bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generación de energía eléctrica con un motor de combustión interna usando biodiesel de aceite de piñón (Jatropha curcas)
Authors: Cáceres Guerrero Fredy Omis , Calle Maraví José Luis
Published: February 2022

Dentro de los combustibles alternativos que cobran importancia por su valor ecológico se encuentran los biocombustibles, como el bioetanol, biometanol y el biodiesel. En este trabajo, se estudió de manera experimental el comportamiento de un motor diésel en una planta de generación de energía eléctrica empleando como combustible el biodiesel obtenido a partir de aceite del piñón (Jatropha curcas). Según los resultados obtenidos las mezclas que usaron del 20% y 30% de biodiesel produjeron mayor potencia eléctrica, que la mezcla testigo (D-2) y la mezcla con el 10% de biodiesel, pero se encontró diferencias significativas estadísticamente entre ellas. En cuanto al consumo horario de combustible se obtuvo el mismo comportamiento, es decir al incrementarse la potencia eléctrica, también se incrementó el consumo del combustible; sin embargo hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las mezclas. El consumo especifico fue mayor cuando la potencia eléctrica generada fue baja, es decir, el rendimiento del motor fue menor, pero a medida que aumentó la potencia eléctrica el consumo específico bajó a 0.5 Kg/KW-h, manteniéndose constante a medida que la potencia eléctrica aumentó, lo que nos indicó que en este caso el rendimiento del motor de combustión interna fue alto, estadísticamente hubo diferencia significativa entre las mezclas, siendo mayor con la mezcla del 20%. La opacidad generada por el motor de combustión interna de prueba tuvo una tendencia al incremento a medida que se incrementó la carga eléctrica, esto por el estado mecánico del motor, sobre todo por el sistema de inyección. Por otro lado, el torque generado en el motor de combustión interna al producirse la potencia eléctrica, tuvo un comportamiento lineal; sin embargo, se obtuvo diferencias significativas entre las mezclas.
The Amyloid Precursor Protein Plays Differential Roles in the UVA
Resistance and Proliferation of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sultan Fatima , Parkin Edward T.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be characterised by
degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and the accumulation, in retinal drusen
deposits, of amyloid beta-peptides proteolytically derived, by secretases, from the amyloid precursor
protein (APP). Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a risk factor for the development of AMD.

Objectives:

In the current study, we investigated whether APP and/or its proteolysis are linked to the
UVA resistance or proliferation of ARPE-19 human RPE cells.

Methods:

Cell viability was determined, following UVA exposure, with prior small interfering
RNA-mediated APP depletion or secretase inhibitor treatments. APP levels/proteolysis were
analysed by immunoblotting. Cells were also grown in the presence/absence of secretase inhibitors
to assess their effects on longer-term culture growth. Finally, the effects of APP proteolytic
fragments on ARPE-19 cell proliferation were monitored following co-culture with human
embryonic kidney cells stably over-expressing these fragments.

Results:

Endogenous APP was depleted following UVA irradiation and β-secretase, but not α-
secretase, and the processing of the protein was reduced. Experimental APP depletion or γ-secretase
(but not α- or β-secretase) inhibition ablated the detrimental effect of UVA on cell viability. In
contrast, α-secretase, and possibly γ-secretase but not β-secretase activity, appeared to promote the
longer-term proliferation of ARPE-19 cells in the absence of UVA irradiation.

Conclusions:

There are clear but differential links between APP expression/proteolysis and the
proliferation and UVA resistance of ARPE-19 cells indicating that the protein should be
investigated further in relation to the identification of possible drug targets for the treatment of
AMD.
The Biochemical Disposition of Methylenedioxyphenyl Compounds
Authors: Kumagait Y. , Fukuto J.M. , Cho A.K.
Published: February 2022

This review summarizes the interactions of the methylene­ dioxyphenyl or benzodioxole function with cytochrome P450 and their toxicological and pharmacokinetic implications. The methylenedioxy group is a common group in natural and synth,etic medicinal compounds and
provides an electronegative function that •is relatively unreactive and non
polar. The function is oxidized by cytochrome P450 to form a catechol and T
formate or carbon monooxide or alternatively, forms a complex with the heme iron of cytochrome
P450. This complex, characterized by its absorption in the 455 nm range, can be very stable and inhibits the catalytic cycle of the enzyme. This inhibitory action has been used to enhance the actions of insecticides and has been the basis for pharmacokinetic drug interactions, The catechol product of benzodioxole ring cleavage is redox active and can participate in quinone­ reactive oxygen based toxicity. The chemical basis for these interactions are proposed together with experimental ob ervations reported in the recent literature. Examples of pharmacokinetic drug interactions are also included.
Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonists: Current Status
Authors: Trivedi Bharat K.
Published: February 2022

Cholecystokinin (CCK), an endogenous peptide hormone, has been shown to have a wide range of physiological responses which has simulated a significant interest in identifying agonists and antagonists for CCK. Efforts, primarily led by the pharmaceutical industry, have led to the identification and development of CCK-A selective agents such as Loxiglumide and Devazepide. Both of these compounds have been evaluated in the clinic. More recently, due to the potential therapeutic utility of CCK-B antagonist in the treatment of anxiety, a large number of CCK-B receptor selective antagonists, such as L-365260 and Cl-988, have been
identified and developed. This has resulted in extensive structure activity relationship studies on a wide-range of templates. This article will focus on the medicinal chemistry approaches, and
SAR studies utilized by various laboratories to define the optimal template for both CCK-A and
CCK-8 receptor selective antagonists.
Structure-Activity Relationships of Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioid Agonists and Antagonists
Authors: Furst S. , Hosztafi S. , Friedmann T.
Published: February 2022

This paper surveys the relationships between the chemical structures and pharmacological activities of natural or semisynthetic 4,5a­ epoxymorphinans, synthetic morphinans and benzomorphans. Substitution . of the N-methyl group affords strong analgesics, opioid antagonists and mixed agonist-antagonists respectively. The role of opioid agonists and antagonists in the development of opioid receJ:>tor models is also discussed.
Diarylazepine Derivatives as Potent Atypical Neuroleptic Drugs: Recent Advances
Authors: Liegeois Jean-Frangois , Bruhwyler Jacques , Rogister Frangoise , Delarge Jacques
Published: February 2022

Dibenzoazepine derivatives have represented and still represent today an interesting and exciting field of investigation in medicinal chemistry. A slight modification of the tricyclic structure leads to a profound alteration of the activity profile. Indeed, clothiapine is a neuroleptic drug with strong pro­pensity to induce extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) while clozapine possesses an atypical
neuroleptic profile and produces only minimal EPS. The action mechanisms of clozapine have not been completely elucidated. Although clozapine represents a great advance in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, the induction of dramatic toxic effects has stimulated the
search for an alternative to clozapine. This challenge is currently the focus of the most active
efforts in contemporary neuropharmacology. This review attempts to describe the development of atypical neuroleptic drugs through the diarylazepine series, a promising and modulable class of compounds.
Protein-Protein Interactions as Therapeutic Targets for Cancer
Authors: Huber Hans E. , Koblan Kenneth S. , Heimbrook David C.
Published: February 2022

The recent elucidation of many of the pathways involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation provides new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of cancer. The inherent specificity of many of these protein-protein interactions should provide great selectivity, and emerging models of cell cycle control suggest that disrupting growth factor signalling pathways might selective_ly induce programmed cell death in cancer cells. However, many of these protein-protein interactions appear to occur over fairly large surfaces, suggesting that the identification of small molecules with the necessary affinity and specificity to disrupt these interactions in vivo represents
a challenging undertaking. In the current review, we highlight three particular targets in the growth factor
signalling pathways : growth factor - receptor binding, using Gastrin Releasing Peptide as a specific example; SH2 I SH3 domain interactions; and viral oncoprotein interaction with cellular proteins in the nucleus, focusing on the binding of Human Papillomavirus proteins with cellular growth suppressor gene products. These studies highlight both the promise and the pitfalls of selectively targeting protein-protein interactions for the treatment of cancer.
The Medicinal Chemistry of Nonsteroidal Antiestrogens: A Review
Authors: Magarian R.A. , Overacre L.B. , Singh S. , Meyert K.L.
Published: February 2022

The inhibition of estrogen is a particularly useful strategy for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast tumors in postmenopausal females and possibly in premenopausal women and as a chemosuppressive in women at high risk of developing breast cancer. Nonsteroidal antiestrogens which exhibit potent antitumor effects represent a major advance in the management of breast cancer. Considerable effort by many research groups has been devoted to the search for novel pure nonsteroidal antiestrogens with the hope of finding antitumor agents that would be useful in estrogen receptor (ER) positive
or estrogen receptor (ER) negative disease. The reasoning behind the search for pure antiestrogens is based on the recognition that antiestrogens generally possess the partial estrogenic activity and a complete blockade of estrogen action cannot be achieved by agents like tamoxifen. Novel pure antiestrogens should be more effective than partial agonist in reducing the mitogenic action of estrogen on the growth of breast tumors and complete ablation of hormonal-dependent tumor growth is very desirable since it could provide a more rapid and longer-lasting remission. In addition, pure antiestrogens could be more effective in patients who experience a relapse during tamoxifen therapy, serving as a second-line treatment, and have the potential of demonstrating greater efficacy in first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer. This review covers the chemistry of the experimental and potentially useful nonsteroidal antiestrogens and the only agent, tamoxifen, used in the therapy of breast cancer with special emphasis on structure-activity relationships. Special attention was paid to the structural classes [1,2-bis(hydroxyphenyl)ethane; 2-phenylindoles; indolo[2,1-a] isoquinolines; 2-phenylbenzo[b] thiophenes; dibenzo[a,g]quinolizinones; triarylpropenones (TAPs); 3,4-dihydro-1-naphthalenyl­ methanones; 3-aroyl-2-arylbenzo[b]thiophenes; 2,3-diaryi-2H-1-benzopyrans; triphenyl­ ethylenes (TPEs); dichlorodiarylcyclopropanes (DDACs) and the 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3-triarylcyclo­ propanes (DTACs)] whose agents demonstrated particular activity in the in vitro receptor binding affinity assay and the in vivo uterotrophic and antiuterotrophic assays. Where possible, the in vitro antiproliferative properties of these agents in cell culture assays also were discussed.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility: Physiological Implications
Authors: Baccari Maria Caterina , Vannucchi Maria Giuliana , Idrizaj Eglantina
Published: February 2022

Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic hormone that plays several roles in different organs and tissues, so being involved in many physiological processes. Among these, it regulates gastrointestinal (GI) tract function binding to a specific G-protein coupled receptor (GLP-2R). Of note, GLP-2R is widely expressed in different cells of the GI tract, including excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the enteric nervous system. In the gut, GLP-2 has been reported to play numerous actions, among which the modulation of motility. Nevertheless, most of the GLP-2 effects and its role in physiological processes are still debated. The aim of this minireview is to summarize the data present in the literature on the control of GI motility by GLP-2, the mechanism through which it occurs, and to discuss the physiological implications of such effects. A better understanding of the role of GLP-2 on GI motor responses may be of importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches in GI dysmotility.
Involvement of Terminase Complex in Herpes Simplex Virus Mature Virion Egress
Authors: Rao Archana Mahadev , Balireddy Sridevi , Mohammad Fayaz Shaik , Somashekara Divyashree M. , Hariharapura Raghu Chandrashekar
Published: February 2022

The life cycle of Herpes simplex virus starts with attachment to the host cell, injection of nucleocapsid into the cytoplasm, replication, transcription and viral protein production, and finally the assembly of the mature virion nucleopcapsid. The assembled nucleocapsid exits the host nucleus and gains a tegument layer bound within a bilayer of membrane phospholipid. The packaged virion particle then exits the host cell. The interaction of the (Deoxyribonucleic acid) DNA packaging complex- terminase, present on the mature viral nucleocapsid, with other proteins involved in nuclear egress and cytoplasmic tegumentation has led to the proposal of the model by which the terminase complex may be involved in these two events. The role of terminase complex in Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) genomic DNA encapsidation into the capsid is previously established, but the role of the terminase subunits post DNA packaging remains unclear. The current review provides a model by which the terminase complex may have a role to play in the events of nuclear egress and secondary envelopment.
Current Perspective of Synthesis of Medicinally Relevant Benzothiazole based Molecules: Potential for Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Gupta Kamini , Sirbaiya Anup Kumar , Kumar Vishal , Rahman Mohammad Azizur
Published: February 2022

The therapeutic potential of the majority of the marketed drugs is due to the presence of a heterocyclic nucleus, which constitutes a huge role in the field of medicinal chemistry. These heterocyclic scaffolds could act as a template in order to design potential therapeutic agents against several diseases. Benzothiazole scaffold is one of the influential heteroaromatic rings in the field of medicinal chemistry owing to its extensive pharmacological features. Herein, we have focused on the synthesis of benzothiazole-based medicinal molecules, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. This review covers a systematic description of synthetic routes for biologically relevant benzothiazole derivatives in the last five years. The main aim of this study is to show the diversification of benzothiazole-based molecules into their pharmacologically more active derivatives. This review's synthetic protocols include metal-free, metal-catalyzed, and metal precursor azo dyes strategies for the development of benzothiazole derived bioactive compounds. The discussion under the various headings covers synthetic schemes and biological activities of the most potent molecules in the form of minimum inhibitory concentration.
Melatonin as a Chronobiotic with Sleep-promoting Properties
Authors: Cruz-Sanabria Francy , Carmassi Claudia , Bruno Simone , Bazzani Andrea , Carli Marco , Scarselli Marco , Faraguna Ugo
Published: February 2022

The use of exogenous melatonin (exo-MEL) as a sleep-promoting drug has been under extensive debate due to the lack of consistency of its described effects. In this study, we conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature on the chronobiotic, sleep-inducing, and overall sleep-promoting properties of exo-MEL. To this aim, we first describe the possible pharmacological mechanisms involved in the sleep-promoting properties and then report the corresponding effects of exo-MEL administration on clinical outcomes in: a) healthy subjects, b) circadian rhythm sleep disorders, c) primary insomnia. Timing of administration and doses of exo-MEL received particular attention in this work. The exo-MEL pharmacological effects are hereby interpreted in view of changes in the physiological properties and rhythmicity of endogenous melatonin. Finally, we discuss some translational implications for the personalized use of exo-MEL in the clinical practice.
Determination of Quality of Green Chili Sauce Served by Street Food
Venders (SFVs) in Delhi (India)
Authors: Suri Sukhneet , Jain Arushi , Lohia Meenaxi
Published: February 2022

Background:

India is enriched with local culture and street food vending practices.
Street food joints (SFJs) cater to the demands of the economic and on-the-go needs of the consumers.
In view of its increasing popularity, the quality and safety aspects of street foods need
continuous evaluation.

Objectives:

There are few studies in our country focusing on the quality determination of sauces
being served as an accompaniment to street foods by local vendors. Therefore, this study was
undertaken to assess the quality of commonly served green chili sauce.

Methods:

A total of 100 samples in duplicate of green chili sauce were collected from street food
joints in five geographical zones of Delhi. The pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids
(TSS) content on a salt-free basis were assessed for all samples using standardized estimation
techniques given by the national regulator (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India-
FSSAI).

Results:

The pH of the samples was in the range of 3.1-5.1. The average titratable acidity expressed
as acetic acid was 0.67± 0.25 %, which is below the limit of 1% given by FSSAI. The
average TSS content (salt-free basis) was found to be 6.23 ± 3.75 %, which is well below the
regulatory limit of 8%. Only 25% of samples conformed to the national regulatory limits for all
parameters.

Conclusion:

Stringent surveillance system which lays emphasis on the training of microentrepreneurs
needs to be framed to ensure regulatory compliance amongst small-scale manufacturers
of street foods such as green chili sauce.
Role of Plant-Derived Products Through Exhilarating Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ (ppar-γ) in the Amelioration of Obesity Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Choudhary Manjusha , Singh Devender , Sharma Sachin , Kaur Prabhjeet , Budhwar Vikas
Published: February 2022

Insulin resistance is an elemental facet of the etiology of diabetes mellitus and the principal relating factor between obesity and diabetes. Oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, inflammation and receptor dysfunction are the underlying determinants of insulin resistance commencement in metabolic illnesses. ppar-γ is a nuclear transcription factor whose activation or inhibition directly influences insulin resistance and controls glucose and lipid homeostasis by modulating gene expression. Synthetic ligands of ppar-γ are therapeutically employed to counter the hyper-glycaemia associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, but they possess severe side effects. In the modern era, bioactive phytochemicals have been employed in the drug development process and a considerable investigation has recently been initiated to analyze the ppar-γ activating ability of diverse phytochemicals. In this review, we outlined the role of phytochemicals in insulin resistance treatment through ppar-γ activation.
Impacts of factors affecting the business efficiency of seafood companies listed on the stock market of Vietnam
Authors:   Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Hanoi, Vietnam, Pham Quynh Mai , Thu Ho Thi Hoai ,   Faculty of Economics, Academy of Finance, Hanoi, Vietnam
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine the factors affecting the business efficiency of companies in the seafood industry listed on the Vietnamese stock market. The article analyzes the data collected from the financial statements of 20 listed seafood companies operating in Vietnam from 2016 to 2020. The study uses EViews software in quantitative analysis to build a panel data regression model to determine the relationship and level of impact of internal factors on the business performance of seafood companies. Business efficiency is measured by return on assets (ROA), return on equity. The research results show that the factors affecting the business efficiency of listed seafood companies include: capital structure, firm size, growth rate of assets, solvency.
Educação, Ensino Remoto Emergencial e Tecnologias
Authors: Nonato Emanuel do Rosário Santos , Contreras-Espinosa Ruth Sofia
Published: February 2022

A emergência das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação e sua inserção em praticamente todas as dimensões da vida humana, notadamente em sua expressão mais atual no formato de tecnologias digitais conectadas e em rede, colocaram um desafio à Educação que está no centro do campo de estudos Educação e Tecnologias há cerca de trinta  anos: como melhor articular as tecnologias e os processos educativos de modo a otimizá -los – tecnologias a serviço da Educação – e a preparar os educandos para um mundo crescentemente digital e conectado – Educação a serviço do melhor uso das tecnologias – nesta quadra histórica? Uma grande comunidade científica formouse em torno do binômio Educação e Tecnologias e produziu um aparato teórico robusto. Todavia, no Brasil, não obstante a qualidade dos pesquisadores e das pesquisas produzidas, não houve uma plena apropriação dessa produção científica pelos profissionais da Educação – sejam eles docentes stricto sensu ou gestores – das redes escolares públicas e privadas, da Educação Básica e da Educação Superior – o chão da escola – que preparasse as instituições educacionais para o que estava por vir. Assim, as abruptas restrições às práticas educativas presenciais em março de 2020 em virtude da crise sanitária global provocada pela pandemia da COVID-19 surpreenderam as instituições educacionais no sentido de encontrá-las, em sua grande maioria, despreparadas para a utilização massiva de práticas pedagógicas não presenciais, seja do ponto de vista da infraestrutura tecnológica necessária – hardware, software e conectividade –, seja do ponto de vista da formação e da experiência necessárias. Este dossiê temático "Educação, Ensino Remoto Emergencial e Tecnologias" da Revista da FAEEBA - Educação e Contemporaneidade apresenta artigos que abordam esse grande desafio sob diversos ângulos na investigação científica em Educação e Tecnologias.
Literatura digital infantil
Authors: Vilela Rafaela , Corsino Patrícia
Published: February 2022

O artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa de doutorado e tem como objetivos divulgar a produção de literatura infantil digital no Brasil e discutir esse novo modo de fazer e de ler literatura. Para isso foram realizadas: i) pesquisas em sites de editoras, livrarias virtuais e na categoria ‘infantil digital’ do Prêmio Jabuti (2015-2017) e ii) análises de três aplicativos literários: “Pequenos grandes contos de verdade”, “Quanto bumbum!” e “Mãos mágicas” em diálogo com ações propositivas de leitura realizadas com um grupo de crianças de 5 e 6 anos de uma escola pública federal do Rio de Janeiro. Apesar do pouco espaço no mercado editorial brasileiro, a pesquisa evidenciou a literatura infantil digital como uma produção artística potente, cujo o acesso coletivo planejado foi capaz de amplificar as ações de leitura na escola e de contribuir para a formação literária de crianças e professores.
BITÁCORA: PROYECTO Y LUGAR
Authors: Sierra Franco Angélica María , Bravo Jiménez Audy Estella , Albis Romero María Cristina , Ghysais Chadid Guillermo
Published: February 2022

os documentos, esquemas y proyectos exhibidos en forma de libro, corresponden por presentar un intento de ordenar las reflexiones y prácticas que se llevan a cabo, en el componente urbano ambiental conformado en los talleres de Diseño urbano y los cursos de énfasis temáticos direccionados al Hábitat y el Medio Ambiente del Programa de Arquitectura de la Corporación Universitaria del Caribe, CECAR. Como evento singular, es una oportunidad para proclamar la coherencia de una propuesta curricular y de exponer los sólidos logros y competencias de sus alumnos, adquiridos durante cada ciclo de fundamentación y formación profesional.
An Open Source LoRa Based, Low-Cost IoT Platform for Renewable Energy Generation Unit Monitoring and Supervisory Control
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, Canada, Ndukwe Cherechi , Iqbal M. Tariq ,   Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, Canada, Khan Jahangir ,   Transmission Engineering BC Hydro, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Published: February 2022

SCADA provides real-time system monitoring by constant communication and data exchange between various system devices to achieve data visualization and logging. Presently, in industrial systems, commercial SCADA systems are being used for data monitoring and control. These systems can be expensive, and as such can only be afforded by select industries. Even at these costs, the commercial SCADA systems face some challenges, which include interoperability and scalability issues. Research has shown that these problems can be solved by the introduction of low-cost materials and open-source software to achieve data monitoring for all levels of processes. This paper proposes an open source, low-cost Internet of Things (IoT)-based SCADA system that employs the IoT architecture for SCADA functions. The proposed system is an improvement to the existing IoT solutions by eliminating cloud based IoT platforms and introducing a single machine system. This solution increases the robustness of the system while reducing costs. The proposed system prototype consists of voltage and current sensors, Arduino Uno microcontroller and Raspberry Pi. The sensors acquire data from the monitored unit. The Arduino Uno receives the data and processes them for transmission to the Raspberry Pi using the LoRa communication technology. At the Raspberry Pi, the local Chirpstack platform processes the data and displays the measured data using the Grafana dashboard for real-time data monitoring, and the data is stored in an InfluxDB database. For system validation purposes, the prototype is designed, developed, and set up to monitor the panel voltage, current and battery voltage of a solar photovoltaic system. The results obtained from the experimental set-up are compared with the test data from physical digital multimeters. The system presented in this paper is a low-cost, open source, scalable and interoperable system. This, therefore, makes the proposed SCADA system an alternative for commercial SCADA systems, especially for select applications. The system proposed in this paper can be deployed to large industrial systems with appropriate upgrades and customization. The main contribution of this research is the design and development of a SCADA system that performs all the functions of a proprietary SCADA system at a very low-cost with scalable and interoperability features which are the main limitations of the traditional SCADA systems.
Association of Club Sports Participation and TV in the Bedroom with Dietary Pattern in Austrian Adolescents
Authors:   Division of Sport, Physical Activity and Health, University of Education Upper Austria, Linz, Austria, Drenowatz Clemens , Ferrari Gerson ,   Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile,   Human Performance Lab, Education, Physical Activity and Health Research Unit (GEEAFyS), Universidad Católica el Maule, Talca, Chile, Ruedl Gerhard ,   Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, Cocca Armando ,   Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, Greier Klaus ,   Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria,   Divison of Physical Education, Private Educational College (KPH-ES), Stams, Austria
Published: February 2022

Poor lifestyle choices in adolescents, including low physical activity (PA), excess screen time, and unhealthy dietary habits, are major threats to their health in the future. Unhealthy behaviors such as insufficient PA, high TV time, and poor dietary choices also tend to cluster, but information on the combined association of screen time, sports participation, and dietary habits is limited in Austrian youth. To examine the association among these behaviors, 165 adolescents (74 girls and 91 boys) between 11 and 14 years of age completed a food frequency questionnaire during regular class hours. Additionally, participants reported whether they participated in club sports and whether they had a TV in the bedroom. The results showed that there were no interaction effects of club sports participation and TV in the bedroom on dietary habits. There were also no significant associations between participation in club sports and dietary habits. Having a TV in the bedroom, however, was associated with more frequent consumption of fast food and soft drinks. These results highlight the detrimental effects of unsupervised access to a TV on dietary habits in youth. As many lifestyle habits are established during adolescence and retained in adulthood, this age is important to develop a healthy lifestyle. Although club sports provide a viable setting to promote health, the results of this study indicate that the potential of club sports to educate children on nutrition is underused.
Major Genetic Determinants of Extended-Spectrum Β-Lactamase (ESBL), Carbapenemase, Fosfomycin and Colistin Resistance in Escherichia Coli from Intensive Care Units
Authors: Mhawesh Ahmed , khudair Marwa , Abbas Omer N.
Published: February 2022

Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains placed in predominant nosocomial bacteria in intensive care units (ICUs), resulting in severe drug-resistant infections. Non-susceptibility to β-lactams and last-line drugs such as Fosfomycin and Colistin cause limited availability of infections eradication. The objective of this study included the determination of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), Carbapenemase, Colistin, and Fosfomycin resistance in clinical isolates of E. coli in ICUs. A total of 200 E. coli isolates were identified from ICU settings. The CTXM-1, SHV, IMP and OXA-48 genes were detected for β-lactamases using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The fosA3 and mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes were also detected for resistance against Fosfomycin and Colistin. The CTX-M1, SHV, IMP and OXA-48 genes were detected in 60 (30%), 56 (28%), 28 (14%) and 4 (8%) of isolates. none of the E. coli isolates had the mcr-2 and fosA3 genes. Despite the existence of resistance genes to the third-generation antibiotics and Carbapenemase s, any isolates had genes for resistance to Fosfomycin and Colistin. More studies are needed to follow the resistance genes against last-resort antibiotics.
Identification of novel-vector control target proteins of Aedes sp.: A Systems Network Biology Approach
Authors: Sahrawat Tammanna R. , Talwar Devika , Patial Ritika
Published: February 2022

Aedes is an important vector for various viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya and zika, which affect human health globally. Due to regular outbreaks of these diseases worldwide, there is a need to identify essential vector proteins that are critical for the survival of the vector, which may be targeted to control the spread of vector-borne disease (VBD). In silico computational methods involving comparative proteomics, analysis of orthologous proteins common amongst members of Aedes genus and protein-protein interaction (PPI) pathway were used to identify essential proteins that could act as novel therapeutic candidates. Twenty-three conserved proteins between A. aegypti and A. albopictus were identified from a BLASTP search with an e-value threshold of 0.005, and their PPI networks were constructed in the STRING database. The merged network was analyzed using various Cytoscape plugins viz. ClusterONE, Cytohubba and MCODE. Thirty-one hub proteins were identified from the system's network biology analysis, and detailed data and literature mining were carried out. Twelve novel vector-control target proteins of A. aegypti, having no human homologs, were determined in the present study that can effectively act as potential therapeutic candidates for drug design and vaccine development.
Comparing the Ratio of Therapist Support to Internet Sessions in a Blended Therapy Delivered to Trauma-Exposed Veterans: Quasi-experimental Comparison Study
Authors: Cloitre Marylene , Amspoker Amber Bush , Fletcher Terri L , Hogan Julianna B , Jackson Christie , Jacobs Adam , Shammet Rayan , Speicher Sarah , Wassef Miryam , Lindsay Jan
Published: February 2022

Background

Blended models of therapy, which incorporate elements of both internet and face-to-face methods, have been shown to be effective, but therapists and patients have expressed concerns that fewer face-to-face therapy sessions than self-guided internet sessions may be associated with lower therapeutic alliance, lower program completion rates, and poorer outcomes.

Objective

A multisite quasi-experimental comparison study with a noninferiority design implemented in routine clinical care was used to assess webSTAIR, a 10-module blended therapy derived from STAIR (skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation) for trauma-exposed individuals delivered with 10 weekly therapist sessions (termed Coach10) compared to 5 biweekly sessions (Coach5). It was hypothesized that Coach5 would be as good as Coach10 in a range of outcomes.

Methods

A total of 202 veterans were enrolled in the study with 101 assigned to Coach5 and 101 to Coach10. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, emotion regulation, interpersonal problems, and social functioning measures were collected pre-, mid-, and posttreatment, and at a 3-month follow-up. Noninferiority analyses were conducted on symptom outcome measures. Comparisons were made of continuous and categorical measures regarding participant and therapist activities.

Results

Participants reported moderate to severe levels of baseline PTSD, depression, or both. Significant reductions were obtained in all symptom measures posttreatment and at the 3-month follow up. Coach5 was not inferior to Coach10 in any outcome. Therapeutic alliance was at an equivalently high level across the 2 treatment conditions; completion rates and web usage were similar. Total session time was substantially less for the Coach5 therapists than the Coach10 therapists. Both programs were associated with a low, but equal number of therapist activities related to scheduling and crisis or motivational sessions.

Conclusions

A blended model delivered with 5 sessions of therapist support was noninferior to 10 sessions in individuals with moderate to severe symptoms. Future studies identifying patient characteristics as moderators of outcomes with high versus low doses of therapist support will help create flexible, technology-based intervention programming.
The Practice of Teledermatology Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Thomas Jayarkar
Published: February 2022

Background

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine has quickly expanded in many countries as clinical frameworks have been forced to shift to virtual platforms to guarantee the safety of patients and staff. Teledermatology, specifically, is well-suited for telemedicine, with evidence supporting its viability, even-handed quality and precision, and cost adequacy in comparison to in-person visits. Teledermatology holds extraordinary potential for expanding access to patients and guaranteeing coherence of care, especially for those from rural and underserved regions.

Objective

The aim of this research is to study the practice of teledermatology before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A literature search using the following keywords was done: online consultations, teledermatology, post-covid. Reports from integrated health care companies (eg, Practo) were also considered.

Results

According to the reports, Indians consulted physicians 10 times more during the second wave (April to May 2021) of the pandemic than in pre–COVID-19 times (January to February 2020). India experienced a record 30-fold spike in web-based physician consultations for COVID-19–related symptoms during this time, as compared to a 6-fold increase during the previous peak. More than 50% of all web-based consultations were for pulmonologists and general physicians for queries related to COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. Other key specialties that were consulted during this period included gynecology (10%), dermatology (8%), and pediatrics (5%). The demand for general physicians and pulmonologists was at an all-time high, according to the data. Cutaneous manifestations were varied, and included urticaria, varicella-like vesicles, transient livedoid eruptions, livedoid vasculopathy, purpuric eruptions, lichenoid photodermatitis, erythroderma, photocontact dermatitis, and generalized pustular figurate erythema.

Conclusions

Continued advocacy efforts and future studies highlighting teledermatology’s impact, particularly on minorities, underserved patient populations, and in resource-poor settings, are critical for long-term legislative changes to occur and to provide coverage to our most vulnerable patients. This presentation underscores the state of teledermatology prior to the pandemic, the legal statutory changes that permitted teledermatology to rapidly expand during the pandemic, and the significance of continued work after the pandemic. In short, the interruption of everyday life worldwide caused by SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated that our method of practicing medicine needs reexamining.

Conflicts of Interest

None declared.
Media data and vaccine hesitancy: a scoping review (Preprint)
Authors: Yin Jason Dean-Chen
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Media studies are important for vaccine hesitancy research since they analyze how media shapes risk perceptions and uptake of vaccines. Despite a growth in studies in this field due to advances in computing, language processing, and an expanding social media landscape, no study has consolidated the methodological approaches used to study vaccine hesitancy. Synthesizing this information can better structure and set a precedent for this growing subfield of digital epidemiology.

OBJECTIVE

The review aimed to identify and illustrate what media platforms and methods were used to study vaccine hesitancy, and how they build or contribute to the study of media’s influence on vaccine hesitancy and public health.

METHODS

This study followed PRISMA’s (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines for scoping reviews. A search was done of PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS for any studies that: used media data (social media and/or traditional media); had an outcome related to vaccine sentiment (opinion, uptake, hesitancy, acceptance, stance); were written in English; and published after 2010. Studies were screened by only one reviewer, and extracted for media platform, analysis method, and theoretical models used.

RESULTS

A total of 123 studies were included, 69 which used traditional research methods and 54 which used computational methods. Of the traditional methods, a majority used content analysis (74.2%) and sentiment analysis (37.1%) to analyze texts, with few using campaign evaluation methods (8.1%) and tracking of search activity and/or information spread (11.3%). The most common platform was newspapers, print media, and online news. Computational methods mostly used sentiment analysis (57.4%), topic modelling (31.5%), and network analysis (27.8%). Fewer studies used projections and feature extraction as methods. The most common platforms were Twitter and Facebook. Theoretically, most studies were weak. Of traditional methods, only 8 had a theory-based approach (11.6%); and for computational methods, only 6 (11.1%). Due to a patchwork of studies resulting from combinations of platforms and methods, it is difficult to draw a coherent conclusion on media’s influence on vaccine hesitancy.

CONCLUSIONS

There is heterogeneity in using media data to study vaccine hesitation, evidenced in the medley of combinations of platforms and computer science tools (eg. network analysis, sentiment analysis). Yet, these studies are guided by a preference for using novel methods rather than theory, making their links to public health tenuous. This review suggests and walks through a theory-first approach that can aid in better formulation of knowledge and establish a coherent paradigm in media studies on vaccine hesitancy. It ends with a statement that media data analyses, though groundbreaking in approach, should supplement–not supplant–current practices in public health research.
Frameworks for implementation, uptake and use of digital health interventions in ethnic minority populations: a scoping review using cardiometabolic disease as a case study. (Preprint)
Authors: Ramasawmy Mel , Poole Lydia , Thorlu-Bangura Zareen , Chauhan Aneesha , Murali Mayur , Jagpal Parbir , Bijral Mehar , Prashar Jai , G-Medhin Abigail , Murray Elizabeth , Stevenson Fiona , Blandford Ann , Potts Henry W. W. , Khunti Kamlesh , Hanif Wasim , Gill Paramjit , Sajid Madiha , Patel Kiran , Sood Harpreet , Bhala Neeraj , Ullah Ayath , Modha Shivali , Mistry Manoj , Patel Vinod , Ali Sarah N , Ala Aftab , Banerjee Amitava
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions (DHIs) have become increasingly common across healthcare, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health inequalities, particularly by ethnicity, are recognised across diseases, but may be excluded in frameworks addressing implementation of DHIs.

OBJECTIVE

Using cardiometabolic disease as an exemplar, this scoping review aims to assess how health inequalities are addressed in frameworks relevant to the implementation, uptake and use of DHIs, health and ethnic inequalities, and interventions for cardiometabolic disease.

METHODS

SCOPUS, PubMed, EMBASE and grey literature was searched to identify frameworks relevant to: implementation, uptake and use of DHIs; ethnically or culturally diverse populations and health inequalities; and interventions for cardiometabolic disease. We assessed the extent to which these include health inequalities, specifically regarding ethnicity; and explored how these were addressed, drawing out recommendations for good practice.

RESULTS

Of 58 relevant frameworks, 22 (38%) included reference to health inequalities. Inequalities were conceptualised to operate across four levels: society, system, intervention and individual. Only five frameworks considered all levels. Three frameworks considered how DHIs might interact with or exacerbate existing health inequalities; and three considered the process of implementation, uptake and use of health technologies and suggested opportunities to improve equity in digital health. Where ethnicity was considered, this was often within the broader social determinants of health. Only three frameworks explicitly addressed ethnicity: one focused on culturally tailoring DHIs; and two were applied to management of cardiometabolic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing frameworks evaluate implementation, uptake and use of DHIs, but to consider factors related to ethnicity necessitates looking across frameworks. We have developed a guide to support future research to assess real world usability and applicability of these frameworks, to mitigate against digital health inequalities and to inform digital health policies.

CLINICALTRIAL

Protocol registered on osf.io RKPS3, https://osf.io/rkps3
Cost–effectiveness of pembrolizumab for second-line treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with a combined positive score of 10 or more
Authors: Song Xiaobing , Zheng Zhiwei , Li Xiuli , Cai Hongfu , Zhang Longfeng
Published: February 2022

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab compared with that of chemotherapy in the second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with a combined positive score ≥10.
Methods:
A Markov model was established to compare the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of different treatment options. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the stability of the model.
Results:
The increased utility and cost of pembrolizumab were 0.442 QALYs and US$11,826.79 compared with those of chemotherapy. The incremental cost–effectiveness ratio was US$26,757.45/QALY, which was less than the threshold of three-times the GDP per capita. The prices of paclitaxel and pembrolizumab were the most important influencing factors.
Conclusion:
Pembrolizumab is a cost-effective second-line treatment of ESCC.
Tamaño del ámbito de hogar de los murciélagos Myotis atacamensis (Vespertilionidae) y Amorphochilus schnablii (Furipteridae) en los valles costeros del sur de Perú
Authors: Rodriguez-Pinto Nadinne I. , Díaz Darwin R. , Medina César E. , Villalobos-Chaves David , Morales José A. , Bocardo Edwin F. , López Evaristo
Published: February 2022

La telemetría para el cálculo de ámbitos de hogar proporciona una visión significativa del uso del espacio de las especies, el entendimiento de patrones y componentes importantes del hábitat. El presente estudio buscó determinar el tamaño del ámbito de hogar de Myotis atacamensis y Amorphochilus schnablii en valles costeros de Arequipa para la generación de planes eficientes de manejo y conservación. Ambas especies están bajo alguna categoría de conservación por pérdida de extensión y calidad del hábitat en su área de distribución, además del limitado conocimiento de las mismas. En 2019 se instalaron transmisores de radio VHF Holohil LB-2X a 12 individuos, obteniendo posiciones de los murciélagos mediante el método de homing-in-the-animal. El tamaño del ámbito de hogar (HR) fue estimado con los métodos: polígono mínimo convexo y función de kernel bivariado. El tamaño de HR para M. atacamensis fue de 2.1 ± 1.6 ha sobre áreas de cultivo, y para A. shnablii fue de 24.2 ± 27.1 ha sobre zonas áridas y cultivos. Los resultados sugieren que el uso de espacios de M. atacamensis y A. schnablii están orientados principalmente a la disponibilidad de alimento, registrándose mayor importancia de las áreas de cultivo en los ámbitos de hogar.