bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Are Associated With Children’s Psychological Health: a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data From the New South Wales Child Population Health Survey 2013-2014
Authors: Thomas Margaret Mary , Gugusheff Jessica , Baldwin Heather , Gale Joanne , Boylan Sinead , Mihrshahi Seema
Published: August 2020

Background Despite numerous studies showing that diet and exercise influence mental health in children, there is limited data available from representative populations of children and adolescents on the relationship between regular healthy lifestyle behaviour and psychological health. Methods Data were obtained from the New South Wales Child Population Health Survey, 2013–2014. Parents were asked about diet, physical activity and screen time behaviours and completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for one child aged 5-15. Higher scores on the SDQ indicate poorer psychological health and risk for mental health problems. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models examined the relationships between dietary consumption, physical activity, screen time and SDQ scores, adjusting for potential confounding. Results Proportionally more children than adolescents met the guidelines for appropriate diet, physical activity and screen time behaviours. Meeting screen time recommendations was most strongly associated with a lower SDQ total difficulties score (5-10yrs: -1.56 (-2.68, -0.44); 11-15yrs: -2.12 (-3.11, -1.12)). Children and adolescents who met screen time recommendations were also significantly less likely to have any score in the at-risk range. In addition, children and adolescents meeting vegetable intake guidelines had a significantly lower total difficulties score (5-10yrs: -1.54 (-3.03,-0.05); 11-15yrs: -1.19 (-3.60,-0.39)), as did adolescents meeting discretionary food guidelines (-1.16 (-2.14,-0.18)) and children consuming the recommended fruit intake (-1.26 (-2.42,-0.10)).Conclusions Since adopting regular healthy lifestyle behaviours is associated with better psychological health among children and adolescents, it is imperative that appropriate and effective interventions are implemented to increase these healthy lifestyle behaviours among young Australians.
Effect of Irrigation Water pH on the Performance of Healthy and Huanglongbing-affected Citrus
Authors: Ghimire Lushan , Kadyampakeni Davie , Vashisth Tripti
Published: August 2020

Huanglongbing [HLB (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus)] is one of the most devastating diseases in citrus (Citrus sp.). Field observations in Florida have shown that citrus groves with high soil and irrigation water pH decline rapidly under HLB-prevalent conditions. It is worth noting that irrigation water pH has always been high in Florida; however, neither tree decline nor low productivity under such conditions has been an issue for citrus before HLB. Therefore, there is a need to determine if HLB increases citrus tree sensitivity to high-pH irrigation water. The objective of this research was to evaluate the molecular and physiological responses of healthy and HLB-affected citrus trees irrigated with water at pH levels of 5.8, 7.0, and 8.0. The results demonstrated that soil pH is positively correlated with irrigation water pH. Overall, regardless of disease occurrence, tree performance decreased as pH increased. HLB-affected trees at pH 8.0 had the greatest mortality (40%) and leaf drop (87%) and the lowest height growth (<1%) and leaf biomass (0.1 g). In contrast, HLB-affected trees at pH 5.8 had the lowest mortality (0%) and leaf drop (16%) and the greatest height growth (6.6%) and leaf biomass (5.5 g). Growth and survival data indicate that high pH had a less negative impact on healthy trees than HLB-affected trees, and that HLB symptoms were exacerbated at pH 8.0 compared with pH 5.8. A transcriptomic analysis of root tissue conducted at the end of the experiment further suggested that HLB-affected trees at pH 5.8 were actively detoxing stress-induced radicals and had increased growth and developmental processes with the downregulation of jasmonic acid biosynthesis compared with healthy trees. This implies that at pH 5.8, HLB-affected trees were under less stress than healthy trees. Compared with healthy trees, HLB-affected trees at pH 8.0 resulted in upregulated immune system processes, defense responses, and cell death; no processes were significantly downregulated in HLB-affected trees compared with healthy trees at pH 8.0. Physiological and molecular observations suggest an interaction between HLB and irrigation water pH whereby HLB symptoms are exacerbated in response to high irrigation water pH.
Thermal metamorphic history of Antarctic CV3 and CO3 chondrites inferred from the first- and second-order Raman peaks of polyaromatic organic carbon
Authors: Yesiltas Mehmet , Young Jordan , Glotch Timothy D.
Published: August 2020

Parent body thermal metamorphism is an important process that alters the structure of organic matter in the parent asteroid of meteorites. Increasing and progressing thermal metamorphism results in carbonization and graphitization of carbonaceous matter in the parent body. Such modifications in the carbon structures can be studied by Raman microspectroscopy, thanks to its high sensitivity to structure and bonding within carbonaceous molecules. We have characterized polyaromatic carbonaceous matter in a total of 24 Antarctic CV3 and CO3 chondrites using micro-Raman imaging spectroscopy in an effort to better understand parent body thermal metamorphism and assess its effects on the carbon structures. Raman spectral parameters of the first-order carbon peaks (D and G) were extracted from at least 200 spectra for each meteorite and were compared to deduce relationships that yield information regarding the thermal metamorphism conditions. We also show, for the first time, spectral trends and relations of the second-order carbon peaks (2D and D+G) within the 2500–3200 cm−1 with thermal metamorphic history. The second-order peaks appear to contain information that is lacking in the first-order peaks. Based on the second-order carbon peak parameters, we tentatively classify four CV3 chondrites into subtypes, and reclassify another. Peak metamorphic temperatures of the investigated meteorites have been estimated based on the width of the D band as well as the calculated Raman spectral curvature. Estimated temperatures appear to correlate well with the assigned petrologic types. We have calculated higher peak metamorphic temperatures for the CV3 chondrites than for the considered CO3 chondrites and further showed that the peak metamorphic temperatures of CV3oxA chondrites are higher than those of CV3oxB, indicating possibly different metamorphic conditions for the two oxidized subtypes. We observe that there is a relatively larger temperature increase going from CO3.2 to CO3.4 (150 °C increase) compared to CO3.4–CO3.6 (20 °C), which may indicate that the graphitization and structural ordering of carbon reach a critical temperature regime around petrologic type CO3.3.
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PAEDIATRIC MEASLES PATIENTS AT MOJOWARNO CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, JOMBANG, IN 2015-2016
Authors: Pradana Yuda
Published: August 2020

Background: Measles is one of the main causes of child mortality. In 2016 there were 6,890 cases of measles with 4 patients died in Indonesia. There were 122 cases in Jombang, East Java in 2009.

Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics of measles in children patients at Mojowarno Christian Hospital, Jombang, East Java.

Methods: A cross sectional study using secondary data from medical records at Mojowarno Christian Hospital, Jombang, East Java, in 2015-2015. Demographic and clinical characteristics were described using tables.

Results: There are 22 cases of measles in children, 3 of them had not taken measles vaccination. Most cases occurred in between 0 to 5 years old (59.1%). The proportion of measles were equal between male and female. There is a higher proportion of patients with normal nutrition status (59.1%) compared to other with malnutrition (40.9%). The most common symptoms and signs are fever (95.5%), cough (23.7%), and coryza (22.3%). The leukocyte examination mostly shows normal results for leukocyte (63.6%) and lymphocyte (50%).

Conclusion: Most of the cases were presented with milder symptoms, signs and laboratory examination. There is a high prevalence of undernutrition among the subjects, which need further attention from local governments. In addition, there is a concerning high proportion of vaccinated children contracting the disease.
THE RISK FACTORS OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITAS KRISTEN DUTA WACANA, YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Benita Ernestine
Published: August 2020

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain which occurs without any underlying pelvic organ diseases. There are several risk factors of dysmenorrhea, which are BMI, age at menarche, smoking habit, and family history. Female medical students are one population with a high risk of having dysmenorrhea with debilitating effect.

Objective: To test the association between several risk factors with primary dysmenorrhea in female medical students in Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW).

Method: This is a cross-sectional study, gathering data from 207 female medical students enrolled in UKDW between September 2018 and January 2019. Further bivariate analyses were performed to test the association between dysmenorrhea prevalence and some risk factors using Chi-square test or Fischer exact test.

Results: Out of 207 participants, 158 (76.33%) are diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. 31.88 % of the samples are categorised into the underweight, overweight and obese group. The prevalence ratio of underweight and overweight group compared to the normal group resembles U-shape relationship, but not statistically significant (PR = 1.095; p = -.486, and PR 1.055; p = 0.826, respectively). Younger age at menarche (PR = 1.251, p = 0.014) and family history if dysmenorrhea (PR = 1.317; p = 0.002) show a higher prevalence rate compared to normal age group and no family history of dysmenorrhea.

Conclusion: Younger age at menarche and family history of dysmenorrhea should be considered as important risk factors, although they are not modifiable. The relationship between body mass index and dysmenorrhea need further investigation with a prospective approach.
THE EFFECT OF A TRIPOD CANE ON THE FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY OF PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Sudiyono Nelson
Published: August 2020

Background: Canes have been recommended as walking aids for knee osteoarthritis to reduce the loading on the affected knee. Patients are usually recommended to hold the cane in the contralateral hand to the affected knee. Nevertheless, some patients prefer to hold the cane ipsilateral to the affected knee. However, the effect of using ipsilateral or contralateral tripod cane on functional mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis is still unknown

Objective: To compare the immediate effect of ipsilateral and contralateral tripod cane usage on functional mobility in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis

Method: This cross-sectional study involved 30 overweight or obese patients with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grade 2 and 3) who never use a cane. Functional mobility was evaluated with Time Up and Go test in three conditions; without walking aid, with tripod cane contralateral and ipsilateral to the more painful knee.

Results: The TUG time of aid-free walking is 4.75 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 3.79 - 5.71) seconds faster than ipsilateral cane use and 6.69 (p < 0.001, 95%CI 5.35 - 8.03) seconds faster than contralateral cane use. The TUG time of ipsilateral cane use is 1,94 (95% CI, 1.13 - 2.79) seconds faster than contralateral.

Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic knee OA who use tripod cane ipsilateral to the more painful knee have higher functional mobility than the contralateral.
Nerve Growth Factor, Stress and Diseases
Authors: Ceci Flavio Maria , Ferraguti Giampiero , Petrella Carla , Greco Antonio , Tirassa Paola , Iannitelli Angela , Ralli Massimo , Vitali Mario , Ceccanti Mauro , Chaldakov George N. , Versacci Paolo , Fiore Marco
Published: August 2020

Stress is a constant threat for homeostasis and is represented by different extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli (stressors, Hans Selye’s "noxious agents"), such as aggressive behavior, fear, diseases, physical activity, drugs, surgical injury, and environmental and physiological changes. Our organisms respond to stress by activating the adaptive stress system to activate compensatory responses for restoring homeostasis. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) was discovered as a signaling molecule involved in survival, protection, differentiation, and proliferation of sympathetic and peripheral sensory neurons. NGF mediates stress with an important role in translating environmental stimuli into physiological and pathological feedbacks since NGF levels undergo important variations after exposure to stressful events. Psychological stress, lifestyle stress, and oxidative stress are well known to increase the risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorders and metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome. This review reports recent works describing the activity of NGF in mental and metabolic disorders related to stress.
Recent Advances in Synthesis of Benzazoles via Imines
Authors: An Ran , Guo Mengbi , Zang Yingbo , Xu Hang , Hou Zhuang , Guo Chun
Published: August 2020

Imines, versatile intermediates for organic synthesis, can be exploited for the
preparation of diverse classes of biologically active benzazoles. Because of the special
characteristics of the C=N bond, imines can be simultaneously used in the synthesis of
1,3-benzazoles and 1,2-benzazoles. With the development of imine synthesis, a variety of
novel cascade reactions for benzazole synthesis have been reported in the last decade.
Therefore, there is a strong need to elucidate the recent progress in the formation of various
classes of benzazoles, including benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, benzothiazoles, indazoles,
and benzisoxazoles, via imines obtained by condensation reactions or oxidative/
redox coupling reactions In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of this
area. In particular, various green and mild synthetic methodologies are summarized, and
the multiple roles of novel catalysts and significant mechanisms for several transformations are highlighted in
detail. We believe that this review will aid researchers studying the synthesis of complex molecules containing
the benzazole motif via imines.
Potential Leads from Liquorice Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease using Molecular Docking Simulation Studies
Authors: Sinha Saurabh K. , Prasad Satyendra K. , Islam Md Ataul , Chaudhary Sushil K. , Singh Shashikant , Shakya Anshul
Published: August 2020

Aim and Objective::

At present, the world is facing a global pandemic threat of SARSCoV- 2 or COVID-19 and to date, there are no clinically approved vaccines or antiviral drugs available for the treatment of coronavirus infections. Studies conducted in China recommended the use of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza species), an integral medicinal herb of traditional Chinese medicine, in the deactivation of COVID-19. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to identify the leads from the liquorice plant against COVID-19 using molecular docking simulation studies.

Materials and Methods::

A set of reported bioactive compounds of liquorice were investigated for COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) inhibitory potential. The study was conducted on Autodock vina software using COVID-19 Mproas a target protein having PDB ID: 6LU7.

Results:

Out of the total 20 docked compounds, only six compounds showed the best affinity towards the protein target, which included glycyrrhizic acid, isoliquiritin apioside, glyasperin A, liquiritin, 1-methoxyphaseollidin and hedysarimcoumestan B. From the overall observation, glycyrrhizic acid followed by isoliquiritin apioside demonstrated the best affinity towards Mprorepresenting the binding energy of -8.6 and -7.9 Kcal/mol, respectively. Nevertheless, the other four compounds were also quite comparable with the later one.

Conclusion::

From the present investigation, we conclude that the compounds having oxane ring and chromenone ring substituted with hydroxyl 3-methylbut-2-enyl group could be the best alternative for the development of new leads from liquorice plant against COVID-19.
Recent Advances in Treatment of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Milano Walter , Ambrosio Paola , Carizzone Francesca , Di Munzio Walter , De Biasio Valeria , Capasso Anna
Published: August 2020

:

Childhood obesity has assumed epidemic proportions and is currently one of the most widespread public
health problems. Many are the factors involved in the pathogenesis of excess weight with interactions between
genetic, environmental and biological factors and therefore, also the therapeutic approach must be multidisciplinary
and multidimensional. In this review of the literature, we report the contiguity of childhood obesity with eating
disorders and the importance of involving the family context in order to induce stable lifestyle changes, both in
relation to dietary and nutritional habits, but also in increasing physical activity. Finally, among the therapeutic
options, although for selected cases, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery can be used as treatment strategies.
A Review: Effects of Macrolides on CYP450 Enzymes
Authors: Zhang Liyun , Xu Xiaoqing , Badawy Sara , Ihsan Awais , Liu Zhenli , Xie Changqing , Wang Xu , Tao Yanfei
Published: August 2020

:

As a kind of haemoglobin, cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) participate in the metabolism of many
substances, including endogenous substances, exogenous substances and drugs. It is estimated that 60% of common
prescription drugs require bioconversion through CYP450. The influence of macrolides on CYP450 contributes to
the metabolism and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) of macrolides. At present, most studies on the effects of macrolides
on CYP450 are focused on CYP3A, but a few exist on other enzymes and drug combinations, such as telithromycin,
which can decrease the activity of hepatic CYP1A2 and CYP3A2. This article summarizes some published
applications of the influence of macrolides on CYP450 and the DDIs of macrolides caused by CYP450. And the
article may subsequently guide the rational use of drugs in clinical trials. To a certain extent, poisoning caused by
adverse drug interactions can be avoided. Unreasonable use of macrolide antibiotics may enable the presence of
residue of macrolide antibiotics in animal-origin food. It is unhealthy for people to eat food with macrolide antibiotic
residues. So it is of great significance to guarantee food safety and protect the health of consumers by the rational use
of macrolides. This review gives a detailed description of the influence of macrolides on CYP450 and the DDIs of
macrolides caused by CYP450. Moreover, it offers a perspective for researchers to further explore in this area.
Analysis of the Primary and Post-Treatment Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori in the Nanjing Area
Authors: Jiang Zong-Dan , He Bang-Shun , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Wang Shu-Kui , Ran Dan , Wang Zhi-Bing
Published: August 2020

Background:

Resistance of Helicobacter pylori（H. pylori） to antibiotics is increasing worldwide. In order to
understand the current situation of antibiotic resistance in Nanjing and provide a reasonable basis for clinical selection of antibiotics to cure H. Pylori.

Objective:

To investigate the current status of H. Pylori antibiotics resistance in Nanjing area, and analyze the primary and
post-treatment antibiotic resistance of H. pylori in this area.

Methods:

During the period from July 2017 to December 2019, 1533 gastric mucosal specimens from patients with positive
H. pylori confirmed by breath test or rapid urease test were collected for isolation and identify H. pylori. The agar dilution
method was used for antibiotic resistance test.

Results:

The result showed that the resistance rates of H. pylori to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, furazolidone,
tetracycline and metronidazole were 2.74%, 47.03%, 33.59%, 0.91%, 0.52% and 80.76%, respectively in the period of July
2017 to December 2019. The resistance rates of H. pylori (primary Vs post-treatment) to amoxicillin, clarithromycin,
levofloxacin, furazolidone, tetracycline and metronidazole were 1.83% Vs 6.08%, 38.62% Vs 77.81%, 27.41% Vs 56.23%,
0.58% Vs 2.13%, 0.33% Vs 1.22%, 78.57% Vs 88.75%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Antibiotic resistance of H. pylori remained a problem for the effective eradication of this pathogen and its associated diseases in Nanjing area. For post-treatment eradication patients, clinicians should took into account regional antibiotic resistance rate, personal antibiotic exposure history, economic benefit ratio, adverse antibiotic reactions, antibiotic
availability and other aspects．
Targeted Delivery for Neurodegenerative Disorders Using Gene Therapy Vectors: Gene Next Therapeutic Goals
Authors: Singh Manisha , Singh Surinder P. , Yadav Deepshikha , Agarwal Mugdha , Agarwal Shriya , Agarwal Vinayak , Swargiary Geeta , Srivastava Sahil , Tyagi Sakshi , Kaur Ramneek , Mani Shalini
Published: August 2020

The technique of gene therapy, ever since its advent nearly fifty years ago, has been utilized
by scientists as a potential treatment option for various disorders. This review discusses some of the
major neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD),
Motor neuron diseases (MND), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Huntington’s Disease (HD), Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), etc. and their underlying genetic mechanisms along with the role that gene therapy
can play in combating them. The pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms specifying the altered
gene expression of each of these NDDs have also been discussed in elaboration. The use of gene therapy
vectors can prove to be an effective tool in the field of curative modern medicine for the generations
to come. Therefore, consistent efforts and progressive research towards its implementation can
provide us with powerful treatment options for disease conditions that have so far been considered as
incurable.
Bacteriocins: New Potential Therapeutic Candidates in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fathizadeh Hadis , Saffari Mahmood , Esmaeili Davoud , Moniri Rezvan , Kafil Hossein Samadi
Published: August 2020

Cancer is one of the most important disorders which is associated with high
mortality and high costs of treatment for patients. Despite several efforts, finding,
designing and developing, new therapeutic platforms in the treatment of cancer patients
are still required. Utilization of microorganisms, particularly bacteria has emerged as
new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of various cancers. Increasing data
indicated that bacteria could be used in the production of a wide range of anti-cancer
agents, including bacteriocins, antibiotics, peptides, enzymes, and toxins. Among these
anti-cancer agents, bacteriocins have attractive properties, which make them powerful
anti-cancer drugs. Multiple lines evidence indicated that several bacteriocins (i.e.,
colcins, nisins, pediocins, pyocins, and bovocins) via activation/inhibition different
cellular and molecular signaling pathways are able to suppress tumor growth in various
stages. Hence, identification and using various bacteriocins could lead to improve and
introduce them to clinical practices. Here, we summarized various bacteriocins which
could be employed as anti-cancer agents in the treatment of many cancers.
Application of Hot Melt Extrusion Technology in the Development of Abuse-Deterrent Formulations: An Overview
Authors: Butreddy Arun , Nyavanandi Dinesh , Narala Sagar , Austin Fischer , Bandari Suresh
Published: August 2020

The misuse, abuse, and illicit use of prescription opioid analgesics is a global public health
concern. However, there are many viable therapeutic options for the treatment of patients with chronic
pain. Both intact and manipulated opioid drug products are abused by various routes such as oral, nasal,
and injection, which may lead to overdose, drug addiction, and even death. To combat the abuse of these
medications, regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies are switching their interest towards
developing Abuse Deterrent Formulations (ADFs), with the intent to deter the abuse of opioid products
to a maximum extent. There are several manufacturing strategies implemented in an attempt to develop
ADFs. An example includes matrix tablets of high molecular weight polymers such as polyethylene
oxide. The scalable and continuous manufacturing techniques, such as Hot-Melt Extrusion (HME), is
increasingly accepted by pharmaceutical companies to advance the development and manufacturing of
ADFs. The application of the HME technique in the development of ADFs may overcome the challenges
of opioid analgesic formulation development and provide improved protection against misuse and abuse,
while also ensuring access to safe and effective use in patients with chronic pain. This review deals with
a brief overview of strategies, with emphasis on HME to deter opioid abuse, in vitro characterization
methods, commonly used excipients in the development of ADFs, and regulatory standards to meet the
requirements of ADFs.
The Application of Chemometrics for Efficiency Enhancement and Toxicity Reduction in Cancer Treatment with Combined Therapy
Authors: Qian Ke , Yan Binjun , Xiong Yang
Published: August 2020

Chemometrics is an important emerging discipline with unique charm formed by the intersection
of mathematics, statistics, chemistry and computer science. The application of chemometrics in the
field of pharmacy has injected fresh blood into the scientific research and clinical practice of medicine
and has provided a sufficient scientific basis for drug analysis and content determination to solve the
problem of cancer treatment with combined therapy in different ranges. This paper introduces the basic
principles, advantages and disadvantages of several commonly used pattern recognition and multidimensional
correction methods of chemometrics, reviews the application of chemometrics for efficiency enhancement
and toxicity reduction in cancer treatment with combined therapy and summarizes its development
and prospects in the future.
Impaired Cognitive Function is Associated with Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Dementia
Authors: Lee GyuChang
Published: August 2020

Background:

The deterioration of cognitive and motor functions and activities of daily living is common in Alzheimer's dementia.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation and the strength of the relationship between cognitive function and motor function and activities of daily living after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease dementia.

Methods:

Sixty-three patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia in a community setting of South Korea were examined for cognitive and motor functions, and functional levels. The test or measures used for cognitive function were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The 10-meter walking test (10MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were used to examine motor function, while the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Katz Index (KI) were used to examining activities of daily living.

Results:

The MMSE had a positive correlation with that from the BBS (r=.338, p<.05), MBI (r=.363, p<.05), and KI (r=.276, p<.05). The GDS was negatively correlated with BBS (r=.319, p<.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that MMSE was a major explanatory variable for BBS (R2 =.115, β=.338, p<.05) MBI (R2 =.131, β=.363, p<.05), and KI (R2 =.076, β=.276, p<.05).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study show that cognitive function by MMSE is correlated with balance by BBS and activities of daily living by MBI and KI, and MMSE, which are tests or measures for cognitive function, can be explanatory variable to explain variations in the BBS, MBI, and KI in the persons with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. It may mean that a decrease in cognitive function was found to affect motor function and activities of daily living. Based on this study, appropriate intervention approaches including physical exercise, should be considered for caring for persons with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia in a community setting.
Synthesis and Properties of N1-(indan-5-yl)amidrazones Incorporating Piperazines and Related Congeners
Authors: Daldoom Eslam S. , Qadri Malak I. , Zahra Jalal A. , Sabri Salim S. , El-Abadelah Mustafa M. , Khanfar Monther A. , Bardaweel Sanaa , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

A selected set of new N1-(indan-5-yl)amidrazones 4a-p, encompassing piperazines or
related amines, has been prepared via interaction of the hydrazonoyl chloride 3 (derived from
5-aminoindane) with the appropriate sec-cyclic amine in the presence of triethylamine. Their suggested
structures are supported by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, high-resolution MS (ESI) spectral data, and further
confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography for 4k. These novel compounds were screened for
their antitumor activity against breast cancer cells (MCF7 and T47D); amongst all of them, only compound
4o, incorporating N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazine, was fairly active with IC50 values of 69 μM and
61 μM, respectively.
Optimal Model-Free Approach Based on MDL and CHL for Active Brain Identification in fMRI Data Analysis
Authors: Jaber Hussain A. , Çankaya Ilyas , Aljobouri Hadeel K. , Koçak Orhan M. , Algin Oktay
Published: August 2020

Background:

Cluster analysis is a robust tool for exploring the underlining structures in
data and grouping them with similar objects. In the researches of Functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (fMRI), clustering approaches attempt to classify voxels depending on their time-course
signals into a similar hemodynamic response over time.

Objective:

In this work, a novel unsupervised learning approach is proposed that relies on using Enhanced
Neural Gas (ENG) algorithm in fMRI data for comparison with Neural Gas (NG) method,
which has yet to be utilized for that aim. The ENG algorithm depends on the network structure of
the NG and concentrates on an efficacious prototype-based clustering approach.

Methods:

The comparison outcomes on real auditory fMRI data show that ENG outperforms the
NG and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) methods due to its insensitivity to the ordering of input
data sequence, various initializations for selecting a set of neurons, and the existence of extreme
values (outliers). The findings also prove its capability to discover the exact and real values
of a cluster number effectively.

Results:

Four validation indices are applied to evaluate the performance of the proposed ENG
method with fMRI and compare it with a clustering approach (NG algorithm) and model-based data
analysis (SPM). These validation indices include the Jaccard Coefficient (JC), Receiver Operating
Characteristic (ROC), Minimum Description Length (MDL) value, and Minimum Square Error
(MSE).

Conclusion:

The ENG technique can tackle all shortcomings of NG application with fMRI data,
identify the active area of the human brain effectively, and determine the locations of the cluster
center based on the MDL value during the process of network learning.
Phyto-fabrication of Iron Nanoparticles: Characterization and Antibacterial Capacity
Authors: Mohammed Afrah E. , Algebaly Asma S. , Elobeid Mudawi M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Fabrication of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) has recently gained a great concern for their varied
applications in remediation technologies of the environment.

Objective:

The current study aimed to develop a green technology approach to fabricate FeNPs by
using extracts from two different plant sources, Azadirachta indica leaf and Calligonum comosum
root.

Methods:

A mixture of FeCl2 and FeCl3 was used to react with the plant extracts which are considered
as reducing and stabilizing agents for the generation of FeNPs in one step. Spectroscopy and
microscopy techniques were used for the characterization of the FeNPs.

Results:

Immediately after mixing the iron solution and the plant extracts, the color of the solution
changed to dark brown indicating conversion of Fe ions to FeNPs. This fabrication of FeNPs was
confirmed by Zetasizer, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. FeNPs
fabricated by C. comosum were smaller than those fabricated by A. indica. For both plant sources,
FeNPs fabricated using the aqueous extract were smaller than those fabricated with the ethanolic
extract. Furthermore, antibacterial ability against two bacterial species was demonstrated.

Conclusion:

The current results indicated that, at room temperature plant extracts fabricated Fe ion to Fe nanoparticles,
suggesting its probable usage for large scale production as well as its suitability against bacteria. It could also be
recommended for antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Facile Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB)-assisted Synthesis of Calcium Bismuthate Nanoflakes with Solar Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Zi , Chen Hongjun , Qiu Fanglv , Xue Zeyang , Yu Chunhu , Wang Pengxiang , Cong Qianmin , Pei Lizhai , Fan Chuangang , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2020

Background:

Wastewater with dyes pollutes the environment and causes serious risk to
human health and aquatic biota. Gentian violet (GV) belongs to typical triphenylmethane dyes and is
difficult to be degraded. Calcium bismuthate nanoflakes possess good photocatalytic activity toward
GV under solar light irradiation.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to prepare calcium bismuthate nanoflakes by the hydrothermal
method and research on the solar light photocatalytic performance of the calcium bismuthate
nanoflakes for GV degradation.

Methods:

The calcium bismuthate nanoflakes possess single crystalline monoclinic CaBi2O4 phase.
The size of the whole nanoflakes is about 10 μm and the thickness of the nanoflakes is about 40 nm.
The morphology, size and phase of the products are closely relative to CTAB concentration, reaction
temperature and reaction time. The bandgap of the calcium bismuthate nanoflakes is 2.21 eV. The
photocatalytic activity of the calcium bismuthate nanoflakes is high enough to completely degrade
GV under solar light irradiation for 6 h.

Results:

The calcium bismuthate nanoflakes possess single crystalline mono clinic CaBi2O4 phase. The size of the whole nanoflakes is about 10 μm and thickness of the nanoflakes is about 40 nm. The morphology, size and phase of the products are closely relative to CTAB concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time. The band gap of the calcium bismuthate nanoflakes is 2.21 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the calcium bismuthate nanoflakes is high enough to completely degrade GV under solar light irradiation for 6 h.

Conclusion:

The photocatalytic performance for the removal of GV is dependent on the irradiation
time, dosage of the calcium bismuthate nanoflakes and initial GV concentration. The calcium bismuthate
nanoflakes exhibit great promising activity for the removal of organic pollutants.
Effects of Teriparatide versus Salmon Calcitonin Therapy for the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Asia: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Changjun , Alqwbani Mohammed , Zhao Jie , Yang Ruitong , Wang Songgang , Pan Xin
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of
teriparatide versus salmon calcitonin for the treatment of osteoporosis in Asian patients and to investigate
whether the results of global studies could be applicable to Asian patients.

Methods:

PubMed, OVID, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE
up to December 2018 were searched. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared teriparatide
versus salmon calcitonin in Asian osteoporosis population were included. Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for data synthesis,
and Cochrane Collaboration software Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyze the pooled data.

Results:

Three RCTs involving 529 patients were included (mean age 68.7 yr; 93.4% females; mean
follow-up 6 months); outcome measures included bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck,
total hip and lumbar spine; bone markers and adverse events. We found that the period of 6-months of
teriparatide treatment was helpful for the improvement of the BMD of lumbar vertebra, however, the
improvement of BMD was not significant in the femoral neck and total hip joint. There was a positive
correlation between bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) and osteocalcin (OCN) and the response
of Asian patients to subcutaneous injection of 20 micrograms per day of teriparatide. The proportion
of the occurrence of adverse effects was more obvious in the teriparatide group compared with
salmon calcitonin, but there was no significant difference.

Conclusion:

Results suggested that the use of teriparatide could improve the lumbar BMD by shortterm
(six months) application in Asian osteoporosis patients, which is beneficial to the patients who
cannot tolerate adverse events of long-term treatment. The BSAP and OCN bone markers could be
useful to monitor the responses of Asian osteoporosis patients to teriparatide treatment. Finally, both of
teriparatide and salmon calcitonin were well tolerated by Asian patients.
Role of MIF-173G/C and Mbl2 Codon 54A/B Variants in the Risk of Multiple Myeloma: An Association Study
Authors: Pehlivan Mustafa , Nursal Ayşe F. , Gündeş İlknur , Oyacı Yasemin , Kıvanç Demet , Pehlivan Sacide
Published: August 2020

Background:

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease manifested by the clonal proliferation of atypical plasma cells. Macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) is one of the pleiotropic regulators in various biological and cellular processes. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a crucial protein involved in the lectin pathway of the immune system.

Objective:

We aimed to assess whether variants of MIF and MBL2 genes are associated with MM among a Turkish population.

Methods:

We analyzed the MIF-173G/C (rs755622) and MBL2 codon 54A/B (rs1800450) variants in 200 patients with MM and 200 healthy control subjects using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction endonuclease digestion. There was also an evaluation of the patients undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) for these variants.

Results:

AA and BB genotypes of MBL2 codon 54A/B increased in the patients as compared to the controls (p=0.008, p=0.001, respectively). The subjects carrying AA and BB genotypes of MBL2 were at high risk of development of susceptibility to MM by 7.377 and 8.812 times, respectively. The distribution of MBL2 codon 54A/B alleles was similar between the groups (p>0 .05). There was no statistical difference between the patients and controls in the genotype and allele frequencies of the MIF- 173G/C variant (p>0 .05). The patients undergoing ASCT, MBL2 codon 54A/B AA and BB genotypes also showed association with increased risk for MM (p=0.004, p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

As far as we know, this is the first report of the study on an association between these variants and MM in our population. Our results indicate that the MBL2 codon 54A/B variant may be associated with susceptibility to MM.
The Development of a New Understanding of Symptom Cluster During Pregnancy Using the Mediation Model
Authors: Suleiman Khaled , Al Kalaldeh Mahmoud , Abu Sharour Loai
Published: August 2020

Background:

Fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance are regarded as a symptom cluster associated with pregnancy. The mediation effect of sleep disturbance on the relationship between depression on fatigue is still unclear.

Objective:

To assess the mediation effect of sleep disturbance on the established relationship between depression and fatigue among pregnant women.

Methods:

This study used a cross-sectional design. Pregnant women (n = 130) at a private gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic in Amman, Jordan. Participants were recruited to complete the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Zung depression scale, in addition to the demographic questionnaire. The mediation effect was examined through a Hierarchal Multiple Regression model.

Results:

A total of 130 pregnant women participated (mean of ages= 27.3). Of those, 41.5% were in the first trimester, while the rest were in their second and the third trimesters (27.7%, and 30.8%, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that about 23% of the variation of fatigue was explained by depression. Nonetheless, 47% of the variance of fatigue was explained by depression after identifying the mediation effect of sleep disturbance.

Conclusion:

The mediation role of sleep disturbance between depression and fatigue added a new approach to the assessment and prognosis of fatigue during pregnancy.
Scoring System for the Diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Allam Mohamed Farouk
Published: August 2020

Due to the international spread of COVID-19, the difficulty of collecting nasopharyngeal swab specimen from all suspected patients, the costs of RT-PCR and CT, and the false negative results of RT-PCR assay in 41% of COVID-19 patients, a scoring system is needed to classify the suspected patients in order to determine the need for follow-up, home isolation, quarantine or the conduction of further investigations. A scoring system is proposed as a diagnostic tool for suspected patients. It includes Epidemiological Evidence of Exposure, Clinical Symptoms and Signs, and Investigations (if available). This scoring system is simple, could be calculated in a few minutes, and incorporates the main possible data/findings of any patient.
The Growth of Triticale (Triticosecale wittm.) in Multi-Metal Contaminated Soils by Use of Zeolite: A Pilot Plant Study
Authors: Michas Georgios , Giannakopoulos Evangelos , Petropoulos George , Kargiotidou Anastasia , Vlachostergios Dimitrios , Tziouvalekas Miltiadis
Published: August 2020

Background:

Heavy metals are the most common form of environmental pollution
and the evaluation of heavy metal contaminated soils is necessary for reducing the associated
risks, making the land resource available for agricultural production, and enhancing
food security. There are 2,000 contaminated sites in Greece, according to a previous
survey report issued by the Greek Ministry of Environment, out of which 300 required immediate
restoration.

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of Cd, Pb, and Zn on Triticale (Triticosecale
wittm.) growth in an above-referenced multi-metal contaminated site.

Methods:

In order to evaluate Triticale growth in metal contaminated soil, Triticale plants
were cultivated in pots filled with unpolluted and metal-polluted soils in the absence/
presence of Zeolite as an agent empowering the restoration of pollution and immobilizing
heavy metals.

Results:

The results showed that the Triticale plant in polluted soils with high metal concentrations,
namely 4.34, 295 and 1,467 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, and Zn, respectively, can act as a
“moderate” accumulator of Zn and as a “weak” accumulator of Pb and Cd; while the presence
of 1% Zeolite in multi-metal-polluted soils can significantly contribute to plant growth
by limiting the uptake of Cd, Pb, and Zn.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the addition of 1% Zeolite to multi-metal contaminated
soils could minimize metal (Pb, Cd, and Zn) pollution in the environment and
positively contribute to the growth of Triticale biomass for use as an animal feed within the
context of sustainable development.
An Optimized Software Defect Prediction Model Based on PSO - ANFIS
Authors: Kakkar Misha , Jain Sarika , Bansal Abhay , Grover P.S.
Published: August 2020

Introduction :

The Software defect prediction (SDP) model plays a very important role in today’s software
industry. SDP models can provide either only a list of defect-prone classes as output or the number of defects present in
each class. This output can then be used by quality assurance teams to effectively allocate limited resources for validating
software products by putting more effort into these defect-prone classes.The study proposes an OANFIS-SDP model that
gives the number of defects as an output to software development teams. Development teams can then use this data for
better allocation for their scares resources such as time and manpower.

Method:

OANFIS is a novel approach based on the Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), which is optimized
using Particle swarm optimization (PSO). OANFIS model combines the flexibility of ANFIS model with the optimization
capabilities of PSO for better performance.

Results:

The proposed model is tested using the dataset from open source java projects of varied sizes (from 176 to 745
classes).

Conclusion:

The study proposes an SDP model based OANFIS that gives the number of defects as an output to software
development teams. Development teams can then use this data for better allocation for their scares resources such as time
and manpower. OANFIS is a novel approach that uses the flexibility provided by the ANFIS model and optimizes the
same using PSO. The results given by OANFIS are very good and it can also be concluded that the performance of the
SDP model based on OANFIS might be influenced by the size of projects.

Discussion:

The performance of the SDP model based on OANFIS is better than the ANFIS model. It can also be
concluded that the performance of the SDP model might be influenced by the size of projects.
A DCT Fractional Bit Replacement Based Dual Watermarking Algorithm
for Image Authentication
Authors: Dixit Rahul , Nandal Amita , Dhaka Arvind , Kuriakose Yohan Varghese , Agarwal Vardan
Published: August 2020

Watermarking is a process of embedding a message inside a digital signal like an image, video or text. It is used for several key reasons such as authenticity verification, ownership recognition and hidden communication. In this paper, we discuss about
image watermarking, where secret messages are stored in images.

Introduction:

We propose a dual watermarking approach, which is based on Discrete Cosine Transform, Discrete Wavelet Transform and Singular Value Decomposition methods. This paper considers one watermark as robust and other water mark as fragile.

Method:

The robust watermark is embedded in Discrete Wavelet Transform- Singular Value Decomposition - domain and is used
to transmit hidden messages. The fragile watermark is embedded in Discrete Cosine Transform domain and is used for verification
of secret message of the robust watermark. The proposed algorithm is tested in the experimental results section and shows promising results against denoising, rotation, translation and cropping attacks.

Result:

The results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of mean squared error, structural similarity and
peak signal to noise ratio is S4considerable as compared with the existing methods.

Discussion:

We present the comparison results with Himanshu et. al. in table 10, from which we can see that our method performs
better with gaussian noise and rotational attack only lacking with Salt and Pepper noise. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in terms of resulting
PSNR shows the variation of noise variance and degree of rotation. From the graphs it is evident that out method performs better
against Gaussian and rotational attack.

Conclusion:

In this paper a dual watermarking method is proposed in which one watermark is fragile which is called as authentication watermark whereas the other watermark is robust and is called as the information watermark. The authentication watermark is
embedded in the fractional part of DCT domain in the cover image and the information watermark is embedded in the diagonal vector of the LL sub-band.