bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the human host
Authors: Wrobel Antoni , Benton Donald , Roustan Chloë , Borg Annabel , Hussain Saira , Martin Stephen , Rosenthal Peter , Skehel John , Gamblin Steve
Published: May 2021

Variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged which contain multiple substitutions in the surface spike glycoprotein that have been associated with increased transmission and resistance to neutralising antibodies and antisera. We have examined the structure and receptor binding properties of spike proteins from the B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (SA) variants to better understand the evolution of the virus in humans. Both variants’ spikes have the same mutation, N501Y, in their receptor-binding domains that confers tighter ACE2 binding and this substitution relies on a common earlier substitution (D614G) to achieve the tighter binding. Each variant spike has also acquired a key change in structure that impacts virus pathogenesis. Unlike other SARS-CoV-2 spikes, the spike from the UK variant is stable against detrimerisation on binding ACE2. This feature primarily arises from the acquisition of a substitution at the S1-S2 furin site that allows for near-complete cleavage. In the SA variant spike, the presence of a new substitution, K417N, again on the background of the D614G substitution, enables the spike trimer to adopt fully open conformations that are required for receptor binding. Both types of structural change likely contribute to the increased effectiveness of these viruses for infecting human cells.
A Simple Prediction Model of Hyperuricemia for use in a Rural Setting
Authors: Shi Jiacheng , Chen Xiaohuan , Yang Qiong , Wang Cai-Mei , Huang Qian , Shen Yanming , Yu Jian
Published: May 2021

Currently, the most widely used screening methods for hyperuricemia (HUA) involves invasive laboratory tests, which are lacking in many rural hostipals in China. This study explores the use of non-invasive physical examinations to construct a simple prediction model for HUA. Data of 9,252 adults from July to October 2019 in the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College were collected and divided randomly into a training set (n = 6,364) and a validation set (n = 2,888) at a ratio of 7:3. In the training set, non-invasive physical examination indicators of age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of hypertension were included for logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram model was established. The classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm of the decision tree model was used to build a classification tree model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to test the distinction, accuracy and clinical applicability of the two models. The results showed age, gender, BMI and prevalence of hypertension were all related to the occurrence of HUA. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram model was 0.806 and 0.791 in training set and validation set, respectively. The AUC of the classification tree model was 0.802 and 0.794 in the two sets, respectively, but were not statistically different. The calibration curves and DCAs of the two models performed well on accuracy and clinical practicality, which suggested these models may be suitable to predict HUA for rural setting.
Securin overexpression correlates with the activated Rb/E2F1 pathway and Histone H3 epigenetic modifications in raw areca-nut induced carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Boruah Nabamita , Singh Chongtham Sovachandra , Swargiary Pooja , Dakhar Hughbert , Chatterjee Anupam
Published: May 2021

Background
Raw areca-nut (RAN) consumption induces oral, esophageal and gastric cancers which are significantly associated with the overexpression of pituitary tumor transforming gene1/Securin and chromosomal instability (CIN). Since the molecular mechanism underlying Securin upregulation remains unclear, this study is intended to investigate the association of Securin upregulation with Rb-E2F1 circuit and epigenetic histone (H3) modifications pattern both globally and in the promoter region of Securin gene.
Methods
Six groups of mice were used and in the treated group each mouse consumed 1 mg of RAN-extract with lime per day ad libitum in the drinking water for 60 days after which the dose was increased by 1 mg after every 60 days. Histopathological evaluation of stomach tissues was done and Securin expression was analysed by immunoblotting as well as by immunohistochemistry. ChIP-qPCR assay was performed for evaluating the recruitment of different histone modifications in the two regions of Securin promoter.
Results
All mice developed gastric cancer with Securin overexpression after 300 days of feeding. Immunohistochemistry data revealed hyperphosphorylation of Rb and upregulation of E2F1 in the RAN-treated samples. Increased trimethylation of H3 Lysine4 and acetylation of H3 Lysine9 and 18 both globally and in the promoter region of Securin gene was observed by increasing the level of lysine-N-methyltransferase2A, lysine-acetyltransferase, EP-300 and PCAF after RAN-treatment. ChIP-qPCR data show an increased recruitment of H3K4me3, H3K9ac and H3K18ac in the promoter of Securin gene after RAN-exposure
Conclusions
In light of the present results, it seems that RAN-mediated pRb-inactivation induced Securin upregulation, a putative E2F1 target, by inducing misregulation in chromatin remodeling in its promoter region which led to transcriptional activation and subsequently develop chromosomal instability. Therefore, the present results have led to the hypothesis that RAN-induced changes in the epigenetic landscape, Securin overexpression and subsequent elevation of chromosomal instability are probably a by-product of the inactivation of the pRb pathway.
Circulating cell-free mtDNA content is associated with outcome of HCC patients receiving TACE combined with traditional Chinese medicine treatment
Authors: Zhou Guanlin , Li Ying , Li Shicheng , Liu Hongxia , Xu Fei , Lai Xiaohuan , Zhang Qiong , Xu Jingxiang , Wan Shaogui
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 70%-85% of liver cancer, and about 85% of HCC are hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) in china. Most patients are already in the middle or late stages of the disease at the time of diagnosis, trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combine with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been reported as an effective treatment, and effective prognostic molecular markers are helpful to predict therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we aim to explore whether circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) content is associated with the outcome for HCC patients receiving TACE combine with TCM treatment. Method: Retrospective analysis was conducted in a cohort with 141 HBV-HCC patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted with Cox proportional risk regression model to explore the correlation between ccf-mtDNA content and patient prognosis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve of ccf-mtDNA content and the survival prognosis of patients. Results: (1) high content of serum ccf-mtDNA is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of HBV-HCC patients treated with TACE combined with TCM adjuvant therapy (HR=4.010, 95%IC=1.252-12.844, P = 0.019). (2) K-M survival analysis showed that patients with high ccf-mtDNA content had poor prognosis (Log Rank P=0.027). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ccf-mtDNA is a potential novel non-invasive biomarker for prognosis of HCC patients receiving TACE combine with TCM treatment.
Simil-appendicitis presentation may precede cardiac involvement in MIS-C patients
Authors: Trevisan Matteo , Amaddeo Alessandro , Taddio Andrea , Boscarelli Alessandro , Barbi Egidio , Cozzi Giorgio
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new clinical entity characterized by a systemic hyperinflammation triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents. This condition could potentially involve all organs with main complications concerning cardiovascular system. Despite up to 90% of patients complain gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomit and diarrhea), a presentation mimicking acute appendicitis has rarely been reported, and can be the presenting feature of the disease, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.Case presentationA 15-year-old boy presented to the Emergency Department for a two-day history of fever, vomiting and mild abdominal pain. One month before, the patient complained ageusia and anosmia while his mother tested positive for Sars-CoV2 nasopharyngeal swab. At admission, laboratory tests showed leukocytosis with lymphopenia and elevation of inflammatory markers, while cardiac enzymes, electrocardiogram and echocardiography were unremarkable. An abdominal ultrasound displayed a thickening of terminal ileus and cecum with ascites. Because of the worsening abdominal pain and a physical examination suggestive of acute appendicitis, a laparoscopy was performed but no surgical condition was found. After surgery, fever and generalized malaise persisted, so a cardiac evaluation was repeated, showing a relevant increase in inflammatory markers and cardiac enzymes. Electrocardiogram demonstrated a QTc prolongation with mild decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction at echocardiogram. A MIS-C was diagnosed and intravenous immunoglobulin along with a steroid treatment started. After 36 hours, the patient presented a complete clinical recovery with fever cessation. Cardiac anomalies normalized in three weeks.ConclusionMIS-C has been defined as a systemic inflammation, involving at least two organs, after a previous SARS-CoV2 infection in children and adolescents. Physicians should be aware that while gastrointestinal manifestations are common, a pseudo appendicitis presentation may also occur, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This report suggests that in patients with symptoms suggestive of an acute appendicitis, the presence of lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia and ultrasound images of terminal ileus inflammation, should raise the suspect for MIS-C even without initial overt signs of cardiac involvement.
Microsporidia MB is Found Predominantly Associated with Anopheles Gambiae s.s and Anopheles Coluzzii in Ghana
Authors: Akorli Jewelna , Akorli Esinam , Tetteh Seraphim , Amlalo Godwin , Pwalia Rebecca , Adimazoya Michelle , Atibilla Dorcas , Pi-Bansa Sellase , Chabi Joseph , Dadzie Samuel
Published: May 2021

A vertically transmitted microsporidian, Microsporidia MB, with the ability to disrupt Plasmodium development was reported in Anopheles arabiensis from Kenya, East Africa. To demonstrate its range of incidence, archived DNA samples from 7575 Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Ghana were screened. MB prevalence was observed at 1.8%. An. gambiae s.s constituted 87% of positive mosquitoes while the remaining were from An. coluzzii. Both sibling species had similar positivity rates (24% and 19%; p= 0.42) despite the significantly higher number of An. gambiae s.s analysed (An. gambiae s.s= 487; An. coluzzii= 94; p= 0.0005). The microsporidian was also more prevalent in field-collected larvae than adults (p< 0.0001) suggestive of an efficient vertical transmission and/or horizontal transfer among larvae. This is the first report of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes in West Africa. It indicates possible widespread among malaria vector species and warrants investigations into the symbiont’s diversity across the sub-Saharan Africa.
The Internet Addiction Test: Factor structure, measurement invariance, and psychometric properties of a six-item version among Spanish women with eating disorders
Authors: Ali Amira Mohammed , Hendawy Amin Omar , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Background: Eating disorders and internet addiction are widespread conditions that have considerably increased because of the current lockdown. Their comorbidity is frequently undiscovered, which may increase patients’ distress and hamper recovery. Identifying the constructs of internet addiction may facilitate its detection and management. The Internet Addiction Test is widely used to evaluate internet addiction among students and healthy adults, with less agreement on its dimensional structure.Objectives: To examine the structure of the Internet Addiction Test and its invariance among patients with eating disorders.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses evaluated the structure of the Internet Addiction Test among 123 women with eating disorders (59 women with anorexia nervosa (group 1) and 64 women with other eating disorders (group 2)) recruited from the General University Hospital of Ciudad Real between February and November 2018. Multigroup analysis examined invariance of the Internet Addiction Test across eating disorder groups, and correlation with the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale examined its criterion validity.Results: One factor explained 83.4%, 74.4%, and 87.4% of the variances in the whole sample, group 1, and group 2, with excellent reliability (coefficient alpha = 0.99, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively). In confirmatory factor analysis, two- and bifactor structures (a general factor with two specific factors: Emotional and cognitive preoccupation; Loss of control and interference with daily life) expressed some satisfactory fit in all groups, but they displayed metric and scalar variance—less tendency of women with anorexia nervosa to endorse items 14, 15, and 16. A 12-item version expressed a better fit. However, the six-item Internet Addiction Test expressed the best fit, along with configural and metric invariance across groups, and excellent reliability (coefficient alpha = 0.97, 0.95, and 0.98, respectively). The criterion validity of the Internet Addiction Test, the12-item version, and our six-item version was confirmed by strong positive correlations with the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (r = 0.906, 0.883, and 0.878, respectively).Conclusion: The Internet Addiction Test is a unidimensional or bidimensional measure. The six-item version expresses better fit, less variance, and comparable reliability and criterion validity to the Internet Addiction Test and the 12-item version. Its brevity allows test batteries to include several measures. Scalar variance implies that differences in the properties of the Internet Addiction Test across eating disorder groups may cause statistical differences in group means, which should be considered when conducting interventional studies. Further investigations are intensely needed.
cadena de valor en la artesanía textil: el caso de la tira bordada tabasqueña
Authors: Pérez Hernández Dulce María , Neme Calacich Salvador
Published: May 2021

La actividad artesanal, además de ser parte de la cultura, representa una oportunidad de ingreso para muchas familias en México. Existen pocos diagnósticos que muestren la dinámica de esta actividad, y a partir de los cuales se puedan proponer acciones para su fortalecimiento; por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar las condiciones de la cadena de valor de la artesanía de tira bordada tabasqueña del municipio de Nacajuca, Tabasco, cuyo estudio sirva como marco para futuras estrategias de comercialización.
Método: El método de investigación siguió el enfoque cualitativo con un diseño fenomenológico, se realizaron diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a líderes artesanas y cinco grupos de enfoque a artesanas productoras de tira bordada tabasqueña del municipio de Nacajuca; la información obtenida fue procesada y estudiada a través del método de análisis de contenido.
Resultados: Los hallazgos muestran las actividades de cada uno de los eslabones de la cadena de valor y ponen en evidencia que se requiere mejorar los eslabones de recursos humanos, infraestructura, logística interna, mercadotecnia y servicios; en consecuencia, se proponen acciones para su fortalecimiento.
Conclusión: Este trabajo muestra que realizar ajustes en los eslabones débiles puede contribuir al mejoramiento de la cadena de valor y sienta las bases para el diseño de estrategias que mejoren los ingresos de las artesanas. Los elementos de la cadena de valor de la tira bordada que se describen en este estudio representan una oportunidad para abrir nuevas líneas de investigación en un contexto poco estudiado.
Leakage detection in water distribution networks using hybrid feedforward artificial neural networks
Authors: Fallahi Hamideh , Jalili Ghazizadeh Mohammadreza , Aminnejad Babak , Yazdi Jafar
Published: May 2021

Water leakage control in water distribution networks (WDNs) is one of the main challenges of water utilities. The present study proposes a new method to locate a leakage in WDNs using feedforward artificial neural networks (ANNs). For this purpose, two ANNs training cases are considered. For case 1, the ANNs are trained by average daily water demand, including small to large hypothetical leakages. In case 2, the ANNs are trained by hourly water demand and variable hourly nodal leakages over 24 hours. The training parameters are determined by EPANET2.0 hydraulic simulation software using MATLAB programming language. In both cases, first, ANNs are trained using flow rates of total pipes number. Then, sensitivity analysis is performed by hybrid ANNs for the flow rates of pipes number less than the number of the total pipes. The results of proposed hybrid ANNs indicate that if at least the flow rates of 10% of the total pipes are known (using flowmeters), then the leakage locations in both cases can be determined. Despite the complexity of case 2, because of the variations of demand and leakage over the 24-hour period, the proposed method could detect the leakage location with high accuracy.
Influence of Local Site Effects on the Typological Fragility Curves for Class-Oriented Masonry Buildings in Aggregate Condition
Authors: Formisano Antonio , Chieffo Nicola , Clementi Francesco , Mosoarca Marius
Published: May 2021

Background:

The Municipality of Baranello, located in the province of Campobasso, is considered as a reference case study for implementing a systematic procedure for the assessment of local site effects. The territory is characterised by a heterogeneous soil, made of a basal interval formed in large part by outcrops found along with the middle-basal bands of the local slopes, which is particularly sensitive to geo-hazard effects.

Aims:

The present work aims to investigate the influence of local site effects on the seismic vulnerability of an oriented- class of masonry building compounds. The historical buildings surveyed are mainly made up of rough stone masonry, particularly vulnerable to seismic phenomena. The buildings are appropriately grouped in typological classes based on the CARTIS form and then subdivided into different categories according to the EMS-98 scale based on their geometrical and structural characteristics.

Methods:

The performed vulnerability analysis is based on a vulnerability-index method conceived for buildings grouped in aggregate condition. Moreover, the expected damage scenario is properly evaluated based on a specific attenuation law to take into consideration the effect produced by a reference scenario event. Furthermore, the local site conditions have been evaluated based on a 1D half space approach in order to predict the possible increment of the expected damage due to the soil stratigraphy.

Results:

The local site conditions provide a global increment of the expected vulnerability of 33% with respect to the case in which the geo-hazard effects are neglected. In this activity framework, typological fragility curves are derived for comparing the exceeding probability thresholds for the examined building classes.

Conclusion:

The proposed research represents an important starting point for large-scale vulnerability assessment since it provides a simplified and comprehensive method for predicting seismic damage scenarios of historic center considering local site effects.
A Nurse Case Management HIV Prevention Intervention (Come As You Are) for Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Protocol for a Randomized Wait-list Controlled Trial
Authors: Santa Maria Diane , Lightfoot Marguerita , Nyamathi Adey , Businelle Michael , Paul Mary , Quadri Yasmeen , Padhye Nikhil , Jones Jennifer , Calvo Armijo Margarita
Published: May 2021

Background

Youth experiencing homelessness are more likely than housed youth to experience premature death, suicide, drug overdose, pregnancy, substance use, and mental illness. Yet while youth experiencing homelessness are 6 to 12 times more likely to become infected with HIV than housed youth, with HIV prevalence as high as 16%, many do not access the prevention services they need. Despite adversities, youth experiencing homelessness are interested in health promotion programs, can be recruited and retained in interventions and research studies, and demonstrate improved outcomes when programs are tailored and relevant to them.

Objective

The study aims to compare the efficacy of a nurse case management HIV prevention and care intervention, titled Come As You Are, with that of usual care among youth experiencing homelessness aged 16 to 25 years.

Methods

The study is designed as a 2-armed randomized wait-list controlled trial. Participants (n=450) will be recruited and followed up for 9 months after the intervention for a total study period of 12 months. Come As You Are combines nurse case management with a smartphone-based daily ecological momentary assessment to develop participant-driven HIV prevention behavioral goals that can be monitored in real-time. Youth in the city of Houston, Texas will be recruited from drop-in centers, shelters, street outreach programs, youth-serving organizations, and clinics.

Results

Institutional review board approval (Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston) was obtained in November 2018. The first participant was enrolled in November 2019. Data collection is ongoing. To date, 123 participants have consented to participate in the study, 89 have been enrolled, and 15 have completed their final follow-up.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of HIV prevention research regarding youth experiencing homelessness. Novel and scalable interventions that address the full continuum of behavioral and biomedical HIV prevention are needed. This study will determine whether a personalized and mobile HIV prevention approach can reduce HIV risk among a hard-to-reach, transient population of youth at high risk.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/26716
From the Cochrane Library: Skin Care Interventions in Infants for Preventing Eczema and Food Allergy (Preprint)
Authors: Anderson Jarett , Sivesind Torunn
Published: May 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

N/A
From the Cochrane Library: Systemic Treatments for Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma (Preprint)
Authors: Hamp Austin , Anderson Jarett , Sivesind Torunn E , Szeto Mindy D , Hadjinicolaou Andreas
Published: May 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

N/A
Lifelog Retrieval From Daily Digital Data: Narrative Review (Preprint)
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo , Trifan Alina , Neves António J R
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, the wide availability and small size of different types of sensors, together with the decrease in pricing, have allowed the acquisition of a substantial amount of data about a person’s life in real time. These sensors can be incorporated into personal electronic devices available at a reasonable cost, such as smartphones and small wearable devices. They allow the acquisition of images, audio, location, physical activity, and physiological signals among other data. With these data, usually denoted as lifelog data, we can then analyze and understand personal experiences and behaviors. This process is called lifelogging.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper was to present a narrative review of the existing literature about lifelogging over the past decade. To achieve this goal, we analyzed lifelogging applications used to retrieve relevant information from daily digital data, some of them with the purpose of monitoring and assisting people with memory issues and others designed for memory augmentation. We aimed for this review to be used by researchers to obtain a broad idea of the type of data used, methodologies, and applications available in this research field.

METHODS

We followed a narrative review methodology to conduct a comprehensive search for relevant publications in Google Scholar and Scopus databases using lifelog topic–related keywords. A total of 411 publications were retrieved and screened. Of these 411 publications, 114 (27.7%) publications were fully reviewed. In addition, 30 publications were manually included based on our bibliographical knowledge of this research field.

RESULTS

From the 144 reviewed publications, a total of 113 (78.5%) were selected and included in this narrative review based on content analysis. The findings of this narrative review suggest that lifelogs are prone to become powerful tools to retrieve memories or increase knowledge about an individual’s experiences or behaviors. Several computational tools are already available for a considerable range of applications. These tools use multimodal data of different natures, with visual lifelogs being one of the most used and rich sources of information. Different approaches and algorithms to process these data are currently in use, as this review will unravel. Moreover, we identified several open questions and possible lines of investigation in lifelogging.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of personal lifelogs can be beneficial to improve the quality of our life, as they can serve as tools for memory augmentation or for providing support to people with memory issues. Through the acquisition and analysis of lifelog data, lifelogging systems can create digital memories that can be potentially used as surrogate memory. Through this narrative review, we understand that contextual information can be extracted from lifelogs, which provides an understanding of the daily life of a person based on events, experiences, and behaviors.
Use of a Diabetes Self-Management App in Combination with a 4mm Pen Needle and its Impact on Glycemic Variability and Patient Reported Outcomes in People with Type 2 Diabetes Using Basal-Bolus Insulin Therapy (Preprint)
Authors: Mahoney Edward , Glezer Stanislav , Baccari Leah , Lebowitz Jason , Yu Wen , Klonoff David C.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Studies of mobile diabetes applications (apps) have demonstrated improvements in glycemia, and patient reported outcomes (PROs). In addition, the potential for reduced glycemic variability has been realized through the use of shorter pen needles (PN) and adoption of proper injection techniques.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of using a diabetes mobile app plus a novel 4 mm pen needle (PN) on patient reported outcomes (PROs) and glycemic outcomes in people with T2DM using multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin.

METHODS

This was a prospective, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. People with T2DM administering MDI with baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations of 8% - 11% were enrolled. The study lasted 10 weeks with PRO’s answered Pre/Post. Subjects wore a blinded flash glucose monitor (fGM) the first two and last two weeks. Following fGM use, subjects were randomized 1:1 to either Intervention (BD Diabetes Care (DC) App + BD Nano 2nd Gen PN) or Control for 8 weeks. Controls used their current PN and did not use diabetes apps. At study end, the Intervention group answered a survey on satisfaction with the app and PN.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight subjects were randomized and 57 completed the study (Intervention n=27, Control n=30). Mean (SD) age of subjects was 53.8 ± 10.3 (mean ± SD) years and duration of insulin therapy was 9.5 ± 6.5 years. At study end, there were no significant differences in PROs between groups, except an improvement in medication adherence (ARMS-D) in Controls, leading to significant between-group differences (P = 0.04). From fGM data, there were no significant differences in most glycemic measures between groups except for a trend for improved glycemic variability as measured by the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) in the Intervention group (P = 0.06). Controls spent significantly less time in hypoglycemia but had a 2 to 3-fold higher incidence at baseline. Intervention subjects had numerical improvements in several glycemic parameters whereas Controls had numerical decrements in these values over the study. In general, Intervention subjects reported satisfaction with the app and PN.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first BD DC App study, in combination with BD Nano 2nd Gen PN, to assess glycemic outcomes. The Intervention showed a trend for improved glycemic variability and numerical improvements in several glycemic measures over the course of the study. This combination intervention shows promising results for reduced glycemic variability and the potential to positively impact patients’ diabetes self-management.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04090242
1
Authors: Seliuk M.M. , Kozachok M.M. , Seliuk O.V.
Published: May 2021

1
Formulation and Optimization of Zolmitriptan Orodispersible Tablets
Authors: Hari Hara Nadh T.V. , Sivaram Kumar P. , Venkata Ramana M. , Rama Rao N.
Published: May 2021

Zolmitriptan is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist reported for the acute migraine treatment, having poor water solubility leads to poor bioavailability. In the present study, attempt to improve the bioavailability of zolmitriptan with the help of PVP K-30 using the microwave irradiation method.  The zolmitriptan and PVP K- 30 in 1:1 ratio was subjected to microwave irradiation for different times such as 60,80,100,120 seconds at 650 watts. Characterization of solid dispersion was done by drug content, XRD, FTIR, DSC. FTIR analysis demonstrated there are no compatibility issues. XRD studies prove that the solid dispersion was in amorphous form. DSC studies prove that solid dispersion was amorphous based on the intensity of peaks. The prepared dispersion was made into orodispersible tablets by direct compression. The optimization of these formulations was carried out by using 32 factorial designs on Design Expert 10.0 software. In order to examine the effect of independent variables Crospovidone (X1), croscarmellose sodium (X2), and combined effect of independent variables 32 factorial design was selected. In this design, two responses such as disintegration time and % drug release were evaluated, and experimental trials are performed for all 9 formulations. For all formulations, the precompression and post-compression parameters were studied. Based upon the model optimized formulation (C1 and C2) was obtained having the disintegration time (34.4±0.84 and 39.8±0.91) and %drug release (98.7±0.42 and 93.2±0.46) respectively.

Keywords: Zolmitriptan, Solid dispersion, Microwave irradiation, Crospovidone, Croscarmellose sodium.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Ethiopian Paper Currency Notes in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Sivalingam Krishna Moorthy , Dola Dawit Leja
Published: May 2021

The present study was conducted to isolate pathogenic bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance pattern from Ethiopian paper currency notes in Wolaita Sodo town. A total of 240 Ethiopian paper currency notes samples in different denominations were collected from four different sources such as market, taxi drivers, fruit sellers and hotels. All the samples were processed to isolate bacterial pathogens using standard techniques and identified by different biochemical tests. Further all identified isolates were used to know the sensitivity/resistant patterns by Bauer-Kirby method based on the zone formation. Out of 240 paper currency notes samples, 120 were showed positive with four different genus such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp. and Salmonella sp. Among these four different genera, S. aureus were highly prevalent (20.8%) followed by E. coli (14.58%), Shigella sp. (10.81%), and Salmonella sp. (3.74%). From the selected four different sources of currency notes such as market, taxi drivers, fruit sellers and hotel, currency notes collected from market area showed the highest rate of contamination followed by taxi drivers, fruit sellers and hotel. S.s aureus, E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Shigella sp. showed resistivity varied from 70-100% against all the antibiotics. Tobramycin showed 20% effective against S. aureus, 11.5% effective against Shigella spp. and 33% effective against Salmonella spp. while E. coli showed 14% sensitivity against Metronidazole antibiotics. Therefore, the present study concludes that the Ethiopian Paper currency notes contaminated with bacterial pathogens and play significant role in the transmission of human pathogenic microorganisms.

Keywords: Prevalence, Pathogenic bacteria, Paper Currency and Antimicrobial susceptibility
Physiological changes during pregnancy: a mimic of medical disease and risk to existing ones
Authors: El-Reshaid Kamel
Published: May 2021

During pregnancy; multiple physiological adaptations are encountered.  Their aim is to protect and nurture the developing fetus and prepare the mother for labor and delivery.  They are mediated by an orchestra of maternal and placental hormones.  Some of these changes influence normal biochemical values while others may mimic symptoms of medical disease. It is important to differentiate between normal physiological changes and disease pathology.  The present review summarizes the changes in different systems of the body and its metabolism in an attempt to assist clinicians caring for pregnant women during health and disease.

Keywords: adaptations, changes, hormones, metabolism, physiology, pregnancy.
Hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration-induced transient hypercalcemia: an unrecognized phenomenon with potential for calcium-loss and vascular calcification
Authors: El-Reshaid Kamel , Al-Bader Shaikha , El-Marzabani Salah , Ahmad Ehab
Published: May 2021

Uremic vascular calcification is prevalent in 70-80% of end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) patients and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.  In this study we report our experience with significant transient hypercalcemia during maintenance hemodialysis (HD) in 105 patients and hemodiafiltration (HDF) in another 44 ones. The studied patients had controlled predialysis levels of calcium, phosphorus, 1, 25 vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.  Treatment was associated with high dialysate calcium and low serum phosphorus without significant changes in parathyroid hormone levels.  Pre-treatment with a single dose of Fosamax; resulted in amelioration of hypercalcemia indicating its bone etiology.  In conclusion; maintenance HD and HDF are associated with inherent hypercalcemia which may contribute to osteomalacia and uremic vascular calcification in ESRD patients. 

Keywords: Bisphosphonates, HD, HDF, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, vascular calcification, uremia.
Literature Review: Risk Factors Affecting Hearing Loss among Fishermen in Indonesia
Authors: Ernawati Meirina
Published: May 2021

Indonesia is a country where most of the people work as fishermen because most of its territory is water. Fishermen are a profession that has a high risk of occupational disease in the form of hearing loss which causes losses in the form of permanent disabilities, decreased financial income and quality of life, as well as the mental health of fishermen. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors that cause occupational hearing loss experienced by fishermen. This research is a literature review conducted using the Google Scholar database with the keywords "Hearing Loss", "Occupational Diseases", "Fishermen", and "Indonesia". The results of this literature review show that diving and non-diver fishermen have a risk of hearing loss due to personal factors such as age, years of service, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, while occupational factors that influence are noise intensity, length of exposure to availability of ear protection equipment, length of time, and depth of diving activity. Keywords: hearing loss, occupational diseases, fishermen
Research article Toxicity Studies on Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (calcined iron rust) prepared by Classical and Muffle Furnace Methods
Authors: Ahmad Haqeeq , Wadud Abdul , Jahan Nasreen , Sofi Ghulamuddin , Hamiduddin ,
Published: May 2021

Background: Though a number of studies has been carried out in terms of safety of Kushta but concerns have been raised about the presence of heavy metals in Unani formulations. Classical method of preparation of KKH and other Kushta preparation in Unani system of medicine has been found to eliminate all such issues from the end product. Hence; the present study was designed to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity study of KKH prepared by Classical and Muffle furnace methods.

Objective: To ascertain the safety profile of Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKH) prepared by classical and muffle furnace methods.

Materials and methods:

Both of the samples of KKH i.e. Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKHCM) and Kushta Khabasul Hadeed (KKHMFM) prepared by Classical and Muffle Furnace Methods respectively were evaluated for acute and sub-acute toxicity by OECD guidelines 423 and 407 respectively. The starting dose in the acute test was 50 mg/kg and in sub-acute test, it was 134mg, 200 mg and 400 mg/kg b.w. Effect of both of the test samples were assessed for ponderal changes, food and water intake, relative organs weights, hematological, biochemical and histopathological features of various organs.

Results: Both of the samples did not produce any sign of toxicity in acute toxicity study up to the dose level of 2000mg/kg b.w. In sub-acute toxicity study no mortality in any of the test groups was observed. KKHCM at different doses showed a slight decrease in food intake in all the test groups but significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the test group B as compared to plain control.

Conclusion: KKHMFM was found to be relatively toxic than KKHCM at different dose levels. The study demonstrated that both the Classical and Muffle furnace methods of preparation of Kushta are useful for preparing KKH and also safe at the dose prescribed in Unani literature. However, the Kushta prepared by the classical method was found to be safer than the muffle furnace method.
Gaikwad Abhijeet R. Phytosome as a Novel Drug Delivery System for Bioavailability Enhancement of Phytoconstituents and its Applications: A Review
Authors: Gaikwad Abhijeet Ramnath , Ahire Komal D , Gosavi Aachal A , Salunkhe K S , Khalkar Aditi
Published: May 2021

Phytoconstituents are used extensively in modern science due to their varied therapeutic actions with few side effects. Regardless of their excellent pharmacodynamic activity, many Phytoconstituents have shown less bioavailability in vivo. Novel drug delivery systems have gained vital importance due to their increased bioavailability, and overall therapeutics. The water miscible Phytoconstituents have excellent bioactivity in vitro, however poor or no action in vivo. Phytosome technology can overcome this drawback during which the Phyto actives are allowed to react with phospholipid molecules. The Phytoconstituents with low lipoid solubility on complexation into herbal extract. Phospholipids show high affinity for polyphenolics, and type supramolecular adducts having a certain ratio. Hydrogen bond interactions between Phytoconstituents and phospholipids enable phospholipid complexes as an integral part. Complexation of phospholipids with active constituents of plants improves their bioavailability and is being extensively studied by researchers, and additional research during this regard is predicted within the future. This review highlights the unique property of phospholipids in drug delivery, phospholipid chemistry, stoichiometric ratios. We also discuss recent progress in research on the preparation, characterization, structural verification, advantages, recent patents, marketed formulation their application to enhance the bioavailability of active herbal Phytoconstituents. Keywords: Phytosome, Novel drug delivery, Phosphatidylcholine, Bioavailability, Patents, Applications.
Academic Stress on the Incidence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Purnama Tedi , Sofian Rizki , Sasongko Bimo Gigih , Sabilillah Muhammad Fiqih , Miko Hadiyat , Heriyanto Yonan
Published: May 2021

Background: Oral and dental diseases experienced by Indonesians is recurrent apthous stomatitis with a national prevalence of 8.0%. Stress can afflict children, adolescents, adults and the elderly even in a school environment, so stress can happen to anyone, anywhere. People who experience stress result in decreased concentration ability, deteriorating health, depression and sleep disorders and even dental and oral health problems, one of which is recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Objective: To determine the relationship between academic stress and the incidence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Methodology: this type of analytic observational study with cross sectional design. The research was conducted on students of the Department of Dental Health, Jakarta Health Polytechnic I. Collecting data using an observation sheet for the incidence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and a questionnaire to determine the level of academic stress. Data analysis using Chi-Square. Results: it was found that academic stress on the incidence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis showed the p-value was 0.047 (p <0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between academic stress and the incidence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Keywords: Academic stress, recurrent aphthous stomatitis
How dynamics constrains probabilities in general probabilistic theories
Authors: Galley Thomas D. , Masanes Lluis
Published: May 2021

We introduce a general framework for analysing general probabilistic theories, which emphasises the distinction between the dynamical and probabilistic structures of a system. The dynamical structure is the set of pure states together with the action of the reversible dynamics, whilst the probabilistic structure determines the measurements and the outcome probabilities. For transitive dynamical structures whose dynamical group and stabiliser subgroup form a Gelfand pair we show that all probabilistic structures are rigid (cannot be infinitesimally deformed) and are in one-to-one correspondence with the spherical representations of the dynamical group. We apply our methods to classify all probabilistic structures when the dynamical structure is that of complex Grassmann manifolds acted on by the unitary group. This is a generalisation of quantum theory where the pure states, instead of being represented by one-dimensional subspaces of a complex vector space, are represented by subspaces of a fixed dimension larger than one. We also show that systems with compact two-point homogeneous dynamical structures (i.e. every pair of pure states with a given distance can be reversibly transformed to any other pair of pure states with the same distance), which include systems corresponding to Euclidean Jordan Algebras, all have rigid probabilistic structures.
Сохранение и реконструкция улиц в исторической части города Гуанчжоу на основе концепции «Здоровый город»
Authors: Лысая Дарья , Чжан Чунян
Published: May 2021

На протяжении 2000 лет Гуанчжоу остаётся централь­ным портом Южно-Китайского моря и играет важную роль в истории мировой торговли и международного культурного обмена. До наших дней сохранились традиционные (исто­рические) улицы, заложенные с первых дней основания города до времени правления династий Мин и Цин. Эти улицы представляют собой большую историческую и куль­турную ценность. Некоторые улицы и переулки нуждаются в модернизации инфраструктуры, а дома, находящиеся на них, - в ремонте. Программы микрореновации предложены в качестве органичного метода восстановления исторически ценной среды. В этой статье в соответствии с концепцией «Здоровый город» исследуются и обобщаются морфологиче­ские и пространственные характеристики, такие как зелёные пространства города, многообразия форм традиционных улиц и переулков, стилистика уличной застройки, многофункцио­нальное использование пространства улиц, и подчёркивается необходимость защиты исторической ткани города с при­менением принципов здорового городского планирования*.
К вопросу о корректном задании исходной сейсмической информации
Authors: Курбацкий Евгений , Мондрус Владимир , Пестрякова Екатерина
Published: May 2021

Излагаются и сравниваются две концепции задания ис­ходной сейсмической информации для расчёта сооружений на сейсмостойкость. Приводятся достоинства и недостатки каждой концепции. Обосновывается, что при использовании концепция динамические коэффициенты исходная сейсми­ческая информация задаётся некорректно.

Основные положения концепции динамических коэф­фициентов разрабатывались шестьдесят лет тому назад Л.И. Корчинским, когда скудная информация по землетрясе­ниям представляла собой графики ускорений, записанные на бумажных лентах или фотоплёнках.

Отметим, что после вывода графиков динамического коэффициента Л.И. Корчинский пишет: «Таким образом, полу­ченный график в, несмотря на допущенный при его построении ряд небесспорных допущений вполне характеризует динами­ческий эффект землетрясений на сооружение» [3]. При этом И.Л. Корчинский предварительно анализирует работы М.А. Био и Г.В. Хаузнера [5-7], в которых описывается эксперименталь­ное построение спектров ответов. И даже приводится спектр по проекту Калифорнийских норм, который не совсем верно называется Стандартным спектром ускорений.

В настоящее время можно получить полную информации о землетрясении, которое произошла два часа назад. Методы обработки информации и методы расчётов на сейсмические воздействия также существенно изменились.

Спектры реакций (ответов) - одна из наиболее важных, полезных и широко используемых концепций в теории и практике расчётов сооружений на сейсмостойкость. Предложенная почти сто лет назад, в настоящее время эта концепция используется во всех зарубежных нормативных документах и руководствах по расчёту сооружений на сейс­мостойкость. Известно, что количество стран, в нормативных документах которых используется эта концепция, - более пятидесяти. Следует отметить, что эта концепция используется и в документах стран - бывших республик СССР.

Объясняется почему концепция спектров ответов, ис­пользуемая в теории и практике расчётов сооружений на сейсмостойкость, является основной во всех зарубежных нормативных документах и руководствах по расчёту соору­жений на сейсмостойкость.

Излагается история появления спектров ответов и теория построения расчётных спектров ответов. Доказываются до­стоинства и преимущества концепции спектров ответов по сравнению с концепцией динамических коэффициентов при задании сейсмической информации.

Предлагается отказаться в нормах Российской Федерации от концепции динамических коэффициентов, заменив её концепцией спектров ответов.