bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HR Management in the Digital Age: the Main Trends Assessment and Stakeholders
Authors: Chygryn Olena Yu. , Karintseva Oleksandra I. , Kozlova Diana D. , Kovaleva Anastasiya V.
Published: February 2020

The company’s sustainable development depends from a lot of determinants. The article deal with the theoretical and practical aspects of human resource management on modern enterprises in the field of TV and communication services. The authors noted that for more than a century of human resource management, both theoretical and practical disciplines have evolved in various fields. In this connection the theoretical foundations for the development and preservation of human resource management were investigated. The authors analysed the worlds modern transformations of the workforce, that gives background for the future investigating and creates the preconditions for improving human resource management system on domestic enterprises. The authors emphasizes that the main objective of evolution and development of labour resource management is the efficiency of labour utilization, the search for the potential of employees, the application of techniques and practices to motivate and support staff. Changing the organizational environment in the market has to push managers to increase the effectiveness of the production process, create modern competitive advantages and consider the profitability of human resources. Investigating the features of functioning TV and communication companies has given the opportunity to provide recommendation for improving human resource management system. That would improve production, reduces costs, and at the same time ensures the stable existence and further development of the organization. The provided comparison of human resource management of PJSC “Ukrtelecom” and Vodafone Group PLC concludes that for a quick response to a modern problem, it is necessary to focus on the experience of a foreign company, to introduce modern instruments for the further operation of the enterprise.
Key words: HR management, motivation, potential, efficiency, digitalization.
The Impact of Socio-economic Factors on the Management of Agro-cooperatives in Local Communities
Authors: Petrushenko Yuriy M. , Ponomarenko Oksana S. , Böhmová Lída , Bykhovets Olena V. , Kotiuk Liubov V.
Published: February 2020

The development of entrepreneurial initiatives in the form of agro-cooperatives can be a perspective way for the community to develop through the formation of active civil awareness of the population, to create new jobs, to improve the local infrastructure and to find additional investments. The research aimed at examining structure and factors which influenced cooperatives management in Sumy region. Questionnaires were administered in 5 cooperatives to 19 members. Multiple regression and correlation analyses were performed to identify factors believed to influence cooperatives’ management as well as to examine the degree of association between farm-specific and socio-economic variables. To evaluate the importance of cooperatives for its members and management, such a resulted factor, as “receiving a better price as a member of cooperative” was chosen. Results indicate that a significant factor on perception to receive a better price as a member of the agricultural cooperative was age with the effect of the coefficient been about 4.1 %. Factors such as gender, education, farm size and ways to resolve conflict situations in the agro-cooperative turned out to be statistically insignificant. The purpose of this research mini-paper is to study certain aspects of the cooperative movement in Ukraine and the Sumy region. The object of research is to identify the extent to which various factors influence the activities of cooperatives. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research reported in the research mini-paper were the main provisions of national scientists and development and international experience problems with cooperation, theory, and practice of marketing, personal assessment of the authors. People with a higher level of education better evaluated the importance of cooperative for the local community. However overall local’s vision of the cooperative movement is positive and most of the respondents would like to have more cooperatives in their villages. It was founded, that the lack of information about cooperative movement which resulted in the low interest of low people in joining cooperatives. In light of the above, creating more awareness of the cooperative movement in the local communities could be a way to involve the youth to participate in the cooperative movement.
Key words: socio-economic development, local communities, agricultural cooperatives, management, regional development.
Las intervenciones grupales y su efecto en el trauma psíquico resultado de la violencia en excombatientes
Authors: Vallejo Samudio Álvaro Roberto
Published: February 2020

Este artículo resalta la importancia de las intervenciones psicoanalíticas grupales en el tratamiento del trauma psíquico producto de la violencia en Colombia. El conflicto armado en Colombia ha producido graves secuelas en la salud mental de la sociedad colombiana, en especial de las víctimas, pero también ha dejado impronta en los combatientes (militares y guerrilleros). Pensar en el posconflicto y en la reconciliación, necesariamente implica analizar las afectaciones que ha producido el conflicto armado en la salud mental de los guerrilleros que ingresan a la civilidad y en las modalidades psicoterapéuticas más pertinentes para su atención. Las intervenciones psicoterapéuticas grupales han demostrado ser efectivas por las dinámicas que se generan al interior de los grupos, por la polifonía de voces cargadas de subjetividad que allí se encuentran y por los factores terapéuticos que les constituyen.
En dirección a las alturas. Historia del poblamiento y caracterización sociodemográfica de Altos de Cazucá, 1976-2015
Authors: Torres Torres Eugenio Martín , López López Juan Sebastián , Rojas Ospina David Esteban
Published: February 2020

En este artículo se reconstruyen los orígenes de Altos de Cazucá como gran asentamiento urbano irregular y se lleva a cabo una caracterización sociodemográfica de sus habitantes, basada en una muestra de 800 registros matrimoniales. La dimensión historiográfica de la investigación se soportó en el análisis de testimonios verbales, prensa y fuentes secundarias, mientras que para la caracterización sociodemográfica se trabajó con el archivo de la Parroquia Jesús Buen Samaritano. El poblamiento de la zona estuvo marcado tanto por la autogestión del territorio como por procesos de lotificación irregular en los que participaron excombatientes de guerrillas y militantes de organizaciones políticas de izquierda. La caracterización socio- demográfica permite evidenciar que Altos de Cazucá fue poblado por migrantes y desplazados internos de otras regiones del país, y que su población posee un perfil de baja escolaridad y trabajo predominantemente informal, con diferenciaciones significativas según sexo.
Presentación
Authors: Rojas Restrepo Farley Sary
Published: February 2020

La revista Science of Human Action y su equipo editorial presentan el volumen 4 número 2, publicación que tiene como intención facilitar y aproximar el debate en la investigación de las ciencias administrativas, económicas y contables, de manera que publica los resultados de las investigaciones realizadas por investigadores académicos, estos espacios contribuyen para mejorar el discurso crítico y la participación entre la academia, las empresas, los inversionistas y los investigadores
A “REVOLUÇÃO CULTURAL” DA “ERA DE OURO” E SEUS EFEITOS: UM OLHAR SOB A ÓTICA DE ERIC HOBSBAWM
Authors: Alves Leonardo De Carvalho , Coelho Maria Carlota De Rezende
Published: February 2020

O presente estudo trata-se de um ensaio bibliográfico sobre a “Revolução Cultural” da segunda metade do século XX, um fenômeno sociocultural global de aceleradas e profundas transformações dos padrões culturais vigentes, especialmente daqueles que regulavam a relação entre os sexos e gerações e que definiam os laços familiares e comunitários. Objetiva-se, aqui, analisar o que foi a “Revolução Cultural” ocorrida na segunda metade do século XX e os efeitos desta sobre o mundo ocidental – incluindo o Brasil –, sobretudo no que tange as mudanças desencadeadas nas relações socioculturais entre diferentes sexos, gêneros e gerações. Recorre-se, para isso, ao método de revisão narrativa da literatura, com ênfase na análise da produção intelectual do historiador egípcio/britânico Eric Hobsbawm, pretendendo-se, desse modo, contribuir para a ampliação da compreensão sobre o fenômeno em questão.
Influence of Vitamin E and Organic Selenium Supplementation on Antioxidant Enzymes Activities in Blood and Egg Samples of Laying Hens
Authors: TİMUR Cihangir , UTLU Necati
Published: February 2020

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) and selenium (selenomethionine) and a combination of the two, on the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum, egg yolk and egg white of laying hens. Ninety-six white Lohman laying hens aged of 24 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups. The groups were fed with the diets that consisted of basal diet (2770 kcal/kg metabolic energy and 17 % crude protein) (Control), basal diet + 250 mg / kg Vit-E (Trial-1), basal diet + 0.9 mg/ kg Se (Trial-2) and basal diet + 250 mg / kg Vit-E + 0.9 mg/ kg Se (Trial-3) respectively for 12 weeks. It was found out that when the treatment and control groups were compared in terms of enzymes in serum and egg samples while SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities increased (p<0.05) and the levels of MDA decreased in the samples of treatment groups (p<0.05). The results of the present study, is recommended that organic selenium and vitamin E supplemental of laying hen diets, alone or together, increased activites of antioxidan enzymes and decreased MDA concentrations in serum and egg.
İşlem Görmemiş Kütahya Ca-Bentonitinin Bazik Mavi 41 (BB41) Adsorpsiyon Karakteristiğinin İncelenmesi
Authors: DEMİR Buket , KALPAKLI Yasemen
Published: February 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı, katyonik azo boyar madde olan ve Bazik Mavi 41 (BB41) olarak isimlendirilen boyar maddenin sulu çözeltilerden işlem görmemiş Kütahya Ca-Bentoniti üzerine adsorpsiyon karakteristiğinin incelenmesidir. Kesikli çalışma yöntemiyle, temas süresi (0-300dak.), pH (3-8), Ca−Bentonit dozu (0.01-0.1 g) ve başlangıç boya konsantrasyonu (40-100 mg L-1) gibi deneysel parametrelerin giderim verimi üzerindeki etkileri çalışılmıştır. Deneysel verilerden optimum koşullar, 40 (mg L-1) başlangıç konsantrasyonu için; pH:4.0, temas süresi: 90 dak. ve 0.02 g adsorbant miktarı olarak elde edilmiştir. İki parametreli adsorpsiyon izoterm modelleri (Freundlich, Langmuir ve Dubinin-Radushkevich) deneysel olarak elde edilen sonuçlara uygulanıp model sabitleri hesaplanmıştır. En iyi denge modeli lineer regresyon korelasyon katsayısı, R2’ye bağlı olarak seçilmiştir. BB41’in denge adsorpsiyonu için elde edilen deneysel veriler lineerleştirilmiş Langmuir modeli (R2~1) ile Freundlich modeli (R2=0.9333) karşılaştırılarak yorumlanmıştır. Bentonitin maksimum adsorpsiyon kapasitesi 119.4 mg g-1 olarak elde edilmiştir.
Katkılı La2Zr2O7 Esaslı Seramiklerin Termal Bariyer Kaplama Olarak Kaplanabilirliğinin Araştırılması
Authors: GÖK Mustafa , CİHAN Ömer , KARABAŞ Muhammet , TEMİZER İlker
Published: February 2020

Günümüzde türbinli ve içten yanmalı motorlardan daha yüksek performans beklentisi, fosil yakıtların hızlı bir şekilde tükeniyor olması, küresel ısınma ve tüm dünyada giderek daha sıkı hale gelen emisyon standartları motor üreticilerinin en büyük problemi olmuştur. Bu problem için getirilen en önemli çözüm yaklaşımı; metalik türbin kanatları ve/veya yanma odası elamanlarının yüzeylerinin düşük termal iletkenliğe sahip seramik esaslı bir termal bariyer kaplama malzemesi ile kaplanmasıdır. Bu sayede motor performansı ve veriminde önemli iyileşmeler meydana gelmektedir. Diğer yandan oldukça düşük termal iletkenliğe sahip olan nadir element katkılı yeni nesil seramik termal bariyer kaplama malzemeleri son yıllarda oldukça dikkat çekmektedir. Bu çalışmada metalik altlık üzerine yüksek hızlı oksi-yakıt püskürtme yöntemi ile metalik bağ katmanı, onun üzerine atmosferik plazma spreyleme yöntemi ile seramik ara katman ve en üst tabakaya da katkılı La2Zr2O7 esaslı seramik üst katmanlar kaplanmıştır. Yapılan taramalı elektron mikroskobu analizlerinde 375 ile 480 μm arasında değişen kalınlıklarda olan çift katmanlı kaplamaların başarılı bir şekilde üretildiği, porozite değerlerinin %10.2 ile 12.5 arasında değiştiği, katmanlar arasındaki ara yüzeylerin metalografik olarak problemsiz ve sürekli olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Ayrıca yapılan X-ışını kırınım analizlerinde kaplamalarda atmosferik plazma spreyleme işlemi sonrası herhangi bir faz dönüşümü veya kimyasal bozulma meydana gelmediği anlaşılmıştır.
Restructuring Efforts in the Turkish Agriculture, Availability of Resources and Developments in Rural: An Overall Analysis from 2001 to 2016
Authors: ERBAŞ Nizamettin
Published: February 2020

In this research, since transition to its restructuring, developments in agricultural sector were analysed with outlines. Because of the fact that this transition was in 2001, 2001 year was regarded as year of start. The reasons for the transition have been to increase the farmer registration system, subsidize the agricultural sector, and sustain the importance of the agriculture for economy. In the study, 2001-2016 period were examined, and it was observed that there were important developments in rural in 16 years. These were decrease of the agricultural areas, decline of the field farming, too much migration mobility from rural towards urban, and significantly diminishing of the rural population and the number of agricultural enterprises. Because agricultural lands were not sufficiently utilized, some crops’ production potential dropped off. Even if animal products’ production increased, that was not enough to satisfy the domestic demand and to export. Thus, it was determined that most of agricultural products was imported. By regression analysis, agricultural area size was estimated and it was seen that decrease of the agricultural areas could continue in the following years. In the study, some constructive proposals were also brought forward regarding improvement the agriculture and the rurals.
Dallıdarı (Panicum virgatum)’da Farklı Biçim Sıklıklarının Yem Verimi ve Bazı Silaj Kalite Özelliklerine Etkisi
Authors: KESEN Zübeyde , GEREN Hakan
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışma, farklı biçim sıklıklarının dallıdarı (Panicum virgatum) bitkisinde ot verimi ve bazı silaj yem kalite özelliklerine etkisini saptamak amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Çalışma 2017 yılında, Ege Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü’nün Bornova deneme tarlalarında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Üç tekerrürlü olarak düzenlenen tarla denemesinde, 5 yaşındaki ‘Cloud Nine’ isimli dallıdarı genotipi kullanılmıştır. Denemede, bitkiler üzerinde altı farklı biçim sıklığı (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 günde bir) test edilmiştir. Çalışmada, yaş ot verimi, bitki boyu, kuru madde oranı, silaj pH’sı, ham protein oranı, metabolik enerji (ME) ve nispi yem değeri gibi özellikler ölçülmüştür. Sonuçlar, biçim sıklıklarının dallı darının yaş ot verimi ve bazı silaj yem kalite özellikleri üzerinde önemli etkilerinin olduğunu, biçim sıklığı azaldıkça ME ve nispi yem değerlerinin (NYD) azaldığını göstermiştir. Akdeniz ikliminin sulu koşullarında yetiştirilen dallı darı bitkisinde 60 günde bir yapılan biçimlerin yaş ot verimi göz önüne alındığında en başarılı biçim sıklığı olduğu belirlenmiştir. ME ve NYD yönünden ise en yüksek değerler 30 günde bir biçim yapılan uygulamalardan elde edilmiştir.
DPepH3, an Improved Peptide Shuttle for Receptor-independent Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Cavaco Marco , Valle Javier , da Silva Ruben , Correia João D.G. , Castanho Miguel A. R. B , Andreu David , Neves Vera
Published: February 2020

Background:

The use of peptides as drug carriers across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has increased significantly during the last decades. PepH3, a seven residue sequence (AGILKRW) derived from the α-helical domain of the dengue virus type-2 capsid protein, translocates across the BBB with very low toxicity. Somehow predictably from its size and sequence, PepH3 is degraded in serum relatively fast. Among strategies to increase peptide half-life (t1/2), the use of the enantiomer (wholly made of D-amino acid residues) can be quite successful if the peptide interacts with a target in non-stereospecific fashion.

Methods:

The goal of this work was the development of a more proteolytic-resistant peptide, while keeping the translocation properties. The serum stability, cytotoxicity, in vitro BBB translocation, and internalization mechanism of DPepH3 was assessed and compared to the native peptide.

Results:

DPepH3 demonstrates a much longer t1/2 compared to PepH3. We also confirm that BBB translocation is receptor-independent, which fully validates the enantiomer strategy chosen. In fact, we demonstrate that internalization occurs trough macropinocytosis. In addition, the enantiomer demonstrates to be non-cytotoxic towards endothelial cells as PepH3.

Conclusion:

DPepH3 shows excellent translocation and internalization properties, safety, and improved stability. Taken together, our results place DPepH3 at the forefront of the second generation of BBB shuttles.
Stimulation of Leydig and Sertoli Cellular Secretory Function by Anti-Oestrogens: Tamoxifen
Authors: Dimakopoulou Anastasia , Foran Daniel , Jayasena Channa N. , Minhas Suks
Published: February 2020

Tamoxifen is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM). SERMs act on oestrogen receptors to
inhibit oestradiol mediated negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, thereby upregulating
gonadotrophin secretion and release from the pituitary. Hence, Tamoxifen is used to upregulate activation
of the HPG axis in the treatment of male-factor infertility. However, due to a lack of robust evidence, Tamoxifen
has not been FDA approved for use in male-factor infertility and so its use is currently off-label. In this study, we
performed a literature search of the OVID medline database and identified 37 studies describing the effects of
tamoxifen which we then reviewed. Evidence suggests Tamoxifen effectively increases androgen levels and
sperm concentrations in males with idiopathic oligozoospermia. Evidence for increased motility and pregnancy
rates in these patients is less conclusive. Further randomised control trials are needed to elucidate the safety of
Tamoxifen combination therapies and their efficacy in improving pregnancy rates.
Manipulation of Pharmaceutical Polymorphic Transformation Process Using Excipients
Authors: Tian Beiqian , Ding Zhiyong , Zong Shuyi , Yang Jinyue , Wang Na , Wang Ting , Huang Xin , Hao Hongxun
Published: February 2020

Background:

In the pharmaceutical field, it is vital to ensure a consistent product containing a single
solid-state form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the drug product. However, some APIs are suffering
from the risk of transformation of their target forms during processing, formulation and storage.

Methods:

The purpose of this review is to summarize the relevant category of excipients and demonstrate the
availability and importance of using excipients as a key strategy to manipulate pharmaceutical polymorphic transformation.

Results:

The excipient effects on solvent-mediated phase transformations, solid-state transitions and amorphous
crystallization are significant. Common pharmaceutical excipients including amino acids and derivatives, surfactants,
and various polymers and their different manipulation effects were summarized and discussed.

Conclusion:

Appropriate use of excipients plays a role in manipulating polymorphic transformation process of
corresponding APIs, with a promising application of guaranteeing the stability and effectiveness of drug dosage
forms.
Common Neural Mechanisms of Palatable Food Intake and Drug Abuse: Knowledge Obtained with Animal Models
Authors: Blanco-Gandía Maria C. , Miñarro José , Rodríguez-Arias Marta
Published: February 2020

Eating is necessary for survival, but it is also one of the great pleasures enjoyed by human beings.
Research to date shows that palatable food can be rewarding in a similar way to drugs of abuse, indicating
considerable comorbidity between eating disorders and substance-use disorders. Analysis of the common characteristics
of both types of disorder has led to a new wave of studies proposing a Gateway Theory of food as a vulnerability
factor that modulates the development of drug addiction. The homeostatic and hedonic mechanisms of
feeding overlap with some of the mechanisms implicated in drug abuse and their interaction plays a crucial role in
the development of drug addiction. Studies in animal models have shown how palatable food sensitizes the reward
circuit and makes individuals more sensitive to other substances of abuse, such as cocaine or alcohol. However,
when palatable food is administered continuously as a model of obesity, the consequences are different, and
studies provide controversial data. In the present review, we will cover the main homeostatic and hedonic mechanisms
that regulate palatable food intake behavior and will explain, using animal models, how different types of
diet and their intake patterns have direct consequences on the rewarding effects of psychostimulants and ethanol.
Comprehensive in silico Study of GLUT10: Prediction of Possible Substrate Binding Sites and Interacting Molecules
Authors: Hosen Mohammad J. , Hasan Mahmudul , Chakraborty Sourav , Abir Ruhshan A. , Zubaer Abdullah , Coucke Paul
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

The Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome (ATS) is an autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder, mainly characterized by tortuosity and stenosis of the arteries with a propensity towards aneurysm formation and dissection. It is caused by mutations in the SLC2A10 gene that encodes the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT10. The molecules transported by and interacting with GLUT10 have still not been unambiguously identified. Hence, the study attempts to identify both the substrate binding site of GLUT10 and the molecules interacting with this site.

Methods:

As High-resolution X-ray crystallographic structure of GLUT10 was not available, 3D homology model of GLUT10 in open conformation was constructed. Further, molecular docking and bioinformatics investigation were employed.

Results and Discussion:

Blind docking of nine reported potential in vitro substrates with this 3D homology model revealed that substrate binding site is possibly made with PRO531, GLU507, GLU437, TRP432, ALA506, LEU519, LEU505, LEU433, GLN525, GLN510, LYS372, LYS373, SER520, SER124, SER533, SER504, SER436 amino acid residues. Virtual screening of all metabolites from the Human Serum Metabolome Database and muscle metabolites from Human Metabolite Database (HMDB) against the GLUT10 revealed possible substrates and interacting molecules for GLUT10, which were found to be involved directly or partially in ATS progression or different arterial disorders. Reported mutation screening revealed that a highly emergent point mutation (c. 1309G>A, p. Glu437Lys) is located in the predicted substrate binding site region.

Conclusion:

Virtual screening expands the possibility to explore more compounds that can interact with GLUT10 and may aid in understanding the mechanisms leading to ATS.
Inhibitory Effect of Sesamolin on Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells Determined by In Vitro and Molecular Docking Analyses
Authors: Baek Seung-Hwa , Kang Myung-Gyun , Park Daeui
Published: February 2020

Background:

Melanin protects the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet irradiation. However, melanin overproduction can result in several aesthetic problems, including melasma, freckles, age spots and chloasma. Therefore, development of anti-melanogenic agents is important for the prevention of serious hyperpigmentation diseases. Sesamolin is a lignan compound isolated from sesame seeds with several beneficial properties, including potential for melanin inhibition.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-melanogenic effect of sesamolin in cell culture in vitro and the underlying mechanism of inhibition using molecular docking simulation.

Methods:

Melanogenesis was induced by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in B16F10 melanoma cells, and the inhibitory effects of sesamolin were evaluated using zymography, a tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay, western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Docking simulations between sesamolin and tyrosinase were performed using Autodock vina.

Results:

Sesamolin significantly inhibited the expression of melanogenesis-related factors tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins 1 and 2 at the mRNA and protein levels. Treatment of melanoma cells with 50 µM sesamolin demonstrated the strongest inhibition against intercellular tyrosinase and melanin synthesis without exerting cytotoxic effects. Sesamolin significantly reduced mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner via a competitive inhibition mechanism. Tyrosinase docking simulations supported that sesamolin (-6.5 kcal/mol) bound to the active site of tyrosinase more strongly than the positive control (arbutin, -5.7 kcal/mol).

Conclusion:

Sesamolin could be developed as a melanogenesis inhibiting agent owing to its dual function in blocking the generation of melanogenesis-related enzymes and inhibiting the enzymatic response of tyrosinase.
Overview of Gene Regulatory Network Inference Based on Differential Equation Models
Authors: Yang Bin , Chen Yuehui
Published: February 2020

:

Reconstruction of gene regulatory networks (GRN) plays an important role in understanding
the complexity, functionality and pathways of biological systems, which could support the design of
new drugs for diseases. Because differential equation models are flexible androbust, these models have
been utilized to identify biochemical reactions and gene regulatory networks. This paper investigates
the differential equation models for reverse engineering gene regulatory networks. We introduce three
kinds of differential equation models, including ordinary differential equation (ODE), time-delayed
differential equation (TDDE) and stochastic differential equation (SDE). ODE models include linear
ODE, nonlinear ODE and S-system model. We also discuss the evolutionary algorithms, which are
utilized to search the optimal structures and parameters of differential equation models. This investigation
could provide a comprehensive understanding of differential equation models, and lead to the
discovery of novel differential equation models.
2’-Deoxyribose Mediated Glycation Leads to Alterations in BSA Structure Via Generation of Carbonyl Species
Authors: Rafi Zeeshan , Alouffi Sultan , Khan Mohd Sajid , Ahmad Saheem
Published: February 2020

The non-enzymatic glycosylation is a very common phenomenon in the physiological conditions which is mediated by distinct chemical entities containing reactive carbonyl species (RCS) and participates in the modification of various macromolecules particularly proteins. To date, various carbonyl species, i.e., glucose, fructose, D-ribose and methylglyoxal have been used frequently to assess the in-vitro non-enzymatic glycosylation. Similarly, 2'-Deoxyribose is one of the most abundant reducing sugar of the living organisms which forms the part of deoxyribonucleic acid and may react with proteins leading to the production of glycation intermediates, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and highly reactive RCS. Thymidine phosphorylase derived degradation of thymidine contributes to the formation of 2'-Deoxyribose, therefore, acting as a major source of cellular 2'- Deoxyribose. Since albumin is a major serum protein which plays various roles including binding and transporting endogenous and exogenous ligands, it is more prone to be modified through different physiological modifiers; therefore, it may serve as a model protein for in-vitro experiments to study the effect of 2’Deoxyribose mediated modific#039;-Deoxyribose followed by examining secondary and tertiary structural modifications in BSA as compared to its native (unmodified) form by using various physicochemical techniques. We evident a significant modification in 2'-Deoxyribose-glycated BSA which was confirmed through increased hyperchromicity, keto amine moieties, carbonyl and hydroxymethylfurfural content, fluorescent AGEs, altered secondary structure conformers (α helix and β sheets), band shift in the amide-I region and diminished free lysine and free arginine content. These modifications were reported to be higher in 100 mM 2'-Deoxyribose-glycated BSA than 50 mM 2'- Deoxyribose-glycated BSA. Our findings also demonstrated that the rate of glycation is positively affected by the increased concentration of 2'-Deoxyribose. The results of the performed study can be implied to uncover the phenomenon of serum protein damage caused by 2'-Deoxyribose leading towards diabetic complications and the number of AGE-related diseases.
Automatic Detection of Cognitive Impairments through Acoustic Analysis of Speech
Authors: Nagumo Ryosuke , Zhang Yaming , Ogawa Yuki , Hosokawa Mitsuharu , Abe Kengo , Ukeda Takaaki , Sumi Sadayuki , Kurita Satoshi , Nakakubo Sho , Lee Sangyoon , Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Background:

Early detection of mild cognitive impairment is crucial in the prevention of
Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the present study was to identify whether acoustic features can help
differentiate older, independent community-dwelling individuals with cognitive impairment from
healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 8779 participants (mean age 74.2 ± 5.7 in the range of 65-96, 3907 males and 4872
females) with different cognitive profiles, namely healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment, global
cognitive impairment (defined as a Mini Mental State Examination score of 20-23), and mild cognitive
impairment with global cognitive impairment (a combined status of mild cognitive impairment and
global cognitive impairment), were evaluated in short-sentence reading tasks, and their acoustic features,
including temporal features (such as duration of utterance, number and length of pauses) and spectral
features (F0, F1, and F2), were used to build a machine learning model to predict their cognitive impairments.

Results:

The classification metrics from the healthy controls were evaluated through the area under the
receiver operating characteristic curve and were found to be 0.61, 0.67, and 0.77 for mild cognitive impairment,
global cognitive impairment, and mild cognitive impairment with global cognitive impairment,
respectively.

Conclusion:

Our machine learning model revealed that individuals’ acoustic features can be employed
to discriminate between healthy controls and those with mild cognitive impairment with global cognitive
impairment, which is a more severe form of cognitive impairment compared with mild cognitive impairment
or global cognitive impairment alone. It is suggested that language impairment increases in
severity with cognitive impairment.
Structure-based Drug Design Strategies in the Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Bcl-2 Family Proteins
Authors: Yin Zhe , Yang Donglin , Wang Jun , Jiang Yuequan
Published: February 2020

Proteins of B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) family are key regulators of apoptosis and are involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. Disrupting the interactions between the antiapoptotic and proapoptotic Bcl-2 members is an attractive strategy to reactivate the apoptosis of cancer cells. Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has been successfully applied to the discovery of small molecule inhibitors targeting Bcl-2 proteins in past decades. Up to now, many Bcl-2 inhibitors with different paralogue selectivity profiles have been developed and some were used in clinical trials. This review focused on the recent applications of SBDD strategies in the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting Bcl-2 family proteins.
Analysis of QTc Interval during Levofloxacin Prescription in Cardiac Patients with Pneumonia
Authors: Shojaei Lida , Ruzbahani Mohammad , Khajavian Shiva , Shahsavari Soodeh , Tamasoki Negin , Rajabian Mina , Moradi Farzaneh , Shahbazi Foroud
Published: February 2020

Background:

Medications induced QT prolongation could cause ventricular arrhythmia,
torsade de pointes, and death.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of QTc interval prolongation as
a result of levofloxacin treatment in patients admitted to cardiology wards.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the coronary care units and general wards
of the Imam Ali Heart Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. The QTc interval was determined at baseline
and after 72 hours of levofloxacin administration. Changes in the QTc interval before and after the
levofloxacin prescription were determined.

Results:

The mean age of recruited patients was 63.26 ± 14.56 years. More than 80% of patients
who received levofloxacin experienced QTc prolongation. The QTc interval was increased significantly
after levofloxacin administration (15.68 ± 26.84 milliseconds) (p<0.001). These changes remained
significant after excluding medications with QTc lengthening properties (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Treatment with levofloxacin in patients with heart disease increases the risk of QT
prolongation.
Perturbation of HSP Network in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line Triggers Inducible HSP70 Expression and Leads to Tumor Suppression
Authors: Ergul Mustafa , Aktan Fugen , Yildiz Mehmet T. , Tutar Yusuf
Published: February 2020

Background:

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is constitutively expressed in normal cells but aberrantly
expressed in several types of tumor cells, helping their survival in extreme conditions. Thus, specific
inhibition of HSP70 in tumor cells is a promising strategy in the treatment of cancer. HSP70 has a variety of
isoforms in the cellular organelles and form different functions by coordinating and cooperating with cochaperones.
Cancer cells overexpress HSPs during cell growth and proliferation and HSP network provides
resistance against apoptosis. The present study aimed to evaluate quantitative changes in HSPs- and cancerassociated
gene expressions and their interactions in the presence of 2-phenylethyenesulfonamide (PES) in
MCF-7 cells.

Methods:

Antiproliferative activity of PES was evaluated using the XTT assay. Inducible HSP70 (HSP70i)
levels in the PES-treated cells were determined using the ELISA kit. PCR Array was performed to assess the
HSPs- and cancer-pathway focused gene expression profiling. Gene network analysis was performed using the
X2K, yEd (V.3.18.1) programs, and web-based gene list enrichment analysis tool Enrichr.

Results:

The results demonstrated that PES exposure increased the amount of both HSP70i gene and protein
expression surprisingly. However, the expression of HSP70 isoforms as well as other co-chaperones, and 17
cancer-associated genes decreased remarkably as expected. Additionally, interaction network analysis revealed a
different mechanism; PES induction of HSP70i employs a cell cycle negative regulator, RB1, which is a tumor
suppressor gene.

Conclusion:

PES treatment inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation and changed several HSPs- and cancer-related
gene expressions along with their interactions through a unique mechanism although it causes an interesting
increase at HSP70i gene and protein expressions. RB1 gene expression may play an important role in this effect
as revealed by the interaction network analysis.
Majra Honey Abrogated the Normal and Cancer Cells Proliferation Inhibition by Juniperus procera Extract and Extract/Honey Generated AgNPs
Authors: Ghramh Hamed A. , Ibrahim Essam H. , Kilnay Mona
Published: February 2020

Background:

Juniperus procera and Majra honey are well-known as a folk medicine in many countries.

Objectives:

This work aimed to study the immunomodulatory effects after mixing Majra honey, J. procera
water leaves extract and silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) on immune or cancer cells.

Methods:

Juniperus procera water leaves extract and 20% Majra honey were prepared. Both the extract and
honey were used separately to synthesize AgNPs. AgNPs were characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometry
and electron microscopy. Bioactive molecules in honey and the extract were explored using Fourier Transform
Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Protein profile of honey was explored using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and honey sugar content was determined using High-
Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Biological activities of honey and the extract were tested.

Results:

The results demonstrated the ability of the extract/honey to produce AgNPs in a spherical shape. The
extract/honey contained many functional groups. SDS-PAGE of Majra honey showed many protein bands.
HPLC revealed honey is of good quality and no external additives are added to it. The extract and extract+
AgNPs inhibited the growth of normal rat splenic cells while honey stimulated it. The extract+honey
turned stimulatory to the splenic cells’ growth and significantly diminished the inhibitory potential of the extract
containing AgNPs. Both the extract and honey have antimicrobial activities, this potential increased in the presence
of AgNPs. Honey and Honey+AgNPs inhibited HepG2 cancer cell proliferation while Hela cell growth
inhibited only with honey+AgNPs.

Conclusion:

Both honey and the extract have antibacterial and immunomodulatory potentials as well as the
power to produce AgNPs. Majra honey alone showed anticancer activity against HepGe2 cells, but not against
Hela cells, and when contained AgNPs had anticancer activity on both cell lines. Mixing of Majra honey with J.
procera extract showed characterized immunomodulatory potentials that can be described as immunostimulant.
Anti-Proliferative Role of the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors TKI-258 on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro
Authors: Silveira Isadora C. , Carneiro Anna Cecília D.M. , Hiss Lorraine S. , Crema Virgínia O.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Identification of the antitumor role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as TKI-258, may
lead to novel therapeutics for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), which has high mortality rates. TKI-258
blocks Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors (PDGFRs), and
Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFRs).

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TKI-258 treatment on cell proliferation in SCC-4 cells of
OSCC.

Methods:

BrdU and KI-67 assays were performed by using SCC-4 cells. Control was compared to 1, 5 and
10μM TKI-258 treatment. Control vehicle was compared to: 60μM LY294002 (LY), 2μM Wortmannin (WTN)
and LY+WNT. Moreover, TKI 5μM treatment was compared to: TKI 5μM+LY; TKI 5 μM+WTN; TKI
5μM+LY+WTN. After 6h of treatments, immunofluorescence stained BrdU and KI-67 positive cells. Morphometry
of proliferative cells was analyzed considering significance of p<0.05.

Results:

BrdU and KI-67 assays results were similar for all experiments. TKI-258 treatment leads to an important
reduction in proliferation rate in SCC-4 cells in a concentration dependent manner. As expected, there was a
significant reduction in the percentage of proliferative cells that had PI3K inhibited. When compared with TKI 5
treatment, proliferating cells were significantly lower with simultaneous PI3K inhibition.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that TKI-258 plays an anti-proliferative role on SCC-4 cells of OSCC. It
could be interesting to block multiples pathways such as FGFRs, PDGFRs and VEGFRs. Therefore, TKI-258 is
a promising option for novel therapeutics for OSCC, especially if associated with PI3K inhibition.
PCSK9 Inhibitors: From Nature’s Lessons to Clinical Utility
Authors: Raal Frederick J. , Chilton Robert , Ranjith Naresh , Rambiritch Virendra , Leisegang Rory F. , Ebrahim Iftikhar O. , Tonder Alet van , Shunmoogam Nelusha , Bouharati Célia , Musa Moji G. , Karamchand Sumanth , Naidoo Poobalan , Blom Dirk J.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a novel
class of non-statin lipid lowering therapy that reduce LDL-cholesterol by 50 - 60%. PCSK9 inhibitors
decrease LDL-cholesterol by preventing intracellular degradation of LDL receptors; subsequently, a
greater number of LDL-receptors are available on the cell surface to extract circulating LDL.

Objective:

To describe the origins of PCSK9 inhibitors and their current use in clinical practice.

Methods:

We performed a narrative review of the PCSK9 inhibitor class of drugs.

Results:

Current data indicate that PCSK9 inhibitors effectively reduce LDL-cholesterol and are well
tolerated and safe. PCSK9 inhibitors have also been shown to reduce cardiovascular event rates in
patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and in patients with a recent (up to one year)
acute coronary syndrome. Given the costs, chronicity of the treatment and the potential budget impact,
PCSK9 inhibitors are often limited to patients with the highest absolute risk for major adverse cardiovascular
events despite optimal treatment with high-intensity statin and ezetimibe.

Conclusion:

PCSK9 inhibitors have a favorable safety, efficacy and tolerability profile. Postmarketing
safety surveillance and real-world studies are needed to further support the long-term safety
profile of this class of medicine.
Effect of Plant Spacing and Np Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Seed Yield and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.) at Shewa Robit, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Getachew , Mohammed Wassu , Tana Tamado
Published: February 2020

Background:

The shortage of quality seed is the major limiting factor of onion production in the study area. Inappropriate use of NP fertilizers and plant spacing is the major source of the problem.

Objective:

The experiment was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing and NP fertilizer for high yield and quality seed production of onion.

Methods:

The treatments were composed of plant spacing 10×20×40 cm, 20×30×50 cm, 10×40 cm, 10×50 cm, 10x30 cm and NP fertilizer levels 86.25 P2O5 & 85.5 N kg ha-1, 115 P2O5 & 114 N kg ha-1, 143.6 P2O5 & 142.5 N kg ha-1, 69 P2O5 & 142 N kg ha-1 and control in a 5 x 5 factorial arrangement of RCBD with three replications.

Results:

The highest seed yield per hectare (879.4 kg) and per plot (663.6 g) was obtained from 115 P2O5 & 114 N kg ha-1 fertilizers and plant spacing 10×30cm gives the highest seed yield per plot (561.7g) and per hectare (748.9 kg). The highest germination percentage was obtained by the interaction effect of 10×30 cm and 143.6 P2O5 & 142.5 N kg ha-1. Whereas, highest seed vigor index I and II were obtained from the interaction of 115 P2O5 &114 N kg ha-1 and 20×30×50 cm spacing.

Conclusion:

Plant spacing of 10×30 cm followed by 20×30×50 cm and 115 P2O5 &114 N kg ha-1 fertilizers could be recommended for high yield and quality onion seed production in the study area.
Elastic Bilayer Vesicles of Flurbiprofen for Transdermal Delivery: Development and In-Vitro Characterization
Authors: Sareen Rashmi , Jain Nitin
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to develop a novel elastic bilayer vesicle
entrapped with Flurbiprofen (FLB) for transdermal use to avoid adverse effect associated with oral administration
of the drug. Encapsulation of drug in vesicle prolongs the existence of the drug in the systemic
circulation and thus enhances penetration into the target site and reduces toxicity.

Method:

Niosomes were prepared using surfactants (span 40 and span 60) and cholesterol in the molar
ratio of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 3:2. Vesicles prepared by thin film hydration method were characterized for
morphology, vesicle size and zeta potential, thermal analysis and Entrapment Efficiency (EE).

Results:

Results revealed that the EE and size of niosomes were influenced by surfactant type and cholesterol
ratio. F8 (span 60: cholesterol in 3:2) exhibited the highest encapsulation of FLB (76.77 ± 0.55)
with vesicle size of 154 ± 2.96 nm and Polydispersity Index (PDI) of 0.09. The optimized formulation
F8 was selected for incorporation into the gel. Niosomal gel was evaluated for homogeneity, pH,
spreadability and in-vitro drug release.

Conclusion:

All the parameters of niosomal gel were found to be satisfactory and in-vitro release study
revealed prolonged and complete release of entrapped FLB (93.23±0.65%) in comparison to FLB hydrogel
(42.65±0.29%). The results suggested that niosomes may serve as promising vehicles for the
transdermal delivery of FLB.
Recent Patents on Micro-EDM Milling
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Liu Jianguo , Chen Yongqiu
Published: February 2020

Background:

Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) milling is widely used in the
processing of complex cavities and micro-three-dimensional structures, which is a more effective processing
method for micro-precision parts. Thus, more attention has been paid on the micro-EDM milling.

Objective :

To meet the increasing requirement of machining quality and machining efficiency of micro-
EDM milling, the processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling are being improved
continuously.

Methods:

This paper reviews various current representative patents related to the processing devices
and processing methods of micro-EDM milling.

Results:

Through summarizing a large number of patents about processing devices and processing
methods of micro-EDM milling, the main problems of current development, such as the strategy of
electrode wear compensation and the development trends of processing devices and processing methods
of micro-EDM milling are discussed.

Conclusion:

The optimization of processing devices and processing methods of micro-EDM milling are
conducive to solving the problems of processing efficiency and quality. More relevant patents will be
invented in the future.