bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation versus tamsulosin in the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: study protocol and rationale for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Qi-Xiang , He Biming , Gao Xu , Xu Chuanliang , Sun Yinghao , Wang Haifeng
Published: September 2019

Background Though transurethral resection of the prostate is still considered to be the ‘‘gold standard’’ procedure for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), the reported post-operative complication rate is not uncommon. The emerging of minimally invasive focal ablative therapies provide an alternative option for patients who are dissatisfied with medical treatment yet do not willing to take the interventional procedures. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel focal therapy which can accurately ablate the target tissues with minimum damage to the surrounding structures. The application of IRE in selected patients with prostate cancer has yielded promising results, but no report on BPO has been published. Methods/design This is a single-centered, prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IRE in treating BPO compare with tamsulosin. We aim to recruit BPO patients who are currently taking tamsulosin but without absolute indications for surgical intervention. Eligible subjects will undergo a 3-day treatment free washout period, followed by baseline assessment. After randomized into IRE group and tamsulosin (0.2mg orally once daily) group, subjects will be followed-up for up to 24 months. The primary clinical outcome is the change in maximum flow rate from baseline at 6 months. Other assessments, including symptom questionnaires, ultrasound, prostatic specific antigen, prostate magnetic resonance image and pressure-flow study, will be carried out at different time points during follow-up. Any perception or patient-reported adverse events in both treatment arms will be documented. Data will be analyzed by a specialist who is blinded to the medical status and treatment modality in order to minimize the potential bias. Discussion This is the first randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility of IRE for the treatment of BPO. The outcomes of this study will provide high level of evidence to determine its true clinical value.
A Walk in the Park: Models of BMI with Green Space Density and Footpaths
Authors: Carthy Philip , Lyons Sean , Nolan Anne
Published: September 2019

Background : While exposure to urban green spaces has been associated with various physical health benefits, the evidence linking these spaces to lower BMI, particularly among older people, is mixed. We suggest that dimensions of green space accessibility, which are generally unobserved in the existing literature, may be a source of this volatility in results. Methods: We conduct a cross-sectional study combining data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and detailed land use information. We proxy respondents’ exposure to green spaces at their residential addresses in network buffers, which are adjusted to account for the density of local footpaths. Generalised linear models are used to test the association between exposure to accessible green space and BMI. Results: Relative to the third quintile, exposure to the two lowest quintiles of green space, as measured within a 1600m accessible network buffer, is associated with slightly higher BMI (marginal effect for lowest quintile: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.24-1.53; marginal effect for second quintile: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.02-1.2). The results, however, are not robust to small changes in how green space is measured and no statistically significant association between green spaces and BMI is found under other variants of our regression model. Conclusion : The relationship between green spaces and BMI among older adults is highly sensitive to the characterisation of local green space. While footpath availability offers a partial explanation to some unintuitive empirical results previously found in the literature, our results suggest that there remains some other unobserved factor which mediates the relationship between green spaces and weight status.
Evaluation of the national surveillance of Legionnaire’s disease in Norway, 2008-2017
Authors: Wolff Cecilia , Lange Heidi , Feruglio Siri , Vold Line , MacDonald Emily
Published: September 2019

Background In Norway, Legionnaire’s disease is reportable upon clinical suspicion to public health authorities and mandatorily notifiable through the Norwegian surveillance system for communicable diseases (MSIS) for both clinicians and laboratories. In the summer of 2017, several European countries reported high notification rates for Legionnaire’s disease, which was not observed in Norway. We evaluated MSIS to assess if it meets its objectives of detecting cases and trends in incidence of Legionnaire’s disease.Methods We retrieved MSIS data from 2008 to 2017 and calculated timeliness as days from sampling to notification, and internal completeness for key variables as the proportion of observations with a value. Where possible, we assessed internal validity on the presence of a plausible value. To estimate external completeness and validity we linked MSIS with hospital reimbursement claims in the Norwegian Patient Registry. To assess acceptability and representativeness, we surveyed doctors in 39 hospitals on their units’ diagnostic and notification procedures, and use of MSIS.Results There were 438 notified cases. Internal completeness and internal validity were high for key variables (≥95%). The median delay from sampling to notification was 4 days. There were 73 patients in MSIS only, 70 in the Norwegian Patient Registry only, and 351 in both registers. The external completeness of MSIS was 83% (95% CI 80-86%). For external validity, the positive predictive value of MSIS was 83% (95% CI 79-86%). Forty-seven respondents from 28 hospitals described testing procedures. These were inconsistent: 29 (62%) reported no systematic application of criteria for requesting legionella testing. Eighteen (38%) reported testing all patients with suspected pneumonia and a travel history. Thirty-one (66%) found the notification criteria clear.Conclusions Our results suggest that the surveillance in MSIS can detect changes in incidence of Legionnaire’s disease over time, by place and person, but likely does not detect every case diagnosed in Norway. We recommend wider investigation of diagnostic procedures in order to improve representativeness and awareness of MSIS notification criteria among clinicians in order to improve acceptability of the surveillance. We also recommend a more comprehensive assessment of whether patients only registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry were true Legionnaire’s disease cases.
Catastrophic health expenditure: A comparative study between hypertensive patients with and without complication in rural Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Xu Qiongqiong , Guo Xiaolei , Jing Zhengyue , Sun Long , Li Jiajia , Zhou Chengchao
Published: September 2019

Background Some previous studies have assessed catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in households with hypertensive patients, but few have examined the difference of CHE in hypertensive patients with and without complications. The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence and determinants of CHE between hypertensive patients with and without complications.Methods The data were draw from a cross-sectional study conducted in four rural counties of Shandong Province in China in 2016, including 3,113 hypertensive patients. CHE was defined as out-of-pocket payments for hypertensive care that equaled or exceeded 40% of the household capacity to pay. We employed Chi-square test to explore associated factors and logistic regression model to identify the determinants of CHE.Results The prevalence of CHE is 13.6% among hypertensive patients. The prevalence of CHE with one complication is 25.3% ( Ρ =0.000, OR=2.29 ) and 47.3% ( P=0.000, OR=3.60 ) in patients with two or more complications, which are both statistically higher than that in patients without complication (6.1%). Across all types of patients, income levels are inversely related to the prevalence of CHE. Patients who use outpatient or inpatient service are more likely to experience CHE ( Ρ =0.000 ). Factors including living arrangements, family size, educational attainment are found to be significantly associated with CHE in some subgroups ( Ρ <0.05 ).Conclusions CHE prevalence among hypertensive patients is high in rural China. Patients with hypertensive complication are at higher catastrophic risk than those without complication.
Analysis of health education utilization of migrants in Beijing using Anderson health service utilization model
Authors: Shao Shuang , Zhang Huirong , Xuxiao Jingyuan , Chen Xiaolei , Zhao Yali , Du Juan
Published: September 2019

Background: Domestic migration is considered as a challenge for China. Migrants are vulnerable to certain risks and diseases due to encounter several obstacles to accessing preventive care services. This research sought to unveil and explore the determinant factors associated with health education utilization as one important aspect of basic public health services for migrants in Beijing of China. Methods: A sample of 863 inter-provincial migrants who were 18 years old and above was chosen by three-stage stratified cluster sampling method in 2016 urban-rural connection districts of Beijing. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews. Anderson health service utilization model was used to demonstrate the effects of the explanatory variables on health education seeking behavior from predisposing, enabling, health behavior and need variables. Results: The study revealed that 60.4% migrants desired to receive health education, while only 34.5% of them received in the past year. Many migrants desired to access various types of health education information from the internet. Chi-square independence test shows that age, "Hukou" registration system, marital status, education level, plan to reside for a long time in Beijing, have at least one child in Beijing, employment status, housing source, average working time daily, do exercises, acquire health knowledge, smoking, self-evaluation general health status are the major determinants affecting migrants to receive whole health education. The binary logistic regression indicates that the migrants with younger, high education level, have at least one child in Beijing, do exercises and self-evaluated good health status were more likely to receive whole health education. The results also show that average working time daily of enabling variables and do exercise of health behavior variables were the strong and consistent determinants of three types of health education utilization, including communicable, non-communicable and occupational diseases. Conclusion: There were certain gaps between the needs and utilization in health education. More attention should be given to the migrants with heavy workload and low education level. Relevant policies and feasible measures, including health providing health information by multiple channels, should be vigorously implemented to ensure easy and equitable access to health education for migrants.
How to improve the satisfaction levels of new rural cooperative medical system in underdeveloped areas of China ?
Authors: University Pin YaoShengjing Hospital of China Medical , Nursing China Medical University Yifan WuSchool of , Chen Xiaodong , OuYang Jing , Liu Chunping , Sun Shu
Published: September 2019

Abstract Background: Over the years, China has designed a new rural cooperative medical system for large rural population, which enables them to obtain adequate medical services and prevents poverty caused by medical treatments. However, the rapid economic growth makes the allocation of health resources and the efficient utilization of health services face severe challenges. The study aims to reveal the medical inequality of eight underdeveloped provinces from the perspectives of medical institutions, insurance policies, the government and farmers, in order to puts forward relevant recommendations. Methods: The relevant statistics about assessing the characteristics and equity of demographics, socio-economic and geographical dimensions were from the China Statistical Yearbook and the China Health Statistics Yearbook. A face-to-face sampling survey of farmers in 24 counties of eight less developed provinces (Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Shanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang) was carried out by multi-stage stratified random sampling. The protection effect of New Rural Cooperative Medical System（NRCMS）, satisfaction of medical service and willingness to participate in NRCMS were analyzed. Results: Since the implementation of the new rural cooperative medical system, there has been an inequality in medical service and insurance policy among poor residents in western China. The uneven distribution of medical resources, the inadequacy of local government investment, the complexity of the reimbursement process, and the low amount of compensation resulted in only 26.6% of the population believing that the economic burden of the disease had been reduced, and 57.3% that the relief effect was not obvious. The remaining 16.1% thought the system was ineffective and farmers' satisfaction was not enough. Conclusion: Compared with the eastern and central regions, there was a certain degree of unfairness in government investment in the resources of medical institutions of the western region with new rural cooperative medical care. This study suggested that policy makers can attract high-quality medical staff to the western region by providing economic security and improving policies. In addition, the increase of the government regional health expenditure and supervision propaganda was one of the important ways to improve the farmers' satisfaction with the policy.
A novel nomogram to predict the reliability of estimated glomerular filtration rate formula in oncology patients
Authors: Cheng Yichun , Huang Liu , Han Yunfeng , Vanisha Chummun , Ge Shuwang , Xu Gang
Published: September 2019

Background

Formulae of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (Scr) are routinely used in oncology patients, however, they are inaccurate in some populations. Our aim was to identify population characteristics where eGFR formulae performed poorly and thereby build a nomogram to predict the reliability of estimates.

Methods

Measured GFR (mGFR) using isotope from 444 oncology patients were compared with eGFR from four formulae (Cockcroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) Collaboration and Wright). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify characteristics associated with inaccurate eGFR and construct a predictive nomogram.

Results

The Cockcroft–Gault formula exhibited estimates with lowest bias and highest precision. Nonetheless, it was still unreliable in a relevant proportion of patients. The percentage of patients within 30%, 20%, and 10% of the accurate percentage error (APE) was seen in only 62.8%, 47.7% and 24.8% of patients respectively. Inaccuracy was found in overweight patients or in patients with BUN/Scr ratio greater than 20 or with eGFR greater than 120 ml/min. A novel nomogram was constructed to help oncologists to predict the risk of inaccuracy of eGFR. The calibration curve showed good agreement.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that all eGFR formulae tend to overestimate the eGFR in oncology patients. Our nomogram may assist oncologists in decision-making when mGFR is needed.
Escherichia Coli O157:H7: Distribution, molecular characterization, antimicrobial resistance patterns and source of contamination of sheep and goat carcasses at an export Abattoir, Mojdo, Ethiopia
Authors: Abreham Solomon , Teklu Akafete , Cox Eric , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay
Published: September 2019

Background : Cattle have been identified as a major reservoir of E. coli O157:H7 for human infection; the ecology of the organism in sheep and goats is less understood. This study was carried out to determine prevalence, source of infection, antibiotic resistance and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli O157: H7 isolated from sheep and goat.
Methods : Systematic random sampling was carried out at Modjo export abattoir, Ethiopia, from November 2012 to April 2013 to collect 408 samples from 72 sheep and 32 goats. Samples collected were skin swabs, fecal samples, intestinal mucosal swabs and the inside and outside part of carcasses as well as carcass in contacts such as workers hands, knife, hook and carcass washing water. Then, samples were processed following standard bacteriological procedures. Non-Sorbitol fermenting colonies were tested on latex agglutination test and the positives are subjected to PCR for detection of attaching and effacing genes ( eaeA) and shiga toxin producing genes ( stx1 and stx2 ). All E. coli O157:H7 isolates were checked for their susceptibility pattern towards 15 selected antibiotics.
Results : E. coli O157:H7 were detected in only 20/408 samples (4.9%). Among these 20 positive samples, 70% (14/20), 25% (5/20) and 5% (1/20) were from sheep, goats and knife samples, respectively. No significant associations were found between carcasses and the assumed sources of contaminations. Of all the 20 isolates virulence genes were found in 10 (50%) of them; 3 (15%) with only the eaeA gene and 7(35%) expressing eaeA and stx2 genes. All the isolates were susceptible to Norfloxacin (NOR) (100%).
Conclusions : The presence of virulence genes shows E. coli O157:H7 is a potential source of human infection in Ethiopia.
Key words : Abattoir, antibiotic sensitivity, CT-SMAC, E. coli O157:H7, IMS, Latex agglutination, multiplex PCR.
Promoting pragmatic awareness of Indonesian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners through teaching speech acts of oral and written complaints
Authors: Nuridin Waliyadin
Published: September 2019

The lack of pragmatic competence could result in unexpected effects on the speakers; for example, the speakers are considered as rude and aggressive people. Accordingly, developing pragmatic competence for EFL learners should be a great concern. This article is aimed to fill in the needs of pragmatic teaching by providing examples of teaching practices that have successfully developed learners’ pragmatic competence. There are two tasks that have been designed and implemented by drawing on discourse processing framework proposed by Celce-Murcia and Olshtain (2000) to achieve the production of both written and spoken discourses. The first task is on speaking, particularly on the speech act of oral complaints. The second task is on writing a letter of complaint. This article suggests that developing pragmatic awareness through the speech act of oral and written complaints is effective.
The ICT Used by the English Lecturers for Non English Study Program Students at STAIN Curup
Authors: Apriani Eka , Hidayah Jumatul
Published: September 2019

This research is done by the researcher to investigate kinds of ICT used by English lecturers for non-English Study Program students at IAIN Curup and to investigate the roles of ICT for the English lecturer at IAIN Curup. This research used descriptive quantitative Because the questioner's results were evaluated and explained in the explanatory form.The questionnaire used as the instrument to collect the data. Questionnaire about the ICT used by the English lecturers for non-English Study Program students at IAIN Curup and the role of ICT for English Lecturer. Five processes is used to analyze the data from questionnaires in this research. They are (1) data managing of research result, (2) reading/memoing of result, (3) description of result; (4) classifying of research result and (5) interpreting of research result. The result showed that the lecturers always used three types of ICR in teaching English in the classroom, they were the speaker, educational games, and website resources. The reason for them using three types of ICT because it was easy to use and cheap. In using the ICT, the lecturers have a different opinion about About ICT's role in promoting its learning operations. The use of ICT in the teaching and learning system had 7 (seven) roles. It is about the role of ICT in motivating, attracting, and enhancing the success of learners in studying English.
Factors influencing the relationship between fluoride in drinking water and dental fluorosis: a ten-year systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Akuno M. H. , Nocella G. , Milia E. P. , Gutierrez L.
Published: September 2019

The relationship between naturally fluoridated groundwater and dental fluorosis has received large attention from researchers around the world. Despite recognition that several factors influence this relationship, there is a lack of systematic studies analyzing the heterogeneity of these results. To fill such a gap, this study performs a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand which factors influence this relationship and how. Selected studies were sampled between 2007 and 2017 from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus using keywords and Boolean operators. Results of the systematic review show that dental fluorosis affects individuals of all ages, with the highest prevalence below 11, while the impact of other factors (gender, environmental conditions, diet and dental caries) was inconclusive. Meta-regression analysis, based on information collected through systematic review, indicates that both fluoride in drinking water and temperature influence dental fluorosis significantly and that these studies might be affected by publication bias. Findings show that fluoride negatively affects people's health in less developed countries. The conclusions discuss policy tools and technological innovations that could reduce fluoride levels below that of the World Health Organization (WHO) (<1.5 mg/L).
The In Silico Drug Discovery Toolbox: Applications in Lead Discovery and Optimization
Authors: Bruno Agostino , Costantino Gabriele , Sartori Luca , Radi Marco
Published: September 2019

Background:

Discovery and development of a new drug is a long lasting and expensive journey that takes around 20 years from starting idea to approval and marketing of new medication. Despite R&D expenditures have been constantly increasing in the last few years, the number of new drugs introduced into market has been steadily declining. This is mainly due to preclinical and clinical safety issues, which still represent about 40% of drug discontinuation. To cope with this issue, a number of in silico techniques are currently being used for an early stage evaluation/prediction of potential safety issues, allowing to increase the drug-discovery success rate and reduce costs associated with the development of a new drug.

Methods:

In the present review, we will analyse the early steps of the drug-discovery pipeline, describing the sequence of steps from disease selection to lead optimization and focusing on the most common in silico tools used to assess attrition risks and build a mitigation plan.

Results:

A comprehensive list of widely used in silico tools, databases, and public initiatives that can be effectively implemented and used in the drug discovery pipeline has been provided. A few examples of how these tools can be problem-solving and how they may increase the success rate of a drug discovery and development program have been also provided. Finally, selected examples where the application of in silico tools had effectively contributed to the development of marketed drugs or clinical candidates will be given.

Conclusion:

The in silico toolbox finds great application in every step of early drug discovery: (i) target identification and validation; (ii) hit identification; (iii) hit-to-lead; and (iv) lead optimization. Each of these steps has been described in details, providing a useful overview on the role played by in silico tools in the decision-making process to speed-up the discovery of new drugs.
Current Computational Approaches for the Development of Anti-HIV Inhibitors: An Overview
Authors: Panwar Umesh , Chandra Ishwar , Selvaraj Chandrabose , Singh Sanjeev K.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Today, HIV-1 infection has become an extensive problem to public health and a greater challenge to all working researchers throughout the world. Since the beginning of HIV-1 virus, several antiviral therapeutic agents have been developed at various stages to combat HIV-1 infection. But, many of antiviral drugs are on the platform of drug resistance and toxicology issues, needs an urgent constructive investigation for the development of productive and protective therapeutics to make an improvement of individual life suffering with viral infection. As developing a novel agent is very costly, challenging and time taking route in the recent times.

Methods:

The review summarized about the modern approaches of computational aided drug discovery to developing a novel inhibitor within a short period of time and less cost.

Results:

The outcome suggests on the premise of reported information that the computational drug discovery is a powerful technology to design a defensive and fruitful therapeutic agents to combat HIV-1 infection and recover the lifespan of suffering one.

Conclusion:

Based on survey of the reported information, we concluded that the current computational approaches is highly supportive in the progress of drug discovery and controlling the viral infection.
Screening GLP-1 Receptor Ligands from Natural Products in Herbs through High-Content Technique
Authors: Qin Kunhao , Zhang Shengting , Wang Jie , Liu Dongbo , Xiang Yingying , Ji Xiuling , Wei Yunlin
Published: September 2019

Aim and Objective:

Screening of active components from a natural product, especially from a crude extract, is a great challenge. To avoid potential activity interference of the N-terminus modification in the most common constructs based on GCPRs labeled with GFP technology, a Cterminus tGFP-labeled hGLP-1 receptor containing recombinant cell line hGLP-1R-tGFP was constructed and tried to be used in the screening of natural products from Chinese herb.

Materials and Methods:

The GLP1 receptor gene was amplified and the inserts pCMV6-AC-tGFP and tGFP were fused at the C-terminus of GLP1 receptor to construct a recombinant plasmid. The recombinant was transfected into U2OS cell and selected with antibiotics and flow cytometry. The constructed cell line was named as hGLP-1R-tGFP cell line. The expression levels of GLP-1R-tGFP protein were confirmed by western-blot. The fluorescence imaging of re-distribution from diffusing to aggregate spots inside the cells was quantitated and analyzed by High Content Screening (HCS) assay. Meanwhile, the specificity, stability and C-terminus function of hGLP-1R-tGFP cell line were characterized. In order to allow the recombinant cell line of hGLP-1R-tGFP to be suitable in highcontent system of Arrayscan-infinity-700 in screening mode, several conditions have also been optimized. In the end, a total of 100 crude extract samples provided by the Yunnan Institute of Materia Medica have been screened with this method.

Results:

Upon the activation of GLP-1 receptors by Exendin 4, fluorescent patches appeared on the cell membrane and subsequently internalized to form fluorescent aggregates inside the cells under fluorescent microscopy examination. The agonistic activity, sensitivity and specificity of the formation of fluorescent aggregate spot in hGLP-1R-tGFP cells have been confirmed by the activation of GLP-1R using the GLP-1analogues. The agonistic effects of GLP-1 analogues are blocked by a GLP-1R antagonist, Exendin9-39. The downstream of GLP-1 pathway, the activation of adenylate cyclase and the raising of cellular cAMP levels, remained intact in these tGFP modified C-terminus GLP-1 receptor cells. Meanwhile, a total of 100 crude extract samples from Chinese herbs have been screened by this method to find new active ingredients.

Conclusion:

Combined with High Content Screening image and data automatic acquisition processing, a new screening assay based on a recombinant U2OS cell line which GFP labeled at the C terminus of GLP1 receptor has been developed. GLP-1R agonist activity in extracts of Astragalus propinquus and Panax notoginseng from Chinese herbs has been determined by this method.
Prevalence of Different Genotypes of HIV-1 in Injection Drug Users in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Yu , Zhang Lincai , Hou Zongjie , Tu Aixia , Qiao Ruijuan , Dai Chen , Yao Ning , Du Xiufen , Xu Yaning , Tan Jiying
Published: September 2019

Background:

Since 1981, an increasing trend in HIV has been observed for transmission
via injection drug users (IDUs), sexual transmission and mother-to-child transmission. The IDUs
are blamed for early increases in HIV-positive cases in China.

Objective:

HIV genotypes of IDUs were comprehensively analysed to trace the source and relationships
of the AIDS epidemic in China.

Methods:

Relevant databases written in English and Chinese were searched. Overall, 7,149 publications
were identified in six databases. After screening 7,104 articles according to the inclusion and
exclusion criteria, 45 studies consisting of 2,765 cases were finally identified. A meta-analysis was
conducted using R MATLAB software, RevMan and SPSS. Subgroup analyses focused on time
frame, region, and location of different genotypes of IDUs in China.

Results:

There were five dominant HIV-1 genotypes among the 2,765 IDU cases. The proportions
of CRF07_BC, CRF01_AE, CRF08_BC, subtype B/B', and subtype C were 45.18% (95% CI:
33.55-57.08%), 16.00% (95% CI: 9.39-23.82%), 13.43% (95% CI: 7.32-20.84%), 3.58% (95% CI:
1.52-6.24%), and 0.90% (95% CI: 0.04-2.43%), respectively. HIV genotypes transmitted among
IDUs in China are primarily CRF07-BC, followed by CRF01-AE and CRF08-BC. Across the different
time frames and regions, CRF07_BC was the most prevalent HIV-1 genotype among IDUs,
while CRF08_BC was the most prevalent genotype in the southwest region.

Conclusion:

Our study reveals that CRF07-BC was the dominant prevalent strain among IDUs
from 1991 to 2015 in China, while CRF08-BC was the dominant prevalent strain among IDUs in
southwestern China. This systematic review and meta-analysis shows evidence of the comprehensive
prevalence of different genotypes, data and characteristics of HIV among IDUs in China.
Chiral Mn(III) Salen Complex Immobilized on CuFe2O4@SiO2-NH2 NPs: A Cheap and Efficient Catalyst for N-arylation of Aryl Halides and Phenylboronic Acid Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Nasseri Mohammad Ali , Alavi Seyyedeh Ameneh , Kazemnejadi Milad , Allahresani Ali
Published: September 2019

A convenient and efficient chiral CuFe2O4@SiO2-Mn(III) Ch.salen nanocatalyst has been
developed for the C-N cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides/ phenylboronic acid with N-heterocyclic
compounds in water and/or DMSO under mild conditions. The catalyst could be applied for the
N-arylation of a variety of nitrogen-containing heterocycles with aryl chlorides, bromides, iodides and
phenylboronic acid under mild conditions. Moderate to good yields were achieved for all substrates.
The structure of catalyst was characterized using various techniques including FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX,
XRD, TEM and TGA. The catalyst can be simply recovered and reused for several times without significant
loss of activity.
Polymer-Bound Triphenylphosphine and 4,4′-Dinitroazobenzene as a Coupling Reagents for Chromatography-Free Esterification Reaction
Authors: Das Diparjun , Rajkumari Kalyani , Rokhum Lalthazuala
Published: September 2019

Aim and Objective:

Sustainable production of fine chemicals both in industries and
pharmaceuticals heavily depends on the application of solid-phase synthesis route coupled with microwave
technologies due to their environmentally benign nature. In this report, a microwave-assisted esterification
reaction using polymer-bound triphenylphosphine and 4,4′-dinitroazobenzene reagent system was
investigated.

Materials and Methods:

The solvents were obtained from Merck India. Polymer-bound triphenylphosphine
(~3 mmol triphenylphosphine moiety/g) was acquired from Sigma-Aldrich. The progress of the reaction was
observed by thin-layer chromatography. All the reactions were performed in Milestones StartSYNTH
microwave. The NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker Avance III 300, 400, and 500 MHz FT NMR
Spectrometers. Using azo compound and polymer-bound triphenyl phosphine as a coupling reagent,
esterification of different carboxylic acids with alcohols was performed under microwave irradiation.

Results:

Esterification of benzoic acid with 1-propanol under microwave irradiation gave a high yield of 92%
propyl benzoate in 60 minutes only. Isolation of the ester products was relatively simple as both the
byproducts polymer-bound triphenylphosphine oxide and hydrazine could be removed by simple filtration.
The rates of reactions were found to be directly proportional to the pKa of the benzoic acids.

Conclusion:

4,4′-Dinitroazobenzene was introduced as a novel coupling reagent, in conjugation with
polymer-bound triphenylphosphine, for esterification reactions under microwave irradiation. The low
moisture sensitivity of the reaction system, easy separation of the byproducts, and column chromatographyfree
isolation of esters help our methods with application significance, particularly from the ‘Sustainable
Chemistry’ perspective.
Some Ways for the Synthesis of Chalcones - New Ways for the Synthesis of Flavon-3-ols
Authors: Espíndola Cecilia
Published: September 2019

The flavonoids by their natural properties and their diverse applications are a group of compounds whose study of origin, characteristics and applications has been dedicated to extensive research. For the organic synthesis of chalcones, due to their interest as precursor molecules of different compounds, several pathways have been developed and reported in numerous works. Analyses on the effect of some of these catalysts on chalcone yield (%), with respect to time and reaction temperature are presented here. Given the importance of flavon-3-ols, as compounds of pharmacological interest mainly, new synthesis routes are proposed, in addition to the existing ones. This paper presents the main pathways for the synthesis of chalcones and analyzes their production. New routes for the synthesis of flavon-3-ols that follow the Claisen-Schmidt condensation and the interconversion of melacacidin are proposed.
Assessing the Therapeutic Potential of Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) to Modulate Renal and Cardiac Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits
Authors: Ashfaq Faiza , Butt Masood S. , Bilal Ahmad , Awan Kanza A. , Suleria Hafiz A.R.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The epidemiological transition is directly associated with dietary shift towards
empty calories. In contrary, cabbage fights against oxidative stress mediated health disorders owing to
the presence of nutritive constituents and low caloric count. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of
red cabbage and its aqueous extract against renal and cardiac oxidative stress in response to hypercaloric
diet.

Methods:

Red cabbage and its aqueous extract were fed to normal rabbits (Study I) and hypercholesterolemic
diet (1% cholesterol) induced oxidatively stressed rabbits (Study II) for 12-weeks. Serum
specific biomarkers of renal and cardiac oxidative stress including creatinine, urea, creatine kinase
(CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) were measured. Tissues of kidney and heart were employed to assess the activities of superoxide
dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) alongside; lipid peroxidation was also studied.

Results:

Red cabbage extract depicted more decrement (p<0.05) in serum creatinine and urea levels up
to 14.45 and 9.01% in oxidatively stressed rabbits (Study II), respectively. In kidney tissues, red cabbage
extract showed an obvious reduction in lipid peroxidation up to 24.07% in Study II that ultimately
restored SOD (11.38%) and CAT (16.72%) activities. On the other hand, red cabbage demonstrated
promising aptitude (p<0.05) in mitigating cardiac compromised condition by down-regulating lipid
peroxidation by 16.44%, which considerably decreased the serum levels of CK, CK-MB, LDH and
AST.

Conclusion:

Relatively, red cabbage extract showed a relatively better response in controlling renal
oxidative stress as compared to red cabbage; however, vice-versa was observed in case of cardiac oxidative
stress.
HMGA and Cancer: A Review on Patent Literatures
Authors: De Martino Marco , Fusco Alfredo , Esposito Francesco
Published: September 2019

Background:

The high mobility group A proteins modulate the transcription of numerous genes by interacting with transcription factors and/or altering the structure of chromatin. These proteins are involved in both benign and malignant neoplasias as a result of several pathways. A large amount of benign human mesenchymal tumors has rearrangements of HMGA genes. On the contrary, malignant tumors show unarranged HMGA overexpression that is frequently and causally related to neoplastic cell transformation. Here, we review the function of the HMGA proteins in human neoplastic disorders, the pathways by which they contribute to carcinogenesis and the new patents focused on targeting HMGA proteins.

Objective:

Current review was conducted to check the involvement of HMGA as a druggable target in cancer treatment.

Methods:

We reviewed the most recent patents focused on targeting HMGA in cancer treatment analyzing patent literature published during the last years, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO®), United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO®), Espacenet®, and Google Patents.

Results:

HMGA proteins are intriguing targets for cancer therapy and are objects of different patents based on the use of DNA aptamers, inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, antisense molecules able to block their oncogenic functions.

Conclusion:

Powerful strategies able to selectively interfere with HMGA expression and function could represent a helpful approach in the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
Essential Oil Composition and Anti-scabies Potential of Amomum subulatum Roxb. Leaves
Authors: Sharma Bharat , Vasudeva Neeru , Sharma Sunil
Published: September 2019

Background::

Scabies is an enervating parasitic infestation of skin caused by Sarcoptes scabiei,
affecting besides 130 million people at any time. Globally, this neglected tropical disease is amenable
for 0.07% of the total burden of disease. Amomum subulatum Rox. (Large Cardamom) plant
parts are used in traditional medicine for curing dyspepsia, skin disease, anorexia, dysentery, hyperacidity,
ulcers, wounds, cardiac debility, fever, cough, liver congestion and gonorrhoea.

Objective::

The objective of this study was the phytochemical characterization of essential oil of A. subulatum
leaves and evaluate its anti-scabies potential against S. scabiei.

Methods:

Essential oil was collected by hydrodistillation of fresh leaves of A. subulatum using
Clevenger apparatus and subjected to Gas Chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(GC-MS) for identification and quantification of components of oil. Anti-scabies potential of
essential oil of leaves of A. subulatum against S. scabiei was investigated by contact bioassay method.

Results::

GC and GC-MS analysis results revealed the presence of 39 constituents, of which terpinen-4-
ol (29.87%), eucalyptol (18.69%), β-phallendrene (7.97%), γ-terpinene (6.67%), p-cymene (6.20%),
were detected as major constituents. Oxygenated monoterpenes predominated in the A. subulatum essential
oil, and constituted 59.03% of the total oil composition. The anti-scabies study demonstrated
their scabicidal potential as its 10% concentration caused 100% mortality within 60 min.

Conclusion::

The result indicated anti-scabies potential of essential oil of A. subulatum so can be used
as an alternative for the treatment and effective control of S. scabiei.
MicroRNAs Determining Carcinogenesis by Regulating Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes During Cell Cycle
Authors: Fasoulakis Zacharias , Daskalakis George , Diakosavvas Michail , Papapanagiotou Ioannis , Theodora Marianna , Bourazan Arzou , Alatzidou Dimitra , Pagkalos Athanasios , Kontomanolis Emmanuel N.
Published: September 2019

Aim::

To provide a review considering microRNAs regulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor
genes during the different stages of cell cycle, controlling carcinogenesis.

Methods::

The role of microRNAs involved as oncogenes’ and tumor suppressor genes’ regulators in
cancer was searched in the relevant available literature in MEDLINE, including terms such as “microRNA”,
“oncogenes”, “tumor suppressor genes”, “metastasis”, “cancer” and others.

Results::

MicroRNAs determine the expression levels of multiple cell cycle regulators, such as cyclins,
cyclin dependent kinases and other major cell cycle activators including retinoblastoma 1 (RB-
1) and p53, resulting in alteration and promotion/inhibition of the cell cycle.

Conclusion::

MicroRNAs are proven to have a key role in cancer pathophysiology by altering the expression
profile of different regulator proteins during cell division cycle and DNA replication. Thus,
by acting as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, they can either promote or inhibit cancer development
and formation, revealing their innovative role as biomarkers and therapeutic tools.
Динамика горения пропан-воздушной газовой смеси при ее поджиге стримерным сверхвысокочастотным разрядом
Authors: Булат П.В. , Грачев Л.П. , Есаков И.И. , Раваев А.А. , Северинов Л.Г.
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe results of experimental studies of combustion of propane–air gaseous mixture when it was ignited by a microwave discharge have been described. The mixture with different propane content fills a sealed radio-transparent tube placed along the axis of a focused linearly polarized quasi-optical microwave beam at atmospheric pressure. Multi-point ignition of the mixture is carried out near one end of the tube by a pulsed microwave discharge with a surface-developed streamer structure. The growth of gas pressure in the tube as propane burned was recorded in the experiments. The microwave pulse energy being invested in high-temperature discharge plasma has been estimated in them. The minimum percentage of propane in the mixture at which the microwave discharge ignites it has been determined in experiments. The time dependence of the pressure increase in the tube as the propane burns determines the combustion process dynamics.
Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based HPV Vaccination Intervention for Young Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (Preprint)
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , Gower Amy L. , Kiss Dale E. , Malone Molly A. , Katz Mira L. , Bauermeister Jose A. , Shoben Abigail B. , Paskett Electra D. , McRee Annie-Laurie
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men experience several disparities related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, including high incidence rates of anal cancer. HPV vaccine is currently recommended for young adults, yet HPV vaccine coverage is low among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM).

OBJECTIVE

We describe the design and methods for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to rigorously evaluate Outsmart HPV, a population-targeted, individually-tailored web-based HPV vaccination intervention for YGBMSM. The RCT is designed to determine the efficacy of the intervention, the mechanism by which the intervention has an effect (i.e., mediation), and whether efficacy varies by participant characteristics (i.e., moderation).

METHODS

Outsmart HPV was previously developed and pilot-tested. The current study is a three-arm prospective RCT that will enroll a projected 1995 YGBMSM who are ages 18-25, live in the United States, and have not received any doses of HPV vaccine. Participants will be recruited via paid advertisements on social media sites and randomized to receive either: (a) standard information online about HPV vaccine (control group); (b) Outsmart HPV content online with monthly unidirectional vaccination reminders sent via text message; or (c) Outsmart HPV content online with monthly interactive vaccination reminders sent via text message. Participants will complete online surveys at four time points during the study: baseline; immediately after engaging with online content; three months after randomization; and nine months after randomization. Primary outcomes will include both HPV vaccine initiation (i.e., receipt of one or more doses of HPV vaccine) and completion (receipt of all three doses recommended for this age range). We will examine constructs from the intervention’s theoretical framework as potential mediators, and we will examine demographic and health-related characteristics as potential moderators of intervention effects.

RESULTS

The Institutional Review Board at The Ohio State University has approved the study. Materials have been developed and finalized for all study groups. Recruitment for the RCT is scheduled to begin in Fall 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

If shown to be efficacious, Outsmart HPV has the potential to fill an important gap by promoting HPV vaccination among a population at increased risk of HPV infection and HPV-related disease.

CLINICALTRIAL

The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04032106 (available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04032106).
Clinical Application of Radioembolization in Hepatic Malignancies: Protocol for a Prospective Multicenter Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Helmberger Thomas , Arnold Dirk , Bilbao José I , de Jong Niels , Maleux Geert , Nordlund Anders , Peynircioglu Bora , Sangro Bruno , Sharma Ricky A , Walk Agnes
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Radioembolization, also known as transarterial radioembolization or selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90 (90Y) resin microspheres, is an established treatment modality for patients with primary and secondary liver tumors. However, large-scale prospective observational data on the application of this treatment in a real-life clinical setting is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective is to collect data on the clinical application of radioembolization with 90Y resin microspheres to improve the understanding of the impact of this treatment modality in its routine practice setting.

METHODS

Eligible patients are 18 years or older and receiving radioembolization for primary and secondary liver tumors as part of routine practice, as well as have signed informed consent. Data is collected at baseline, directly after treatment, and at every 3-month follow-up until 24 months or study exit. The primary objective of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe Registry for SIR-Spheres Therapy (CIRT) is to observe the clinical application of radioembolization. Secondary objectives include safety, effectiveness in terms of overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), liver-specific PFS, imaging response, and change in quality of life.

RESULTS

Between January 2015 and December 2017, 1047 patients were included in the study. The 24-month follow-up period ended in December 2019. The first results are expected in the third quarter of 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The CIRT is the largest observational study on radioembolization to date and will provide valuable insights to the clinical application of this treatment modality and its real-life outcomes.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02305459; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02305459

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/16296
Sobre modernidad y figuración: una aproximación al Museo de la Ciudad de Brasilia de Oscar Niemeyer desde la fotografía de Marcel Gautherot
Authors: Costa Cabral Cláudia
Published: September 2019

Sobre modernidad y figuración:
una aproximación al Museo de
la Ciudad de Brasilia de Oscar
Niemeyer desde la fotografía de
Marcel Gautherot