bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Usage of ITN for Malaria Control by Pregnant Women in South East Nigeria.
Authors: Eleazar Clara , Emenuga Veronica Ngozi , Udoh Iniekong Philip , Ndilemeni
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe National Malaria Strategic Plan for Malaria Control in Nigeria conducted an intervention package to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50% by the year 2020, by ensuring that at least 80% of the targeted populations utilize appropriate preventive measures. This study was aimed at reviewing the success of insecticide treated net (ITN) malaria control efforts and understanding the failures and the need to boost up the intervention measures.MethodsThe research design used for this study was the descriptive method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 318 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. ResultsAmongst the respondents, 180 (56.6%) owned an ITN while 138 (43.4%) did not. A greater percentage (72.9%) of those who had positive attitude resulting in usage of ITNs purchased their nets themselves, only 8.4% of mothers who received their ITNs free of charge used the net, (P=0.159). Dislike of usage by spouses (63.3%), hot weather discomfort (17.8%) and forgetfulness (17.2%) were some of the factors that contributed to failures of net usage by the pregnant women. Conclusion﻿Cost Free distribution of ITN did not necessarily improve usage. Rather, success of this strategy will require carrying out more awareness campaign.
Cognition and Implementation of Protective Measures for Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries of Ice Hockey Players in Primary and Secondary Schools in Beijing(10-12)
Authors: Li Bing , Bai Xue , Sun Hui , Cui Chunyan , Liu Weihong
Published: October 2020

Objective: Through a cross-sectional investigation on the cognition and implementation of sports related oral and maxillofacial injury prevention measures of ice hockey players in primary and secondary schools in Beijing, this paper discusses the effective methods to improve the safety of juvenile ice hockey sports and reduce the incidence of oral and maxillofacial injuries such as tooth avulsion, tooth fracture and jaw fracture. Methods: using convenient sampling method, obtain the consent of young ice hockey players from 5 primary and secondary schools and 6 special sports training institutions in Beijing, and issue questionnaires. 280 valid questionnaires were collected. Results: only 12.50% of the young people often wear the mouth guard in ice hockey. 62.50% of the juvenile ice hockey players never wear the mouth guard. 43.58% of the respondents did not know the risk of sports related oral injury. The necessity of not removing teeth protection is the important reason why the athletes did not wear the protective gear (89.64%). The inconsistent behaviour with other teammates (67.14%) was the psychological factor of young athletes' refusal to wear the mouth guard. Wearing discomfort (34.33%) and communication influence (33.14%) should not be ignored. Therefore, the most effective way to promote the young athletes to wear the mouth guard is to establish and enforce the standards of the relevant management organizations (77.14%). Conclusion: young ice hockey players in our city are lack of knowledge about sports related oral injury and effective protective measures, and there is a high risk of sports. It is the most effective way to improve the compliance of athletes to wear the protective gear to draw up and supervise the relevant standards of Ice Hockey Association and coach's guidance. There is a great space for the dental staff to improve the denture bracket, improve the wearing comfort, expand the health guidance efficiency of the dental staff, and promote the oral health of the whole people.
Psychological distress related to the COVID-19 epidemic in an Italian population of People Living with HIV: an online survey
Authors: Donne Valentina Delle , Ciccarelli Nicoletta , Massaroni Valentina , Lombardi Francesca , Lamonica Silvia , Borghetti Alberto , Fabbiani Massimiliano , Cauda Roberto , Giambenedetto Simona Di
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Our aim was to explore the psychological impact of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on People Living with HIV (PLWH), a population at increased risk of psychological distress.Methods: PLWH participated to an online survey exploring demographic and clinical data, physical symptoms, contact history, knowledge and concerns, precautionary measures and additional information about COVID-19 during the first phase of the pandemic in Italy. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) (identifying COVID-19 pandemic as specific traumatic life event) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were also comprised. Results: Out of 98 participants, 45% revealed from mild to severe psychological impact from COVID-19 according to IES-R. A lower percentage, instead, complained significant levels of depression (14%), anxiety (11%) or stress (6%) according to DASS-21. Aging, education, being unemployed, number of possible COVID-19 physical symptoms, concerns about risk of contracting COVID-19 and pandemic situation in Italy, and needing additional information to prevent COVID-19 infection were positively associated to a higher risk of negative psychological impact. Moreover, female gender, fewer years from HIV diagnosis and not being aware of own viremia were associated to a higher risk of negative psychological outcomes.Conclusion: Almost half of our PLWH sample experienced significant levels of distress related to COVID-19 pandemic. Women and those with recent HIV diagnosis seem the more psychological fragile subgroup. Our findings could help to identify patients most in need of psychological interventions to improve wellbeing of PLWH.
Angioplasty for the Treatment of Left Brachiocephalic Vein Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Gui Long , Xu Hongbo , Ning Chengdong , Huang Niuliu , Pan Yu
Published: October 2020

Background: Brachiocephalic vein tumor is a rare vascular malformation, which is often reported in case reports. At present it has attracted much attention due to the serious complications, such as vein tumor rupture, pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, etc. We report a case of left brachiocephalic vein tumor with compression symptoms.Case presentation: a 52-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital with irritating cough for more than one month. Chest contrast-enhanced CT showed a localized expansion of 5.2cm in diameter of the left brachiocephalic vein in the anterior mediastinum. The patient received venous angioplasty with brachiocephalic vein tumor resection, and the postoperative recovery was well.Conclusion: Surgical operation is an effecive treatment method for brachiocephalic vein tumor, but it is still necessary to choose the appropriate way according to the type, size, location, lesion scope and complications of the vein tumor.
Utilization of POCUS in a Specialist Palliative Care Setting: A Retrospective Chart Review.
Authors: Arya Amit , Davey John Roderick , Sharma Achal , Dosani Naheed , Grewal Dilnoor , Afzal Aysha , Bhargava Ravi , Chasen Martin
Published: October 2020

Background: The use of Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has increased rapidly across various medical disciplines due to technological advancements providing high quality POCUS units. POCUS can help clinicians at the bed side with information regarding patient management in real time. However, literature reveals scant evidence of POCUS use in Palliative Care. This study’s objective was to examine the use of POCUS in a specialist palliative care setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 to evaluate characteristics of patients for whom POCUS was utilized. These patients were identified through pre-existing logs and descriptive information was collected from the electronic health records. This included demographic information, life-limiting diagnosis, patient assessment location, diagnosis made with POCUS and, if applicable, volume of fluid drained.Results: We identified 126 uses of POCUS in 89 unique patients. 62 patients (69.7%) had a cancer diagnosis, with patients most commonly suffering from GI, Lung and Breast pathologies. 61 POCUS cases (48.4%) were in the outpatient setting. 81 POCUS cases (64.3%) revealed a diagnosis of ascites and 21 POCUS cases (16.7%) revealed a diagnosis of pleural effusion. Other diagnoses made with POCUS included bowel obstruction, pneumonia and congestive heart failure. During the study period, 52 paracentesis and 7 thoracentesis procedures were performed using POCUS guidance.Conclusion: We identified multiple indications in our specialist palliative care setting where POCUS aided in diagnosis/management of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Further studies can be conducted to identify the potential benefits in symptom burden, patient & caregiver satisfaction and health care utilization in palliative care patients receiving POCUS.
Deficient DNA mismatch repair and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding: A case report of Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer with COVID-19 infection.
Authors: Haque Farzana , Lillie Patrick , Haque Farhana , Maraveyas Anthony
Published: October 2020

Background:Several independent risk factors have been reported to influence viral shedding following COVID-19 infection, but host related molecular factors have not been described yet. We report a case of a cancer patient with Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC) who manifested SARS-COV-2 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) positivity for at least 54 days after contracting mild COVID-19 illness and propose that deficient mismatch repair (MMR) may have a role in the prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding.Case Presentation:A patient with Lynch syndrome was on surveillance for metastatic adenocarcinoma after completion of palliative chemotherapy in October 2019. Between the period of April 2020 to June 2020, he required multiple admissions addressing several clinical needs mainly related to his underlying malignancy. These included progressive disease in the interaortocaval lymph nodes leading to recurrent episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration resulting in acute kidney injury and a short-lived episode of pyrexia. A SARS-COV-2 PCR of the nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) was positive at his initial admission with mild COVID-19 symptoms. He remained positive on subsequent admissions when tested routinely for SARS-COV-2 without demonstrating any obvious clinical features of COVID-19 infection.The MMR pathway, a component of DNA damage response (DDR), is impaired in Lynch syndrome due to an inherited genetic mutation. This pathway is also required for viral clearance from the host cells following certain RNA viral infections like influenza virus and other coronaviridae. Here we provide current understanding of the importance of DDR deficiencies in the clearance of RNA virus and suggest how this may play a similar role in the clearance of COVID-19 as evident in our case that demonstrated persistent positivity.Conclusion:The importance of understanding the scientific basis of extended viral shedding during the COVID-19 pandemic is now centre-stage in the establishment of robust track and trace services to allow the recovery and function of societies and economies. We propose that deficient-MMR may contribute to the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding. Future studies could open new avenues for research and may give rise to epidemiological or early therapeutic interventions.
Disseminated pulmonary mucormycosis involving jejunum in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient
Authors: Wang Lan-lan , Zou Liang , Chen Zhong-ju , Yi Yang , Meng Qin-bin , Feng Yan , Wang Yong-tao , Hu Zhi-min
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary mucormycosis and aspergillosis with disseminated mucormycosis involving gastrointestinalin is a very rare but lethal infection leading to an extremely mortality. Herein, we present a unique case of pulmonary co-infection with Cunninghamella bertholletiae and Aspergillus flavus, with dissmiated mycomycosis involving jejunum caused by Cunninghamella bertholletiae in a B-ALL patient with familial diabetes. Early administration of active antifungal agents at optimal doses, complete resection of all infected tissues led to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Systematic Network and Meta-analysis on the Anti-viral Mechanisms of Probiotics: A Preventive and Treatment Strategy to Mitigate SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Patra Sinjini , Saxena Shivam , Sahu Nilanjan , Pradhan Biswaranjan , Roychowdhury Anasuya
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: With the alarming rise of infected cases and deaths, COVID-19 is a pandemic, currently affecting 235 countries worldwide. Until now, no curative medicine and vaccine are available against SARS-CoV-2. The causal virus SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects lung cells, leading to respiratory illness ranging in severity from common cold to deadly pneumonia. This, with comorbidities worsens the clinical outcome, particularly for, immunosuppressed individuals with COVID-19. Interestingly, commensal gut microbiota has been shown to improve lung infections by modulating the immune system. Therefore, fine-tuning of gut microbiome with the consumption of probiotics could be an alternative strategy for boosting immunity and treating COVID-19. METHODS: Here, we present a systematic biological network and meta-analysis to provide a rationale for implementation of probiotics in preventing and/or treating COVID-19. RESULTS: We have identified 90 training genes from the literature analysis (according to PRISMA guidelines) and generated an association network concerning the candidate genes linked with COVID-19 and probiotic treatment. The functional modules and pathway enrichment analysis of the association network clearly show that application of probiotics could have therapeutic effects on ACE2 mediated virus entry, activation of systemic immune response, nlrp3 mediated immunomodulatory pathways, immune cell migration resulting in lung tissue damage and cardiovascular difficulties and altered glucose/lipid metabolic pathways in the disease prognosis. We also demonstrate the potential mechanistic domains as molecular targets for probiotic application to combat the viral infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our study therefore offers probiotics mediated novel preventive and therapeutic strategy for COVID-19-warfare.
Can We Use Peer-Assisted Learning to Teach Basic Surgical Skills?
Authors: Ong Mang Ning , Lew Kar Min , Cheong Yih Jeng , Ting Evelyn Wan Xuan , Bohari Bakri , Yita Tang , Palayan Kandasami
Published: October 2020

Background: It is reported that medical students do not receive adequate opportunities to learn surgical skill and are at risk of being unable to perform simple surgical procedures safely. The usefulness of peer-assisted learning (PAL) as a tool to assist in delivering surgical skills training is worth exploring. Methods: This is a randomised single blinded controlled trial. Fourth-year students from the university’s Surgical Society were asked to volunteer as peer tutors and those in 3rd-year were asked to undertake surgical skills training. A cohort of 35 students were selected and randomised to receive basic surgical skills training conducted either by faculty members or peers. The students’ performance of basic suturing skills was assessed using a checklist, through directly observed procedural skills (DOPS) technique. The assessment was conducted by faculty blinded to the training. Students’ perception to surgical skills training was assessed using a questionnaire survey. Results: The suturing and knotting skills of students learned from their peers was comparable to that acquired from faculty. The students’ perceived that their peers could conduct surgical skills training similar to their faculty. Conclusion: PAL approach for basic surgical skills training is as effective as faculty-led training. PAL has the potential to optimise the delivery of surgical skills training in undergraduate medical education.
The relationship between female workforce participation and corporate bond credit ratings
Authors: Kim Yujin , Hong Jiyeun
Published: October 2020

The topic of gender diversity in the workforce has received an increasing amount of attention and even resulted in developing a new term, sheconomy, which describes an economy in which women are the main economic players. This study examines the relationship between female workforce participation and corporate bond credit ratings. Using an ordered logit regression model and a sample of listed companies on the Korea Exchange, the results show that the higher the number and proportion of women in the workforce (based on female directors and female employees), the higher the credit rating. However, for chaebol companies, where female directors’ positive role is limited by chaebol owners, a negative (–) moderating effect is observed in the relationship between female workforce participation and credit ratings. Besides, female directors who are members of the owner’s family and were appointed as a means of succession negatively affect a company’s value. The findings contribute to accounting and finance research on the relationship between governance and credit ratings in terms of gender diversity. Policy implications regarding the recent system changes in Korea, including introducing a gender quota system, can be derived from the study.
Occurrence of Cyanobacteria and microcystins in hydroelectric reservoirs used for fish farming
Authors: Falcone-Dias Maria Fernanda , Rodrigues Marianna Vaz , Nielsen Jeppe Lund , de Jonge Nadieh , Jørgensen Niels O. G. , Alonso Diego Peres , David Gianmarco S. , da Silva Reinaldo José , Araújo Júnior João Pessoa
Published: October 2020

Fish farming can have a negative impact on water quality and aquatic organisms due to emerging blooms of Cyanobacteria and the production of cyanotoxins. In this study, the effect of aquaculture in hydroelectric reservoirs in Brazil was evaluated in six fish farms and in upstream and downstream water through analysis of the microbiome, Cyanobacteria and microcystin concentrations. Synechococcus and Microcystis were observed at all six locations, while Limnothrix was also observed abundantly at two locations. An increase in the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria inside the fish farms was observed at two locations, while an increase of Cyanobacteria was observed in downstream at five of the six locations. Microcystins were detected in significant and high values in all locations, with concentrations up to 1.59 μg/L. The trend in microcystin concentrations was mirrored in copy numbers of the mcyE gene (encodes microcystin synthetase) and presence of Microcystis, but not in any of the other observed cyanobacterial groups. In summary, the study shows that aquaculture production influenced the water microbiome inside and downstream the fish farms, and a direct correlation was found between mcyE gene copies, microcystin production and abundance of Microcystis, but not for the total abundance of Cyanobacteria.
Contributions to groundwater from National Forest lands in the Mississippi Embayment: a century-long simulation
Authors: Ouyang Ying , Leininger Theodor D. , Panda Sudhanshu S. , Zipperer Wayne C. , Stroope Timothy L.
Published: October 2020

Very little effort has been devoted to analyzing the contributions of National Forests to groundwater resources in the USA and around the world. In this study, the US Geological Survey's MERAS (Mississippi Embayment Regional Aquifer Study) model was used in the ModelMuse simulating system to estimate more than a century of subsurface hydrologic processes, groundwater budgets, and spatial-temporal groundwater level distributions in three forests in Mississippi, USA. The results showed that groundwater recharge and stream leakage are important for groundwater storage in this region. All three forests served as groundwater sinks at times and sources at others, but the volume changes were relatively small. Groundwater levels declined over the simulation period – 1900 to 2014 – beneath all three forests, especially around the DNF (Delta National Forest) where groundwater abstraction is relatively intense. Knowledge gained from long-term hydrologic simulations and water budgets is useful when managing forest land groundwater resources.
Multistage iterative fully automatic partitioning in water distribution systems
Authors: Mu Tianwei , Ye Yixuan , Tan Haoqiang , Zheng Chengzhi
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a novel method using a clustering, detection, and optimization model to devise a solution of fully automatic partitioning in a water distribution system (WDS). First, the Black Hole Clustering Algorithm is employed to divide the WDS into different partitions. Second, two types of outliers are eliminated by multistage iterative processes including traverse, k-Nearest neighbor, and the Warshall algorithm. Finally, the boundary conditions of the partitions are optimized by a Non-dominated Sorting Porcellio Scaber Algorithm to minimize the number of boundary pipes required to balance pressures and reduce leakages. Seven WDSs are employed as case studies to verify the practicability of the method. The Open Water Analytics toolbox is applied to code the hydraulic calculation program. The result demonstrates that average pressure and leakage cost decreases after optimization.
A water quality index for the removal requirement and purification treatment effort of micropollutants
Authors: Pronk T. E. , Hofman-Caris R. C. H. M. , Vries D. , Kools S. A. E. , ter Laak T. L. , Stroomberg G. J.
Published: October 2020

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) states that measures should be taken to improve the quality of water bodies to prevent further required extension of current (drinking) water treatment. Hence, for water managers it is of key importance to evaluate and report on the quality of water and the level of purification treatment that is required. For this purpose a novel framework of indices is defined, and their definition allows the inclusion of new, emerging substances. The indices can be calculated based on micropollutant characteristics alone and do not require any knowledge of specific purification treatment installations. Applying this framework of indices to water bodies provides an objective and reproducible way of evaluating the required purification treatment level. The indices were calculated for water quality data for up to 600 micropollutants from five sampling locations along the river Rhine in the Netherlands. This revealed differences between the sampling sites (index values ranged from 145 to 273) and showed that for the river Rhine the required purification treatment level, as well as the underlying removal requirement and purification treatment effort, have not improved over the years, despite the introduction of the WFD in 2000.
River water intrusion as a source of inflow into the sanitary sewer system
Authors: Guo Shuai , Shi Xiang , Luo Xujia , Yang Haoming
Published: October 2020

Previous studies on the extraneous water problem (or infiltration/inflow) in sanitary sewer systems assumed that the wastewater flow is mainly composed of foul sewage (FS), groundwater infiltration (GWI) and rainfall-derived inflow and infiltration (RDII). Most existing assessment methods are based on this assumption. In 2018, China initiated the ‘Protection of the Yangtze River Program’, and the two-year research data showed that it was neither the GWI nor the RDII but the direct surface water intrusion (DSWI), which has rarely been reported in literatures, that serves as the main source of the extraneous water in many local sewer systems. The discovery has enriched the understanding of the extraneous water in sewer systems. Meanwhile, it brings new challenges for the assessment of extraneous water. In this study, starting from the analysis of the low influent concentration of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater treatment plant in a southeastern city in China, a river water intrusion point was successfully localized and the volume of river water intrusion was quantified by a series of field experiments. The methodology used in this study can also be applied in other areas with DSWI.
Recent Advances in Clinical Utility of Probiotics in Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders
Authors: Biswasroy Prativa , Pradhan Deepak , Sahu Dipak K. , Sahu Amita , Ghosh Goutam , Rath Goutam
Published: October 2020

Clinically, probiotics have a significant role in nutrition, immune function, and maintenance
of gut homeostasis. Unfortunately, the widespread use of antibiotics disrupts the symbiotic balance of
gut microbiota, leading to the development of several gastrointestinal disorders. A recent study suggesting
a combination of appropriate probiotics and prebiotics through its ability to fix dysbiosis issues
has emerged as a potential alternative to treat various pathological conditions of the Gastrointestinal
Tract (GIT). Evidenced-based clinical research suggests that probiotic's effectiveness depends on several
factors including strain, dose, host immune system, underlying pathology, and duration of therapy.
Moreover, the microflora enriched medium reinforces the host defense against chemical and microbial
challenges. However, the limited information available to understand the molecular basis by which
probiotic maintains the gut homeostasis. The objective of this review to emphasize recent clinical outcomes
and possible mechanisms involved in probiotic action to combat the GIT disorders.
Elevated Serum Homocysteine Associated with Distal Type of Single Small Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Liu Conghui , Gao Yuan , Song Bo , Wang Yunchao , Pei Lulu , Li Sangsang , Xu Yuming , li Yusheng
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The aim of this investigation was to examine the association between the serum
homocysteine (Hcy) level and the distal single small subcortical infarction (dSSSI).

Methods:

Consecutive patients were prospectively recruited in a registered hospital-based ischemic
stroke database. Baseline characteristics and risk factors of single small subcortical infarction
(SSSI), including the serum Hcy level, were assessed. The SSSI located in the lenticulostriate artery
(LSA) territory was divided into proximal single small subcortical infarction (pSSSI) and dSSSI
based on a standard template on axial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The association between
the serum Hcy level and dSSSI was analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Out of 3,247 patients, a total of 572 patients were included in the final analysis. We found
that dSSSI had a higher serum Hcy level than pSSSI. Elevated Hcy level was independently correlated
with dSSSI. Compared with the lowest quartile, the upper quartiles of Hcy level were independently
associated with dSSSI, the odds ratio for the second quartile was 1.748 (95%CI 1.019 to
3.000), 1.824 (95% CI 1.060 to 3.140) for the third quartile, and 2.010 (95% CI 1.155 to 3.497) for
the fourth quartile. The restricted cubic spline showed that the higher level of Hcy, the greater risk of
developing dSSSI.

Conclusion:

The dSSSI shows higher serum Hcy level than pSSSI. Elevated serum Hcy is more
closely related to dSSSI. In the future, the effectiveness of Hcy-lowering therapy for dSSSI needs to
be explored by further clinical studies.
Bacterial Biotransformation and Anticancer Activities of Betulin against A549, HepG2 and 5RP7 Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Kıran İsmail , Çiftçi Gülşen A. , Eklioğlu Özlem A. , Akkaya Şaziye G.K.
Published: October 2020

Background:

A pentacyclic lupenane-type natural triterpenoid, betulin, has attracted attention in the
field of medicinal chemistry since it exhibited a variety of biological activities, including anticancer activity.

Objective:

The aim of this present work was to obtain derivatives of betulin through bacterial biotransformation
and investigate its anticancer activity against A549, HepG2 and 5RP7 cancer cell lines.

Methods:

Bacterial biotransformation studies were continued in an MBH broth medium for 7 days at 35oC.
Anticancer activities of betulin against A549, HepG2 and 5RP7 cell lines were carried out using XTT assay, and
their selectivity was determined using a healthy cell line of NIH/3T3. Cell proliferation ELISA, BRDU
(colorimetric) assay was used for measuring proliferation in replicative cells in which DNA synthesis occurs.
Flow cytometric analysis was used for measuring apoptotic cell percentages, caspase 3 activation and
mitochondrial membrane potential.

Results:

Bacterial biotransformation studies with 7 bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Proteus
vulgaris NRRL B-123, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-4378, Streptomyces griseolus NRRL B-1062, Escherichia coli
ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 and Bacillus velezensis NRRL B-14580 produced no
metabolite. In in vitro anticancer activity studies, betulin was found to exert anticancer activity against A549,
HepG2 and 5RP7 cell lines with IC50 values of 207.7, 125.0 and 28.3 μg/mL, whereas SI values were found to be
30, 50 and 223, respectively. Early and late apoptotic percentages of betulin were found as 9.6, 12.1 and 85.4%
on A549, HepG2 and 5RP7, respectively, while caspase 3 positive cell percentages were 2.3, 28.7 and 13.3% for
IC50 concentrations. In addition, betulin caused G1 cell cycle arrest (49.5%) on 5RP7 cell line.

Conclusion:

The results have been shown that betulin activities against A549 and HepG2 cell lines were
nonselective and limited its cytotoxic activity against healthy cells, but it is possible to say that it exerted
selective activity against 5RP7 cell (28.33±1.53 μg/mL). Betulin effects on apoptosis were found to be dosedependent,
while its effect on caspase 3 activation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell cycle arrest on
G0/G1 phase was not dependent on doses. Therefore, betulin could be a good candidate for the treatment of H-ras
active cancer types.
Characterization and Anticancer Activities of Green Synthesized CuO Nanoparticles, A Review
Authors: Alizadeh Seyedeh R. , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad A.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Cancer is defined as an abnormal/uncontrolled cell growth that shows rapid cell
division. This disease is annually recognized in more than ten million people. Nanomaterials can be used as new
strategies for cancer therapy. Nanostructured devices have been developed for drug delivery and controlled
release and created novel anticancer chemotherapies. Nanomaterials were taken into consideration because of
their new properties, containing a large specific surface area and high reactivity. Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
(CuONPs) have potential applications in many fields like heterogeneous catalysis, antibacterial, anticancer,
antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, imaging agents, and drug delivery agents in biomedicine. CuONPs display
different physical properties, such as high-temperature superconductivity, electron correlation effects, and spin
dynamics. NPs can be synthesized using different methods like physical, chemical, and biological methods.

Methods:

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) have been suggested for its broad usage in biomedical
applications. In this review, we tried to exhibit the results of significant anticancer activity of green synthesized
CuONPs and their characterization by different analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, EDAX,
DLS, SEM, and TEM.

Results:

The green method for the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles as eco-friendly, cost-effective, and facile
method is the more effective method. Synthesized CuONPs from this method have an appropriate size and shape.
The Green synthesized CuONPs exhibited high potential against several breast cancer (AMJ-13, MCF-7, and
HBL-100 cell lines), cervical cancer (HeLa), colon cancer (HCT-116), gastric cancer (human adenocarcinoma
AGS cell line), lung cancer (A549), leukemia cancer, and other cancers with the main toxicity approach of
increasing ROS production.

Conclusion:

The present review confirms the importance of green synthesized CuO nanoparticles in medical
science especially cancer therapy that exhibited high activity against different cancer, both in vitro and in vivo.
The main toxicity approach of CuONPs is increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). It needs
to perform more studies about in vivo cancer therapy and following clinical trial testing in the future. We believe
that green synthesized CuO nanoparticles can be used for the improvement of different diseases.
A Bioinformatics Study of the Involved Mechanisms in Relapse and Drug Resistance of Tamoxifen-Treated Breast Cancer
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Barreto George E. , González Janneth , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2020

Background:

Breast cancer is currently among the most common causes of mortality in women.
Estrogen and its subsequent signaling pathways play an important role in the occurrence of breast cancer relapse.
Tamoxifen is the most common breast cancer treatment option in ER+ patients, which acts as an adjuvant
endocrinotherapy with X-ray and surgery. This approach is recommended as the first-line treatment and has
increased the survival rate of breast cancer patients and reduced the relapse cases. However, we can observe
resistance to tamoxifen and relapse cases in one-third of patients treated with this drug, which has become a
major concern.

Objective:

The precise mechanisms of relapse and resistance to tamoxifen have not yet been identified and were
explored in this study.

Methods:

Microarray profiles of relapse and relapse-free patients were investigated to explain the processes
leading to relapse and possibly to tamoxifen resistance.

Results:

According to the preliminary analysis, 1460 genes showed increased expression while 1132 genes
showed decreased expression. According to our default for inclusion (-2LogFC≥ + 2), 36 genes had increased
expression (upregulated) while 33 genes had decreased expression (down-regulated).

Conclusion:

It seems that the mechanisms of resistance and relapse are multifactorial, and tumor cells induce
relapse and resistance to tamoxifen through cell proliferation, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, extracellular
matrix secretion, pump and membrane changes, and immune evasion.
Effect of Standardized Hydroalcoholic Extract of Saffron Stamen on High Blood Pressure and Baroreflex Sensitivity in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Mohebbati Reza , Kamkar-Del Yasamin , Shafei Mohammad Naser
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The stamen is a byproduct of saffron (Crocus sativus) flowers. Herein, its cardiovascular
effects were evaluated on hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and NG-nitro-Larginine
methyl ester (L-NAME), as well as baroreflex sensitivity (BRS).

Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into 10 groups: 1) control, 2) AngII (50 ng/kg, i.v.), 3) losartan
(10 mg/kg, i.p.) + AngII, 4) L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v.), 5) sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (50 mg/kg, i.p.)
+ L-NAME, 6, 7) saffron stamen extract (SS) (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) + AngII and 8, 9) SS (100 and
200 mg/kg) + L-NAME, and 10) SS (200 mg/kg) + phenylephrine (Phen, i.v.). The treated rats first
received two doses of SS, 30 min after the injection of L-NAME, AngII, and Phen in separate groups.
The cardiovascular parameters were recorded by the PowerLab apparatus via an angiocatheter inserted
into the femoral artery. The maximal changes (Δ) of mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure
(SBP), and heart rate (HR) in the treated groups were compared with those of the hypertensive
and control groups. The changes in MAP and HR induced by Phen were used for BRS evaluation.

Results:

The SS extract did not significantly affect the basal cardiovascular parameters. The injection
of AngII significantly increased the MAP and SBP (P<0.01-P<0.001) with no significant effect on the
HR. The SS extract significantly attenuated the pressor effect induced by AngII (P<0.001). Increased
MAP and SBP induced by L-NAME (P<0.001) were also significantly attenuated by the SS extract
(P<0.01). The effect of SS extract on L-NAME was significantly higher than that of AngII (P<0.05).
Moreover, BRS was significantly improved by the SS extract.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide evidence that the SS extract has anti-hypertensive effects that are
probably mediated by an inhibitory effect on AngII, increasing nitric oxide production, or improving
baroreflex sensitivity.
Prognosticating the Spread of Covid-19 Pandemic Based on Optimal Arima Estimators
Authors: Sandhir Venuka , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Vikash
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 cases have been reported as a global threat and several studies are being conducted
using various modelling techniques to evaluate patterns of disease dispersion in the upcoming
weeks. Here we propose a simple statistical model that could be used to predict the epidemiological
extent of community spread of COVID-19 from the explicit data based on optimal ARIMA
model estimators. Raw data was retrieved on confirmed cases of COVID-19 from Johns Hopkins
University (https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19) and the Auto-Regressive Integrated
Moving Average (ARIMA) model was fitted based on cumulative daily figures of confirmed cases
aggregated globally for ten major countries to predict their incidence trend. Statistical analysis was
completed by using R 3.5.3 software. The optimal ARIMA model having the lowest Akaike information
criterion (AIC) value for US (0,2,0); Spain (1,2,0); France (0,2,1); Germany (3,2,2); Iran
(1,2,1); China (0,2,1); Russia (3,2,1); India (2,2,2); Australia (1,2,0) and South Africa (0,2,2) imparted
the nowcasting of trends for the upcoming weeks. These parameters are (p, d, q) where p
refers to the number of autoregressive terms, d refers to the number of times the series has to be
differenced before it becomes stationary, and q refers to the number of moving average terms. Results
obtained from the ARIMA model showed a significant decrease in cases in Australia; a stable
case for China and rising cases have been observed in other countries. This study predicted the possible
proliferate of COVID-19, although spreading significantly depends upon the various control
and measurement policy taken by each country.
SIRT1: Mechanism and Protective Effect in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Ji Jing , Tao Pengyu , Wang Qian , Li Lingxing , Xu Yuzhen
Published: October 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is referred to as the microvascular complication of the kidneys
induced by insufficient production of insulin or an ineffective cellular response to insulin,
and is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Currently, available therapies provide only symptomatic
relief and fail to improve the outcome of diabetic nephropathy. Studies on diabetic animals
had shown overexpression of SIRT1 in both podocytes and renal tubular cells attenuated proteinuria
and kidney injury in the animal model of DN. Sirt1 exerts renoprotective effects in DKD
in part through the deacetylation of transcription factors involved in the disease pathogenesis, such
as NF-кB, Smad3, FOXO and p53. The purpose of this review is to highlight the protective mechanism
of SIRT1 involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION SOURCES IN MEETING INFORMATION NEEDS OF RICE GROWERS IN NEPAL
Authors: Baral Prakash
Published: October 2020

A study was done to assess the effectiveness of different information sources in meeting information needs and utilization behavior of rice growers in western midhills of Nepal, taking 101 sample households. Survey design with a structured questionnaire was used for data collection under the pragmatic paradigm of social research. The study showed that 30 percent of farmers were high information seekers while about 59 percent were utilizing information highly implying that most farmers were using the information highly though they don't seek information by themselves. Input management and climatic information were highly sought and utilized. Though fellow and contact farmers were the more used source of information, however, respondents felt that extension personnel and agro-vets were more credible. An assessment of the effective index showed that fellow farmers were highly effective followed by extension personnel and agro-vets while social media and ICTs were least effective. There was a significant positive correlation between information variables and education, ethnicity, number of crops grown and accessibility to information sources. However, poor accessibility of farmers to these sources was a major problem. Thus, a suitable information delivery system accessible to most farmers according to their time and needs should be designed regarding rice cultivation.
Multiple Social Identifications and the Family Firm
Authors: Matherne, III Curtis F. , Ring J. Kirk , McKee D'Lisa N.
Published: October 2020

Through the lens of social identity theory, this article investigates the influence of the social variable of the family as a catalyst for beneficial outcomes via a stewardship orientation within the firm. The family firm provides a unique perspective in that it possesses a broader range of influential social groupings. However, multiple identifications may not associate with only positive outcomes, as conflict may arise when such identities compete. We contend that the leadership within a family firm can capitalize on the benefits associated with multiple identifications and reduce conflict in the family firm based upon members‟ perceptions of transformational leadership.
Looking for Evidence of Human Capital (Or the Lack Thereof) in College/University Degrees Held by Managerial Level Employees
Authors: Stark Ernie , Poppler Paul P. , Murnane Jennifer Aden
Published: October 2020

This paper reports a field study of 17 recognized “Employers of Choice” in a Midwestern metropolitan area of the U.S. that examined overarching assumptions regarding the relationship between college/university degrees and job performance. Using data gathered from 129 matched pairs of managerial employees and their immediate superior, a multivariate general linear model was employed to test hypotheses concerning core job performance and contextual job performance. After controlling for the influence of potential confounding variables, results indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between holding an undergraduate degree and measures of job performance (both task and contextual), but the relationship was complicated by an interaction with the gender of the respondent. Further, the effect size of the significant relationships was rather small and this raises issues regarding the practical significance of undergraduate degrees on job performance. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this study regarding assumptions about college and university degrees and human capital.
Sensitivitas antarbudaya mahasiswa di Yogyakarta
Authors: Suyato Suyato
Published: October 2020

Di dalam masyarakat majemuk atau multikultural seperti Indonesia ini, sensitivitas antarbudaya yang dimiliki warga masyarakat menjadi elemen penting untuk terciptanya kehidupan bermasyarakat, berbangsa dan bernegara yang damai. Namun demikian, penelitian yang memfokuskan pada sensitivitas antarbudaya belum banyak dilakukan. Oleh karena itu, peneliti tertarik untuk meneliti masalah sensitivitas antarbudaya, khususnya di kalangan mahasiswa. Secara khusus, penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk membandingkan tingkat sensitivitas antarbudaya mahasiswa di tiga program studi yang ada di UNY, UPNV, dan UNRIYO. Penelitian yang menghasilkan luaran berupa tulisan ini merupakan penelitian komparatif, berusaha membandingkan tingkat sensitivitas antarbudaya mahasiswa tiga program studi (Keperawatan, PKn, dan Teknik Perminyakan). Responden penelitian ini sebanyak 90 mahasiswa yang dipilih secara acak dari tiga program studi tersebut (Keperawatan: 30; PKn: 30; dan Teknik Perminyakan: 30). Metode pengumpulan data adalah dengan penyebaran angket. Data dianalisis secara statistik baik secara deskriptif maupun komparatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada perbedaan yang signifikan tingkat sensitivitas antarbudaya di antara tiga program studi tersebut. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa mahasiswa dari ketiga program studi tersebut memiliki tingkat sensitivitas antarbudaya yang tinggi, karena berada pada kategori pendukung cultural relativism, bukan cultural egocentrism. ABSTRACTIn a pluralistic or multicultural society like Indonesia, intercultural sensitivity possessed by citizens is an important element for the creation of a peaceful society, nation, and state. However, there has not been much research focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Therefore, researchers are interested in examining the issue of intercultural sensitivity, especially among students. Specifically, this research was intended to compare the level of intercultural sensitivity among students in the three study programs at UNY, UPNV, and UNRIYO. The research report written in this paper is a comparative study, trying to compare the level of sensitivity among students of three study programs (Nursing, Civics, and Petroleum Engineering). The research respondents were 90 students who were randomly selected from the three study programs (Nursing: 30; Civics: 30; and Petroleum Engineering: 30). The method of collecting data is by distributing questionnaires. Data were analyzed statistically both descriptively and comparatively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the level of intercultural sensitivity among the three study programs. Thus, it can be concluded that students from the three study programs have a high level of intercultural sensitivity, because it is in the category of supporting cultural relativism, not cultural egocentrism.
Relationship Between COVID-19 Information Sources and Attitudes in Battling the Pandemic Among the Malaysian Public: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Mohamad Emma , Tham Jen Sern , Ayub Suffian Hadi , Hamzah Mohammad Rezal , Hashim Hasrul , Azlan Arina Anis
Published: October 2020

Background

There are multiple media platforms and various resources available for information on COVID-19. Identifying people’s preferences is key to building public confidence and planning for successful national health intervention strategies.

Objective

This study examines the sources of information for COVID-19 used by the Malaysian public and identifies those that are associated with building public confidence and positive perceptions toward the Malaysian government.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of 4850 Malaysian residents was conducted. Participant demographics, media use, information sources, and attitudes surrounding COVID-19 were assessed. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to gauge the relationship between demographics, information sources, and attitudes toward COVID-19.

Results

Malaysians primarily used television and internet news portals to access information on COVID-19. The Malaysian Ministry of Health was the most preferred source of COVID-19 information. Respondents who referred to the Ministry of Health, television, and the Malaysian National Security Council for information were more likely to believe that the country could win the battle against COVID-19 and that the government was handling the health crisis well compared to those who referred to other information sources. Those who used the World Health Organization, friends, YouTube, family, and radio as sources of information were less likely to harbor confidence and positive belief toward combating COVID-19.

Conclusions

Managing information and sustaining public confidence is important during a pandemic. Health authorities should pay considerable attention to the use of appropriate media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public.