bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etty Hill esum – „święta” niechrześcijan ka?
Authors: Kopiec Maksym Adam
Published: March 2019

Figura Etty Hillesum wzbudza ogromne zainteresowanie badaczy z różnychobszarów ludzkiej wiedzy. Jej historia przypadająca na okres II wojny światowejdostarcza wiele istotnych elementów z punktu widzenia antropologicznego, stądjej życie duchowe zwraca uwagę wielu filozofów i teologów. Przedmiotem zainteresowanianiniejszego artykułu jest próba dokonania pewnej introspekcji, takaby móc lepiej i głębiej wejść w duszę, myśli, przekonania i decyzje Hillesum.Pierwszy krok dotyczy jej postawy i rozumienia siebie samej przed i w obecnościBoga, kształt jej relacji z Nim: głębia życia wewnętrznego, modlitwa oraz koncepcjaBoga ‘bezsilnego’. Następnie jej odniesienie się do człowieka, jej rozumienieczłowieka: kim jest, kim ona sama może być dla niego i jak się zachować wobecdoznanego i niezawinionego zła. W ostatniej części obiektem refleksji będzie jejstosunek do chrześcijaństwa, którego nie da się zrozumieć bez dręczącego jejserce i umysł pytania o Prawdę, poczucie więzi z własnym narodem, otwartość nawartości chrześcijańskie. Z punktu widzenia teologicznego oba teksty tworzącedwa artykuły wpisują się w tematykę teologii religii wchodzącej w obszar religioznawstwai teologii fundamentalnej z uwzględnieniem wymiaru kontekstualnegooraz interdyscyplinarnego.
Inhibition of Amyloid Fibrillation by Small Molecules and Nanomaterials: Strategic Development of Pharmaceuticals Against Amyloidosis
Authors: Sharma Vandna , Ghosh Kalyan Sundar
Published: March 2019

Amyloid fibrils are a special class of self-assembled protein molecules, which exhibit
various toxic effects in cells. Different physiological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,
Huntington’s diseases, etc. happen due to amyloid formation and lack of proper cellular mechanism
for the removal of fibrils. Therefore, inhibition of amyloid fibrillation will find immense
applications to combat the diseases associated with amyloidosis. The development of therapeutics
against amyloidosis is definitely challenging and numerous strategies have been followed to find
out anti-amyloidogenic molecules. Inhibition of amyloid aggregation of proteins can be achieved
either by stabilizing the native conformation or by decreasing the chances of assembly formation by
the unfolded/misfolded structures. Various small molecules such as naturally occurring
polyphenols, flavonoids, small organic molecules, surfactants, dyes, chaperones, etc. have
demonstrated their capability to interrupt the amyloid fibrillation of proteins. In addition to that, in
last few years, different nanomaterials were evolved as effective therapeutic inhibitors against
amyloidosis. Aromatic and hydrophobic interactions between the partially unfolded protein
molecules and the inhibitors had been pointed as a general mechanism for inhibition. In this review
article, we are presenting an overview on the inhibition of amyloidosis by using different small
molecules (both natural and synthetic origin) as well as nanomaterials for development of
pharmaceutical strategies against amyloid diseases.
Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Delivery Systems - Methods of Production and Potential Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Surman Magdalena , Drożdż Anna , Stępień Ewa , Przybyło Małgorzata
Published: March 2019

Drug delivery systems are created to achieve the desired therapeutic effect of a specific pharmaceutical compound. Numerous drawbacks and side effects such as unfavorable pharmacokinetics, lack of tissue selectivity, immunogenicity, increased systemic clearance and toxicity, have been observed for currently available drug delivery systems (DDSs). The use of natural and artificial extracellular vesicles (EVs) in drug delivery may help to solve the aforementioned problems faced by different DDSs. Due to their self-origin, small size, flexibility, the presence of multiple adhesive molecules on their surfaces as well as their function as biomolecules carriers, EVs are the perfect candidates for DDSs. Currently, several drug delivery systems based on EVs have been proposed. While the great potential of these particles in targeted drug delivery has been recognized in cancer, hepatitis C, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory states etc., this field is still in the early stage of development. Unfortunately, the use of EVs from natural sources (cell cultures, body fluids) results in numerous problems in terms of the heterogeneity of isolated vesicle population as well as the method of isolation thereof, which may influence vesicle composition and properties. Therefore, there is a significant need for the synthesis of artificial EV-based DDSs under strictly controlled laboratory conditions and from well-defined biomolecules (proteins and lipids). Vesicle-mimetic delivery systems, characterized by properties similar to natural EVs, will bring new opportunities to study the mechanisms of DDS internalization and their biological activity after delivering their cargo to a target cell.
Drug Delivery Systems for Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Zaric Bozidarka L. , Obradovic Milan , Sudar-Milovanovic Emina , Nedeljkovic Jovan , Lazic Vesna , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Insulin is essential for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and is necessary in numerous cases of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Prolonged administration of anti-diabetic therapy is necessary for the maintenance of the normal glucose levels and thereby preventing vascular complications. A better understanding of the disease per se and the technological progress contribute to the development of new approaches with the aim to achieve better glycemic control.

Objective:

Current therapies for DM are faced with some challenges. The purpose of this review is to analyze in detail the current trends for insulin delivery systems for diabetes treatment.

Results:

Contemporary ways have been proposed for the management of both types of diabetes by adequate application of drug via subcutaneous, buccal, oral, ocular, nasal, rectal and pulmonary ways. Development of improved oral administration of insulin is beneficial regarding mimicking physiological pathway of insulin and minimizing the discomfort of the patient. Various nanoparticle carriers for oral and other ways of insulin delivery are currently being developed. Engineered specific properties of nanoparticles (NP): controlling toxicity of NP, stability and drug release, can allow delivery of higher concentration of the drug to the desired location.

Conclusions:

The successful development of any drug delivery system relies on solving three important issues: toxicity of nanoparticles, stability of nanoparticles, and desired drug release rate at targeted sites. The main goals of future investigations are to improve the existing therapies by pharmacokinetic modifications, development of a fully automatized system to mimic insulin delivery by the pancreas and reduce invasiveness during admission.
Cyclodextrins as Carriers in Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents: Focused Review on Traditional and Inimitable Applications
Authors: Raut Sushil Y. , Manne Alekhya S.N. , Kalthur Guruprasad , Jain Sanyog , Mutalik Srinivas
Published: March 2019

The objective of the article is to provide a comprehensive review on the application of cyclodextrin complexation in the delivery of drugs, bioactive molecules or macromolecules, with more emphasis on targeted drug delivery. Classically the cyclodextrins have been considered only as a means of improving the solubility of drugs; however, many attempts have been made to use cyclodextrins as drug delivery carriers. The cyclodextrin surface can be modified with various ligands for active targeting of drugs. It can also be passively targeted through various triggering mechanisms like thermal, magnetic, pH dependent, light dependent, ultrasound, etc. A comprehensive literature review has been done in the area of drug delivery using cyclodextrins. Applications of inclusion complexes in the drug delivery through various routes with examples are discussed. This review focuses on receptor mediated active targeting as well as stimuli responsive passive targeting of drugs/genes by using cyclodextrins. The article provides a detailed insight of the use of cyclodextrins and their derivatives on the targeted delivery of the drugs/genes.
Anti-adhesion Molecules in IBD: Does Gut Selectivity Really Make the Difference?
Authors: D'Amico Ferdinando , Roda Giulia , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: March 2019

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is lifetime chronic progressive inflammatory disease. A considerable
portion of patients, do not respond or lose response or experience side effect to “traditional” biological treatment
such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents. The concept that the blockade of T cell traffic to the gut controls
inflammation has stimulated the development of new drugs which selectively targets molecules involved in
controlling cell homing to the intestine. The result is the reduction of the chronic inflammatory infiltration in the
gut. In this regard, anti-adhesion molecules represent a new class of drugs for patients who don’t respond or lose
response to traditional therapy. Moreover, some of these molecules such as vedolizumab, offer the advantage to
target the delivery of a drug to the gut (gut selectivity) which could increase clinical efficacy and limit potential
adverse events. In this article, we will give an overview of the current data on anti-adhesion molecules in Inflammatory
Bowel Diseases.
Anti-fibrotic Drugs for Crohn’s Disease: Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Argollo Marjorie , Gilardi Daniela , Roda Giulia , Fiorino Gionata , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: March 2019

Intestinal fibrosis, driven by chronic inflammation in Crohn’s disease, can be defined as an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the affected gut segment ultimately leading to an impaired wound healing and cumulative tissue damage, possibly resulting in organ dysfunction, formation of stenotic lesions and necessity of surgical intervention. Despite continuous advances in developing novel treatment modalities targeting different pathways to control chronic gut inflammation in CD, no effective anti-fibrotic agents have been released, to date. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying intestinal fibrosis is key to move this area of investigation forward.
The Combination of Dimorphandra gardneriana Galactomannan and Mangiferin Inhibits Herpes Simplex and Poliovirus
Authors: Rechenchoski Daniele Z. , Samensari Nayara L. , Faccin-Galhardi Ligia C. , de Almeida Raimundo R. , Cunha Arcelina P. , Ricardo Nágila M.P.S. , Nozawa Carlos , Linhares Rosa E.C.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and poliovirus (PV) are both agents of major
concern in the public health system. It has been shown that Dimorphandra gardneriana galactomannans
can be used as solubilizer vehicles in the manufacturing of medicine. Mangiferin is the major
constituent of Mangifera indica and presents multiple medicinal and biological activities.

Objective:

This study assayed the effect of D. gardneriana galactomannan combined with mangiferin
(DgGmM) against HSV-1 and PV-1.

Methods:

The DgGmM cytotoxicity was evaluated by the colorimetric MTT method and the antiviral
activity by plaque reduction assay, immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in
HEp-2 cells.

Results:

The DgGmM showed a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) > 2000 µg/mL. The 50% inhibitory
concentrations (IC50) for HSV-1 and PV-1 were, respectively, 287.5 µg/mL and 206.2 µg/mL,
with selectivity indexes (SI) > 6.95 for the former and > 9.69 for the latter. The DgGmM time-ofaddition
protocol for HSV-1 showed a maximum inhibition at 500 µg/mL, when added concomitantly
to infection and at the time 1 h post-infection (pi). While for PV-1, for the same protocol, the greatest
inhibition, was also observed concomitantly to infection at 500 μg/mL and at the times 4 h and 8 h pi.
The inhibition was also demonstrated by the decrease of fluorescent cells and/or the inhibition of specific
viral genome.

Conclusion:

These results suggested that the DgGmM inhibited HSV-1 and PV-1 replication, with low
cytotoxicity and high selectivity and, therefore, represents a potential candidate for further studies on
the control of herpes and polio infections.
MicroRNAs as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Parizadeh Seyed Mostafa , Jafarzadeh-Esfehani Reza , Ghandehari Maryam , Goldani Fatemeh , Parizadeh Seyed Mohammad Reza , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir
Published: March 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer-associated death globally. One of the major reasons for this high rate of mortality is a failure to make an early diagnosis. The average survival in untreated HCC patients is estimated to be approximately three months. The 5-year overall survival rate after radical resection is about 15-40% and within two years, more than two third of patients experience a relapse. To date, the most common biomarker which has been used for the diagnosis of HCC is serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). However, there is a lack of sensitive and specific tumor biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC. MicroRNAs are a class of short endogenous RNA with crucial role in many biological activities and cellular pathways and can be found in various tissues and body fluids. The aim of this review was to summarize the results of recent studies investigating miRNAs as novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognostic risk stratification of patients with this type of liver cancer.
Trans-sialidase Associated with Atherosclerosis: Defining the Identity of a Key Enzyme Involved in the Pathology
Authors: Glanz Victor Y. , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Grechko Andrey V. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: March 2019

Atherosclerosis is associated with the increased trans-sialidase activity, which can be detected
in the blood plasma of atherosclerosis patients. The likely involvement in the disease pathogenesis
made this activity an interesting research subject and the enzyme that may perform such activity
was isolated and characterized in terms of substrate specificity and enzymatic properties. It was
found that the enzyme has distinct optimum pH values, and its activity was enhanced by the presence
of Ca2+ ions. Most importantly, the enzyme was able to cause atherogenic modification of lowdensity
lipoprotein (LDL) particles in vitro. However, the identity of the discovered enzyme remained
to be defined. Currently, sialyltransferases, mainly ST6Gal I, are regarded as major contributors to
sialic acid metabolism in human blood. In this mini-review, we discuss the possibility that atherosclerosis-
associated trans-sialidase does, in fact, belong to the sialyltransferases family.
Physiological and Pathological Role of TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV4 Channels in Heart
Authors: Gorbunov Alexandr S. , Maslov Leonid N. , Jaggi Amteshwar S. , Singh Nirmal , De Petrocellis Luciano , Boshchenko Alla A. , Roohbakhsh Ali , Bezuglov Vladimir V. , Oeltgen Peter R.
Published: March 2019

Transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 2 (TRPV2) is required for normal cardiac
contractility. The stimulation of TRPV1 in isolated cardiomyocytes can aggravate the effect of hypoxia/
reoxygenation (H/R) on H9C2 cells. The knockout of the TRPV1 gene promotes increased
tolerance of the isolated perfused heart to the impact of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, activation
of TRPV1 increases the resistance of the heart to I/R due to calcitonin gene-related peptide
(CGRP) release from afferent nerve endings. It has been established that TRPV1 and TRPV2 are
involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction and, in all likelihood, ensure the cardiac tolerance
to the ischemia/reperfusion. It has also been documented that the activation of TRPV4 negatively
affects the stability of cardiomyocytes to the H/R. The blockade of TRPV4 can be considered
as a new approach to the prevention of I/R injury of the heart. Studies also indicate that TRPV1 is
involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and that TRPV2 channels participate in the
pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy. Excessive expression of TRPV2 leads to chronic Ca2+-
overload of cardiomyocytes, which may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Novel Diphenyl Ethers
Authors: Khade Amol B. , Kar Sidhartha S. , Alummoottil Cinu T. , Tiwari Ashutosh , Tiwari Mradul , Eshwara Vandana K. , Bhat Pritesh , Giliyar Varadaraj B. , Shenoy Gurupur G.
Published: March 2019

Background:

The well-known antibacterial agent Triclosan (TCL) that targets bacterial
enoylacyl protein reductase has been described to inhibit human fatty acid synthase (FASN) via
the enoylacyl reductase domain. A Literature survey indicates that TCL is selectively toxic to cancer
cells and furthermore might indeed reduce cancer incidence in vivo. A recent study found that
TCL inhibits FASN by acting as an allosteric protein-protein interface (PPI) inhibitor. It induces
dimer orientation changes that effect in a downstream reorientation of catalytic residues in the
NADPH binding site proposing TCL as a viable scaffold to design a superior molecule that might
have more inhibitory potential. This unveils tons of potential interaction space to take advantage of
future inhibitor design.

Objective:

Synthesis of TCL mimicking novel diphenyl ether derivatives, biological evaluation as
potential antiproliferative agents and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies.

Methods:

A series of novel N-(1-(3-hydroxy-4-phenoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-3-phenylpropyl)acetamides
(3a-n) and N-(3(3-hydroxy-4phenoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-1-phenylpropyl) acetamides (6a-n) were designed,
synthesized, characterized and evaluated against HepG2, A-549, MCF-7 and Vero cell
lines. The induction of antiproliferative activity of selected compounds (3d and 6c) was done by
AO/EB (acridine orange/ethidium bromide) nuclear staining method, DNA fragmentation study,
and cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation
study was also performed.

Results:

Among the tested compounds, compound 3d was most active (IC50 13.76 ± 0.43 µM)
against A-549 cell line. Compounds 3d and 3g were found to be moderately active with IC50
30.56 ± 1.1 µM and 25.05 ± 0.8 µM respectively against MCF-7 cell line. Morphological analysis
of A-549 cells treated with 3d and 6c clearly demonstrated the reduction of cell viability and induction
of apoptosis. DNA fragmentation was observed as a characteristic of apoptosis in treated
cells. Further, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry confirmed that compounds 3d and 6c significantly
arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Molecular docking study demonstrated that these
compounds exhibit high affinity for the human fatty acid synthase (hFASN) target. Molecular dynamics
simulation study of the most active compound 3d was performed for calculating binding
free energies using Molecular Mechanics–Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA).

Conclusion:

Compound 3d (IC50 13.76 ± 0.43 µM) has been identified as a potential lead molecule
for anticancer activity against A-549 cells followed by 3l, 6c, and 3g. Thus, the design of
diphenyl ether derivatives with enhanced affinity to the binding site of hER may lead to the discovery
of potential anticancer agents.
Effect of Myricetin on the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Transgenic Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ara Gulshan , Afzal Mohammad , Jyoti Smita , Naz Falaq , Rahul  , Siddique Yasir Hasan
Published: March 2019

Background: The formation of Lewy bodies is associated with the production
of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the neuronal damage specifically the dopaminergic
neurons in the Parkinson’s disease patients. Hence any agent that could curtail the production
of ROS /oxidative stress could act as a possible therapeutic agent thereby preventing
the neuronal damage.

Method: In the present study, we first evaluated the antioxidant potential of myricetin by
performing superoxide anion scavenging and diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical
scavenging assays. Myricetin at a final concentration of 10, 20 and 40µM was mixed
in diet and the PD flies were allowed to feed on it for 24 days. After 24 days of exposure,
the dopamine content was estimated in brain and the immunohistochemistry was performed
for the tyroxine hydroxylase activity on the brain sections from each group.

Results: Myricetin showed a dose-dependent increase in the antioxidative activity. The
exposure of PD flies to 10, 20 and 40µM of Myricetin not only showed a dose-dependent
significant increase in the dopamine content compared to unexposed PD flies (p<0.05),
but also prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain of PD flies.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the antioxidative potential of myricetin is responsible
for preventing the loss of dopaminergic neurons and dopamine content.
Establishment and Characterization of Pemetrexed-resistant NCI-H460/PMT Cells
Authors: Xu Yu-Lian , Jiang Xiao-Ming , Zhang Le-Le , Chen Xiuping , Huang Zhang-Jian , Lu Jin-Jian
Published: March 2019

Background:

Pemetrexed (PMT) is a multitargeted antifolate agent that is used for treating patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). However, patients have presented clinical responses of drug resistance to PMT.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of PMT resistance in NSCLC cells.

Methods:

PMT-resistant NCI-H460/PMT cells were established by treating with PMT in a concentrationescalation manner. MTT assay and colony formation were performed to detect cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Ki-67. Transwell assay was performed to measure cell migration ability. qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of indicated genes. Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) were used to knockdown ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) and Thymidylate Synthase (TYMS).

Results:

This study showed that compared with the parental cells, the NCI-H460/PMT cells displayed weakened proliferation and enhanced cell mobility. In addition, the NCI-H460/PMT cells demonstrated cellular senescence, which might result in PMT resistance. The NCI-H460/PMT cells exhibited cross-resistance to other chemotherapeutics, including fluorouracil, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, etoposide and gemcitabine, possibly because of the upregulated expression of ABCB1. However, the ABCB1 knockdown by siRNA failed to eradicate PMT resistance. Moreover, TYMS, a target of PMT, was obviously upregulated in the resistant cells. The genetic silence of TYMS partially abrogated PMT resistance, suggesting that the overexpression of TYMS was a key resistant mechanism of PMT.

Conclusion:

The overexpression of TYMS was an important resistance mechanism of PMT for KRAS-mutated NCI-H460 cells. Cross-resistance to other chemotherapeutics should be considered in addressing PMT resistance.
Synthesis, Biological Investigation and Docking Study of Novel Chromen Derivatives as Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Dube Pritam N. , Sakle Nikhil S. , Dhawale Sachin A. , More Shweta A. , Mokale Santosh N.
Published: March 2019

Background:

According to the latest global cancer data, cancer burden rises to 18.1 million new
cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths in 2018. Among that female breast cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of
death (627000 deaths, 6.6%). The main causative factor involved in breast cancer development and progression
is the Estrogen Receptor (ER) which is the essential target for anti-cancer drug discovery. Since millennia ER-α
has been considered as an oncology mark for the treatment of breast cancer.

Methods:

A series of novel 6-methyl-3-(3-oxo-1-phenyl-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenyl)propyl)-2Hchromen-
2-one was designed, synthesized and screened for their anti-breast cancer activity against estrogen
receptor-positive MCF-7, ZR-75-1 and negative MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cell lines. Estrogen level
of all the potent cytotoxic compounds were measured on day 30 of intoxication was compared with the control
and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) group. The docking study was performed to predict binding orientation
towards the estrogen receptor-α.

Results:

Among the synthesized compounds C-3, C-5 and C-15 were showing potent cytotoxicity against estrogen
receptor-positive MCF-7. The potent cytotoxic compounds C-3, C-5 and C-15 were further evaluated for in
vivo anti-cancer activity by MNU induced mammary carcinoma in female sprague-dawley rats. The in vivo anticancer
activity result shows that the compound C-5 has protuberant affinity towards estrogen receptor as standard
TAM (Tamoxifen). The docking of the synthesized chromen derivatives showed interaction modes comparable
to that of the co-crystallized ligands.

Conclusion:

The designed class has very promising starting point for the development and further improvement
in anti-breast cancer class of drugs.
Recent Progress on Adsorption Materials for Phosphate Removal
Authors: Ahmed Saeed , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Li Dianqing , Tang Pinggui , Leroux Fabrice , Feng Yongjun
Published: March 2019

Background:

High concentration of phosphate has been threatening human health and the
ecosystem. Adsorption is one of high-efficiency and low-cost techniques to reduce the concentration of
phosphate. This mini review aims to summarize the recent development of adsorption materials for
phosphate removal.

Method:

We conducted a detailed search of “adsorption of phosphate” in the published papers and the
public patents on the adsorbents for phosphate based on Web of Science database in the period from January
1 2012 to December 31 2017. The corresponding literature was carefully evaluated and analyzed.

Results:

One hundred and forty one papers and twenty two recent patents were included in this review.
An increased trend in scientific contributions was observed in the development of adsorption materials
for phosphate removal. Three kinds of promising adsorbents: layered double hydroxides, natural materials,
and metal oxides were paid special attention including removal mechanism, performance as well
as the relationship between adsorption performance and structure. Both the chemical composition and
the morphology play a key role in the removal capacity and rate.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review confirm the importance of phosphate removal, show the development
trend of high-performance and low-cost adsorption materials for phosphate removal, and
provide a helpful guide to design and fabricate high-efficiency adsorbents.
The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and its Correlation to Obesity- Related Complications in Obese Children from West Virginia
Authors: Alitsur, MD Yoram , Yaslam, MD Balfaqih , Preston, BS Deborah
Published: March 2019

Obesity is significantly associated with Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency in children, and normalization of Vit D levels in children has been shown to improve obesity related complications including insulin resistance (IR). WV has been recognized with one of the highest obesity rates in the nation. In a retrospective study, the charts of obese children were reviewed. Fasting blood levels for Vit D, insulin, glucose, aminotransferases, and lipid profiles were collected and analyzed. Results showed that over 50% of our population were Vit D deficient (< 20 ng/ml) and over 80% were insufficient (<30 ng/ml). Vit D deficiency/insufficiency was associated with IR but not with triglycerides, insulin, or lipid profiles. We report for the first time that Caucasian WV children have a higher rate of Vit D deficiency than the reported national levels. Moreover, Vit D deficiency/ insufficiency was significantly associated with IR. We suggest that in each obese child, Vit D and metabolic syndrome should be assessed in order to prevent obesity related complications.
Building a Semantic Health Data Warehouse in the Context of Clinical Trials: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lelong Romain , Soualmia Lina F , Grosjean Julien , Taalba Mehdi , Darmoni Stéfan J
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The huge amount of clinical, administrative, and demographic data recorded and maintained by hospitals can be consistently aggregated into health data warehouses with a uniform data model. In 2017, Rouen University Hospital (RUH) initiated the design of a semantic health data warehouse enabling both semantic description and retrieval of health information.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to present a proof of concept of this semantic health data warehouse, based on the data of 250,000 patients from RUH, and to assess its ability to assist health professionals in prescreening eligible patients in a clinical trials context.

METHODS

The semantic health data warehouse relies on 3 distinct semantic layers: (1) a terminology and ontology portal, (2) a semantic annotator, and (3) a semantic search engine and NoSQL (not only structured query language) layer to enhance data access performances. The system adopts an entity-centered vision that provides generic search capabilities able to express data requirements in terms of the whole set of interconnected conceptual entities that compose health information.

RESULTS

We assessed the ability of the system to assist the search for 95 inclusion and exclusion criteria originating from 5 randomly chosen clinical trials from RUH. The system succeeded in fully automating 39% (29/74) of the criteria and was efficiently used as a prescreening tool for 73% (54/74) of them. Furthermore, the targeted sources of information and the search engine–related or data-related limitations that could explain the results for each criterion were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The entity-centered vision contrasts with the usual patient-centered vision adopted by existing systems. It enables more genericity in the information retrieval process. It also allows to fully exploit the semantic description of health information. Despite their semantic annotation, searching within clinical narratives remained the major challenge of the system. A finer annotation of the clinical texts and the addition of specific functionalities would significantly improve the results. The semantic aspect of the system combined with its generic entity-centered vision enables the processing of a large range of clinical questions. However, an important part of health information remains in clinical narratives, and we are currently investigating novel approaches (deep learning) to enhance the semantic annotation of those unstructured data.
A Novel Instrument for Measuring Older People’s Attitudes Toward Technology (TechPH): Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Anderberg Peter , Eivazzadeh Shahryar , Berglund Johan Sanmartin
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of health technology by older people is coming increasingly in focus with the demographic changes. Health information technology is generally perceived as an important factor in enabling increased quality of life and reducing the cost of care for this group. Age-appropriate design and facilitation of technology adoption are important to ensure functionality and removal of various barriers to usage. Development of assessment tools and instruments for evaluating older persons’ technology adoption and usage as well as measuring the effects of the interventions are of high priority. Both usability and acceptance of a specific technology or service are important factors in evaluating the impact of a health information technology intervention. Psychometric measures are seldom included in evaluations of health technology. However, basic attitudes and sentiments toward technology (eg, technophilia) could be argued to influence both the level of satisfaction with the technology itself as well as the perception of the health intervention outcome.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to develop a reduced and refined instrument for measuring older people's attitudes and enthusiasm for technology based on relevant existing instruments for measuring technophilia. A requirement of the new instrument is that it should be short and simple to make it usable for evaluation of health technology for older people.

METHODS

Initial items for the TechPH questionnaire were drawn from a content analysis of relevant existing technophilia measure instruments. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted in a random selection of persons aged 65 years or older (N=374) on eight initial items. The scale was reduced to six items, and the internal consistency and reliability of the scale were examined. Further validation was made by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

RESULTS

The exploratory factor analysis resulted in two factors. These factors were analyzed and labeled techEnthusiasm and techAnxiety. They demonstrated relatively good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=.72 and .68, respectively). The factors were confirmed in the CFA and showed good model fit (χ28=21.2, χ2/df=2.65, comparative fit index=0.97, adjusted goodness-of-fit index=0.95, root mean square error of approximation=0.067, standardized root mean square residual=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The construed TechPH score showed expected relations to external real-world criteria, and the two factors showed interesting internal relations. Different technophilia personality traits distinguish clusters with different behaviors of adaptation as well as usage of new technology. Whether there is an independent association with the TechPH score against outcomes in health technology projects needs to be shown in further studies. The instrument must also be validated in different contexts, such as other countries.
Social Media and Social Functioning in Psychosis: A Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Bjornestad Jone , Hegelstad Wenche Ten Velden , Berg Henrik , Davidson Larry , Joa Inge , Johannessen Jan Olav , Melle Ingrid , Stain Helen J , Pallesen Ståle
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Individuals with psychosis are heavy consumers of social media. It is unknown to what degree measures of social functioning include measures of online social activity.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the inclusion of social media activity in measures of social functioning in psychosis and ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis.

METHODS

Two independent authors conducted a search using the following electronic databases: Epistemonikos, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO. The included articles were required to meet all of the following criteria: (1) an empirical study published in the English language in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) the study included a measure of objective or subjective offline (ie, non-Web-mediated contact) and/or online social functioning (ie, Web-mediated contact); (3) the social functioning measure had to be used in samples meeting criteria (ie, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Classification of Diseases) for a psychotic disorder or UHR for psychosis; and (4) the study was published between January 2004 and February 2019. Facebook was launched as the first large-scale social media platform in 2004 and, therefore, it is highly improbable that studies conducted prior to 2004 would have included measures of social media activity.

RESULTS

The electronic search resulted in 11,844 distinct articles. Full-text evaluation was conducted on 719 articles, of which 597 articles met inclusion criteria. A total of 58 social functioning measures were identified. With some exceptions, reports on reliability and validity were scarce, and only one measure integrated social media social activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The ecological validity of social functioning measures is challenged by the lack of assessment of social media activity, as it fails to reflect an important aspect of the current social reality of persons with psychosis. Measures should be revised to include social media activity and thus avoid the clinical consequences of inadequate assessment of social functioning.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42017058514; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42017058514
Extracción de ADN de bacterias conservadas en el banco de cepas de la Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander sede Campos Elíseos
Authors: Suárez Contreras Liliana Yanet , Yañez Meneses Luz Francy
Published: March 2019

Actualmente, la identificación de bacterias se realiza con técnicas clásicas basadas en caracterización fenotípica a nivelmacroscópico y microscópico, sin embargo, este método no es fiable y no permite conocer la verdadera identidad delmicroorganismo en estudio. Por esta razón es necesario realizar una identificación a nivel molecular que permita conocer conseguridad el género y especie. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estandarizar el método de extracción de ADN para bacterias Gramnegativas y Gram positivas según la caracterización química, que permitió obtener ADN de buena calidad para la amplificaciónde una región específica de interés. Se evaluaron dos métodos de extracción, el protocolo de Wilson y el Kit de extracciónWizzard (Promega), los dos métodos se diferenciaron en la cuantificación por NanoDrop y se visualizaron por medio de unaelectroforesis en gel de agarosa al 0,8% utilizando el intercalante Gel red. Según el protocolo de Wilson solo se obtuvo ADN debacterias Gram negativas de buena calidad, y la relación 260/280 en el nanodrop (1,8-2). Mientras que el Kit de extracciónWizzard permitió obtener ADN para bacterias Gram positivas y negativas. Se obtuvieron mejores concentraciones de ADN conel protocolo de Wilson, por otra parte no fue posible obtener ADN de bacterias Gram positivas siendo para este caso el kitWizzard un método sin limitaciones para extraer ADN de cualquier género de bacteria; a pesar de lo antes mencionado, porcostos es más conveniente el protocolo de Wilson, para extraer las bacterias Gram negativas. Palabras Claves: Ácidos nucleicos,Bacillus thurigiensis,E. coli,Microorganismos
Servicio web para la geolocalización de los vehículos de transporte público en la ciudad de Cúcuta
Authors: Castro Correa Jhon Alejandro , Sepúlveda Mora Sergio Basilio , Medina Delgado Byron , Guevara Ibarra Dinael
Published: March 2019

En la ciudad de Cúcuta el medio de transporte que predomina para la movilización de personas entre un punto y otro es elautobús tradicional, dicho servicio no ofrece a los usuarios la posibilidad de conocer de forma precisa el trayecto y el itinerariode los autobuses que transitan por la ruta. Este trabajo está orientado a diseñar e implementar un servicio web que permitavisualizar en tiempo real las rutas y los vehículos de transporte público que circulan en la ciudad de Cúcuta. La geolocalizaciónde los autobuses se realizó mediante un GPS que proporciona el posicionamiento de los vehículos mediante el protocolo NMEA0183; esta información es almacenada en un servidor para luego ser enviada (usando PHP) y visualizada. La interfaz de usuariose desarrolló a través de un sitio web funcional y de diseño adaptable para computadoras, tabletas y celulares utilizando HTML5,CSS3 y JavaScript, donde dependiendo de la ruta escogida se realiza una petición al servidor para obtener los datoscorrespondientes y mostrarlos en un mapa utilizando la API de Google Maps. Se implementó el servicio web permitiendovisualizar las rutas y la posición del vehículo en tiempo real junto con distintas variables de interés como el estado demovimiento o reposo, velocidad, rumbo y tiempo de llegada a cada una de las paradas preestablecidas en la ruta; asimismodentro del portal web se da la posibilidad de generar registros históricos concernientes a la ubicación y recorrido de cada autobúsque son visualizados mediante tablas y gráficas generadas por el usuario.

Palabras Clave: Geolocalización,GPS,Servicio web,Servidor web,Transporte público
Crecimiento sostenible y factores de competitividad del sector calzado en Cúcuta
Authors: Dávila López Fabián Yesid , Sierra Caceres William Armando , Riaño Solano Miller
Published: March 2019

Este artículo es producto de un trabajo de investigación donde se relaciona los factores de competitividad, la tasa de cambio y la capacidad de crecimiento sostenible del sector calzado de Cúcuta en el periodo 2009-2013. A nivel metodológico se desarrolló como un estudio descriptivo exploratorio, documental y de campo, se utilizó la técnica de encuestas y el juicio de expertos. La población estuvo conformada por veintidós (22) empresas y se efectuó un censo debido al pequeño tamaño de la población. Se evaluaron los factores internos de competitividad y se utilizó el modelo de Higgins para analizar la capacidad de crecimientosostenible. Los factores de competitividad muestran amplio espacio de mejora en el sector, por su parte la tasa de crecimiento sostenible está por debajo de la tasa de crecimiento de ventas del sector calzado en Cúcuta, siendo así se recurre al apalancamiento con recursos externos y a la optimización de la política de dividendos para mejorar el índice de crecimiento intrínseco.

Palabras Clave: competitividad,crecimiento intrínseco,crecimiento sostenible,sector calzado,tasa de cambio
El programa de las 100 mil viviendas gratis y su impacto en la dinámica social, cultural y ambiental de los beneficiarios de los proyectos del municipio de San José de Cúcuta, periodo 2013-2015
Authors: Coronel Ruiz Luz Karime
Published: March 2019

El concepto de vivienda digna, consagrado en el artículo 51 de la constitución política colombiana, establece que todos loscolombianos tenemos como derecho fundamental el acceso a una vivienda en condiciones que garanticen su disfrute y confort,marco que genera un pilar de desarrollo estratégico en el plan de gobierno del expresidente Juan Manuel Santos durante suprimer periodo presidencial en los años 2010 – 2014 y que retoma con más fuerza en los años subsecuentes de su segundomandato. Con la adopción del programa nacional de las “Cien Mil Viviendas Gratis para los más Vulnerables”, el gobiernopromueve la adjudicación de viviendas con carácter de gratuidad para aquellas comunidades sisbenizadas de los estratos 1 y 2,victimas del posconflicto y damnificados, que debido a su frágil condición socio-económica, no podían acceder a otros métodosde adquisición de vivienda formal en los diferentes puntos del suelo nacional. En concordancia, la aplicación de esta nuevapolítica pública, trajo consigo nuevas dinámicas territoriales durante su proceso de implementación, dinámicas, que aún siguenmanifestándose en los proyectos de vivienda que fueron ejecutados, como es el caso de los proyectos denominados:Cormoranes, San Fernando del Rodeo, Ciudad Rodeo y Los Estoraques, del municipio de San José de Cúcuta. El presenteestudio de caso de investigación, esta direccionado a conocer de manera más clara el impacto que ha tenido mencionadoprograma nacional, sobre sus beneficiarios directos en estos proyectos de vivienda en el municipio de Cúcuta y las dinámicassociales, culturales y ambientales subyacentes.

Palabras Claves: Dinámica Ambiental,Dinámica Cultural,Dinámica Social,Impacto,Vivienda
Benefícios do parto normal para a qualidade de vida do binômio mãe-filho
Authors: Cardoso Gazineu Rebeca , Rocha de Almeida Amorim Karla , Torres da Paz Camila , Calfa Vieira Gramacho Rita de Cássia
Published: March 2019

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar de que forma o parto normal contribui para uma melhor qualidade de vida do binômio mãe-bebê. Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura integrativa, cujos artigos foram selecionados na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde. Dos 82 encontrados, 17 abordavam o tema proposto e foram selecionadas para compor este estudo. Constatou-se que os anos que apresentaram maior número de artigos publicados foram2014e2015,comseisecincopublicações, respectivamente,correspondendoa64.7%depublicações incluídas no estudo. O ano de 2016 aparece com quatro publicações e 2017 com duas. Após a análise dos dados, surgiram três categorias: a. O ciclo gravídico e a escolha da via de parto; b. Fatores que interferem na escolha do tipo de parto; e c. Vantagens e desvantagens do parto normal. Os estudos revelaram que o ciclo gravídico é uma fase marcante na vida da mulher, que deve tomar decisões significativas que contribuem para uma melhor qualidade de vida do binômio mãe-bebê. Foi possível entender que muitas mulheres optam pela cesariana em detrimento do parto normal, e que este fenômeno pode ser explicado por diversos fatores, como o déficit de informações durante a assistência. Conclui-se que há uma necessidade de incentivo ao parto normal, já que suas vantagens superam suas desvantagens. Por outra parte, os profissionais de saúde devem promover a educação em saúde, incentivando o parto natural e ressaltando os seus benefícios.
Impactos associados ao uso prolongado de bisfosfonatos no tratamento da osteoporose em idosos
Authors: Santos de Souza Edilane , De Jesus Santos Juliete , Botelho de Santana Lourenço Luis
Published: March 2019

A osteoporose é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos no Brasil. Acomete cerca de 10 milhões de pessoas com prevalência de 11 a 23,8% de fraturas ósseas, sendo considerada uma das maiores causas de internação hospitalar. Os bisfosfonatos (BFS) que atuam diretamente na remodelação óssea, são os fármacos de primeira escolha para o seu tratamento, porém o seu uso prolongado ocasiona danos severos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os impactos do uso prolongado de bisfosfonatos no tratamento da osteoporose em idosos. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura através das bases de dados Lilacs, Scielo, Portal de Periódicos da CAPES e MEDLINE, através dos seguintes descritores: “osteoporose”, “idosos” e “bisfosfonatos”. A busca teve como critérios de inclusão publicações em língua portuguesa, inglesa ou espanhola, no período 2007 a 2018. Os trabalhos mostram que os bisfosfonatos têm sua eficácia e segurança comprovada na redução de fraturas vertebrais, não vertebrais e femorais em pacientes com osteoporose, porém seu uso prolongado pode causar osteonecrose maxilar e fraturas atípicas no fêmur. Com isso, percebe-se que no tratamento da osteoporose é importante acompanhar os pacientes que fazem uso de bisfosfonatos por longo período, no intuito de evitar a ocorrência destas fraturas.
Ensino da leitura: reflexões sobre a formação do leitor em uma escola do campo
Authors: Oliveira da Silva Maia Leila , De Andrade Cordeiro Antonia Claudia , Benevides Ramos Luciana , Batista de Souza Edna Maria
Published: March 2019

O presente artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre o ensino da leitura, centrando-se em reflexões sobre as práticas pedagógicas e a formação do leitor em uma escola do campo no contexto do primeiro ano do Ensino Fundamental, da localidade da Embira, em Cruz das Almas, Bahia, em que se pretendeu investigar quais eram as metodologias de ensino para a formação do leitor. O foco da pesquisa foi conhecer a concepção de leitura da professora participante do estudo e descrever instrumentos, processos e práticas do ensino da leitura em uma escola do campo. A pesquisa foi de natureza qualitativa, de caráter descritivo. As técnicas de coleta de dados foram o questionário e a observação. A participante da pesquisa foi a professora que se encontrava lecionando na escola no primeiro ano do Ensino Fundamental. A análise de dados aponta para uma falta de preparo prático da professora sobre como trabalhar com a leitura no contexto do campo. Os dados coletados revelam que a professora não utiliza a leitura como fonte de prazer, raramente faz uso do texto literário e, quando o faz, é um mero pretexto para tratar de aspectos gramaticais. Percebeu-se, portanto, que, na prática de sala de aula, não há indícios que apontem para um ensino diferenciado na escola do campo e, em relação ao ensino da leitura, que as metodologias adotadas não estavam direcionadas para a formação do leitor, pois as práticas de leitura observadas estavam centradas no livro didático e resumiam-se a exercícios mecânicos de decodificação de sílabas e palavras.