bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students' Views of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): Findings from two Malaysian Pharmacy Schools
Authors: Elnaem Mohamed Hassan , Zainal Zainol Akbar , Wahab Muhammad Zuljalil Ilham Bin , Ali Aqilah Binti Mohd , Rahim Umi Syuhada Binti Abd , Zulkifli Nuraqilah Binti , Basha Nur Syaza Binti Mohd Akbar , Yusof Maidatul Suffiah Hayati Binti Mohamad , Majdy Nur Farhana Binti Mohd
Published: August 2020

Objectives: To investigate and compare the views of undergraduate pharmacy students in two Malaysian pharmacy schools (one private and one public) regarding the organization, quality, and objectivity of OSCE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among penultimate and final year students in two Malaysian pharmacy schools between October and December 2019. A questionnaire was developed, tested, and validated and then distributed to study participants through online Google forms. Results: A total of 221 undergraduate pharmacy students participated in the study. Regarding the adequacy of the time allocated per OSCE station, students of the public university expressed a relatively higher level of disagreement (IIUM 63.9% & 48.7% vs. UoC 11.6% & 14.3%). Relatively few students agreed that OSCE is a less stressful type of assessment compared to other traditional methods (IIUM 7.2% & 10.3% vs. UoC 39.5% & 23.8%). Regarding the OSCE scores as valid indicators of student’s skills, private university students had more agreement than their counterparts in a public university (UoC 79% & 64.3% vs. IIUM 39.2% 30.8%). In addition, both student groups disagreed that OSCE marks were likely to be affected by the student’s gender (IIUM 73.2% & 66.7% vs. UoC 67.4% & 78.6%). Conclusion: Overall, most of the participants had overall good views regarding the organization, quality, and objectivity of OSCE, with several differences between students in public and private universities. There are few areas to be further considered to ensure more positive students’ OSCE experience such as revision on the time allocation for every station and on the provision of timely constructive feedback.
Does hypovitaminosis A in mothers cause congenital malformation of eye?
Authors: SHAH MEHUL , SHAH SHREYA , Desai Ashit , Khanna Ronuaq , Rathod Chetan
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Congenital malformation is important cause of child hood blindness, we would like to study factors responsible for it.Methods: This was retrospective cohort study We collected data from our hospital EMR from 2008 to 2019.WE retrieved total number of Pediatric patients outdoor and children with congenital malformed eyes. We also explored history of night blindness in mothers during pregnancy we exported data in excel sheet , type of anomalies calculated using descriptive analyses of SPSS 22.Results: Our cohort consisted of 1435(1.42%) children out of 100946 of total outdoor of pediatric ophthalmology. We found various anomalies in our analyses, out of total 423(29.47%) had history of night blindness to mother during pregnancy suggesting vitamin A deficiency. Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis A in mother has influence maldevelopment and congenital anomalies of eye based on clinical observation.
Total En Bloc Spondylectomy Combined with the Satellite Rod Technique for Spinal Tumors
Authors: Wei Hongyu , Dong Chunke , Wu Jun , Zhu Yuting , Ma Haoning
Published: August 2020

Background: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) combined with the satellite rod technique for the treatment of primary and metastatic spinal tumors.Methods: The clinical data of 15 consecutively treated patients with spinal tumors who underwent TES combined with satellite rod technique by a single posterior approach from June 2015 to September 2018were analyzed retrospectively. Radiographic parameters including the local kyphotic angle (LKA), anterior vertebral height (AVH), posterior vertebral height (PVH) and intervertebral titanium mesh cage height (ITMCH) were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale were used to assess quality of life and neurological function. The operative duration, volume of blood loss, and complications were also recorded.Results: The mean operation time and volume of blood loss were 361.7 min and 2816.7 mL, respectively. During an average follow-up of 31.1 months, 2 patients died of tumor recurrence and multiple organ metastases, while recurrence was not found in any other patients. Solid fusion was achieved in all but one patient, and no implant-related complications occurred during the follow-up. The VAS, ODI and ASIA scores significantly improved from before to after surgery (P<0.05). The LKA, AVH and PVH significantly improved from before to immediately after surgery and to the final follow-up (P<0.05), and the postoperative and final follow-up values did not significantly differ (P>0.05).Conclusions: TES combined with the satellite rod technique can yield strong three-dimensional fixation and reduce the occurrence of rod breakage, thereby improving the long-term quality of life of patients with spinal tumors.
The Correlation of Internet Addiction and Interpersonal Relationship: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hao Qinghong , Peng Wei , Wang Jun , Tu Yang , Qiu Mimi , Chen Yalin , Wang Yang , Zhu Tianmin
Published: August 2020

Background: Internet addiction has become a very serious social phenomenon. With the popularity of the internet, more and more people are addicted to the virtual network and ignore the real interpersonal communication. This has a lot of adverse effects on the healthy growth of teenagers. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis will access the problems existing in the interpersonal relationship of internet addiction and clarify the correlation between internet addiction and interpersonal disturbance.Method: We will search the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wan Fang and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). All observational studies will be included. Study quality will be assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We will use Review Manager 5.3 software for bias risk assessment and data synthesis. We will assess the between-study heterogeneity using I2 statistics. Discussion: We will synthesize the existing research to evaluate the correlation between internet addiction and interpersonal relationship of adolescents. This review will provide new ideas for the further intervention of Internet addiction to some extent.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews: CRD42020177294
A metabolomics-binding network pharmacology study of Zuojin Pill intervention in chronic atrophic gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Wu Shihua , Chen Xing , Liu Honghong , Wang Ruilin , Li Jianyu , Wen Jianxia , Yang Tao , Wei Ying , Ren Sichen , Wei Shizhang , Jing Manyi , Li Haotian , Wang Min , Xia Houlin , Zhao Yanling
Published: August 2020

Background Zuojin Pill (ZJP) is widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, while its specific mechanism has not been systematically investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of intervention of ZJP in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through metabolomics combined with network pharmacology.Materials and methods Potential metabolites and possible pathways for ZJP treatment of CAG were explored using a UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics technique. The key targeting mechanism of ZJP for CAG was explored by combining the analysis with network pharmacology.Results ZJP significantly reduced serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and iNOS, and improved pathological characteristics. Metabolomic results indicated that the therapeutic effect of ZJP was mainly related to ten metabolites, including choline, L-threonine, hydroxypyruvic acid, creatine, taurine, succinic acid, cis-aconitic acid, citric acid, succinic acid semialdehyde and uric acid. Pathway analysis showed that the treatment of CAG by ZJP was associated with taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, butanoate metabolism and purine metabolism. Validation of potential metabolic markers and key targets of network pharmacology by RT-PCR analysis showed that ZJP significantly down-regulated a series of inflammatory markers, such as MAPK1, PKIA, RB1, SCN5A, RXRA, E2F1, PTGS1, IGF2, ADRB1, ADRA1B, PTGS2, and GABRA1.Conclusion For the first time, a combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology has been used to clarify the therapeutic effects of ZJP on CAG and its relationship to the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways.
Preoperative C-reactive Protein as a Prognostic Factor in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kondo Hiroka , Hirano Yasumitsu , Ishii Toshimasa , Ishikawa Shintaro , Fujii Takatsugu , Asari Masahiro , Kataoka Atsuko , Kataoka Masahiro , Shimamura Satoshi , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: August 2020

Background: A prognosis for stage IV colorectal cancer is generally poor. As a result, the development of an appropriate treatment strategy for each individual with this disease within a limited time frame is important. In various malignancies, preoperative high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may be a possible poor prognostic factor. However, few studies have been made of CRP in stage IV cases of colorectal cancer so it is unclear whether CRP is a useful prognostic marker for this disease. Thus, the purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the preoperative CRP level and the prognosis of stage IV colorectal cancer.Patients and methods: Between April 2007 and December 2015, 384 patients with stage IV colorectal cancer who underwent primary resection were included. Patients were divided into high (HCG) and low (LCG) CRP groups based on a preoperative CRP cut-off value of ³1.0 mg/dL. Postoperative short- and long-term results were examined retrospectively.Results: Preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were higher in HCG; the number of R0 surgical resections of distant metastases was smaller. The 5-year survival rate was 24.6% for HCG and 36.7% for LCG, indicating the survival rate for HCG was lower. A multivariate analysis of factors affecting survival rates identified CRP >1.0, histopathological type, positive venous infiltration, and R0 inoperability as risk factors. The rate of R0 resection was higher in LCG. Concerning R0 resection patients, differences between HCG and LCG with regard to background factors, including preoperative CEA levels, were not found. In terms of long-term survival, a significant difference in overall survival between the two groups was not observed. The study was limited to patients who were unable to undergo R0 surgery. Preoperative CEA levels were higher in HCG while the postoperative chemotherapy induction rate was lower. HCG also showed a significantly lower survival rate than LCG. Multivariate analysis showed that CRP levels above 1.0 mg/dL, poorly differentiated histopathology, and the absence of chemotherapy were risk factors affecting overall survival.Conclusion: These results suggest that the preoperative CRP level may be a useful biomarker for the prognosis of incurable stage IV colorectal cancer.
Perioperative Risk Factors of Psychological Distress in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Ohkura Yu , Shindoh Junichi , Ichikura Kanako , Udagawa Harushi , Ueno Masaki , Matsushima Eisuke
Published: August 2020

Background:Esophageal cancer patients often feel depressed and are fearful of metastasis and death. The objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics of patients with psychological distress at all 5time points compared with patients with no psychological distress especially from standpoints of personal coping styles and QOL.Methods:In total, 102 of 152 consecutive patients who attended the outpatient clinic at Toranomon Hospital between April 2017 and April 2019 met eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. Questionnaires designed to identify psychological distress(HADS-scores) and assess QOL(EORTC QLQ C-30/OES18) were administered at 5 time points from the time of the first outpatient consultation to 3 months after esophagectomy. The questionnaire of coping strategies(MAC-scales) was administered at only Time1 point.Results:Based on the trends of HADS-scores, we defined two groups:“persistent high-HAD scores” and “persistent low-HADS scores”. There are strong relationships between psychological distress and coping strategy, and psychological distress and QOL. The possibility that there are relationships between stress coping strategies and some QOL status depending on some point of treatment.Conclusions:The psychological distress during treatment course of esophageal cancer is significantly associated with the coping strategies and QOL influenced by esophagectomy. This study can provide baseline information for identifying patients in need of psychological management and paves the way for larger clinical studies in the future.
Association of Hypertension and Hypertriglyceridemia on Incident Hyperuricemia: An 8-year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Miaomiao , Yu Xiawen , Wei Fengjiang , Chen Chen , Zhang Kai , Feng Shuzhi , Wang Yaogang , Li Wei-Dong
Published: August 2020

BackgroundHypertension and high triglyceride are two of the most important risk factors for hyperuricemia. Epidemiological records show that hypertension and dyslipidemia often coexist and may significantly increase the risk of target organ damage. However, their combined effect on incident hyperuricemia is poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the separate and combined effect of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia on the incidence of hyperuricemia.MethodsA prospective cohort study of 6424 hyperuricemia-free participants aged 20 to 94 years between August 2009 and October 2017 was performed at Tianjin General Hospital of China. Participants were categorized into four groups by combining hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia status at baseline. The restricted cubic spline fitting Cox regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between blood pressure and triglyceride and hyperuricemia. Cox regression models were performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confident intervals (CIs) to estimate baseline factors and their association with the incidence of hyperuricemia. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to compare the incidence of hyperuricemia among subjects in each separate and combined hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia group.ResultsDuring the 8-year follow-up period, 1,259 subjects developed hyperuricemia (20.6%). There existed positive relationships between blood pressure and triglyceride levels and hyperuricemia. This risk factor arising from a combination of the two (HR, 3.02; 95% CI: 2.60-3.50) is greater than that from hypertension (HR, 1.48; 95% CI: 1.28-1.71) or hypertriglyceridemia (HR, 1.84; 95% CI: 1.55-2.18) separately. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that combined effect of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia may predict higher onset of hyperuricemia.ConclusionThe combined effect of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of hyperuricemia is much stronger than that by hypertension or hypertriglyceridemia separately. Hypertension combined with hypertriglyceridemia may be an independent and powerful predictor for hyperuricemia.
In silico analysis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of the SARS-CoV-2 and potentiality of the pre-existing drugs
Authors: Mukhoty Samyabrata , Sen Madhab Kumar , Ghosh Subhajit , Kundu Himangsu , Das Suvankar , Mondal Sunil Kanti
Published: August 2020

Background: The alarming increase in the number of SARS-CoV-2 cases worldwide, urgently demands far-reaching effective strategies to win the battle against emerging as well as re-emerging diseases. Many research laboratories are conducting clinical trials with different drugs, among which some became quite interestingly effective against this pandemic. Our aim is to investigate the potentiality of the pre-existing drugs and get a clear understanding of their effects on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) alogwith molecular phylogeny analysis were performed using homologous sequences to identify the mutations within RdRp and evolutionary relationship. Based on the published literatures, we have chosen eight drug molecules like Ribavirin, Tenofovir, Sofosbuvir, IDX-184, YAK, Setrobuvir, Remdesivir and Galidesivir. Series of molecular docking studies between template RNA and RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 has been performed in absence or presence of those drugs and cofactors nsp7 and nsp8.Results: From MSA 13 exclusive mutations identified within RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 and phylogeny reveals its close relation with Bat coronavirus RaTG13. The interaction affinities and interacting residues as obtained from systematic molecular docking study led to a conclusion that the chosen drugs can prove to be effective against this pandemic partially. Conclusion: Therefore, designing of inhibitors which will specifically act against nsp12 and lower the binding affinity of nsp12 towards RNA template is necessary. In this article we additionally focus on the nsp7-8 hexadecameric complex and had suggested a list of amino acid residues of nsp12 and nsp7-8 complex to develop far-reaching effective drugs.
Physiological Effects of the Electrogenic Current Generated by the Na /K Pump in Mammalian Articular Chondrocytes
Authors: Maleckar Mary M , Martín-Vasallo Pablo , Giles Wayne R , Mobasheri Ali
Published: August 2020

Background: Although the chondrocyte is a non-excitable cell, there is strong interest in gaining detailed knowledge of its ion pumps, channels, exchangers and transporters. In combination, these transport mechanisms set the resting potential, regulate cell volume and strongly modulate responses of the chondrocyte to endocrine agents and physicochemical alterations in the surrounding extracellular micro-environment.Materials and Methods: Mathematical modeling was used to assess the functional roles of energy-requiring active transport, the Na+/K+ pump, in chondrocytes.Results: Our findings illustrate plausible physiological roles for the Na+/K+ pump in regulating the resting membrane potential and suggest ways in which specific molecular components of pump can respond to the unique electrochemical environment of the chondrocyte.Conclusion: This analysis provides a basis for linking chondrocyte electrophysiology to metabolism and yields insights into novel ways of manipulating or regulating responsiveness to external stimuli both under baseline conditions and in chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA).
H2V, a Database for Human Proteins and Genes in Response to SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV Infection
Authors: Zhou Nan , Bao Jinku , Ning Yuping
Published: August 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the world is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus firstly discovered in the end of 2019. It has led to more than 10 million confirmed cases and more than 500,000 confirmed deaths across 216 countries by 1 July 2020, according to WHO statistics. SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV are alike, killing people, impairing economy, and inflicting long-term impacts on the society. However, no specific drug or vaccine has been approved as a cure for these viruses. The efforts to develop antiviral measures are hampered by insufficient understanding of molecular responses of human to viral infections. In this study, we collected experimentally validated human proteins that interact with SARS-CoV-2 proteins, human proteins whose expression, translation and phosphorylation levels experience significantly changes after SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV infection, human proteins that correlate with COVID-19 severity, and human genes whose expression levels significantly changed upon SARS-CoV-2 or MERS-CoV infection. A database, H2V, was then developed for easy access to these data. Currently H2V includes: 332 human-SARS-CoV-2 protein-protein interactions; 65 differentially expressed proteins, 232 differentially translated proteins, 1298 differentially phosphorylated proteins, 204 severity associated proteins, and 4012 differentially expressed genes responding to SARS-CoV-2 infection; 66 differentially expressed proteins responding to SARS-CoV infection; and 6981 differentially expressed genes responding to MERS-CoV infection. H2V can help to understand the cellular responses associated with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infection. It is expected to speed up the development of antiviral agents and shed light on the preparation for potential coronavirus emergency in the future.Database url: http://www.zhounan.org/h2v
Full-Fat Insect Meal as a Protein and Energy Source for Weaned Piglets: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gastrointestinal Function and Microbiota
Authors: Håkenåsen Ingrid Marie , Grepperud Guro Holseth , Hansen Jon Øvrum , Øverland Margareth , Ånestad Ragnhild Martinsen , Mydland Liv Torunn
Published: August 2020

Background: Weaning is associated with growth decline and morphological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of the pig. Insects, such as the Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), are suggested as a sustainable novel protein source in diets for pigs. They contain chitin, medium chained fatty acids, and anti-microbial peptides, which could improve the gastrointestinal function and health in the post-weaning pig. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the effect of increasing inclusion of full-fat BSFL in diets for post-weaning pigs on growth performance parameters, digestibility, gut morphology, and the microbial community in the colon. Eighty crossbred weanling pigs were weaned at approximately 32 days of age, with an average weaning weight of 10.6 ± 0.8 kg. For four weeks, the pigs were fed one of four dietary treatments: a control diet or one of three diets containing an increasing amount of full-fat BSFL meal: 4.76% (BSFL5), 9.52% (BSFL10), and 19.06% (BSFL20). Results: Increased level of full-fat BSFL in the diet did not affect growth performance or fecal consistency. A reduction in apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (P = 0.035) was found for increased inclusion of BSFL, whereas the ATTD of crude fat increased (P<0.001). Jejunal, ileal, or colonic morphometry was not affected by the BSFL inclusion. Some changes in the colon microbiota were observed, but no differences in the short-chain fatty acid concentrations were detected between the dietary treatments. At the phylum level, dietary treatment affected the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Campilobacteria, and Thermoplasmatota, but there was no clear pattern relationship with the BSFL inclusion level. At the genus level, the inclusion of BSFL in the diet reduced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P = 0.015) compared to the control. Conclusions: Collectively, the results indicate that up to 19.06% of full-fat BSFL meal could be included in a balanced diet for PW pigs without affecting growth performance, gut function, or health.
Frost Technique H versus Technique V in Anesthetic Block of the First Toe: A Comparative Study.
Authors: Sanchez Sergi , Giralt Enric
Published: August 2020

BlackgroundThis study aims to compare 2 methods of anesthetic block in the first toe in patients with onychocryptosis.MethodsA total of 70 ingrown toenails of the first toe in 59 patients underwent a digital anesthetic block using the V technique, while 70 ingrown toenails of the first toe in 57 patients underwent a digital anesthetic block using the H technique. As study variables, the effectiveness of the anesthetic block of the first toe was evaluated at 10 and 20 minutes after each of the techniques.ResultsAn anesthetic block efficacy of 58.6% was observed at 10 minutes and 85.7% at 20 minutes in group V technique, while technique H observed efficacy at 10 minutes. 51.4% and 72.9% and at 20 minutes.ConclusionsTechnique V appears to be superior to technique H by 7.2% at 10 minutes and 12.8% at 20 minutes after anesthetic block.Trial registrationsEthical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the University of Barcelona with the registration number IRB00003099 and the Ethical Committee for Research with Medicines from the Hospital Clínico de Barcelona with the number HCB / 2019/0051. All patients signed informed consents.
COVIDScreen: Explainable deep learning framework for differential diagnosis of COVID-19 using chest X-Rays
Authors: Singh Rajeev Kumar , Pandey Rohan , Babu Rishie Nandhan
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 has emerged as a global crisis with unprecedented socio-economic challenges, jeopardizing our lives and livelihoods for years to come. The unavailability of vaccines for COVID-19 has rendered rapid testing of the population instrumental in order to contain the exponential rise in cases of infection. Shortage of RT-PCR test kits and delay in obtaining test results calls for alternative methods of rapid and reliable diagnosis. In this article, we propose a novel Deep Learning based solution to rapidly classify COVID -19 patient using chest X-Ray. The proposed solution uses image enhancement, image segmentation and employs a modified stacked ensemble model consisting of four CNN base-learners along with Naive Bayes as meta-learner to classify Chest X-Ray into three classes viz. COVID-19, Pneumonia and Normal. An effective pruning strategy as introduced in the proposed framework results in increased model performance, generalisability, and decreased model complexity. We incorporate explainability in our article by using Grad-CAM visualisation in order to establish trust in the medical AI system. Furthermore, we evaluate multiple state of the art GAN architectures and their ability to generate realistic synthetic samples of COVID-19 chest X-Rays to deal with limited numbers of training samples. The proposed solution significantly outperforms existing methods, with 98.67\% accuracy, 0.98 Kappa score, and F-1 scores of 100, 98, and 98 for COVID-19, Normal, and Pneumonia classes respectively on standard datasets. The proposed solution can be used as one element of patient evaluation along with gold standard clinical and laboratory testing.
Effect of Harvest Schedule on Organic Kale Grown during the Winter in High Tunnels
Authors: Heyduck Robert F. , VanLeeuwen Dawn , Guldan Steven J.
Published: August 2020

We examined the effect of harvest schedule on the yield of ‘Red Russian’ kale (Brassica napus ssp. napus var. pabularia) grown during the winter in 16 × 32-ft high tunnels in northern New Mexico. We conducted the study for two growing seasons: 2013–14 and 2014–15. All plots were sown on 16 Oct. and harvested four times according to four harvest schedules: A) 8, 16, 20, and 24 weeks after sowing; B) 10, 17, 21, and 25 weeks after sowing; C) 12, 18, 22, and 26 weeks after sowing; and D) 14, 19, 23, and 27 weeks after sowing. The first harvest of each treatment was the greatest, averaging 216 g/ft2, compared with 88, 109, and 104 g/ft2 for harvests 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Season total yield of treatments B, C, and D (harvests beginning at 10, 12, and 14 weeks after sowing) yielded significantly more than treatment A, but only in year 2, when delayed growth resulted in very low yields for treatment A at harvest 1. Considering the entire 240-ft2 cropped area of the high tunnel, staggered harvests of 60 ft2 at a time can yield 2.6 to 17.5 kg per harvest or up to 124 kg over an entire season. Although we examined the yield of mature leaves, harvests could possibly begin earlier than in this study for “baby” kale or salad mixes, and the area harvested could be tailored to plant growth stage and market demand.
Raman spectroscopy study of manganese oxides: Layer structures
Authors: Post Jeffrey E. , McKeown David A. , Heaney Peter J.
Published: August 2020

Raman spectra were collected for an extensive set of well-characterized layer-structure Mn oxide mineral species (phyllomanganates) employing a range of data collection conditions. We show that the application of various laser wavelengths, such as 785, 633, and 532 nm, at low power levels (30–500 μW) in conjunction with the comprehensive database of standard spectra presented here, makes it possible to distinguish and identify the various phyllomanganate minerals. The Raman mode relative intensities can vary significantly as a function of crystal orientation relative to the incident laser light polarization direction as well as incident laser light wavelength. Consequently, phase identification success is enhanced when using a standards database that includes multiple spectra collected for different crystal orientations and with different laser light wavelengths. The position of the highest frequency Raman mode near 630–665 cm–1 shows a strong linear correlation with the fraction of Mn3+ in the octahedral Mn sites. With the comprehensive Raman database of well-characterized Mn oxide standards provided here (and available online as Online Material1), and use of appropriate data collection conditions, micro-Raman is a powerful tool for identification and characterization of biotic and abiotic Mn oxide phases from diverse natural settings, including on other planets, as well as for laboratory and industrial materials.
CAPTURING TUBERCULAR MENINGITIS PROGRESSION IN CHILDREN WITH MULTI-SLICED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (MSCT) SCAN: A PROSPECTIVE CASE REPORT
Authors: Ranuh Sherlyta Revania
Published: August 2020

Background: Tubercular meningitis in children poses a diagnostic challenge, either for its detection and follow-up. Neuroimaging is essential in the diagnosis process and early identification of complication or sequelae. Computed tomography (CT) scan is widely available in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Indonesia, which would improve the management of paediatric tubercular meningitis case.

Objective: To describe the clinical progression of a child with tubercular meningitis from detection to sequelae at Bethesda Hospital, Yogyakarta.

Case description: A 7-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency unit with acute headache, vomiting, and prolonged fever. Tuberculosis transmission indicated from the mother, which on TB treatment. Non-contrast multi-sliced computed tomography (MSCT) scan was performed on the first-day admission, on the 8th day of admission, before and after VP-shunt procedure for life-threatening hydrocephalus and the follow-up. There was an obvious disease progression shown by CT scan from the early stage, the onset of hydrocephalus, deteriorating hydrocephalus, and post-VP-shunt procedure. The periventricular infarct extended over time, concordant with worsening symptoms.

Conclusion: Paediatric tubercular meningitis diagnosis relies on accurate neuroimaging studies to identify the specific sign. In the disease progression, the sign as early as slight hyperdensity should lead to meningitis diagnosis, and earlier treatment of hydrocephalus might prevent further debilitating sequelae or even fatal complications of tubercular meningitis.
DIFFUSE-WEIGHTED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (DW-MRI) FOR CRYPTOGENIC STROKE DIAGNOSIS IN YOUNG ADULT FEMALE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Silalahi Lothar Matheus Manson Vanende
Published: August 2020

Background: Ischaemic stroke is caused by various aetiology. Cryptogenic stroke diagnosis is established when no aetiologies are discovered although clinical manifestations are consistent with acute stroke. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is one neuroimaging modalities which could be useful in exploring aetiology instead of excluding intracranial haemorrhage. There are many conflicting pieces of evidence of the benefit using DW-MRI to confirm the presence or the absence of brain lesions.

Objective: To report a clinical case of ischemic stroke with negative evaluation on advanced neuroimaging studies (DW-MRI).

Case Description: A female, 35 years old, presented to the emergency unit with a 6 hours history of prickling sensation before admission. There were no risk factors of stroke, and no other neurological symptoms. The neurologic examination reveals left hemihypesthesia, with normal results on laboratory examination for stroke risk factors and negative ischemic lesion on brain DW-MRI. Explorative examination on cardiac aetiologies was negative. Patient was given a standard regimen for acute stroke management despite the negative results and established as a cryptogenic stroke case.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of ischemic stroke should rely mainly on clinical findings, with consideration of cryptogenic stroke when there is no aetiology found after thorough examination. Nevertheless, comprehensive examination on cardiac function and coagulation tests should be performed whenever possible to determine the cause of ischaemic stroke.
OPTIMAL CONDITION FOR MULTIPLEX POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) IN DETECTING ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES, TRICHURIS TRICHIURA, AND NECATOR AMERICANUS IN PRESERVED STOOL
Authors: Sooai Christiane Marlene , M Elsa Herdiana , Supargiyono Supargiyono
Published: August 2020

Background: Multiplex PCR examination is one of the molecular examination methodologies applied to detect soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection. Optimization of the multiplex PCR method is a complex process, but it is necessary to obtain both a correct detection process and a satisfactory DNA product.

Objective: To determine whether multiplex PCR can be optimized to diagnose STH from Indonesian isolates, and to find the optimal method for detection of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and N. americanus infections in stool that have been stored for 3 years.

Methods: A total of 15 samples were examined, and these samples were previously examined by using a microscopic method, then continued with optimization steps.

Result: The optimal PCR mixture used primers targeting COI gene for A. lumbricoides, 18S rDNA for T. trichiura and ITS1 for N. americanus, 15 Âµl of Go Taq Green Master Mix, 5 Âµl of the 3 pairs of primers, 5 Âµl of DNA template and 4 Âµl of DdH2O, and the condition was 30 minutes of 950C denaturation, 30 second of 530C annealing and 1 minute of 720C extension, repeated for 35 cycles.

Conclusion: Multiplex PCR can be optimized for STH detection from Indonesian isolates. The successful detection using the multiplex PCR method was influenced by sample preparation prior to DNA isolation, which includes several steps i.e. homogenization of samples using bead beaters and passing samples on liquid nitrogen rapidly.
SMEs debt financing in the EU: on the eve of the coronacrisis
Authors: Polishchuk Yevheniia , Kornyliuk Anna , Lopashchuk Inna , Pinchuk Alina
Published: August 2020

SMEs are the main drivers of economic development. As the debt crisis and coronavirus crisis show, despite their importance, they are extremely sensitive to economic downturns. Therefore, SMEs need to be supported through various tools. The paper is aimed at evaluating the SMEs’ bank and governmental support in the northern and southern EU countries in two crisis periods and assessing the financial state of SMEs on the eve of coronacrisis using micro-level data. It was proved that bank loans and credit lines remain the main sources of SMEs’ financing. After the debt crisis, banks are becoming more loyal to SMEs.It was proved that SMEs from the northern EU countries suffered less from the previous crisis and therefore started their recovery earlier than the southern ones in terms of profitability, liquidity and debt burden. In addition, it was shown that both groups on the eve of the new turbulence period were in better financial state compared to the previous debt crisis. The southern EU countries suffered more from both crises. At the same time, due to effective governmental support and bank loyalty, their SMEs entered the coronacrisis at the same level of financial stability as the northern ones. Since the new support measures are concentrated primarily in the banking sector through loan guarantee schemes and reduced interest rates, it is essential to provide debt financing to high-quality borrowers and avoid the debt crisis in southern counties.
Assessment of the reforms and programs results of Ukraine’s economy sustainable development by means of neural networks
Authors: Skliar Iryna , Pedchenko Nataliya , Strilec Victoria , Novikova Victoria , Kozmenko Yevhenii
Published: August 2020

It is necessary to choose proper methodology and indicators for assessing sustainable economic development as the information becomes a tool for decision-making support of sustainable development policies and implementation of programs. In Ukraine, evaluating the results of implementation of different programs for development is essential as an analytical basis for making a strategy for the next period and a prerequisite for further progress.Certain shortcomings of linear models for evaluating the results appeared during the design and implementation of the strategy to manage sustainable economic development. The potential for establishing erroneous targets increases in the formation of strategic objectives for the next forecast period. There is a special need to choose adequate indicators to comprehensively approximate the factors of economic development and evaluation methods that allow more sensitively measuring the results of management decisions in the implementation of the strategy.The article evaluates the results of the Sustainable Development Strategy “Ukraine – 2020”, employing the potential of the neural network method for a flexible combination of a large number of factors in constructing nonlinear models of impact on the resulting indicator. As a result of applying the neural network model with one hidden layer for evaluation, based on 16 indicators identifying economic, social, and institutional aspects of sustainable development of Ukraine, it was found that institutional transformations contribute most to achieving sustainable development. Reforms in terms of deregulation and support of entrepreneurship, property rights protection, and competitive environment have the most significant positive impact. On the other hand, low efficiency of capital market reforms, implementation of the energy efficiency program, and reform in the field of public procurement determine the need to revise the program of their fulfilment.
Limitations and Flaws of Preclinical Pulmonary Hypertension Studies
Authors: Shimauchi Tsukasa , Potus François , Bonnet Sébastien , Provencher Steeve , Paulin Roxane , Boucherat Olivier
Published: August 2020

Despite advances in our understanding of the disease, significant therapeutic gaps remain for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Indeed, no cure exists yet for this devastating disease, and very few innovative therapies beyond the traditional pathways of endothelial dysfunction have reached late clinical trial phases in PAH. While there are inherent limitations to the currently available animal models of PAH, the delayed translation of innovative therapies to the clinic may also relate to flawed preclinical research methodologies. The present article discusses the limitations and flaws in the design of preclinical PH trials and discusses opportunities to create preclinical studies with improved predictive value in identifying key mechanisms involved in PAH development and progression and guiding early phase drug development in PAH patients. The implementation of rigorous study design will need support not only from researchers, peer reviewers, and editors, but also from academic institutions, funding agencies, and animal ethics authorities.
Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions for Annulative π -Extension of Indoles to Carbazoles through C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Dinda Enakshi , Bhunia Samir Kumar , Jana Ranjan
Published: August 2020

The annulative π-extension (APEX) reactions through C-H bond activation has
tremendous potential to access fused aromatic systems from relatively simple aromatic
compounds in a single step. This state-of-the-art technique has the ability to streamline the
synthesis of functionalized materials useful in material science, biomedical research, agroand
pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, C-H activation strategy does not require prefunctionalization
steps, which allows for the late-stage modification of the functional
molecule with requisite molecular properties. Owing to their unique photophysical properties,
carbazoles are widely used in photovoltaic cells, biomedical imaging, fluorescent
polymer, etc. It is also ubiquitously found in many natural products, agrochemicals and
privileged medicinal scaffolds. Hence, direct conversion of easily accessible indole to carbazole
remains an active research area. In the last decades, significant advancement has
been made to access carbazole moiety directly from indole through cascade C-H activation. The underlying
mechanism behind this cascade π-extension strategy is the facile electrophilic metalation at the C-3 position of
the indole moiety, 1,2- migration and electro cyclization. In this review, we will discuss recent literature reports
for the palladium-catalyzed π-extension of indole to carbazole moiety through C-H bond activation.
Betulinic Acid Nanogels: Rheological, Microstructural Characterization and Evaluation of their Anti-inflammatory Activity
Authors: Sosa-Gutierrez Dalis S. , Toro-Vazquez Jorge F. , Cano-Sarmiento Cynthia , Grube-Pagola Peter , Aparicio-Saguilan Alejandro , Torres-Palacios Cristobal , Acosta-Osorio Andres A. , Garcia Hugo S.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Betulinic Acid (BA) is a lipophilic compound with proven beneficial results in
topical inflammation. Nanogels (NG) are carriers of bioactive compounds with properties that make
them good candidates to treat skin diseases.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of BA carried in
NG.

Methods:

NG were composed of a nanoemulsion and a crosslinking agent (Carbopol 940®) applied at
three concentrations (0.5, 1, and 1.5 %) and three activation times (6, 12 and 24 h). In order to select the
optimal formulation, the NG were characterized mechanically and micro-structurally followed by
evaluation of the BA anti-inflammatory activity in an in vivo model of auricular edema. We determined
the edema inhibition activity as percent weight. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of NG was
validated through histological analysis.

Results:

The formulation with the best viscoelastic properties was the one prepared with 0.5% carbopol
and 6 h of activation. Microstructural examination of this formulation showed mostly spherical structures
with a mean diameter of 65 nm. From the evaluation of edema and the histological analyses, we
established that the NG of BA produced 52% inhibition. In contrast, a conventional gel and free BA
produced 28% and 19% inhibition, respectively.

Conclusion:

The NG of BA were found to be good vehicles to treat skin inflammation.
Recent Advances in Drug Discovery and Cancer Diagnoses
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chai Haiting
Published: August 2020

This editorial provides a brief overview of the thematic issue and the papers in it. The thematic issue is proposed to help chemists and biologists track the most recent advances in drug discovery and cancer diagnoses. The process of drug discovery involves the identification and validation of biological targets, the identification and optimization of lead compounds, preclinical development, and clinical trials. Cancer is a major public health problem in the world. The results of tissue diagnosis, blood tests, computed tomography scans, and cytogenetic analyses can provide informative clues about molecular changes and indicate proper prognoses. Timely detection of cancer significantly improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage thus contributing greatly to the prevention and exacerbation and has become an important public health strategy in all settings. The collection of this thematic issue includes five articles. The first one reviews the current advances and limitations of deep learning in anticancer drug sensitivity prediction. The next review summarizes the most recent and high-quality research related to anticancer activities of Vitamin C. The third one reports the efficacy of two different sets of natural products (terpenoids and flavonoids) towards caspase-3 activity. The fourth one proposes a novel in silico method for predicting cancer biomarkers in human body fluids. The fifth article performs an in silico and in vitro investigation on isothymusin, which serves as a potential inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Quinazoline-4[3H]-one Derivatives
Authors: Chaudhary Cheenu , Kumar Sushil , Kumar Surendra , Hashim S. Riaz
Published: August 2020

The present investigation aimed to synthesize quinazoline-4(3H)-one derivatives (B1-10)
and evaluated their antimicrobial activity. The test compounds (B1-10) were obtained by reaction of 2-
phenyl-4H-benzo[d] [1, 3]oxazin-4-one (1) with 4-aminophenol (2) to afford 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-
phenylquinazoline-4(3H)-one (3) which were further reacted with different N-phenylacetamide (4) in
the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate and a catalytic amount of potassium iodide in ethylmethylketone.
The test compounds (B1-10) were characterized by the spectroscopic method and evaluated
for their antimicrobial activity using the cup plate method by measuring the zone of inhibition. Among
the compounds, compound B1, B2, B4, B6, and B8 showed maximum zone of inhibition as compared
to standard drug ciprofloxacin and fluconazole against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus
niger. Molecular docking was also performed for test compounds to predict their binding affinities
in the target protein and results showed good drug-like properties.
A Novel GLP-1R/fHCS Method to Determine the Bioactivity of Glucagon- Like Peptide 1(GLP-1) Analogous Drugs In Vitro
Authors: Wang Jie , Lu Ping , Zhang Shengting , Li Wanwan , Ji Xiuling , Li Jing , Zhang Hui , Wei Yunlin , Liang Chenggang
Published: August 2020

Background:

Current methods for assaying bioactivity of GLP-1 analogues are costly
and time consuming, mainly dependent on AlphaScreen luminous beads, based on fluorescent resonance
energy transfer technology, and cAMP-GloTM Max assay kit, and on ATP to generate a negative-
association curve.

Objective:

To establish a sensitive, stable, and low-cost method for the determination of biological
activity of therapeutic glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) and their analogous drugs in vitro in quality
control.

Methods:

An applicable fluorescent high-content system (fHCS) method was developed in U2OS
cell, which was stably transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled at the C-terminal of
glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). HCS was firstly used to measure per unit area of fluorescent
intensity changes as a result of drug-stimulated receptor endocytosis.

Results:

The detection sensitivity improved at least 30 folds than other reported methods. This method showed a wide
detection range with a good linear regression of R2 >0.98. In five scgs from 50~150% SCG, the accuracy achieved the
standard of the 41th United States Pharmacopoeia with all biases being less than 7.5%. The precision attained to the 9.0th
European Pharmacopoeia standard with all relative standard deviations (RSD)s below 10%. This assay result can keep
stable over 100 h at room temperature. Furthermore, the U2OS/GLP-1R cells showed a sharp specificity towards GLP-1
analogues during detecting activities in a mixture of different ligands.

Conclusion:

These results suggested that the GLP-1R/fHCS method can be employed broadly in
the bioactivity determination of GLP-1 analogous drugs and as a platform for screening GLP-1 similar
active ingredients in natural products.