bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The First Report of Diversity Analyses of Skin Microbiome In Indonesian Leprosy Patient
Authors: Gunawan Hendra , Achdiat Pati Aji , Suwarsa Oki , Alkatirie Dhaifina , Sutedja Endang , Dwiyana Reiva Farah , Hindritiani Reti
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSkin microbiome is quiet diverse. There are several factors influencing the skin microbiome, such as skin diseases. However, the effects of leprosy on the skin microbiome remain unclear and there are only a few studies about skin microbiome on leprosy. The aim of this study was to investigate the alpha diversity of skin microbiome on lesional site of multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients who visited the top referral hospital in West Java Indonesia. Here in this study we characterize the skin microbiome in leprosy patient in compared to healthy individual by using next generation 16S rRNA sequencing. A total 18 skin swab samples were collected from 18 samples (14 leprosy patients, 4 healthy individuals).ResultsTaxonomic analysis of leprous skin lesions revealed main five phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were overrepresented in leprosy patients, while Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria were diminished in leprosy patients compared to healthy individuals. The main five genera in leprous skin lesions were Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, and Propionibacterium. Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Micrococcus were enriched in leprosy patients, while Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium which have a protective role in normal skin, were diminished in leprosy patients when compared with healthy individuals. Twenty-five species were found in leprous skin lesions that were not typical in human skin and considered as potentially pathogenic. The alpha diversity analysis showed that leprous skin lesions is less diverse than that of the healthy skin microbiome.ConclusionAs a conclusion, the skin microbiome on lesional site of leprosy patient show alteration and less diverse compare to healthy individuals. This suggest that leprosy can affects skin microbiome profile or otherwise.
Structure and binding properties of Pangolin-CoV Spike glycoprotein inform the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
Authors: Wrobel Antoni G. , Benton Donald J. , Xu Pengqi , Borg Annabel , Roustan Chloë , Martin Stephen R. , Rosenthal Peter B. , Skehel John J. , Gamblin Steven J.
Published: September 2020

Coronaviruses of bats and pangolins are implicated in the origin and evolution of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2. We show that Spikes from Pangolin-CoVs, closely related to SARS-CoV-2, bind strongly to human and pangolin ACE2 receptors. We also report Cryo-EM structure of Pangolin-CoV S and show it adopts a fully-closed conformation and that, aside from the Receptor-Binding Domain, it resembles the spike of a bat coronavirus RaTG13 more than that of SARS-CoV-2.
Citizens' Views on Sharing Their Health Data: the Role of Competence, Reliability and Pursuing the Common Good.
Authors: Velarde Minerva C Rivas , Tsantoulis Petros , Burton-Jeangros Claudine , Aceti Monica Aceti , Chappuis Pierre , Hurst Samia
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn this article, we raise several questions regarding how people consider what they do or do not consent to and the reasons why. This article presents the findings of a citizen forum study conducted for the University of Geneva in partnership with the Geneva University Hospitals to explore the opinions and concerns of members of the public society regarding predictive oncology, genetic sequencing, and cancer. MethodsThis paper present the results of a citizen forum that included 73 participants. A research tool titled "the mechanics of consent" was design for this study. This tool is table designed to allow participants to reflect on social and research actors, types of data, and desired levels of control while sharing different types of data with different actors. Participants’ discussion that led to the completion of each table were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The results are a compilation of responses from the mechanics of consent tool divided into two sections; the first quantitative results presenting of collective responses regarding attitudes to consent to donate their data by qualitative findings emerged from the discussion amongst participants. Discussion Choice and control of personal data is crucial for the public to be able to decide who and how to trust. Key information to be disclosed to potential research participants shall include information about potential risks and benefits; who will be accessing and using their data; as well as assurances that their choice will be respected. Furthermore, researchers ought to make sure they are trustworthy, meaning they are responsible to accept or refuse trust when it is misplaced or built upon unrealistic expectations. Finally, informed consent is one of the various elements that contribute to conducting ethical research, more needs to be done to strengthen governance and ensure adequate protection to research participants particularly to address issues related to predictive health analytics.
The Usability of Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance (JSANDS) System: Results of Focus Group Discussions
Authors: Khader Yousef S. , Shattnawi Khulood Kayed , Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Batieha Anwar
Published: September 2020

BackgroundJordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance system (JSANDS) is a newly developed system and is currently implemented in five large hospitals in Jordan. This study aimed at exploring the healthcare professional’s perception about the usability of JSANDS. MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach, using focus group discussions, was adopted. A total of 5 focus groups including 23 focal points were conducted in five participating hospitals in Jordan. ResultsData analysis identified nine main issues related to the JSANDS system: the system usefulness, the system performance, data quality, the system limitations, human rights, female empowerment, nurses’ strengthened competencies, the sustainability of the JSANDS, and COVID-19 impact on the system. Users reported that the JSANDS data were useful, the system was simple and easy to use, and the data were accurate and complete. However, some users reported that some technical issues need to be enhanced. ConclusionsJSANDS was perceived positively by the current users. According to them, it provides a formative and comprehensive data on stillbirths and neonatal deaths and their causes, and therefore, was recommended to be adopted by its users and scaled up.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices about Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Birzeit University students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Naseef Hani A. , Al-Shami Ni'meh , Hadba Lilian S. Abu , Humos Leen A. , Shaheen Ruba N. , Mitwasi Tanya T. , -Khairy Lina El
Published: September 2020

Aim: COVID-19 the novel corona virus that has been characterized as a pandemic; as it spreads all over the world and has so far infected more than 20 million worldwide. In Palestine, the first seven cases were documented on March 5th, 2020 followed by the declaration of the state of emergency. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 among Birzeit University students.Subject and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out, a questionnaire was developed based on the WHO, CDC, ECDC recommendations. The questionnaire was distributed online and filled by Birzeit University students. Chi-square testing was performed to check for significant association between KAP and different sociodemographic variables. Binary logistic regression performed to identify and control the confounding factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22).Results: A total of 665 students have completed the online questionnaire. The mean age was (20.55±3.069) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, students from health professions and scientific faculties and those with highly educated parents had manifested a good knowledge level (GKL) about Covid -19. Regarding students’ practices, less negative practices were prompted by students from health professions faculty and the students living at the middle governorate of Palestine compared to north, south and Jerusalem dwellers. With regards to the practices, the vast majority of the participants held a positive and very cautious practice towards the COVID-19 epidemic.Conclusion: Our results revealed that students had variable knowledge regarding Covid-19 and the vast majority depended on the official media briefs in Palestine as a source of information. With regards to practices, positive and cautious practices towards the COVID-19 epidemic were carried out by the vast majority of participants.
An Epidemiological Assessment of Malaria Cases in Udalguri District of Assam with Special Emphasis on Intensified Malaria Control Project (2008 to 2017)
Authors: Ahmed Rahim Ali , Kumar Avdhesh , Swargiary Ananta , Barman Keshab , Begum Afluza
Published: September 2020

Udalguri district of Assam, North East India is endemic to malaria. There is a high prevalence of vector-borne diseases in this part of Assam, including malaria. In the present study, an epidemiological assessment was carried out for the period of 2008 to 2017 to understand the prevalence of malaria in the district in accordance with Intensified Malaria Control Project, Government of India. The databases for the study were collected from district NVBDCP unit under the establishment of Joint Director of Health Services, Udalguri. All the data were analyzed using Microsoft excel in statistical method (P≤0.05). The study found that the annual parasite index (API) drastically declined from 14.54 to 1.24 cases per 1000 population during 2008 to 2017. Among all the positive cases, two plasmodium species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were found to be the major species followed by some mixed infection. The malaria cases caused by P. vivax were more (68.5%) than P. falciparum (31.5%). The disease prevalence by P. vivax cases are significantly decreased from 12.06 cases per 1000 population in 2008 to 0.28 cases per 1000 population in 2017. Similarly the P. falciparum cases also declined from 3.94 cases per 1000 population in 2008 to 0.96 cases per 1000 population in 2017. The decrease of disease prevalence of malaria cases may be because of effective implementation of vector and disease control strategies. The transmission starts from April onwards and reach peak during the month of June & July. LLINs were found to be effective strategies to control & prevent the disease transmission.
A Review on COVID-19 Forecasting Models
Authors: Rahimi Iman , Chen Fang , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: September 2020

The Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has distributed to more than 200 territory worldwide leading to about 24 million confirmed cases as of August 25, 2020. Several models have been released that forecast the outbreak globally. This work presents a review of the most important forecasting models against COVID-19 and shows a short analysis of each one. The work presented in this study possesses two parts. A detailed scientometric analysis was done in the first section that provides an influential tool for describing bibliometric analyses. The analysis was performed on data corresponding to COVID-19 using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. For analysis, keywords and subject areas were addressed while classification of forecasting models, criteria evaluation and comparison of solution approaches were done in the second section of the work. Conclusion and discussion are provided as the final sections of this study.
Psychometric properties of Brief-COPE inventory among nurses
Authors: Rahman Hanif Abdul , Issa Wegdan Bani , Naing Lin
Published: September 2020

Objective: Coping with persistent demands in modern healthcare and facing new challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is increasingly necessary among nurses. Brief-COPE inventory is widely used to assess coping, however, validation evidence is absent and previous results were inconsistent. This study aimed to validate psychometric properties of Brief-COPE inventory to ensure culturally appropriate usage. Methods: Preliminary validation study on 423 female nurses from the United Arab Emirates. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with maximum likelihood estimation was computed to test four different previous models. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) protocol was used to determine underlying domain structure of Brief-COPE in this population.Results: The four previous models on CFA had inadequate fit indexes. Two-factor (22-items) second-order model that explained 37.0% of the total variance with Cronbach’s alpha at 0.81 and 0.88, respectively, was suggested. Conclusion: This validation of Brief-COPE is timely considering nurses enduring different types of stressors in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. In addition, cultural diversity need to be considered in coping research. Re-assessment of this exploratory structure is necessary to ensure accurate measurement of coping strategies.
COVID19 Infection in A Patient Undergoing Treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) with Ravulizumab
Authors: Shikdar Sufana , Borogovac Azra , Mohamad Elabdallah , Khawandanah Mohamad
Published: September 2020

Background: In the recent COVID19 pandemic, patients with hematological malignancies were considered high risk for severe disease. Limited data is available regarding course of COVID19 infection in this subgroup. Case Presentation: We describe a case of 32-year‐old man with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) undergoing treatment with ravulizumab (Ultomiris) who presented with COVID19 infection. He experienced only mild symptoms and had a rapid recovery from COVID19 infection. Conclusion: This case may demonstrate the beneficial effects of ravulizumab on complement mediated inflammatory damage linked with COVID19 infection especially in PNH patients.
Implementing Telemedicine for the Management of Benign Urologic Conditions: A Single Centre Experience in Italy
Authors: Checcucci Enrico , De Luca Stefano , Alessio Paolo , Verri Paolo , Granato Stefano , De Cillis Sabrina , Amparore Daniele , Sica Michele , Piramide Federico , Piana Alberto , Volpi Gabriele , Manfredi Matteo , Balestra Gabriella , Autorino Riccardo , Fiori Cristian , Porpiglia Francesco
Published: September 2020

Purpose: to assess the use of telemedicine with phone-call visits as practical tool to follow-up with patients affected by urological benign diseases, whose clinic visits had been cancelled during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: patients were contacted via phone-call and a specific questionnaire was administered to evaluate the health status of these patients, and to identify those who needed an “in-person” ambulatory visit due to the worsening of their condition. Secondarily, the patients’ perception of a potential shift towards a "telehealth" approach to the management of their condition and to indirectly evaluate their desire to return to “in-person” clinic visits. Results: 607 were contacted by phone-call. 87.5% (531/607) of the cases showed stability of the symptoms so no clinic in-person or emergency visits were needed. 81.5% (495/607) of patients were more concerned about the risk of contagion than their urological condition. The median score for phone visit comprehensibility and ease of communication of exams was 5/5; whilst patients’ perception of phone visits’ usefulness was scored 4/5. 53% (322/607) of the interviewees didn’t own the basic supports required to be able to perform a real telemedicine consult according to the required standards. Conclusion: Telemedicine approach limits the number of unnecessary accesses to medical facilities and represent an important tool for the limitation of the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, infrastructures, health workers and patients should reach out to a computerization process in order to allow a wider diffusion of more advanced forms of telemedicine, such as televisit.
Benefits and Barriers Associated with Intention to Participate in Injury Prevention Programs in ROTC Cadets
Authors: Gabriel Emily , Powden Cameron
Published: September 2020

Background: There is a lack of participation in Exercise-Related Injury Prevention Programs (ERIPPs) within Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) which limits the effectiveness. Identification of factors which may influence participation in ERIPPs within ROTC cadets is an important first step in improving adoption and adherence rates. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with intention to participate in an ERIPP within ROTC cadets. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional where a paper survey was distributed in spring 2019. Twenty-eight (M/F=23/5; Age=20.68±2.02years; Height=175.78±8.95cm; Mass=75.30±11.10kg) ROTC cadets volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed the Health Belief Model Scale (HBMS) and Theory of Planned Behavior Scale (TPBS) to assess attitudes towards participation in ERIPPs. A backwards multiple linear regression was used to determine if associations between attitudes towards ERIPP participation and intention to participate existed. Partial eta squared was calculated for each significant variable to determine the strength of the association and alpha was set at P≤0.05 for all analyses.Results: Perceived benefits (B=4.364, ƞ2=0.68, p<0.001) had a positive and large association with intention to participate while perceived barriers (B=-2.43, ƞ2=0.40, p<0.001) had a negative and large association with intention to participate. There were no other statistically significant associations (p>0.05).Conclusion: Perceived benefits and barriers were significantly associated with intention to participate in ERIPPs within ROTC cadets. Implementation strategies for ERIPPs may need to focus on the benefits and barriers of participating in an ERIPP to increase adoption and adherence.
The role of health determinants in the influenza vaccination uptake among older adults (65+): a scope review
Authors: Roller-Wirnsberger Regina , Lindner Sonja , Kolosovski Lea , Platzer Elisabeth , Dovjak Peter , Flick Holger , Tziraki Chariklia , Illario Maddalena
Published: September 2020

Background: Although the burden of influenza infection is the highest in older adults, vaccination coverage remains low, despite this age group being more vulnerable than others. Aims: Given the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, it was the aim of this scope review to update knowledge on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among older adults in order to strengthen prevention approaches in the context of an overall burden of infectious diseases.Methods: We searched bibliographic databases from 2012 to 2019. All studies reviewed one or more social determinant of health listed by WHO, or factors affecting the decision-making process whether to accept influenza vaccine or not.Results: Overall, 44 studies were included, 41 determinants were extracted and summarized into six categories. Older age and constitutional factors including multiple chronic diseases as well as preventive lifestyle and frequent routine healthcare utilization positively affected vaccination uptake (VU). Living and working conditions are also researched determinants of influenza vaccine uptake. A small number of studies explored the role of social inclusion and system-based interventions. Discussion and Conclusions: This scope review provides a comprehensive overview on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among older citizens. The review also clearly shows gaps for evidence on system-based level or political strategies to improve vaccination uptake.
Factors Impacting Customer Attitude toward Buying Halal Cosmetics in Jabodetabek
Authors: Clarita Ni Made Adelia , Zimbalist Shannon Baladewa , Setiowati Rini
Published: September 2020

The research aimed to analyze the relationship between religiosity, product involvement, customers’ knowledge toward customers’ attitudes on halal cosmetics, and the relationship between customers’ attitudes on halal cosmetics towards customers’ intention to buy them. The research used a self – administrated questionnaire with close-ended questions. The questionnaire was distributed as pretest to 30 respondents offline. Furthermore, the researchers received answers from 302 respondents out of 350 that were distributed. To assess the relationship between knowledge, involvement, and religiosity, a structural equation modeling technique was used. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS software to test validity and reliability. The findings its show that there is a positive relationship between knowledge, religiosity, and product involvement towards costumers’ attitudes of halal cosmetics on Indonesian Muslim women. Moreover, the results indicate that Muslim women in Indonesia have more positive attitudes and intentions towards halal cosmetic products. The results of the research give implications to the firm in competing for the general and international brands for the halal cosmetic industry.
Optimum Portfolio Analysis of Black-Litterman Model in The Indonesian Stock Exchange on Consumer Goods Industrial Sector
Authors: Pudjiani Meilina , Syaukat Yusman , Irawan Tony
Published: September 2020

The aim of the research was to identify the allocation of optimum portfolio formation in consumer goods sector at Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2018 by using Black-Litterman model. This quantitative research used secondary data on stock prices of the consumer goods sector on the Indonesian Stock Exchange from January 2014 to December 2018 which was obtained from Yahoo Finance and the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Four stocks formed the optimum portfolio of consumer goods sector identified by using Black-Litterman model. Those are stocks of PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk, PT Kimia Farma Tbk, PT Indofarma Tbk, PT Indofarma Tbk, and PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. The results show that stock with the biggest proportion was ICBP’s with proportion of 68,5379%. Meanwhile the smallest proportion was INAF’s, which is 3,0277%. The mean return was calculated from this proportion, resulting in 3,678% while the risk value was 1,471%.
Impact of Liquidity, Ownership, Global Financial Crisis, and Capital Adequacy Ratio on Indonesian Banking Profitability Period 2007-2016
Authors: Winoto Agustinus , Bustaman Yosman
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the research was to analyse the effect of liquidity, ownership, and global financial crisis on Indonesian Banking profitability. The research focused on conventional bank exclude sharia-bank and rural bank/BPR, owned by foreign-party, local-party or mixed-party, period 2007 to 2016. Data were retrieved from Indonesia Bank regulator which is Otoritas Jasa Keuangan’s website. For liquidity, liquidity ratio, loan to funding ratio, and cash ratio were used. Meanwhile ownership and global financial crisis used dummy variable. The research divided bank to foreign and mixed party, and local bank in the years of crisis that were 2008 and 2009. Ordinary Least Square method were used with Net Interest Margin as dependent variable, a control variable, and capital adequacy ratio. The result finds that there is no significant connection between liquidity and ownership on profitability, while crisis has significant connection on profitability.
Phytochemicals for Drug Discovery in Alzheimer’s Disease: In Silico Advances
Authors: Sharma Smriti , Bhatia Vinayak
Published: September 2020

The search for novel drugs that can prevent or control Alzheimer’s disease has attracted a lot of attention
from researchers across the globe. Phytochemicals are increasingly being used to provide scaffolds to design
drugs for AD. In silico techniques have proven to be a game-changer in this drug design and development
process. In this review, the authors have focussed on current advances in the field of in silico medicine, applied
to phytochemicals, to discover novel drugs to prevent or cure AD. After giving a brief context of the etiology
and available drug targets for AD, authors have discussed the latest advances and techniques in computational
drug design of AD from phytochemicals. Some of the prototypical studies in this area are discussed in detail. In
silico phytochemical analysis is a tool of choice for researchers all across the globe and helps integrate chemical
biology with drug design.
Polymeric Nanoparticles of Aromatase Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mishra Keerti , Ratre Pooja , Thareja Suresh , Jain Akhlesh K.
Published: September 2020

Being the second most frequent cancer, breast cancer is emerging worldwide with an alarming rate, specifically in post-menopausal women. Targeted drug delivery has been in the focus for the successful treatment of breast cancer by enhancing the drug delivery efficiency and reducing the systemic toxicity of drugs. Also, it eliminates the drawbacks associated with conventional chemotherapy, including neuropathy, memory loss, cardiotoxicity and low RBCs count. This review elaborates the polymeric nanoparticles based formulation approaches for selective and sustained delivery for effective cure of breast cancer. However, breast cancer, a life-threatening disease, is mostly caused because of estrogen, thus aromatase inhibitors and estrogen synthesis inhibitors could prevent chances of breast cancer. The disease is associated with drug resistance and some side effects, which could be easily eliminated by using novel therapeutic approaches. Aromatase inhibitors, when entrapped in nanoparticles, have shown sustained drug release, advocating themselves to be beneficial for the treatment of breast cancer.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Treatment Targets for Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Benfaremo Devis , Paci Valentino , Luchetti Michele Maria , Gabrielli Armando
Published: September 2020

Background:

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is the most common extracutaneous manifestation of
psoriasis. This chronic inflammatory arthritis is burdened with significant morbidity, leading to irreversible
joint damage and disability. In recent years, a deeper understating of its pathogenesis has led
to the development of several new drugs targeting different pathways.

Objectives:

This review aims to highlight the clinical efficacy and safety of the novel agents that have
become recently available for the treatment of PsA, as well as new promising therapeutic targets that
are being evaluated in clinical trials.

Methods:

For the purpose of this narrative review, we searched in the MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.
gov databases.

Results:

After the introduction of the first biological drugs targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF),
several other drugs with different targets have been developed, including anti-Interleukin (IL)
12/23p40, anti-IL17, and, more recently, anti-IL23p19 agents.

Conclusions:

Data supporting the efficacy of different agents in the major domains of PsA, as well as
their safety issues, are summarized here. Finally, the current pipeline, including several novel nonbiological
small molecules, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, that are currently being evaluated in
clinical trials are also presented.

Discussion:

The availability of newer therapeutic agents has substantially changed the treatment strategy
for PsA. In the future, a personalized treatment approach will probably achieve better control of
disease manifestations.
Biologically Active Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine Microorganisms (2005-2019)
Authors: Muddukrishnaiah Krishna , Akilandeswari K. , Prasad Sunnapu , Shilpa V.P.
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The increase in contagious diseases like nosocomial infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance urgently needs new antimicrobial medication with new modes of
action. Some of the antibiotics present in the market have been obtained from terrestrial plants, or extracted semisynthetically from materials which can be fermented.

Methods:

Marine microorganisms account for approximately 80% of sea biomass and they are essential for the survival and
well-being of aquatic habitats owing to their indispensable contribution to biogeochemical cycles and biological processes.
In marine ecosystems, microorganisms live as microbial communities in seawater, where symbiotic relationships are
formed, and their ecological functions are fulfilled.

Results:

Marine microorganisms remain the largest, most diverse and most exciting source of structurally and functionally complex antimicrobial agents. They are extremely involved in their structure and functions. Enormous biological wealth
lies in marine habitats. These microorganisms are potential sources of novel antimicrobial compounds to combat the most
infectious diseases like nosocomial infections, urinary tract infections.

Conclusion:

This study deals with biologically active antimicrobial compounds taken from marine microorganism source
which was reported between the years 2005 and 2019. This review highlights their chemical groups, their bioactivities and
sources. Marine microorganism exploitation techniques have also been reported by the authors.
In vitro and In vivo Effects of 17β-N-(4-phenylcarbamoyl) androst-4-en-3- one Derivatives as 5a-reductase Inhibitors on Androgen-dependent Glands
Authors: Cabeza Marisa , Bautista Lucero , Bratoeff Eugene , Soriano Juan , Heuze Yvonne
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

5α-reductase inhibitors have been proven useful for the treatment of prostate
diseases, which can be due to the unregulated activity of 5α-reductase enzyme. This study was focused
on determining the activity of four different derivatives of 17β-phenyl carbamoyl-androst-4-en-3-one
1–4 as inhibitors of 5α-reductase (5RD5A), to improve the effects of current drugs.

Methods:

In vitro effect of compounds 1-4 on the activity of the human prostate enzyme, 5α-reductase,
was determined by measuring IC50 values, the concentration of a compound that inhibits the activity of
5RD5A2 by 50%. In vivo, the pharmacological effects of compounds 1-4 were identified in a hamster
model of prostate hypertrophy.

Results:

The steroidal 17β-carboxamides 1, 3, and 4 (IC50 = 5±0.5, 0.112±0.045, 0.167±0.056 nM) significantly
inhibited the in vitro activity of the 5RD5A2 enzyme with higher potency than finasteride,
which is a drug known as a specific 5RD5A2 inhibitor (IC50 = 8.5±0.3 nM). Compounds 1, 3, and 4
were more potent than finasteride to decrease the size of hamster flank organs in castrated animals
treated with testosterone. Also, compounds 1-4 were more effective than finasteride itself to reduce the
weight of the prostate in the hamster model, without producing toxicological effects during the six days
of treatment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the steroidal 17 β-carboxamides 1-4 were suitable inhibitors of human
5RD5A2 activity, in addition to being able to reduce prostate weight without causing toxicity. These
steroids could, therefore, have promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Glioblastoma: A Review
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Mohammadinejad Reza , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed
Published: September 2020

Background:

One of the most common tumors of the central nervous system is Glioblastoma (GBM).

Objective:

There is not still an appropriate cure for this malignant tumor. Plant-derived natural products have
demonstrated great potential in cancer therapy, and Resveratrol (Res) is among them. Therefore, the current study
focused on the protective effect of resveratrol against glioblastoma and its underlying mechanism.

Methods:

PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched by using the following keywords: Resveratrol,
Glioblastoma, Brain tumor, Cancer therapy, Medicinal herbs to July 2020.

Results:

Res is a non-flavonoid polyphenol responsible for the protection of plants against pathogen attacks. Res
has multiple pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor. Res
is capable of penetration into the blood-brain barrier, making it suitable for brain tumor therapy. Besides, Res
targets various molecular signaling pathways in cancer therapy.

Conclusion:

In the present review, it was found that Res administration is beneficial in GBM therapy by inhibition
of proliferation, viability, and migration via modulation of molecular pathways.
Palladium (II) Complex Enhances ROS-Dependent Apoptotic Effects via Autophagy Inhibition and Disruption of Multiple Signaling Pathways in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Aydinlik Seyma , Erkisa Merve , Ari Ferda , Celikler Serap , Ulukaya Engin
Published: September 2020

Background:

Inhibition of autophagy is reported to be a therapeutically effective strategy in overcoming the resistance that is
a deadly outcome in cancer. One of the most common reasons for chemo-resistance to treatment is the patients with tumors exhibiting a
KRAS mutation which occurs in approximately 40% of colorectal cancer patients.

Objective:

Hence, we assessed whether a palladium (Pd)(II) complex is a promising anticancer complex, compared to 5-fluorouracil in
KRAS wt HT-29 and KRAS mutant HCT-15 cells.

Methods:

HCT-15 and HT-29 cells were used for colorectal cancer and chloroquine (CQ) was used as an inhibitor of autophagy. In this
context, cells were treated with Pd(II) complex and 5-FU in combination with CQ for 48 h and cell viability was measured by SRB assay.
Cell death mode was examined with M30 and M65 ELISA assays, annexin V/propidium iodide. Autophagy was determined by acridine
orange (AO) staining. Furthermore, the
expression of various autophagy and apoptosis related proteins were evaluated with Western blotting.Luminex assay and reactive oxygen
species (ROS) level were examined.

Results:

Cell viability was found to decrease in a dose-dependent manner and CQ enhanced cytotoxic effect in
Pd(II) and 5-FU treated cells in colorectal cancer cells. Our data showed that inhibition of autophagic flux significantly
increased intrinsic apoptosis through the activation of ROS. We showed that combinatorial treatment
with CQ induced apoptosis via the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway. Luminex analysis revealed that the
combination resulted in a down-regulation of NF-κB/AKT/CREB signaling pathways in both cell lines, however,
decreased Erk1/2 protein expression was only observed after treatment with CQ combination in HCT-15 cells.

Conclusion:

We suggest that the inhibition of autophagy along with Pd(II) and 5-FU treatment has a synergistic
effect on KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer cells. Autophagy inhibition by CQ promotes apoptosis via blockade of
the NF-κB/AKT/CREB and activation of ROS.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Properties of New Substituted Glycosides-Indole Conjugates as Apoptosis Inducers in Cancer Cells
Authors: Srour Aladdin M. , El-Bayaa Mohamed N. , Omran Mervat M. , Sharaky Marwa M. , El-Sayed Wael A.
Published: September 2020

Background & Objective:

Glycosyl heterocycles, being as nucleoside analogs with modified glycon
and hybrid heterocycle motifs, are of considerable interest, and thus, the targeted compounds were synthesized
via a convenient and efficient approach.

Methods:

New indolyl-thiadiazolyl thioglycosides scaffolds were synthesized, starting with the reaction of
indole-3-carbaldehyde with 2-aminothiadiazole-5-thiole followed by glycosylation and deprotection. Likewise,
new molecular hybrids comprising indole, thiadiazole, triazole and glycosyl moieties were synthesized utilizing
click chemistry strategy. The cytotoxic activities of the newly synthesized compounds were studied on colon
carcinoma HCT116, breast carcinoma MCF-7, lung carcinoma A549 and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell
lines using Sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay.

Results:

The 1,3,4-thiadiazole thioglycoside and the 1,2,3-triazole N1-glycoside possessing xylose moiety, compounds
8 and 15 revealed the most potent bio-activity among the new chemical entities; therefore, they undertook
for further analysis of apoptosis.

Conclusion:

IC50s of Compound 8 were 38, 36, 33 and 158μg/ml, while they were 41, 44, 32 and 25μg/ml for
compound 15 on HepG2, MCF7, HCT116 and A549 cell lines, respectively; furthermore, the total apoptosis rate
(%) for control untreated cells were 9.63, 28.4, 25.4 (%), compounds 8 and 15 respectively, they produced a
significant increase in total and early apoptosis rate (%) compared to control (P=0.0001). At the same time, no
significant difference was detected in the late apoptosis rate (%), which means that both derivatives have the
potential to be developed into potent anticancer agents.
A Review on Ternary Bismuthate Nanoscale Materials
Authors: Pei Lizhai , Yu Chunhu , Xue Zeyang , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2020

Background:

Bismuth-containing nanoscale materials exhibit great application potential in
catalysts, optical devices, electron devices, photo-electric devices and sensors owing to their good catalytic,
optical, electric, photoelectric and sensing performance. Special research interest has been devoted
to ternary bismuthate nanoscale materials due to their special layered structure, large specific surface
area, excellent optical, catalytic, electrical and electrochemical performance. Therefore, it is essential
to synthesize novel ternary bismuthate nanoscale materials for practical application.

Methods:

The article reviews the recent progress and patents on the ternary bismuthate nanoscale materials.
The recent progress and patents on the synthesis and application of the ternary bismuthate nanoscale
materials are discussed. The possible development direction of the ternary bismuthate nanoscale
materials for the synthesis and application is also analyzed.

Results:

The ternary bismuthate nanoscale materials including zinc bismuthate, copper bismuthate,
barium bismuthate, silver bismuthate, sodium bismuthate, lanthanum bismuthate nanoscale materials
can be synthesized by hydrothermal route, sol-gel route, solvothermal decomposition route and ionexchange
method. The ternary bismuthate nanoscale materials exhibit great application promising in
the fields of photocatalysts, sensors and batteries.

Conclusion:

Large-scale synthesis of ternary bismuthate nanoscale materials at low cost, doping and
combination using different nanoscale materials are important research directions for future research.
Challenges in the Correct Assessment of a Case of Aggressive Thyroid Carcinoma with Synchronous Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature of Essential Role of Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Piciu Andra , Mester Alexandru , Rusu George , Piciu Doina
Published: September 2020

Conclusion:

Thyroid carcinoma represents a complex pathology that can still be considered a medical
challenge, despite having a better prognosis and life expectancy than most other neoplasms; also
the scenario of multiple malignancies involving thyroid cancer is nowadays a common reality.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed the literature regarding the aggressive presentation of
synchronous thyroid and breast cancer. In the current paper, we report the case of a 59 years-old
woman, diagnosed with invasive ductal breast carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma, presenting
a natural history of both aggressive synchronous tumors. At the moment of hospitalization, the
diagnosis was breast carcinoma with multiple secondary lesions, suggestive of lung and bone metastases,
and nodular goiter.

Results:

Searching the literature in PUBMED with the terms “thyroid
carcinoma and synchronous breast carcinoma, we found 86 studies; introducing the term “aggressive,”
the result included 4 studies, among which, none showed to be relevant to the terms aggressive
and synchronous. A similar search was done in SCOPUS finding 92 documents and after introducing
the term aggressive, the number of papers was 8, none including the literature on synchronous
aggressive metastatic thyroid and breast carcinoma. A majority of imaging diagnostic tools
were used in this particular medical case in order to ensure the best potential outcome. The final diagnosis
was papillary thyroid carcinoma with lung and unusual multiple bone metastases and
synchronous invasive ductal breast carcinoma with subcutaneous metastases.

Conclusion:

The case illustrates the challenges in the correct assessment of oncologic patients, despite the advances in
medical imaging and technologies and underlines the essential role of nuclear medicine procedures
in the diagnostic and therapy protocols.
Inflammaging of Female Reproductive System: A Molecular Landscape
Authors: Rodichkina Valeriia , Kvetnoy Igor , Polyakova Victoria , Arutjunyan Alexander , Nasyrov Ruslan , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: September 2020

:

Aging is a complex biological process, a major aspect of which is the accumulation of
somatic changes throughout life. Cellular senescence is a condition in which cells undergo an irreversible
cell cycle arrest in response to various cellular stresses. Once the cells begin to senesce,
they become more resistant to any mutagens, including oncogenic factors. Inflammaging (inflammatory
aging) is an age-related, chronic, and systemic inflammatory condition realized by cells
with the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). These recently recognized senescent
phenotypes associated with aging have been reported to promote better wound healing, embryonic
development, as well as stimulation and extension of the tumor process. It is assumed that cellular
senescence contributes to the age-related decline of reproductive function due to the association of
senescent cells with aging and age-related diseases. Thus, SASPs have both positive and negative
effects, depending on the biological context. SASP cell accumulation in tissues contributes to an
age-related functional decline of the tissue and organ state. In this review, the term “cellular senescence”
is used to refer to the processes of cells irreversible growth inhibition during their viable
state, while the term “aging” is used to indicate the deterioration of tissues due to loss of function.
Late reproductive age is associated with infertility and possible complications of the onset and
maintenance of pregnancy. Senescent cells express pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors,
and matrix metalloproteinases and some other molecules collectively called the Senescence-Associated
Secretory Phenotype (SASP).
Dual Modulators of Selected Plant Secondary Metabolites Targeting COVID-19 Main Protease and Interleukin-2: An In-Silico Approach based Novel Hypothesis
Authors: Prabha Thangavelu , Kapoor Vijay K. , Selvamani Palanisamy , Latha Subbiah , Sivakumar Thangavel , Jubie Selvaraj
Published: September 2020

Background:

Owing to the recent scenario on this ongoing Coronavirus pandemic outbreak
around the world, the present study has been undertaken.

Aim:

In this study, we adopted two strategies, i.e., via computational method, a search for the novel
plant secondary metabolites from the Indian Traditional Medicine to target and combat the enduring
novel 2019 CoVs main protease that causes pneumonia, followed by the effect of these selected secondary
metabolites on the host’s immune system for their immunomodulatory potential on Interleukin-2.

Methods:

A detailed literature review has been done to identify the assorted plant secondary metabolites
from the natural sources, which have been extensively used traditionally for their immunomodulatory
potential. Next, the resulting compounds have processed for the molecular docking study to predict
whether the compounds have the potency to fight against 2019- CoVs protein or it could have the tendency
to battle the cytokines, which are responsible for the immune response of the host, thereby preventing
the CoVs caused infection in humans. Furthermore, to explore molecular mechanics, the insilico
docking study with COVID-19 Mpro and Interleukin-2 has been performed.

Results & Discussion:

Among the six secondary metabolites selected, five compounds showed its possible
promising potency with COVID-19 and IL-2 proteins, which are compared with the standard drug
Remdesivir, one of the anti-viral drugs for treating and managing the present coronavirus condition and
an IL-2 inhibitor, which is the native IL-2 ligand protein (i.e., from PDB Id- 1PW6) itself. Besides,
based on the docking scores, the Curcumin (from Curcuma longa) showed the highest score towards
these two targets taken for this study. The identified compounds have a promising binding affinity with
the Mpro receptors, in the narrow range of binding energy for the protein PDB Id: 6LU7 and the score
range between -10.9102 to -19.8790 kcal/mol: when compared to the standard -21.8600 kcal/mol.
Whereas, the binding affinity with the Interleukin -2 receptor, for the protein PDB Id: 1PW6 the range
between -11.3899 to -17.1366 kcal/mol: when compared to that of standard -16.9554 kcal/mol.

Conclusion:

Our result findings demonstrate that the integrated Indian traditional herbal treatment
might be hopefully used for the viral respiratory infection due to either it may have acted directly on the
viral protein or through regulating the immune response, which could lead to the rapid drug discovery of
the drug leads with clinical potency towards the novel infectious disease, where there is no drug or vaccines
are available.
Comparative Analysis of Knee Joint Fusion with Long Locking Nail and Ilizarov Apparatus in Patients with Deep Infection after Arthroplasty
Authors: Solomin L. N. , Shchepkina E. A. , Korchagin K. L. , Sabirov F. K.
Published: September 2020

Relevance. Deep infection after knee arthroplasty requires radical surgical treatment of the infection site, removal of endoprosthesis components, and an antimicrobial spacer placement. If revision knee arthroplasty is impossible, the «gold standard» for this kind of patients is knee joint arthrodesis. The purpose of the study was the comparative analysis of knee joint fusion by external and internal fixation. Materials and Methods. The analysis of 60 cases of knee arthrodesis was carried out. The patients were divided into two groups with 30 patients in each. In the first group, knee arthrodesis was performed with long locking nail, in the second group — with external ring fixation. We compared the groups by intraoperative and drainage blood loss, the inpatient treatment duration, the terms of fusion and complications registered. The patients quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire before surgery, for the periods of 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. Results. The comparison of two methods of knee arthrodesis showed that blood loss in the internal fixation compared with external one, was 2.03 times more, the duration of inpatient treatment was 1.4 times less, and the total number of complications was 4.4 times less. However, the complications that affected the treatment outcome in long nail group were 1.5 times more. The differences in the average time of ankylosis formation were not statistically significant (p0.05). The functional results of the treatment in 3 months after surgery in the group with internal fixation were much better. In 6 months after surgery the quality of life had no significant differences. In 12 months follow-up the indices in both groups were the same. Conclusion. The results of our study suggests us to think, knee joint arthrodesis by long fusion nail should be prefereble. If the nail insertion is technically impossible, and there is the high risk of deep infection recurrence, the external osteosynthesis should be used.