bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study on the Influence of Terms of Trade on Regional Inflation – Based on the Mixed NKPC Model Under the Opening Economy Condition
Authors: Tang Dan ,   School of Statistics, Huaqiao University No.668 Jimei Avenue, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
Published: July 2020

Based on the panel data from 1990 to 2018, this paper analyzes the regional difference in the impact of changes in price terms of trade and changes in income terms of trade on inflation by establishing the Hybrid NKPC model under the open economy. The empirical results show that the changes in price terms of trade and the changes in expected price have a significant negative and positive impact on the current inflation rate for each region. The changes in income terms of trade and the changes in expected income terms of trade have significant negative and positive effects on the inflation for each region. There is a significant difference in the degree of impact on the regional inflation and the degree of impact will further strengthen. Therefore, the change in terms of trade is an important determinant of the level and trend of domestic inflation in both the short term and long term.
Predictability of China’s Stock Market Returns Based on Combination of Distribution Forecasting Models
Authors: Yao Yanyun , Zheng Xiutian , Wang Huimin ,   Department of Applied Statistics, Shaoxing University 900 Chengnan Avenue, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China,   Department of Economics, Hangzhou Normal University Qianjiang College 16 Xuelin Street, Xiasha University Town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
Published: July 2020

No consensus exists in the literature on whether stock prices can be predicted, with most existing studies employing point forecasting to predict returns. By contrast, this study adopts the new perspective of distribution forecasting to investigate the predictability of the stock market using the model combination strategy. Specifically, the Shanghai Composite Index and the Shenzhen Component Index are selected as research objects. Seven models – GARCH-norm, GARCH-sstd, EGARCH-sstd, EGARCH-sstd-M, one-component Beta-t-EGARCH, two-component Beta-t-EGARCH, and the EWMA-based nonparametric model – are employed to perform distribution forecasting of the returns. The results of out-of-sample forecasting evaluation show that none of the individual models is “qualified” in terms of predictive power. Therefore, three combinations of individual models were constructed: equal weight combination, log-likelihood score combination, and continuous ranked probability score combination. The latter two combinations were found to always have significant directional predictability and excess profitability, which indicates that the two combined models may be closer to the real data generation process; from the perspective of economic evaluation, they may have a predictive effect on the conditional return distribution in China’s stock market.
The Influence of Factor Price Distortions on Economic Structure – Based on Time-Varying Elasticity Production Function Model
Authors: Zhang Shangfeng ,   College of Statistics and Mathematics, Zhejiang Gongshang University 18 Xuezheng Street, Xiasha Education Park, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China, Fang Qi , Ren Huiru , Zhu Chun , Xu Jingjue , Hu Lang
Published: July 2020

Based on the time-varying elasticity production function model, we calculate factor price distortions, and study their influence on the rationalization and optimization of industrial structure. We find that the impact coefficient of capital, and labor factor price distortions on the rationalization of industrial structure are −1.2087 and −0.3147 respectively. Additionally, the impact coefficients on the optimization of industrial structure are −0.2333 and −0.0718 respectively. These results demonstrate that capital and labor factor price distortions are significantly negative for the rationalization and optimization of industrial structure. Therefore, it is imperative to reduce factor price distortions, and support industrial structure upgrades to promote supply-side structural reform.
The Dynamic Correlation Between Capital Deepening and Total Factor Productivity in China
Authors: Zhang Wuliu ,   School of Statistics, Huaqiao University No.668 Jimei Avenue, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
Published: July 2020

The impact of capital deepening on total factor productivity (TFP) is a significant and controversial issue. Based on the calculation of relevant indicators, this study adopts a Bayesian time-varying parameter model, Bayesian quantile regression, and adaptive Bayesian quantile models for in-depth statistical analysis. TFP was found to have a complex non-linear structure, and physical and human capital deepening indicators show a significant upward trend. The deepening of physical capital has a negative impact on TFP, while the deepening of human capital has a positive impact. In the capital deepening structure, the level of TFP has been improved and its structure optimized. Primary human and non-production physical capital deepening has no significant effect on TFP, while secondary human capital deepening has some significant effects on TFP. Tertiary and productive human capital deepening of TFP present two different forms of significant effect: the influence coefficient of the former declines in the increasing quantile and the change is larger, while the latter has a stable negative impact. The results of this study provide insights in terms of the improvement of China’s productivity.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Class Fractional-Oder Nonlinear Chua’s Circuit System
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Ushio Toshimitsu , Zhang Jing , Ding Can , Liu Feng ,   College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University Lushan Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China,   Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430074, China
Published: July 2020

In recent years, with the rapid development of science and technology, dynamic characterization and control of the research circuit system has become not only theoretical but also practical consideration in academic research and practical engineering applications. Therefore, the complex behavior of a research circuit system has become a hot spot in the theoretical field. This thesis is aimed toward the stability criterion and bifurcation of the fractional-order Chua’s circuit system. Despite numerous studies relating to the Chua’s system, most of them focus on its sum of delays. Different from traditional bifurcation analysis of Chua’s circuit system, the parameters are chosen as the bifurcation parameters in this paper such that the stability and bifurcation of the fractional-order Chua’s system is analyzed from a new angle. Then, the conditions of the existence for Hopf bifurcations are achieved by analyzing its characteristic equation. Finally, the validity and rationality of the theory are verified by numerical simulation.
An Approach to NMT Re-Ranking Using Sequence-Labeling for Grammatical Error Correction
Authors: Wang Bo ,   School of Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology No.5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Hirota Kaoru , Liu Chang , Dai Yaping , Jia Zhiyang
Published: July 2020

An approach to N-best hypotheses re-ranking using a sequence-labeling model is applied to resolve the data deficiency problem in Grammatical Error Correction (GEC). Multiple candidate sentences are generated using a Neural Machine Translation (NMT) model; thereafter, these sentences are re-ranked via a stacked Transformer following a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) with Conditional Random Field (CRF). Correlations within the sentences are extracted using the sequence-labeling model based on the Transformer, which is particularly suitable for long sentences. Meanwhile, the knowledge from a large amount of unlabeled data is acquired through the pre-trained structure. Thus, completely revised sentences are adopted instead of partially modified sentences. Compared with conventional NMT, experiments on the NUCLE and FCE datasets demonstrate that the model improves the F0.5 score by 8.22% and 2.09%, respectively. As an advantage, the proposed re-ranking method has the advantage of only requires a small set of easily computed features that do not need linguistic inputs.
Delayed Postoperative Spinal Cord Ischemia After Posterior Spinal Fusion in a Pediatric Patient with Syrinx and Decompressed Chiari
Authors: Welling Sebastian E. , Bauer Jennifer M.
Published: July 2020

Case:

We present a case of delayed postoperative neurologic deficits 1 day after posterior spinal fusion in a pediatric patient with syrinx and previous Chiari decompression, which reversed with urgent rod removal.

Conclusion:

There is limited literature on delayed cord injury occurring after surgery in a patient with scoliosis of neuromuscular origin. Patients with syrinx and a history of Chiari decompression may have spinal cords more sensitive to injury including delayed ischemia after deformity treatment and should be paid extra perioperative attention including considering prolonged mean arterial pressure goals or more conservative deformity correction.
Reconstruction of Chronic Patellar Tendon Injury with Achilles Tendon Allograft
Authors: Campbell Michael P. , Barnes Brandon J. , Vap Alexander R.
Published: July 2020

Case:

There have been several methods described for the reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon injuries in the native knee. Here, we report a former athlete who sustained a tibial tubercle fracture as an adolescent and presented with functional deficits from a patellar tendon that healed in elongation after the removal of hardware and debridement of ossifications within the tendon. He underwent reconstruction with Achilles allograft.

Conclusions:

Achilles tendon allograft is a good option for reconstructing chronic patellar tendon injuries. Our patient had an excellent outcome at 1 year.
An Asymptomatic Patient with COVID-19 with Hip Hemiarthroplasty Performed
Authors: Luk Michelle Hilda , Chan Michael Matthew , Choi Alexander Kai-Yiu , Que Tak-Lun , Wun Yiu-Chung
Published: July 2020

Case:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic respiratory disease. Patients typically present with fever, cough, and radiological lung changes. However, a significant proportion of these patients are asymptomatic. To date, we have limited information on the operations performed on these patients. We report our experience of a relatively asymptomatic elderly patient who underwent surgery for a hip fracture and was confirmed postoperatively to have COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Meticulous hand hygiene and use of surgical mask in daily practice is crucial to protect against asymptomatic and undiagnosed patients.
ATRIBUTOS QUÍMICOS DE UM ARGISSOLO VERMELHO-AMARELO INFLUENCIADO PELA QUEIMADA APÓS 9 ANOS DE POUSIO NO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Soares Stallone da Costa , De Sousa Geocleber Gomes , Da Silva Tiago Cavalcante , Dos Santos Rosemery Alesandra Firmino , Blum Susana Churka , Viana Thales Vinícius de Araújo
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste de trabalho foi avaliar as alterações químicas no solo após a queimada no Nordeste do Brasil. Para isso, as áreas estudadas foram: área de mata nativa e queimada. As amostras do solo foram realizadas três profundidades (0-10, 10-20 e 20-30 cm), em pontos aleatório com cinco repetições. As variáveis estudadas foram: pH, nitrogénio total (Ntotal), teores de carbono orgânico total (COT); capacidade de troca de cátions efetiva (CTC), saturação por bases (V%), fósforo; sódio, cálcio, magnésio e potássio e a acidez potencial (H+Al). A área da mata nativa apresentou maiores valores médios de Ntotal na profundidade de 0-10 cm em relação às demais profundidades. Teor de Ca na área da M decresceu à medida que se aumentou a profundidade. Em suma, os maiores teores de K, P, CE, CO e MOS foram encontrados na M, já os valores de Mg, Ca, CTC e V%, foram maiores na área de queimada. A queimada, uma das principais estratégias utilizadas como preparo do solo na comunidade do Piroás, faz com que o solo fique susceptível a erosão, uma vez que há perdas consideráveis de matéria orgânica e de nutrientes relacionados como o nitrogênio, o fósforo e o potássio.
Topological superconductors on superstring worldsheets
Authors: Kaidi Justin , Parra-Martinez Julio , Tachikawa Yuji , Debray Arun
Published: July 2020

We point out that different choices of Gliozzi-Scherk-Olive (GSO)
projections in superstring theory can be conveniently understood by the
inclusion of fermionic invertible phases, or equivalently topological
superconductors, on the worldsheet. This allows us to find that the
unoriented Type 00
string theory with \Omega^2=(-1)^{f}Ω2=(−1)f
admits different GSO projections parameterized by
nn
mod 8, depending on the number of Kitaev chains on the worldsheet. The
presence of nn
boundary Majorana fermions then leads to the classification of D-branes
by KO^n(X)\oplus KO^{-n}(X)KOn(X)⊕KO−n(X)
in these theories, which we also confirm by the study of the D-brane
boundary states. Finally, we show that there is no essentially new GSO
projection for the Type II
worldsheet theory by studying the relevant bordism group, which
classifies corresponding invertible phases. In two appendixes the
relevant bordism group is computed in two ways.
К вопросу о перспективах исследования самосознания в специальной психологии
Authors: Кузьмина Татьяна И.
Published: July 2020

Введение. Вопросы изучения самосознания лиц с ограниченными возможностями здоровья сопряжены с диагностическими, интерпретационными, организационными трудностями. Существует научная проблема разработки единых методологических основ исследования личности при аномальном развитии.Теоретическое обоснование. Методология изучения внутреннего мира человека и его представлений о себе в контексте исследования психического состояния, наличия ментальных или иных нарушений опирается на три исследовательские позиции: объяснительную, феноменологическую, интеракционную.Результаты и их обсуждение. Научная новизна исследования заключается в представлении основной категориальной единицей, отчасти объединяющей три базисные методологические позиции, концепта «воплощенное Я», включающего в себя элементы Я-моделей и нарративные компоненты в единстве биопсихических, эмоциональных и когнитивно-поведенческих факторов. Это открывает значимые для исследования самосознания в специальной психологии компоненты: биогенетический компонент, Я-модель, имплицитное «чувство Я», когнитивный компонент эксплицитной «идеи Я», поведенческий компонент Я-репрезентаций, нарративный компонент Я-репрезентаций. Системный подход к изучению самосознания лиц с ограниченными возможностями здоровья затрагивает изучение специфики механизмов развития самосознания, своеобразия активности субъекта по отношению к себе и своему поведению, Я-ориентаций как поведенческого результата функционирования самосознания. Интересующие специального психолога механизмы развития самосознания лиц с нарушениями развития следующие: самопринятие/самонеприятие, идентификация/деидентификация, рефлексия/дерефлексия, слияние/отграничение.Заключение. Представленные направления изучения самосознания лиц с ограниченными возможностями здоровья открывают необходимость разработки методик, релевантных задачам практической деятельности специального психолога в рамках помощи субъектам разного возраста, имеющим различные варианты дизонтогенеза. Разработка новых методов и способов психологического воздействия на адаптационно значимые компоненты самосознания поможет в формировании дифференцированных условий организации личностно-ориентированного взаимодействия в рамках психологического сопровождения лиц разного возраста с нарушениями развития.
Исследования структурных характеристик мозга в психогенетике
Authors: Захаров Илья М. , Малых Сергей Б.
Published: July 2020

Введение. В статье представлен обзор современных исследований природы индивидуальных различий структурных характеристик мозга. В рамках концепции эндофенотипов (промежуточного звена между геном и комплексным фенотипическим признаком) рассматривается роль индивидуальных различий в структурных характеристиках мозга в формировании индивидуальных различий в психологических признаках. Теоретическое обоснование. В настоящей работе анализируется роль генетических и средовых факторов в формировании индивидуальных различий в структурных характеристиках мозга, измеренных с помощью методов магнитно-резонансной томографии и диффузно-тензорной визуализации. В обзор включены результаты близнецовых исследований, исследований генов-кандидатов, а также полногеномных исследований ассоциаций. Результаты и их обсуждение. В целом генетически информативные исследования структурных характеристик мозга свидетельствуют о том, что для небольшого ряда структур (например, проводящие пути кортикоспинального тракта или объем боковых желудочков) наблюдаются умеренные показатели наследуемости (от 20 до 50 %), тогда как наследуемость большинства структурных характеристик – более 50 %. Показано, что вклад генетических факторов в индивидуальные различия структурных характеристик мозга изменяется в ходе онтогенеза. На основании применения методов многомерного анализа выявлен общий генетический вклад в индивидуальные различия в структурных характеристиках мозга и поведенческих фенотипов. В обзоре представлены результаты новых типов молекулярно-генетических исследований, в первую очередь с применением метода полногеномного анализа ассоциаций, в котором рассматриваются сотни тысяч ДНК-маркеров одновременно. Обсуждаются также исследования таких генетических факторов, как вариация числа копий генов и всегеномные (whole-genome) исследования. В обзоре показано, что в связи с наметившимся в настоящее время переходом к формату многоцентровых консорциумов и связанному с этим росту исследуемых выборок, у современных исследователей открывается новое поле возможностей для изучения вклада генетических факторов в индивидуальные различия в структурных характеристиках мозга.
Субъективная оценка мест жителями Санкт-Петербурга
Authors: Проскурякова Елизавета А.
Published: July 2020

Введение. Комфортное место найти сложно: коллективные представления о должном комфорте разнятся с индивидуальными ощущениями; оценка места имеет в основе ощущения индивидуальные и коллективные представления. Ощущения заменяются представлениями, в результате определение и трансляция ощущений затрудняются. Проблема – определение ощущений, отделение от представлений; решение – исследование оценок места и поиска влияющих факторов. Гипотеза: предикторами оценок являются темперамент и самоощущение; дополнительная гипотеза: синтезирующая ощущения от места – категория «приятности». Новизна – в комплексном эмпирическом исследовании со стандартизированными психологическими методиками одновременно с нейродевайсом, выходом из лаборатории на улицу; объединяющим элементом служит авторский опросник «оценки мест». Методы. Приведены данные о субъективной оценке мест, факторном и регрессионном анализе этих факторов. Предикторы: баллы респондентов по опросникам САМОАЛ Э. Шострома, МИС С. Р. Пантилеева, «Суверенность психологического пространства» С. К. Нартовой-Бочавер, тест на темперамент EPI Г. Айзенка (вариант В) и Я. Стреляу, тест «Индекс жизненной удовлетворенности». Проверка состояния перед исследованием – опросник САН, место ассоциировалось с цветом из набора Люшера, обработка по методике ЦТО А. М. Эткинда. Выборка: 31 житель Санкт-Петербурга, средний возраст 26,68 лет (женщин 56,7 %, мужчин 43,3 %), на маршруте из 4-х мест протяженностью 1,5 км на Васильевском острове. Результаты. Распределение корреляций в зависимости от новизны места и активности свидетельствует о влиянии параметров в субъективном выражении на оценку. Составлены регрессионные уравнения для оценок, продемонстрировано влияние предикторов самоощущения и темперамента на оценку места. Обсуждение результатов. Категории «притягивающее» и «отталкивающее» определены как совокупные, составлены формулы: место оценивается притягивающим, если комфортное и уютное, а отталкивающим – если нечистое и вызывает тревогу. Предложены рекомендации бывать чаще в новых местах с наименьшей активностью – так легче осознать ощущения.
Личностные особенности женщин с негативными установками в сфере секса
Authors: Чернецкая Надежда И. , Зырянова Инна А. , Кедярова Елена А. , Монжиевская Вера В. , Уварова Маргарита Ю.
Published: July 2020

Введение. Проблема изучения личностных особенностей женщин, способствующих их успешной самореализации как субъекта сексуального поведения, сегодня особенно актуальна. В русле тенденции к снижению половой сегрегации женщины должны быть довольны смягчением норм, ограничивающих проявление их сексуальности, однако на практике наблюдается рост числа женщин, обращающихся по поводу сексуальных проблем. Новизна представленного исследования состоит в фокусировании исследовательского интереса непосредственно на выборке женщин с негативными сексуальными установками с целью изучения у них специфических личностных особенностей. Методы. В исследовании приняли участие 152 женщины (клиентки кризисных и консультационных центров г. Иркутска). Отношение женщин к сексу изучалось с помощью «Опросника установок к сексу» Г. Айзенка. Для составления личностных профилей женщин с разными установками в сфере секса использовался опросник Р. Кеттелла (форма С). Достоверность различий оценивалась с помощью критерия Фишера. Результаты. Выделено шесть групп женщин, имеющих позитивное и негативное отношение к различным аспектам сексуальной сферы, у 15,38 % испытуемых выявлено отвращение к сексу. Выявлены достоверные отличия женщин с негативными и позитивными установками к физическому сексуальному контакту по фактору «фемининность – маскулинность». Данный фактор отвечает за выраженность в поведении женщины традиционного женского сексуального поведения, следование жестким моральным нормам, что согласуется с низкими баллами по шкалам теста Айзенка («дозволенность», «обезличенный секс», «сексуальная возбудимость» и «сексуальное либидо»). Обсуждение результатов. Выявлено, что среди женщин с негативными установками в сфере секса преобладают традиционные фемининные взгляды на сексуальность, сохранению брачных уз, а также нетерпимое отношение ко всему постыдному. В личностных профилях женщин с негативными установками в сфере секса преобладают ригидность мышления, высокая нормативность поведения, подчиненность, застенчивость, сдержанность в проявлении эмоций, поглощенность внутренними иллюзиями.
Выделение профессионально значимых качеств бакалавра техносферной безопасности
Authors: Ермилов Алексей В. , Мардахаев Лев В. , Воленко Ольга И.
Published: July 2020

Введение. Профессиональное развитие курсантов, обучающихся по направлению подготовки 20.03.01 «Техносферная безопасность» (далее – бакалавр), во многом характеризуется сформированностью профессионально значимых качеств. Основы профессионально значимых качеств бакалавров закладываются в вузе. Их выделение позволяет определить ориентиры для поиска путей повышения качества профессиональной подготовки. Новизна исследования заключается в распределении профессионально значимых качеств на группы в зависимости от операциональных действий бакалавра в ситуациях риска. Методы. Анализ профессионально значимых качеств осуществлялся на основе личностно-деятельностного подхода. Исследование основано на таких методах, как анкетирование, анализ психолого-педагогической и специальной литературы. В исследовании принимали участие 71 сотрудник среднего и старшего начальствующего состава МЧС России. На первом этапе, с опорой на анализ литературы, авторами выделены 23 профессионально значимых качества, необходимые бакалавру, и четыре группы их проявления. На втором этапе, на основе данных анкетирования, качества распределялись по группам. В каждой группе отмечалось наиболее значимое качество. Результаты. Данный раздел включает характеристику выделенных групп профессионально значимых качеств: универсальные качества (смелость); качества, позволяющие осуществлять профессиональную деятельность (быстрота оценки оперативной обстановки); качества, обеспечивающие управление личным составом (лидерство); качества, позволяющие управлять собой (стрессоустойчивость). Обсуждение результатов. Авторы рассматривают профессионально значимые качества как одну из составляющих успешности осуществления деятельности бакалавром в среде с наличием факторов риска. В заключении делается вывод, что результаты исследования представляют особый интерес для вуза. На основе выделенных качеств возможно оценить сформированность личности выпускника и видеть провалы в его подготовке. Данный аспект в педагогическом процессе вуза позволяет целенаправленно создавать специальные условия для проявления профессионально значимых качеств определенной группы.
The Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Rhein and Aurantio-Obtusin
Authors: Xiao Shun-Li , Guan Liang-Jun , Jiang Ren-Feng , Wang Xiang-Gen , Li Xing , Cai Wei
Published: July 2020

Background:

Anthraquinones, rhein and aurantio-obtusin were isolated from the herb Duhaldea nervosa
for the first time by our group, which were also found in plants that belong to the plant family Compositae. Anthraquinone
compounds have a range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidation,
anti-diabetes, etc. and can be used as a laxative, for liver protection, treatment of chronic renal failure, etc.
However, in recent years, anthraquinones have been reported to be cytotoxic to the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is
very important to study the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of rhein and aurantio-obtusin, which are common
ingredients in many traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). According to our research, the pharmacokinetics and
metabolism of rhein and aurantio-obtusin are comprehensively summarized in the paper for the first time.

Objective:

The study provides comprehensive information on pharmacokinetics and metabolism of rhein and aurantio-
obtusin in different Species; meanwhile, the aim of this review is also to provide a reference for a reasonable
application of TCM enriched with these two ingredients.

Methods:

The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of rhein and aurantio-obtusin were searched by the Web of Science,
PubMed, Google scholar and some Chinese literature databases.

Results:

Rhein and aurantio-obtusin exist mainly in the form of metabolites in the body. Rhein and aurantio-obtusin
and its metabolites might be responsible for pharmacological effects in the body. Therefore, the significance of
studying the in vivo metabolites of rhein and aurantio-obtusin is not only essential to clarify their pharmacological
mechanism, but also to find new active compound ingredients. The metabolism of rhein is different in different species,
so the toxicity effects of rhein may also be different after oral administration in different species; however, the
metabolic profiles of aurantio-obtusin in the liver microsomes of different species are similar.

Conclusion:

This paper not only provides detail regarding the pharmacokinetics of rhein and aurantio-obtusin, but it
is anticipated that it will also facilitate further study on the metabolism of rhein and aurantio-obtusin.
G-Protein Coupled Receptors Involved in the Resolution of Inflammation: Ligands and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Mastromarino Margherita , Lacivita Enza , Colabufo Nicola A. , Leopoldo Marcello
Published: July 2020

Dysregulated inflammation is a central pathological process in diverse disease states, including
neurodegenerative disorders. The recent concept of “resolution of inflammation” is offering a
conceptual change for the diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic approaches for chronic
inflammatory diseases. Resolution of inflammation terminates the inflammatory response promoting
the return to tissue homeostasis through the action of several classes of mediators, termed specialized
pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), that include lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins. SPMs
provide “stop signals” that reduce the number of immune cells at the site of insult and increase the
clearance of apoptotic cells through phagocytosis. SPMs elicit their effects through the interaction with
specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The elucidation of the pathways downstream of the
GPCRs involved in the resolution of chronic inflammation is opening novel opportunities to generate
novel anti-inflammatory agents. This review focuses on the SPMs and the receptors through which
their effects are mediated. The medicinal chemistry of the modulators of the GPCRs involved in the
resolution of inflammation will be illustrated, by highlighting the potential for developing new antiinflammatory
drugs.
Natural Product Databases and Tools for Anti-cancer Drug Discovery
Authors: Patil Vaishali M. , Masand Neeraj
Published: July 2020

Throughout the ages, compounds collected and/or isolated from natural sources have been
the basic source of medicinal agents against a variety of diseases. The data generated from the extensive
experimentation conducted in research labs from all over the world has diversity and complexity,
and the challenging task for database creators is to store, represent, and exchange this data. The natural
product database is required to be easily accessible for supporting drug discovery efforts. A possible
solution for this is provided by chemical databases based on bio- and chem-informatic approaches.
Some of the anti-cancer natural product databases, along with the tools required for creating and accessing
the information, are discussed here.
Medicinally Privileged Sultams: Synthesis and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Okwuchukwu Precious M. , Bandyopadhyay Debasish
Published: July 2020

To date, more than a thousand research articles have been published detailing various
regio-, stereo-, chemo-, and enantioselective specific synthesis of the cyclic sulfonamides (sultams).
Although enormous synthetic efforts were made, but bioactivities of sultams have not been widely investigated.
Sultams are the sulfur analogs of lactams (cyclic amides) which demonstrate a broad range
of medicinal activities and several lactam drugs are commercially available. In contrast, only a few sultam
drugs are commercially available, while the presence of two oxygens on sulfur in sultam motifs
can serve as a better H-bond acceptor than lactam scaffolds. One of the major objectives of this minireview
is to draw appropriate attention from the medicinal/pharmaceutical chemists to conduct indepth
research on sultam derivatives targeted to the development of new drugs. This article gives a
brief account of the synthesis, potential bioactivity, and mechanisms of therapeutic action of four to
seven-membered sultam derivatives. Based on the available literature, this is the first effort to consolidate
only the medicinally privileged sultam molecules and drugs under the same umbrella. While every
effort was taken to comprise all the relevant reports related to bioactive sultams, any oversight is truly
unintentional.
Proteomics Profiling of Plasma Exosomes in VKH Patients
Authors: Zheng Hao , Yang Fuhua , Ea Vicki , Zhou Lei , Wu Lingzi , Zhao Guixia , Shao Xianfeng , Jiang Yuanfeng , Huang Yue , Li Xiaorong , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome is common autoimmune uveitis
that can cause blindness. Recent studies have shown that plasma exosomes carry
disease-related proteins that may serve as biomarkers. Here, we aimed to find
candidate biomarkers of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease using proteomic analysis of
plasma exosomes.

Methods:

Exosomes were isolated from the plasma of normal controls and Vogt-
Koyanagi-Harada patients in the following groups: a) initial inflammatory attack (active
stage), b) remission after one month of treatment (unstable stage), and c) stationary
phase after three months of treatment (stable stage). Groups were analyzed by mass
spectrometry using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation. After functional
analysis, proteins of interest were verified by ELISA.

Results:

463 proteins were identified in the exosomes. Forty-three were upregulated at
the active inflammation stage, including inflammation-associated proteins. Thirty-one
were downregulated. Gene ontology and pathway analyses revealed differential proteins
related to cell adhesion, cell phagocytosis, cytoskeleton movement, leukocyte migration
across endothelial cells, and platelet activation. By ELISA, Carbonic anhydrase 2 and
Ras-related protein Rap-1b were verified as more plentiful at the active stage compared
to the normal control and stationary phase in exosomes, but not, however, in
microvesicles or plasma.

Conclusion:

Plasma exosomes of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada patients contain many
proteins related to the degree of inflammation. The levels of Carbonic anhydrase 2 and
Ras-related protein Rap-1b in exosomes can be used as biomarkers for active
inflammation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. Further investigation could help study
the pathogenesis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease and identify therapeutic targets.
Indirect Determination of Amikacin by Gold Nanoparticles as Redox Probe
Authors: Alizadeh Mansureh , Amiri Mandana , Bezaatpour Abolfazl
Published: July 2020

Background:

Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used for many gram-negative bacterial
infections like infections in the urinary tract, infections in brain, lungs and abdomen. Electrochemical
determination of amikacin is a challenge in electroanalysis because it shows no voltammetric peak
at the surface of bare electrodes.

Objective:

In this approach, a very simple and easy method for indirect voltammetric determination of
amikacin presented in real samples. Gold nanoparticles were electrodeposited at the surface of glassy
carbon electrode in constant potential.

Methods:

The effect of several parameters such as time and potential of deposition, pH and scan rates
on signal were studied. The cathodic peak current of Au3+ decreased with increasing amikacin concentration.
Quantitative analysis of amikacin was performed using differential pulse voltammetry by following
cathodic peak current of gold ions.

Results:

Two dynamic linear ranges of 1.0 × 10−8–1.0 × 10-7 M and 5.0 × 10−7–1.0 × 10-3 M were obtained
and limit of detection was estimated 3.0× 10−9 M.

Conclusion:

The method was successfully determined amikacin in pharmaceutical preparation and
human serum. The effect of several interference in determination of amikacin was also studied.
Therapeutic Potential of Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Decreasing Neuropathic Pain: Clinical and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Pérez-Neri Iván , González-Aguilar Alberto , Sandoval Hugo , Pineda Carlos , Ríos Camilo
Published: July 2020

Background:

For more than seven decades, ultrasound has been used as an imaging and diagnostic tool. Today, new technologies, such as focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation, have revealed some innovative, potential applications. However, those applications have been barely studied to deal with neuropathic pain (NP), a cluster of chronic pain syndromes with a restricted response to conventional pharmaceuticals.

Objective:

To analyze the therapeutic potential of low-intensity (LIFUS) and high-intensity (HIFUS) FUS for managing NP.

Methods:

We performed a narrative review, including clinical and experimental ultrasound neuromodulation studies published in three main database repositories.

Discussion:

Evidence shows that FUS may influence several mechanisms relevant for neuropathic pain management such as modulation of ion channels, glutamatergic neurotransmission, cerebral blood flow, inflammation and neurotoxicity, neuronal morphology and survival, nerve regeneration, and remyelination. Some experimental models have shown that LIFUS may reduce allodynia after peripheral nerve damage. At the same time, a few clinical studies support its beneficial effect on reducing pain in nerve compression syndromes. In turn, Thalamic HIFUS ablation can reduce NP from several etiologies with minor side-effects, but some neurological sequelae might be permanent. HIFUS is also useful in lowering non-neuropathic pain in several disorders.

Conclusion:

Although an emerging set of studies brings new evidence on the therapeutic potential of both LIFUS and HIFUS for managing NP with minor side-effects, we need more controlled clinical trials to conclude about its safety and efficacy.
Health Information Technology and Diabetes Management: A Review of Motivational and Inhibitory Factors
Authors: Dehnavi Zari , Ayatollahi Haleh , Hemmat Morteza , Abbasi Rowshanak
Published: July 2020

Background:

Health information technology helps patients to take better care of themselves
and improves health status of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify factors influencing the use of health information technology in
diabetes management.

Methods:

This was a review study conducted in 2019. To obtain the related articles, databases, including
Scopus, Web of Science, Proquest, and PubMed, were searched and the time frame was between
2010 and 2018. Initially, 1159 articles were retrieved and after screening, 28 articles were selected to be
included in the study.

Results:

Factors influencing the use of health information technology in diabetes management could
be divided into the motivational and inhibitory factors, and each of them could be categorized
into five groups of organizational, technical, economic, individual, and ethical/legal factors. The motivational
factors included training, system ease of use, economic support, having computer literacy,
and maintaining privacy and confidentiality. The inhibitory factors included a lack of long-term
planning, technical problems, inadequate financial resources, old age, and concerns over confidentiality
issues.

Conclusion:

Identifying motivational and inhibitory factors can help to make better use of technology
for diabetes management. This approach, in turn, can improve the acceptability of the technology and
save cost, reduce long-term complications of diabetes, and improve the quality of life in diabetic patients.
Simultaneous Determination of D-amino Acids in Rat Urine by Highperformance Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry Method: Application to Investigate the Clinical Value of D-amino Acids in the Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Shuting , Yu Weichao , Li Xiaoyan , Ma Ning , Cui Yan
Published: July 2020

Background:

D-amino acids are closely related to the development and progression of
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are expected as the novel biomarkers for AD diagnosis.

Objective:

The aim was to investigate the potential clinical value of D-amino acids for Alzheimer's
disease.

Methods:

A simple and sensitive HPLC/MS-MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination
of D-alanine, D-glutamine, D-proline and D-serine in rat urine. The samples were firstly pretreated
by methanol, then derivatized by 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzoxadiazole with Fudosteine as internal
standard, enantioseparated on Sumichiral OA-2500S column, using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile-
methanol (50:50, v/v) containing 0.5% formic acid, and detected with 4000 Qtrap MS/MS in
electrospray-ionization source by negative ion mode.

Results:

The established method was successfully applied to determine the D-amino acid levels in rat
urine from 20 Alzheimer's disease rats and 20 age-matched normal controls. The mean levels of Damino
acids in the urine of Alzheimer's disease rats were all significantly lower than those in normal
controls. Based on the contents of D-amino acids, the distinction model between Alzheimer's disease
rats and normal controls was established by the Bayesian discriminant analysis.

Conclusion:

The relationship between Alzheimer's disease and D-amino acids revealed that D-amino
acids would be potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
Anlotinib Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion via Suppression of c-Met Pathway and Activation of ERK1/2 Pathway in H446 Cells
Authors: Tang Xiali , Zheng Ying , Jiao Demin , Chen Jun , Liu Xibang , Xiong Shan , Chen Qingyong
Published: July 2020

Background:

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) represents the most aggressive pulmonary neoplasm and is
often diagnosed at late stage with limited survival, despite combined chemotherapies. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the effect of anlotinib on SCLC and the potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods:

Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay to determine the adequate concentration of anlotinib. Then, effects
of anlotinib on cell apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, migration and invasion were analyzed by flow cytometry, PI
staining, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression of c-met and ERK1/2 pathways in
H446 cells were assessed by western blot analysis.

Result:

In this study, we found that anlotinib significantly reduced the cell viability of H446 cells, induced G2/M cell
cycle arrest and decreased invasion and migration of H446 cells. Futhermore, we also found that anlotinib could suppress
c-met signal transduction and activate the ERK1/2 pathway in H446 cells. More importantly, c-met was involved in the
effects of anlotinib on migration and invasion in H446 cells.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our results demonstrated that anlotinib was a potential anticancer agent that inhibited cell
proliferation, migration and invasion via suppression of the c-met pathway and activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in H446
cells.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants of Lower Assam, India: An In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Swargiary Ananta , Verma Akalesh K. , Singh Sweta , Roy Mritunjoy K. , Daimari Manita
Published: July 2020

Background:

The use of medicinal plants for general wellbeing and disease treatment is a common practice among tribal
communities of Kokrajhar districts of Assam. However, little works have been done to study the pharmacological aspect of the plants.

Objectives:

The present study intends to study the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of selected medicinal plants used by the
tribal communities of Kokrajhar district of Assam since ancient times.

Methods:

Five traditionally important medicinal plants namely, Cassia fistula, Citrus grandis, Lindernia crustacea, Sacciolepis
myosuroides, and Zingiber zerumbet were investigated for antioxidant, antiproliferative (cytotoxic) and apoptosis-inducing potential in
the malignant cancer cell line. Phytochemical content such as phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated following standard protocol.
The methanolic extract of plants were investigated following phosphomolybdate method (TAC), FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and TBARS
assays. Antiproliferative activities of the plants were carried out by MTT assay in DL and PBMC cells. The apoptotic study was carried
out following the acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining method and fluorescent microscopic imaging. Based on the significant
(P≤0.05) high apoptotic inducing potential of the plant and to further dissect the molecular mode of action including downstream
biological action, major phytochemicals derived from L. crustacea were investigated for its prospective binding affinity with antiapoptotic cancer target proteins.

Results:

Antioxidant studies by FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and TBARS assay revealed that all the five plants contain considerable free radical
scavenging activity. C. fistula showed the strongest free radical scavenging activity while the fruit peel extract of C. grandis showed poor
activity. The overall antioxidant activities of plants such as TAC, FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and TBARS may be arranged in decreasing
activity as C. fistula > Z. zerumbet > L. crustacea > S. myosuroides > C. grandis. MTT based cell proliferation study showed that all the
plants extract significantly (P≤0.05) inhibited cell viability with negligible cytotoxicity (~5-12%) in normal cells. Moreover, L. crustacea
showed promising antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing ability against Dalton’s lymphoma. It is worth mentioning that the major
bioactive compounds of the most potent plant extract, L. crustacea interacted with anti-apoptotic proteins (cancer target) with
higher affinity and the results are compared with reference inhibitors.

Conclusion:

It is worth noting that these plants have the potential to consider for further scientific studies in different cell lines and
animal models. Furthermore, isolation and characterization of bioactive compound(s), may promise the discovery of new and valuable
drugs candidate to tackle various human diseases.
Recent Development of Copolymeric Nano-Drug Delivery System for Paclitaxel
Authors: Chen Shiyu , Song Zhimei , Feng Runliang
Published: July 2020

Background:

Paclitaxel (PTX) has been clinically used for several years due to its good therapeutic
effect against cancers. Its poor water-solubility, non-selectivity, high cytotoxicity to normal tissue and worse
pharmacokinetic property limit its clinical application.

Objective:

To review the recent progress on the PTX delivery systems.

Methods:

In recent years, the copolymeric nano-drug delivery systems for PTX are broadly studied. It mainly
includes micelles, nanoparticles, liposomes, complexes, prodrugs and hydrogels, etc. They were developed or
further modified with target molecules to investigate the release behavior, targeting to tissues, pharmacokinetic
property, anticancer activities and bio-safety of PTX. In the review, we will describe and discuss the recent
progress on the nano-drug delivery system for PTX since 2011.

Results:

The water-solubility, selective delivery to cancers, tissue toxicity, controlled release and pharmacokinetic
property of PTX are improved by its encapsulation into the nano-drug delivery systems. In addition, its
activities against cancer are also comparable or high when compared with the commercial formulation.

Conclusion:

Encapsulating PTX into nano-drug carriers should be helpful to reduce its toxicity to human, keeping
or enhancing its activity and improving its pharmacokinetic property.
Prostate Carcinogenesis: Insights in Relation to Epigenetics and Inflammation
Authors: Pandareesh Mirazkar D. , Kameshwar Vivek H. , Byrappa Kullaiah
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer is a multifactorial disease that mainly occurs due to the accumulation of somatic,
genetic, and epigenetic changes, resulting in the inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes and activation
of oncogenes. Mutations in genes, specifically those that control cell growth and division or the
repair of damaged DNA, make the cells grow and divide uncontrollably to form a tumor. The risk of
developing prostate cancer depends upon the gene that has undergone the mutation. Identifying such
genetic risk factors for prostate cancer poses a challenge for the researchers. Besides genetic mutations,
many epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications (methylation, acetylation,
ubiquitylation, sumoylation, and phosphorylation) nucleosomal remodeling, and chromosomal
looping, have significantly contributed to the onset of prostate cancer as well as the prognosis, diagnosis,
and treatment of prostate cancer. Chronic inflammation also plays a major role in the onset and progression
of human cancer, via modifications in the tumor microenvironment by initiating epithelialmesenchymal
transition and remodeling the extracellular matrix. In this article, the authors present a
brief history of the mechanisms and potential links between the genetic aberrations, epigenetic changes,
inflammation, and inflammasomes that are known to contribute to the prognosis of prostate cancer.
Furthermore, the authors examine and discuss the clinical potential of prostate carcinogenesis in relation
to epigenetics and inflammation for its diagnosis and treatment.