Central Dobrogea (Casimcea Plateau, Western Black Sea). Preliminary inquires on distribution, extension and vertical crustal movements
Authors: BERBECARIU Alexandru , VESPREMEANU-STROE Alfred
Published: December 2020

Casimcea Plateau is an uplifted (exhumated) peneplain cut in Proterozoic green–schists and one of the oldest tec­tonic units around the Black Sea. Despite its overall monotonous physiognomy, the plateau is crossed by Casimcea Valley and presents a seaward façade to the east which preserves (sub)horizontal surfaces as testimonies of the paleoenvironmental changes (sea level and climate). This research aims to identify the marine and fluvio–marine terraces and to define their vertical distribution based on the morphometric analysis of two study sites (north – Ceamurlia; south – Tașaul Lake) using EU-DEM. 6 levels were identified as possible marine terraces within the 2–50 m altitude range and also some inferences were made concerning the age of the lower three levels. Also, the present work highlights a differential (stronger) uplift of the northern sector between Peceneaga – Camena and Ostrov – Sinoe faults reflected by both the elevation difference of 5–6 m between the terraces staircases identified at the two sites and by the elevation gaps analysed on an array of cross-fault transects carried on over Ostrov – Sinoe fault.
Documenting Exhumation in the Central and Northern Menderes Massif (Western Turkey): New Insights from Garnet-Based P-T Estimates and K-Feldspar 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology
Authors: Etzel Thomas M. , Catlos Elizabeth J. , Cemen Ibrahim , Ozerdem Cenk , Oyman Tolga , Miggins Daniel
Published: December 2020

The Menderes Massif (Turkey) is a metamorphic core complex that records Alpine crustal shortening and extension. Here, nine garnet-bearing schist samples in the Central Menderes Massif (CMM) from below the Alaşehir detachment (AD) were studied to reconstruct their growth history. P-T estimates made using a chemical zoning approach, and petrological observations, indicate garnet grew between ~6 kbar and 550°C and 7.5-9 kbar and 625-650°C. Two P-T path shapes from two samples emerged (isobaric and burial), suggesting that either separate garnet-growth events occurred, or different garnet generations from the same metamorphic event were sampled. Despite observable diffusional modification in most garnets, thermobarometric estimates for crystal-rim growth yield P-T estimates similar to those reported elsewhere in the region. Ion microprobe monazite ages, paired with textural observations, from three of the samples time early retrograde metamorphism (~36-28 Ma). To better understand Neogene extension/exhumation, K-feldspar 40Ar/39Ar ages were obtained from two synextensional granites (Salihli and Turgutlu) exposed along the AD and two from the northern Simav detachment (Koyunoba and Eğrigöz). This data suggests the Simav detachment footwall rapidly exhumed at ~20 Ma, whereas the AD experienced two periods of exhumation/cooling (~14 Ma and~5 Ma). AD ages support a pulsed exhumation model for the massif.
The effect of pre-incision urethral plate width and glanular width on the outcome of Tubularized Incised Urethral plate repair surgery in distal penile Hypospadias, A prospective study
Authors: Elbaky Tarek Abd , Taha Diaa Eldin , Nabeeh Hossam , elabden Khaled Zein , Galal Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Objective:To determine the cosmetic and functional outcomes of hypospadias repair in relation to the width of the urethral plate in addition to granular width and configuration.Materials and methodsThe study was a prospective evaluation of patients operated for hypospadias after approval of ethical committee a formal consent were taken from parents. The urethral plate width (UPW) and glans width (GW) of the patients were measured preoperatively using standard calipers. The width of the urethral plate was correlated to the cosmetic outcome (using hypospadias objective penile evaluation [HOPE]) and functional outcome (using the urinary stream) of hypospadias repair.All patients were managed via the same technique using Snodgrass tubularized incised plate repair (TIP). All operations were performed by a single surgeon. All intaoperative data were recorded. All patients were followed up for 1 year. Success was deﬁned as slit shaped meatus at the tip of the glans with no stenosis, ﬁstula or diverticulum.Results:All 38 patients were evaluated at 6 months and 1 year follow up. The mean age at surgery was 4.5 ± 2.1 years. Overall, the mean ± SD of UPW was 10.92 ± 1.24 mm. a 24 patients (61.5 %) (Group A) had a urethral plate width of less than 8 mm while 14 patients (35.9 %) (group B) had a urethral plate width greater or equal to 8 mm. the mean ± SD of GW was 9.52 ± 1.56 mm. Success was documented in 36/38 patients (94.3%).The only complication was Fistula in two patient (6.7 %), glans dehiscensce in three patients (10%). Success rate was not statistically different in correlation of UPW and GW (p=0.5).The only statistically signiﬁcant difference between all patients was a longer operative time in the patients with deficient urethral plate compared to others with adequate urethral plate (p= 0.005). The urinary stream was straight in 32 boys and sprayed in 6. Overall, mean ± SD HOPE score was 39.1 ± 8.83. A significant correlation found between the cosmetic outcome of the two groups and HOPE score (p = 0.06).Conclusions:The pre-incision urethral plate width and glanular width was not correlated with the TIP outcome. A better HOPE score is associated with wide urethral plate.
Application of PCA-Kmeans method-based BP neural network to the prediction and optimization studies in S ZORB Sulfur Removal Technology
Authors: Geng Xiaoyi , Zhang Guangcheng , Wang Xin , Song Bingyan , Chen Yu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the modeling of predicting the gasoline octane number and sulfur content in S ZORB Sulfur Removal Technology (SRT) is established. In the modelling, the principal component analysis (PCA) and unsupervised K-means clustering algorithm were initially integrated together to determine the key variables that affect the octane number and sulfur content of the product. With the selected key variables, the backpropagation neural network prediction models of the product octane number and sulfur content were established, trained and tested. Moreover, the mean accuracy of the prediction error within 0.15 and 0.3 were 94% and 99%, respectively. Besides the prediction of output of the S ZORB SRT Reactor, a multi-variable random walk optimization method was also proposed and investigated to reduce the octane loss, which was expected to be reduced by more than 30%, during desulfurization of fluid catalytic cracking gasoline in the S ZORB SRT Reactor, meanwhile the sulfur content stayed relatively stable which was less than 5 ppm. The results of the proposed models are reliable and could be applied into the real industrialization, which are beneficial with both the efficiency of economy and environmental protection.
Safety and Efficacy of Pilocarpine, Cevimeline and Diquafosol Compared to Artificial Tears for the Treatment of Dry Eye: Protocol for a Systematic Review.
Authors: Serrano-Robles José Gerardo , Pérez-Vázquez Ana Karen , Navas-Pérez Alejandro , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Kahuam-López Nicolás
Published: December 2020

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a condition that affects the ocular surface and affects millions of people around the world. In recent years a stepped scheme has been proposed for the treatment of DED, with the use of an artificial tear being the mainstay of treatment. In this scheme, the use of secretagogues is suggested as part of the treatment for patients with moderate to severe affectation. With this systematic review we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of secretagogues for DED.Methods: Electronic databases will be searched; we will include randomized controlled trials that compare secretagogues and artificial tears. Study inclusion will not be restricted on the basis of language or publication status. We will use Google Translate to assess studies written in languages other than English and Spanish. Identification, evaluation, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias will be conducted by two authors of the review, a third review author will resolve any disagreement. The outcomes will be the ocular surface disease index score, osmolarity and tear film break-up time. We will use the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias (RoB) tool for assessing the risk of bias of the included studies. Based on the heterogeneity of the included studies, we will combine the findings in a meta-analysis using a random versus a fixed effect model. If we deem meta-analysis as inappropriate, we will document the reasons and report findings from the individual studies narratively.Discussion: Based on the evidence obtained we will evaluate the effect of Pilocarpine, Cevimeline and Diquafosol and compare it to artificial tears on multiple outcome measures.This systematic review aims to determine the efficacy and safety of the secretagogues pilocarpine, cevimeline and diquafosol to help clinicians in the decision-making process.Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020218407
Adherence to TB Treatment Remains Low During Continuation Phase Among Adult Patients in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gashu Kassahun Dessie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Tilahun Binyam
Published: December 2020

Background: Adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) treatment remained a challenge for TB treatment programs. However, paucity of evidences specifically during continuation phase where the treatment is mainly patient-centered. This study aimed to determine the level and determinants of adherence to TB treatment among adult patients during continuation phase.Methods: We deployed a facility-based cross-sectional study design supplemented with lived experiences and perspectives of focal care providers. The study population included all adult (≥18 years) TB patients enrolled in the continuation treatment phase and TB focal care providers (for key-informant interviews). The study included 307 participants from 22 health facilities. Nine TB focal care providers were purposively selected for key-informant interviews. A shorter form, 11-item ARMS (adherence to refill and medication scale) was used for measuring adherence. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with patient adherence. The audio data was transcribed, coded and categorized into themes using OpenCode software. The interpretation and analysis were conducted using thematic analysis.Results: Among 307 participants, 197 (64.2%) [95% CI (58.6% - 69.4%)] were adhere to TB treatment. A multi-variable analysis shown that secondary education (AOR = 4.138, 95% CI; 1.594-10.74); good provider-patient relationship (AOR=1.863, 95% CI; 1.014-3.423); good knowledge on TB treatment (AOR=1.845, 95% CI; 1.012-3.362) and middle family wealth (AOR= 2.646, 95% CI; 1.360-5.148) have shown significant association with adherence. Many patients mentioned that forgetfulness, traveling away from home without pills, and feeling sick were major reasons for non-adherence to TB treatment. Conclusions: The study indicated that patients’ adherence to TB treatment remains low during continuation phase. The patient’s education level, knowledge, family wealth, and provider-patient relationship were found positively associated with patient adherence. Forgetfulness, traveling away, and feeling sick were major reasons for non-adherence to TB treatment. Interventional studies are needed on those factors to improve patient adherence to TB treatment during continuation phase.
Determinants of field salespersons’ sales performance in deposit money banks: Does organizational commitment mediate?
Authors: Chukwuemeka Idoko Edwin , Nwora Nebo Gerald , Ikechukwu Ukenna Stephen
Published: December 2020

Field salespersons’ disengagement in deposit money banks (DMB) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has maintained an upward trajectory. Failures in sales target delivery mostly take the blame. Despite the obvious implications of non-target delivery for DMBs’ financial health, there is under-reportage culminating in little understanding regarding those factors that predict field salespersons’ performance from typical SSA settings. This paper bridges the gap by empirically examining antecedents of field salespersons’ sales target performance in DMBs in Nigeria that is alarmingly competitive and significantly characterized by physical-cash-transactions. Also, it examines the mediating effect of organizational commitment regarding identified antecedents on FS sales target performance in DMBs. A sample of 334 field salespersons from 17 DMBs in Southeastern Nigeria was surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach with the aid of Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) 25.0 software concerning hypothesized paths in the research model. Reliability, convergence and discriminant validity were checked. Significant and positive relations regarding motivation, aptitude, and job satisfaction were confirmed; nevertheless, role perceptions and work environment show a negative and significant effect on sales target actualization. Skill-set shows no statistical support. Organizational commitment as a mediator shows a complementary partial mediation effect on determinants and sales target performance. Understanding both economic and human-inclined variables is crucial to improving the performance of field salespersons. Theoretical implications and directions for further research were proposed.
AcknowledgmentThe authors express their deep gratitude to Prof. A. D. Nkamnebe of the Department of Marketing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, for reviewing the manuscript and suggestions for improving the quality of the paper.
Reviewing articles as a way of professional evaluation of scientific texts: organizational and ethical aspects
Authors: Fiialka Svitlana , Trishchuk Olga , Figol Nadija
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the paper is to summarize the organizational and ethical aspects, problems and prospects of peer reviewing. To do this, from September 2019 to January 2020, a survey of Ukrainian scientists registered in Facebook groups “Ukrainian Scientific Journals”, “Ukrainian Scientists Worldwide”, “Pseudoscience News in Ukraine”, “Higher Education and Science of Ukraine: Decay or Blossom?” and others was conducted. In total, 390 researchers from different disciplines participated in the survey. The results of the survey are following: 8.7% of respondents prefer open peer review, 43.1% – single-blind, 37.7% – double blind, 9.2% – triple blind, 1.3% used to sign a review prepared by the author. 75.6% of respondents had conflicts of interest during peer reviewing. 8.2 % of reviewers never reject articles regardless of their quality. Because usually only editors and authors see reviews, it can lead to the following issues: reviewers can be rude or biased; authors may not adequately respond to grounded criticism; editors may disregard the position of the author or reviewer, and journals may charge for publishing articles without proper peer review.
RELIGIO-POLITICAL DISCOURSES IN DOCUMENTARY FILMS ON IRAQ PROMOTING PEACE OR CONFLICT
Authors: Ashraf Abida
Published: December 2020

In the information age, media has become an important tool to seek information for clarity but it is paradoxical. This study shows whether documentaries are projecting skepticism and sarcasm of Iraqi people due to volatile, uncertain complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions or projecting VUCA discourses for the restoration of peace and harmony. The object of this study consists of Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary films from 2003 to 2011 with a total of 45 films. The year 2003 is selected for its demarcation of U.S.-led invasion of Iraq which started in March 2003 and toppled over the government of Saddam Hussein. The year 2011 denotes the end with the departure of US troops in 2011. Through the criterion sampling, four films are selected that depict Iraq and all the four got nomination for Oscar that include: Iraq in Fragments (2006-Nomination); My Country My Country (2006-N); No End in Sight (2007-N); Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience (2007-N). To explore Iraqi people’s perspectives, a further sampling is applied and two documentaries are selected depicting entanglement of religion and politics in Iraq from Iraqi people’s perspective.
PREVISÃO DE NEVOEIRO PARA O AEROPORTO DE MACEIÓ USANDO O MODELO BRAMS
Authors: Nobre João Pedro Gonçalves , Gomes Helber Barros , Fedorova Natalia , Silva Maria Cristina Lemos da , Pinto David Duarte Cavalcante , Lyra Matheus José Arruda
Published: December 2020

Nos aeroportos, eventos de nevoeiro podem causar prejuízos socioeconômicos durante o pouso ou decolagem. Para o Aeroporto Internacional Zumbi dos Palmares foi criada uma ferramenta para a previsão de visibilidade baixa pelo laboratório de Meteorologia Sinótica e Física da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, o Fog VISibility Version 1 (FogVISv1.0). O presente estudo visa, portanto, através dos dados de previsão do modelo de mesoescala Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (BRAMS) simular a visibilidade horizontal através do conteúdo de água líquida (LWC) e a concentração do número de gotas (N​d)​ para seis episódios de nevoeiro ocorridos no Aeroporto Internacional Zumbi dos Palmares entre 2008 a 2014, com duração igual ou superior a 1 hora, com o objetivo de analizar a capacidade da ferramenta FogVISv1.0 tendo como condições iniciais dados do modelo BRAMS, na detecção da visibilidade baixa associada a eventos de nevoeiro. Resultados prévios, obtidos no presente trabalho, ilustram que a ferramenta conseguiu detectar visibilidade baixa em 87% dos eventos de nevoeiro registrados pela estação de superfície do aeroporto, o que totaliza cinco dos seis casos avaliados.
TRANSPARENCY IN V. NABOKOV’S STORY “THE ENCHANTER”
Authors: DROZDOVA Anastasiia O.
Published: December 2020

This article studies the perceptual effect of “transparency” in The Enchanter, Nabokov’s last story written in the Russian language. The research goal is to determine the forms of Nabokov’s meta-description, associated with the poetological problem of artistic development in the period of language transition. The research subject is the perceptual space of the story.
Analyzing the perceptual imagery has required using the structural-semantic method and Yu. Levin’s experience of classification of Nabokov’s narrative techniques.
The author concludes that transparency is a constructive principle which forms 1) the conflict (the charlatan struggles with the enchanter); 2) the combination of different perceptual modes important for the creation of a plot about a blind character; 3) a discrete artistic space; 4) the dynamics of the perceptual and the estimating points of view. This principle is represented by the sensory contaminations, ellipses, and distinctive perceptual images with the semantics of transparency. The choice of ways in which transparency perception is created directly depends on the problem of the author’s identity.
On natural law as a possible normative reference point in legislative processes
Authors: Szlachta Bogdan
Published: December 2020

In the modern era, the only indicator of the validity of law is that it is passed by the authorities in accordance with procedures. Has the classical theory of natural law ceased to matter? The author, referring to contemporary statements of popes and documents of the Catholic Church, analyses what significance natural law has today from a normative point of view and why it is particularly important in the present-day world, as well as in a multicultural world.
Z prac Wydziału Filozofii Chrześcijańskiej Pierwszy w Europie „Kodeks Etyki Diagnosty Laboratoryjnego"
Authors: Szałata Kazimierz
Published: December 2020

The need to establish the Code of Ethics of a Laboratory Diagnostician stems from the development of medicine in which the specialized laboratory diagnostics has been playing an increasingly important role. Not only does it help determine accurate diagnostics which enables effective therapy, but also contributes to the development of wider health service and preventive medicine. It is thus understandable that with the service providers and patients becoming increasingly aware of the importance of laboratory diagnostics, it has gained the status of the profession of public trust. In practice, it means that laboratory diagnosticians set themselves high moral and professional standards, The Code of Ethics of a Laboratory Diagnostician, the signatories of which are individual laboratory diagnosticians through their representatives who attended the Extraordinary National Meeting of Laboratory Diagnosticians on January 13, 2006, will be very important in education of specialists, the Code expresses the moral awareness of the laboratory diagnostics community, and also provides the basis for assessment of professional involvement and moral stance of the members of the Corporation.

The Code of Ethics of a Laboratory Diagnostician is grounded in generally accepted ethical standards as well as the principles originating from the professional tradition, the principal standard of conduct of a laboratory diagnostician involves consideration of the welfare of a human being, which should be protected both in the individual and social context, this principle provides for the obligation to respect human dignity and establishes reference for professional practice so that its primary objective would cover service to a patient in accordance with commonly respected values such as honesty, reliability and competency.
Recent Advances in Glycosidase Probes Used in Escherichia Coli Detection
Authors: Wei Xianhu , Feng Ying , Chen Minling , Zhang Shuhong , Chen Moutong , Zhang Jumei , Zhang Youxiong , Ye Qinghua , Ding Yu , Xue Liang , Wu Qingping
Published: December 2020

Pathogenic Escherichia coli poses a serious threat to global public health and
is especially dangerous with the increase of antibiotic resistance. β-Glucuronidase (GUS)
and some other glycosidases can serve as useful biomarkers or indicators for the detection
of E. coli. The probes made up of a glycosyl residue (recognition group), a label or
reporter group, and a linkage that is generally a direct glycosidic bond, are powerful analytical
tools. Upon hydrolysis of the glycosidic linkages by the corresponding glycosidases,
these probes irreversibly release detectable labels or reporter molecules. A variety of
such glycosidase probes have been developed and applied for the detection of E. coli or
the development of various corresponding detection methods. This paper provides an
overview of recent advances in this field, covering the development and applications of
chromogenic, fluorogenic, luminogenic, and electrochemical glycosidase substrates. The
challenges and opportunities in the probe development for detection of E. coli are also
discussed.
Synthesis and Enzymological Characterization of Some 2-(Substitutedphenylamino) quinazolin-4(3H)-one Derivatives as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors In Vitro
Authors: Ayan Emre Kadir , Soyer Zeynep , Uysal Şirin
Published: December 2020

Background:

α-Glucosidase is an important hydrolytic enzyme playing a vital role in
digestion of carbohydrates. It catalyzes the final step of carbohydrates digestion in biological systems
and converts unabsorbed oligosaccharides and disaccharides into monosaccharides, thus resulting in
hyperglycemia for diabetic patients. In this respect, it has been considered as a therapeutic target for
the treatment of type 2 diabetes since the enzyme inhibition delays carbohydrate digestion and
monosaccharide absorption and subsequently reduces postprandial plasma glucose levels.

Objective:

In this study, fourteen 2-(substitutedphenylamino)quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives were
synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

Methods:

The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral and elemental
analyses. The biological activity and enzyme inhibition kinetic studies were performed by spectrophotometrical
method using microplate reader. Physicochemical and drug-likeness properties of
selected compounds were predicted by in silico method.

Result:

The biological activity results revealed that all of the synthesized compounds showed more
potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in the range of IC50 = 58 ± 2 - 375 ± 15 μM when compared
to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 892 ± 7 μM). Among the tested compounds, compound 12
bearing chlorine substituent at ortho position on N-phenyl ring displayed the highest inhibition with
an IC50 value of 58 ± 2 μM against α-glucosidase. Furthermore, the enzyme inhibition kinetic study
of the most active compound 12 indicated that the compound inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme as
uncompetitive with a Ki value of 63.46 μM. On the other hand, physicochemical and drug-likeness
properties of selected compounds were predicted by in silico method. According to the results, it
can be speculated that synthesized 2-phenylaminoquinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives possessed
favorable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Conclusion:

In the light of results, 2-(substitutedphenylamino)quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives
may serve as lead compounds to develop novel α-glucosidase inhibitors.
Discussion on the Paper “Combined Effects of Thermal Radiation and Magnetohydrodynamic on Peristaltic Flow of Nanofluids: Applications to Radiotherapy and Thermotherapy of Cancer” by Wahed Hasona et al.
Authors: Elogail Mostafa A.
Published: December 2020

Recently, Hasona et al. Aimed to investigate the influence of thermal radiation and magnetic
field on the peristaltic flow of Carreau nanofluid in a vertical asymmetric channel. The authors
have considered the Joule heating, viscous dissipation, chemical reaction, Brownian motion,
thermophoresis, Soret, and Dufour effects in their study. Several mistakes and typos were discovered
in the study mentioned above, which would affect the obtained results. This report outlines
some of these mistakes with suggested corrections to attract the readers' attention through a more
in-depth insight into analyzing and exposing these defects.
Investigation of Oral Subacute Toxicity and In-Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Standardized Methanolic Extract of Quercus serrata Leaves
Authors: Chanu Maibam B. , Thongam Biseshwori , Nongalleima Khumukcham , Bhat Hans R. , Ghosh Surajit K. , Shakya Anshul
Published: December 2020

Background:

Quercus serrata Murray leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of
diabetes, dysmenorrhoea, inflammation and urinary tract infection. So, far no study has reported on
the toxicological profile and antioxidant properties of the plant.

Objective:

The present study aimed to investigate the in-vivo toxicological profile and in-vitro antioxidant
activities of the methanolic extract of standardized Quercus serrata leaves.

Methods:

Per-oral sub-acute toxicity study was performed in rats using three dose levels (200, 400
and 800 mg/kg b.w.) of the extract for 28 days. The control group received gum acacia suspended
in water. Bodyweight was measured weekly. Biochemical parameters were analysed using the
serum; the blood-cell count was performed using the whole blood. Pathological changes were also
checked in highly perfused tissues. Further, in-vitro reducing power assay, nitric oxide scavenging
assay, and DPPH free-radical scavenging assay were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity
of the extract.

Results:

There were no significant alterations found in the blood-cell count and biochemical parameters
analysed in the treatment group when compared with the normal control. Histopathology
study of liver, kidney, pancreas, heart and brain revealed normal cellular architecture in the treatment
groups alike the control group animals. Quercus serrata also showed a significant reduction
of DPPH with an IC50 value of 4.48±0.254 μg/mL, in-vitro reducing power activity with an IC50 value
of 121.65±0.320 μg/mL and nitric oxide scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 106.43±0.338
μg/mL.

Conclusion:

The study showed that standardized methanolic extract of Quercus serrata leaves was
safe after sub-acute oral administration in rats and possesses good antioxidant potential.
QT Interval Monitoring and Drugs Management During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gasperetti Alessio , Schiavone Marco , Tondo Claudio , Mitacchione Gianfranco , Viecca Maurizio , Galli Massimo , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo , Forleo Giovanni B.
Published: December 2020

While facing potentially high morbidity from COVID-19 without known effective therapies,
the off-label use of several non-specific drugs has been advocated, including re-purposed anti-
viral (e.g., remdesivir or the lopinavir/ritonavir combination), biologic agents (e.g., tocilizumab),
and antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, in association with or without
azithromycin. Data regarding the effectiveness of these drugs in treating COVID-19 has been
shown in some trials and clinical settings, but further randomised controlled trials are still being
carried out.

One of the main concerns regarding their widespread use, however, is their possible effects on the
QT interval and arrhythmogenic potential. Some of these drugs have been associated with QT prolongation
and Torsades de Point, a potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmia.

The review aims to highlight the magnitude of this problem, to quickly refresh clinically impacting
cornerstones of QT interval and TdP pathophysiology, to summarize the available evidence regarding
the QT and arrhythmia impact of drugs used in different clinical settings in COVID-19 patients,
and to help the physicians dealing with the knowledge needed in the everyday clinical duties
in case of doubts regarding QT-induced arrhythmias in this time of emergency.
Health Benefits of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum Esculentum), Potential Remedy for Diseases, Rare to Cancer: A Mini Review
Authors: Noreen Sana , Rizwan Bahisht , Khan Mudassir , Farooq Sana
Published: December 2020

Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal that is a part of the Polygonaceae family.
Grain of buckwheat is a highly healthy component of food and has been found to have a broad variety
of beneficial effects. It is cultivated as grain in a popular buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
which has a secondary significance in many countries. It contains certain high-level nutritionally
beneficial components and can have other characteristics as functional food. Buckwheat protein is
of outstanding quality and, unlike popular cereals, is rich in essential amino acid, lysine. Health
benefits of this plants include reducing plasma cholesterol level, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective,
anti-cancer, anti-diabetic effects and enhancing hypertension symptoms. Buckwheat is also
used in gluten free diet in people with celiac disease and used in the alleviation of other common
disease. It has also been recognized that buckwheat has a prebiotic and antioxidant activity. The
key purpose of this review article is to analyze advanced work on the health benefits of buckwheat,
concentrating on the particular function of its bioactive compounds and the process by which such
effects are carried out.
Nanosuspensions - An Update on Recent Patents, Methods of Preparation, and Evaluation Parameters
Authors: Khanuja Harpreet K. , Awasthi Rajendra , Mehta Meenu , Satija Saurabh , Aljabali Alaa A.A. , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Chellappan Dinesh K. , Dua Kamal , Dureja Harish
Published: December 2020

Background:

Nanosuspensions are colloidal systems consisting of pure drug and stabilizers,
without matrix or lyophilized into a solid matrix. Nanosuspensions improve the solubility of
the drug both in the aqueous and organic phases. Nanosuspensions are also known as brick dust molecules,
as they increase the dissolution of a system and improve absorption.

Methods:

Extensive information related to nanosuspensions and its associated patents were collected
using Pub Med and Google Scholar.

Results:

Over the last decade nanosuspensions have attracted tremendous interest in pharmaceutical
research. It provides unique features including, improved solubility, high drug loading capacity, and
passive targeting. These particles are cost-effective, simple, and have lesser side effects with minimal
dose requirements. However, the stability of nanosuspensions still warrants attention.

Conclusion:

Nanosuspensions play a vital role in handling the numerous drug entities with difficult
physico-chemical characteristics such as solubility and can further aid with a range of routes that
include nasal, transdermal, ocular, parenteral, pulmonary etc. This review highlights the relevance of
nanosuspensions in achieving safe, effective and targeted drug delivery.
A Review of Accelerator-Produced Ga-68 with Solid Targets
Authors: Becker Kaelyn V. , Chernysheva Margarita , Barnhart Todd E. , Gagnon Katherine , Engle Jonathan W.
Published: December 2020

Gallium-68 is a positron-emitting nuclide that has recently achieved clinical acceptance
as the diagnostic radionuclide in PET tracers used for theranostic studies of lutetium-177 labeled
therapeutic drugs due to the ease of access provided by germanium-68/gallium-68 generators. An
alternative method of production currently being explored uses accelerators to form gallium-68 directly.
This review of gallium-68 production strategies discusses available accelerator targetry at a
range of beam energies and intensities, the many radiochemical separation techniques available to
isolate Ga-68 from irradiated targets, isotopically enriched target material recovery, and the implications
of these techniques for downstream radiolabeling applications.
Microwave Induced One Pot Ugi Multicomponent Reaction of Fluoroquino Lone Scaffolds: Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Patel Navin B. , Parmar Rahul B. , Soni Hetal I.
Published: December 2020

Microwave irradiated facile and efficient process for one pot Ugi multicomponent reaction
of a novel series of fluoroquinolone scaffolds is described here. On the basis of this approach,
a new route to synthesize this privileged scaffolds was designed with higher yields, a
clean procedure, time efficient and simple work-up. Our aim is to develop a biologically active
fluoroquinolone scaffolds by microwave induced one pot Ugi multicomponent reaction. All the
synthesized molecules were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Mass spectra. The antimicrobial
activity of the synthesized compounds was screened against two Gram-negative bacteria
(Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus
aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes), and three fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus
clavatus) utilizing the MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) method and antitubercular activity
H37Rv utilizing L. J. Slope method. Some of these novel derivatives demonstrate moderate
to good in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular activities.
Morphological Characteristics of Changes in the Duodenal Wall Within 14-56 Days of the Development of Streptozotocin-Induced Experimental Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bilinskyi Ihor
Published: December 2020

The objective of the research was to determine the morphological features of the duodenal wall of animals within 14-56 days of developing streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus using light optical microscopy. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out on 40 white nonlinear adult male rats. Diabetes mellitus was simulated by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (Sigma, USA) at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight. The material was taken from the duodenum on the 14th, 28th and the 56th days after the onset of experimental diabetes mellitus. For histological study, the preparations were made using the conventional method, which included the staining of sections with hematoxylin and eosin. Results. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus was experimentally found to lead to dystrophic changes in the epithelial components of the duodenal mucosa from the 14th day of developing. There were observed a shortening of the villi of the mucous membrane and a lack of distinctness of striated border contours on the apical surface of epitheliocytes. Between the connective-tissue fibers of the lamina propria of the mucosa and thin-walled vessels, the cellular elements, including mainly macrophages, lymphocytes, were found. There was a shortening of the villi, edema and histiolymphocytic infiltration of the villous stroma 28 days after developing experimental diabetes mellitus. The epithelium covering was discontinuous; numerous areas of desquamation were found at the apex of the villi. Fifty-six days after developing experimental diabetes mellitus, the destruction and desquamation of the epithelium of the villi and crypts were observed. The surface of the duodenal mucosa smoothed down due to the shortening and flattening of the villi (indicating their atrophy), while the crypts elongated and their depth increased. Conclusions. Histological study of the duodenal wall of diabetic animals showed pronounced desquamation at the apex of the villi, destructive and dystrophic changes in the surface epithelium, edema and increased cellular infiltration of the lamina propria of the mucosa. Thus, in diabetes mellitus, structural changes in the duodenal wall of rats are characterized by the dystrophic processes, which can be considered as the morphological reflection of enteropathy.
Fistulized Crohn’ Disease Mimicking Sigmoid Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Badak Bartu , Pasaoglu Ercument , Caga Huseyin Tarik , Ihtiyar Enver , Sahin Adnan , Erkasap Serdar , Ates Ersin , Yasar Necdet Fatih
Published: December 2020

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology, progressing with frequent exacerbation periods that can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Although, it can manifest itself with complaints from the entire gastrointestinal tract; abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, weight loss and fever are the most important clinical symptoms. In this presentation, a 41-year-old male patient with known Crohn’s disease was presented to our hospital with the help of operation images.
Experience of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies in a Tertiary Care Hospital: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Hela Aamir Hussain , Khandwaw Haseeb Mohammad , Kumar Rahul , Samad Mir Adnan
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure of digestive tract. It has replaced open cholecystectomy as gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis and inflammation of gallbladder.  It is estimated that approximately 90% of cholecystectomies in the  United States are performed using a laparoscopic approach.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in context to its complications, morbidity and mortality in a tertiary care hospital. 
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 1200 patients, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomies, during the period from January 2019 to December 2019, at Government Medical College Jammu J & K, India and necessary data was collected and reviewed.
Results: In our study, a total of 1200 patients were studied including 216 males (18%) and 984 females (82%). The mean age of the patients was 43.35±8.61. The mean operative time in our study was 55.5±10.60 minutes with range of 45 – 90 minutes. Conversion rate was 2.6%. 2 patients were re-explored. Bile duct injury was found in 6 patients (0.5%). 
Conclusions: Gallstone disease is a global health problem. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now replaced open cholecystectomy as the first choice of treatment for gallstones. Gall stone diseases is most frequently encountered in female population. The risk factors for conversion to open cholecystectomy include male gender, previous abdominal surgery, acute cholecystitis, dense adhesions and fibrosis in Calot’ s triangle, anatomical variations, advanced age, comorbidity, obesity, suspicion of common bile duct stones, jaundice, and decreased surgeon experience. The incidence of surgical site infection has significantly decreased in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to open cholecystectomy. In our study we could not find any case of surgical site infection.