bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking Total Hip Replacement Constructs Using Noninferiority Analysis: The New Zealand Joint Registry Study
Authors: Wyatt Michael , Frampton Chris , Whitehouse Michael , Deere Kevin , Sayers Adrian , Kieser David
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the relative performance of total hip replacement constructs and discern if there is substantial variability in performance in currently commonly used prostheses in the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR) using a noninferiority analysis.Methods: All patients who underwent a primary total hip replacement (THR) registered in the NZJR between 1st January 1999 to June 2020 were identified. Using a noninferiority analysis, the performance of hip prostheses were compared with the best performing contemporary construct. Construct failure was estimated using the 1-Kaplan Meier survival function method to estimate net failure. The difference in failure between the contemporary benchmark and other constructs was examined.Results: In total 135 432 THR were recorded comprising 1 035 different THR constructs. Notably 328 constructs were used just once. 48 constructs (62 251 THR) had >500 procedures at risk at 3 years post-primary of which 28 were inferior by at least 20% relative risk of which, 10 were inferior by at least 100% relative risk. 16 constructs were identified with >500 procedures at risk at 10 years with 9 inferior by at least 20%, of which one was inferior by >100% relative risk. There were fewer constructs noninferior to the best practice benchmark when we performed analysis by gender. In females at 10 years, from 5 constructs with >500 constructs at risk, 2 were inferior at the 20% margin. In males at 10 years, there were only 2 eligible constructs of which one was inferior at the 20% margin.Conclusions: We discerned that there is substantial variability in construct performance and at most time points, just over half of constructs are inferior to the best performing construct by at least 20%. These results can facilitate informed decision-making when considering THR surgery.
miR-181d/RBP2/NF-κB p65 Feedback Loop Promotes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Blast Crisis
Authors: Zhou Minran , Yin Xiaolin , Zheng Lixin , Fu Yue , Wang Yue , Cui Zelong , Gao Zhenxing , Wang Xiaoming , Huang Tao , Jia Jihui , Chen Chunyan
Published: November 2020

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant clonal proliferative disease. Once it progresses into the phase of blast crisis (CML-BP), the curative effect is poor, and the fatality rate is extremely high. Therefore, it is becoming urgent to explore the molecular mechanisms of blast crisis transition and develop new therapeutic targets.Methods: The expression levels of miR-181d, RBP2 and NF-κB p65 were assessed in 42 newly diagnosed CML-CP patients and 15 CML-BP patients. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blots, and cell proliferation assay were used to characterize the changes induced by overexpression or inhibition of miR-181d or RBP2 or p65. Luciferase reporter assay and CHIP assay was conducted to establish functional association between miR-181d, RBP2 and p65. Inhibition of miR-181d expression and its consequences in tumor growth was demonstrated in vivo models.Results: We found that the non-coding RNA miR-181d is overexpressed in CML-BP, which promotes leukemia cell proliferation. We identified histone demethylase RBP2 as directly downregulated by miR-181d and found that RBP2 inhibited p65 expression in leukemia cells by its binding to the p65 promoter and demethylating the tri/dimethylated H3K4 region in the p65 promoter locus. Conversely, p65 directly binds to miR-181d promoter and upregulates its expression; thus, forming a positive feedback loop.Conclusions: Taken together, the miR-181d/RBP2/p65 loop promotes CML blast transformation.
Serum Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 Ratio in Relation to Intervertebral Disc Herniation : A Cross-sectional Frequency-Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Fei , Wu Tongde , Guo Song , Huang Junwen , Fu Qiang , pan Yaqing , Zhang Huiying , Wu Desheng , Chen Qi , Li lijun , Li Xinhua
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIn recent decades, the serum lipid profile of apolipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) level and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio (Apo B/ApoA1) ratio were found more representative for serum lipid level and were recognized as the independent risk factors for various diseases. Although the serum lipid levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found associated with symptomatic IDH, no studies have been conducted to date for the evaluation of the association of Apo AI, Apo B, Lp(a) and Apo B/Apo AI levels with symptomatic IDH.MaterialsA total of 1,839 Chinese patients were recruited in the present study. 918 patients were diagnosed as IDH cases and were enrolled in the experimental group. A control group of 921 patients underwent a physical examination during the same period. The serum lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp(a), Apo B and Apo B/Apo AI were examined and analyzed.ResultsThe patients in the control group were collected randomly from patients who were matched with the baseline levels of the aforementioned lipid molecular. The patients with IDH exhibited significantly higher TC, TG, LDL, Apo B and Lp(a) levels compared with the control subjects. The percentage of high-TC, high-TG, high-LDL, high-Apo B and high-Lp(a) were significantly higher in the IDH group. However, hyperlipidaemia was not associated with the degenerated segment of the IDH (P=0.201). The odds ratios (OR) for the incidence of IDH with an elevated LDL-C, TC, TG, Lp(a), Apo B and Apo B/Apo AI were 1.583, 1.74, 1.62, 1.58, 1.49 and 1.39, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed the correlation between elevated LDL-C, TC, TG, Apo B, Lp(a) and incidence of IDH was significant (R2LDL=0.017; R2TC=0.004; R2TG=0.015; R2Apo B=0.004; R2LP(a)=0.021) (P<0.05). Conclusions﻿The present study suggests that elevated levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, Apo B, Lp(a) and Apo B/Apo AI are associated with a higher risk for IDH.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Maternal Mortality Ratio: a time series study in Bahia, Brazil.
Authors: de Carvalho-Sauer Rita de Cássia Oliveira , Costa Maria da Conceição Nascimento , Teixeira Maria Gloria , Nascimento Estela Maria Ramos do , Silva Ediane Maria Filardi , Barbosa Mariana Luiza Almeida , Silva Géssica Rodrigues da , Santos Thaissa Piedade , Paixao Enny S.
Published: November 2020

BackgroundLittle is known about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality in Brazil. Therefore the objective of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the maternal mortality in the State of Bahia, Brazil.MethodsThis study used state databases for data on maternal deaths and live births in Bahia, Brazil, from January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2020. The time trend of MMR was analyzed through polynomial regression analysis, of order 6. Predict monthly (Jan-Sep) and annual values,​​for 2020, were estimated by the additive Holt-Winters exponential smoothing algorithm, with 95% confidence interval, and the accuracy MMR forecasts for 2020 was assessed by checking the smoothing coefficients and the mean errors.ResultsBetween January 1 and September 30, 2020, the MMR in Bahia, Brazil, was 79.51/100,000 live births, 60.7% higher than the expected ratio (49.48 [95% CI 60.27-38.70]). The increase on maternal mortality ratio relative to expected values was observed throughout the 2020 months. However, only from May, when the COVID-19 epidemic rose sharply, it exceeded the upper limit of the 95% CI of the monthly prediction. In August, we can observe a dramatical decrease in the maternal mortality ratio, followed by an increase in September. Of the 109 registered maternal deaths in 2020, 16 (14.7%) had COVID-19 related to the causes of death.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic is causing devastating consequences for maternal mortality, in Bahia, Brazil. An urgent public health action is needed to prevent and reduce maternal deaths during this pandemic, in Brazil.
Identification of key genes and pathways in the hPSC-derived lungs infected by the SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gu Hanming , Yuan Gongsheng
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has led to numerous infections and deaths in the world. Our research is to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways in hPSC-derived lungs by using a bioinformatics method to clarify their potential pathogenesis. The gene expression profile of GSE155241 dataset was originally created by using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (Homo sapiens) platform. Functional categories and significant pathways were identified by the KEGG and GO analysis. The results suggested that brain disorders and mitochondrial dysfunctions are the main signaling pathways affected by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, key genes e.g. CDC20, NCBP1 and inhibitors e.g. MEK1-2-inhibitor, tivozanib may paly critical roles in COVID-19. Therefore, our study provides insights into the treatment of COVID-19 and related disorders.
Socioeconomic Difference of Husband's Involvement in Antenatal Care in Rural Indonesia
Authors: Laksono Agung Dwi , Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Kumalasari Mei Lina Fitri , Mustika Ika , Matahari Ratu
Published: November 2020

Background: To reduce maternal mortality, the Indonesian government campaigned for a health promotion program based on the family approach, namely “Suami Siaga” (Husband Alert). Study aims to analyze the effect of socioeconomic on the husband's involvement in ANC in rural Indonesia.Methods: The study employed data from the 2017 IDHS. Samples of 7,156 respondents were obtained. Besides the socioeconomic, other variables analyzed in this study were age, education, occupation, and parity. The final stage was employed binary logistic regression.Results: Families with the poorer socioeconomic status, the possibility of husbands being involved in ANC was 2.154 times compared to the poorest. Families with the middle socioeconomic status were more likely to have their husbands involved in ANC 2.785 times compared to the poorest. Families with a richer socioeconomic status were more likely to have their husbands involved in ANC 2.901 times compared to the poorest. Meanwhile, families with poorer socioeconomic status, the possibility of their husbands being involved in ANC was 5.299 times compared to the poorest. The results of this analysis inform that all socioeconomic statuses have a higher likelihood of husband involvement in ANC than the poorest families. The better the socioeconomic, the higher the possibility of the husband to be involved in ANC. Apart from socioeconomic, 3 other variables were also found as determinants of the husband's involvement in ANC in rural Indonesia, namely education, occupation, and parity.Conclusions: The socioeconomic status was a determinant of the husband's involvement in ANC in rural Indonesia.
Thymosin β10 promotes tumor-associated macrophages M2 conversion and proliferation via the PI3K/Akt pathway in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Jun , Yang Xianggui , Yang Li , Li Wancheng , Zheng Yaxin
Published: November 2020

Background: Thymosin β10 (TMSB10) has been reported to play a protumorigenic role in a majority of solid cancers. However, the existence of TMSB10 in immune microenvironment may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma has not been previously explored. Method: TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 184 lung adenocarcinomas. Xenograft mice model was established to investigate the effect of TMSB10 shRNA on TAMs phenotypes. The macrophages phenotype associated cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA after treated with TMSB10 shRNA or scramble. Furthermore, the target proteins were detected by immunoblot. Results: We found that high TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was significantly correlated with the advanced TNM stage and T3/T4 tumor size. And high TAMs-associated TMSB10 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall and progression-free survival of lung adenocarcinoma, acting as an independent prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, we investigated the biological functions of TMSB10 in macrophages in vivo and in vitro. TMSB10 knockdown dramatically reduced TAMs, THP-1 and RAW264.7 cell proliferation, and promoted macrophages phenotype conversion of M2 to M1, and TMSB10 knockdown reduced the levels of p-Akt (Sec473), p-mTOR (Sec2448) and p-p70S6K (Thr389) without effect on Akt, mTOR and p70S6K expression. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that TAMs-associated TMSB10 promotes tumor growth through increasing TAMs M2 conversion and proliferation via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, providing a promising tumor biomarker for predicting prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
The impact of COL1A1 and COL6A1 expression on hypospadias and penile curvature severity
Authors: yuri prahara , Gunadi  , Lestari Rahmadani Puji , Fardilla Firly Putri , Setyaningsih Wiwit Ananda Wahyu , Arfian Nur , Dachlan Ishandono
Published: November 2020

Background: Hypospadias, the most frequent congenital male external genitalia abnormality, is usually associated with curvature of the ventral penis, i.e. chordee. Abnormality of darto tissue has been suggested as the pathophysiology of chordees. Collagen is one of the most abundant fibrous proteins within the extracellular matrix. In this study, we determined the expression of collagen 1 (COL1A1) and COL6A1 in patients with hypospadias and associated them with the severity of penile curvature.Methods: We included 60 children <18 years old, consisting of 20 distal hypospadias, 20 proximal hypospadias patients, and 20 controls in our institution from 2017 – 2020. The expression of COL1A1 and COL6A1 in darto tissue was determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The penile curvature severity was classified as mild (<30 degrees), moderate (30-60 degrees), and severe (>60 degrees).Results: qPCR showed that COL1A1 and COL6A1 expression was significantly downregulated in the distal (0.88 (0.38-2.53) and 0.54 (0.16-4.35), respectively) and proximal 0.76 (0.33-2.57) and 0.57 (0.18-1.38), respectively) hypospadias groups compared to controls (1.85 (0.24-4.61) and 0.93 (0.17-4.06), respectively) with p-values of 0.024 and 0.018, respectively. Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation between COL1A1 and COL6A1 expression (r=0.458, p<0.0001). Interestingly, COL1A1 and COL6A1 were also significantly downregulated in the moderate and severe chordee groups compared to the mild chordee groups, with p-values of 0.003 and 0.037, respectively.Conclusions: Aberrant COL1A1 and COL6A1 expression might affect abnormalities in darto tissue and penile curvature severity in hypospadias patients.
The efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived therapies for acute respiratory distress syndrome—a meta-analysis of preclinical trials.
Authors: Wang Fengyun , Fang Bin , Qiang Xinhua , Shao Jingsong , Zhou Lixin
Published: November 2020

Background: The investigation of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-conditioned medium or extracellular vesicles (exosomes or microvesicles) as a remedy for acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has become a fast-growing field in recent years. Our purpose was to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of MSC-derived therapies (MDTs) for ALI/ARDS in animal models.Methods: A meta-analysis of MDTs for ALI/ARDS in animal trials was performed. PubMed and EMBASE were searched to screen relevant preclinical trials with a predetermined search strategy.Results: A total of 17 studies that compared MDT with the ALI control group were included in our study. The pooled result derived from the comparison of the two groups suggested that MDT could significantly reduce the lung injury score (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -4.02, 95% CI [- 5.28, -2.23], P < 0.0001) and improve animal survival (OR = -6.45, 95% CI [2.78, 14.97], P <0.0001). MDT mitigated the infiltration of neutrophils in alveoli (SMD = -3.38, 95% CI [-4.58, -2.18], P < 0.00001). MDT also reduced the wet-dry weight ratio of the lung (SMD = -2.34, 95% CI [-3.42, -1.26], P< 0.0001) and the total protein in BALF (SMD = -2.23, 95% CI [-3.07, -1.40], P < 0.00001). Furthermore, MDT was found to downregulate proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-a and to upregulate anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10.Conclusion: MDT reduces lung injury and improves survival in animal ARDS models since it can ameliorate lung permeability, decrease inflammatory cell infiltration, downregulate proinflammatory mediators, and upregulate anti-inflammatory mediators. However, more animal studies and human trials are needed for further investigation.
história de 35 anos do Programa de Educação Tutorial – Biologia na Universidade Federal de Viçosa
Authors: Tavares Mara Garcia , De Oliveira Campos Lucio Antonio , Andrade Julia Martins de
Published: November 2020

O Programa de Educação Tutorial foi criado em 1979 com o objetivo de elevar a qualificação dos estudantes de cursos superiores, nas diversas áreas do conhecimento. O PET Biologia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, em particular, foi implementado em março de 1985 e o objetivo deste artigo é resgatar o processo de criação do mesmo e contar um pouco de sua história, ressaltando as atividades desenvolvidas pelo grupo em diferentes momentos da sua trajetória e, as contribuições do Programa para a formação de seus participantes. A análise realizada evidenciou que a metodologia adotada no Programa propiciou oportunidades para que novos conhecimentos fossem adquiridos ao longo do tempo de permanência dos bolsistas no Programa, enriquecendo sua formação geral, melhorando sua capacidade de trabalhar em equipe e de resolver problemas, aumentando sua criatividade e despertando novos interesses. O Programa, portanto, contribui para a formação acadêmica global dos discentes do Curso.
MAIS DE 100.000 ÓBITOS: AVALIAÇÃO DA EFICIÊNCIA DOS HOSPITAIS DO SUS NO TRATAMENTO À COVID-19 NOS MUNICÍPIOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Aroeira Tiago , Vilela Bruno , Ferreira Rui Fernando
Published: November 2020

Avaliou-se a eficiência clínica e gerencial dos hospitais do SUS no tratamento à COVID-19 nos municípios brasileiros a partir da data do primeiro caso da doença no país até a data do óbito de número 100.000. Utilizou-se o método DEA em dois estágios. Os 437 municípios da amostra foram utilizados como unidades para avaliação da eficiência gerencial e clínica no tratamento à COVID-19. Os resultados evidenciam que os municípios analisados possuem, na média, melhores índices de eficiência clínica (0,76) do que gerencial (0,65). Observou-se que há a possibilidade de municípios com baixa eficiência gerencial alcançarem alta eficiência clínica. Evidenciou-se que 38% da amostra apresenta alta eficiência gerencial e clínica no tratamento à COVID-19, enquanto 29% apresenta baixa eficiência gerencial e clínica. Demonstrou-se que 62% dos municípios possuem oportunidade significativa de melhoria da eficiência gerencial ou clínica. Contribuiu-se com a proposição e implementação de um modelo para avaliação das eficiências gerencial e clínica de municípios no contexto da COVID-19. Os modelos e resultados podem ser utilizados por pesquisadores e órgãos públicos como ministérios e secretarias.
Teachers’ Questions in Elementary School English Learning: Types and Functions
Authors: Aprina Naomi Dwi , Andriyanti Erna
Published: November 2020

Question types usually used in classroom learning are display questions and referential questions. Many teachers mostly used display questions in their classroom learning. However, studies showed that display questions limit the students’ opportunity to produce the language. Therefore, this present study aimed to analyse the contribution of teacher questions’ types in English classroom learning to classroom interaction. The participants of this qualitative study were three sixth grade English teachers from three different Islamic schools in Yogyakarta. The data were collected through classroom observation. The result shows that the teachers used both display and referential questions, and all teachers used display questions more frequently. Furthermore, the result of the analysis shows that referential questions received longer responses than display questions. It also indicated that referential questions gave the students more opportunities to practice the language. However, both display questions and referential questions are important for EFL students. The use of both question types can be adjusted based on the levels of the students, the purpose of the lesson and students’ learning strategies.
Caregiver Experiences: Caring for a Child with Cerebral Palsy Presenting with Speech Impairment at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors:   University of Zambia, Shaba Mutinta , Simpamba Micah Mutuna ,   The University of Zambia, Shula Hastings ,   The University of Zambia, Chiluba Brian Chanda ,   The University of Zambia
Published: November 2020

Background: Many children with cerebral palsy present with disturbances in sensory, cognitive and motor development which subsequently affect the child’s speech, language and communication development. Caregivers taking care of such children are heavily burdened andif not addressed such cumulative burden may in turn have influence on the quality of care for children with cerebral palsy.weset out to explore the experiences of caregivers ofchildren with cerebral palsy who present with speech impairments and to identify which strategies they use to communicate with their children. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was used. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from a purposively selected sample of 8 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy presenting with speech impairment at the University Teaching Hospitalin Lusaka, Zambia. Results:Three themes emerged from the data on caregivers’ experiences caring for a child with speech impairments and one theme from data on communication strategies used by caregivers. The themes on caregiver experiences included impact of speech deficit; beliefs about speech impairment; and Lack of knowledge. The theme on communication strategies had three sub-themes namely understanding through the gaze; a different kind of sound; and trial and error.Conclusion: This study has revealed that caregiver beliefs, lack of knowledge on availability of speech therapy and special education make it difficult for them to understand speech problems experienced by their children. Furthermore, the study also showed that caregivers devise their own strategies of communicating with their children despite the absence of speech and language therapy services. Keywords:Stress level, academic concerns, sources of stress, academic stress, stressor
CORPO, TEATRO E ISOLAMENTO: RELATOS DE UM ATOR EM UMA EXPERIÊNCIA CÊNICO-DIGITAL
Authors: Oliveira Raphael , Mélo Fernanda
Published: November 2020

Este artigo apresenta fragmentos sobre o processo artístico vivido durante o começo da pandemia do Covid-19 pelo ator/pesquisador Raphael de Oliveira, relatando os incômodos do isolamento em aspectos físicos e mentais e a busca pela teatralidade nos espaços digitais. A experiência dentro do Laboratório de pesquisa e criação cênica da produtora Cri’Ative’Se Cultural, especificamente no processo criativo do grupo de trabalho focado em mediação cênica, resultou na obra cênico-digital “Enquanto a festa não chega”.
Corpos em conexão, corpos em presença
Authors: Miller Jussara , Miller Laszlo Cora
Published: November 2020

Considerando a dança como arte da presença, pretende-se promover reflexões sobre estudos da presença e estados de atenção em ações artísticas e pedagógicas mediadas por tecnologias digitais em tempos de isolamento social. A atual situação pandêmica gerou uma atmosfera de grande insegurança para a classe artística que se deparou com a privação do trabalho presencial, impulsionando, assim, outras instâncias compositivas de aulas e de cenas - como aulas on-line, lives e videodanças - para possibilitar a relação e o encontro de singularidades de maneira virtual devido à privação da coletividade presencial.
Zachowanie zdrowia i zapobieganie chorobom. Kluczowy cel działań w zakresie zdrowia publicznego
Authors: Nowicka Grażyna
Published: November 2020

The maintenance of good health throughout the entire life course is of great importance for individuals and also for the whole population and strongly influences economic and cultural development. Therefore, health promotion, prevention of health abnormalities, and diseases recognized as leading causes of premature deaths have been accepted as very important activities in the area of public health. In this article, the major factors influencing public health and basic tasks for public health improvement are presented.
Unieszkodliwianie odpadów w obrotowych piecach cementowych
Authors: Biernat Krzysztof , Fuszara Edward
Published: November 2020

The article presents technical and economical possibilities of utilizing normal and liquid waste, including hazardous, through circulating cement furnaces, at the same time complying with environmental protection regulations. Technology for producing cement without waste was presented, by using energetically and chemical aspects of many groups of hazardous substances, including PCB as well as freons. Environmental safe methods of utilizing technical and local waste, normal and liquid, were defined, using cement furnaces and at the same time reducing substantially cement production costs.
Wychowanie ekologiczne w perspektywie personalistycznej
Authors: Dziekoński Stanisław
Published: November 2020

In the modern world, the value and the dignity of man, the value of life are very often placed in doubt, while consumer mentality, the glorification of freedom, subjection to egoism - achieve great measures. This situation has its negative reflection on education towards the respect of the socio-natural environment. Suggestions presented for pro-ecological education quite frequently concentrate on practical recommendations, which apply above all to the world of nature. Many a time the social dimension of this education and personalistic motivation are omitted. So, the uncovering of the value of pedagogical personalism for ecological education is especially important today. The reflection presented here shows that ecological education is close to the personalistic concept of education, and it is even immanently rooted in the aims and principles plotted by it. At the foundations of ecological education in personalism, we find the greatness and the dignity of the human being as a person. The .personalistic norm.) of pro-ecological education by no means depreciates other beings possessing autonomy and objective value. Between man and other beings, one can see close ties, relations of interdependence, common sharing of destiny. This is especially underlined in the Christian concept of personalism, which directs the whole of education in the Christ-centered direction.
The Doctrine of Double Effect: An Aid in Decision-Making
Authors: Dancák Pavol
Published: November 2020

Human society of the modern world, which is greatly affected by technological and economic advancements, has to address moral problems with a new urgency. In many instances, the decision does not bring only positive effects. Such cases can be found in applied ethics: bio-medical ethics, business ethics, and legal ethics, but also in other areas of human activity, too, most recently,  in debates, concerning the use of autonomous vehicles or autonomous machines in general. This paper aims to describe and explain the principle of ‘double effect’, when solving complicated and, from the perspective of morality, profoundly dilemmatic situations. The principle of double effect was gradually developed as a means of seeking the right moral decisions. It has a firm and respected position within Catholic medical ethics, but also in secular legislation. The paper presents current thought experiments, which clarify moral decision-making in dilemmatic situations. What seems to be a shortcoming here, is that ethical thought experiments are far too abstract. On the one hand, they refine our knowledge, but on the other hand, they are very partial. The  evolution of medical imaging methods, has enabled us to take a closer look at the relationship between the deontological and utilitarian approaches to making moral judgments, but it does not relieve us of our responsibility for the decisions that we have made. The positive side of the principle of double effect, is that it protects us from the slippery slope of utilitarian consequentialism, where the admission of a lesser evil, is only a step away from committing evil in the name of the greater good.
The Problem of the Conscience Clause of Healthcare Professionals in Italy in the Years 2017-2020
Authors: Kobyliński Andrzej
Published: November 2020

The main goal of the article is to analyse the key elements of the living will in Italy and present the dispute regarding the understanding of the conscience clause of healthcare professionals. In the country on the Tiber, a law on the living will was passed in 2017. A living will consists in the anticipatory expression of ‘will’, by an adult or legal guardian acting in full possession of their mental faculties, concerning the possible administration or discontinuation of certain medical therapies in the future. The conscience clause, on the other hand, means the right to refuse to take such actions, which a particular person considers to be contrary to their personal convictions. The Italian law on the living will does not contain a provision on the conscience clause. For this reason, an ethical and legal problem arose for healthcare professionals, who refused to comply with the wishes of their patients for moral or religious reasons, for example by discontinuing artificial hydration or nutrition,  thus, leading to the patient’s death. The ethical and legal dispute in Italy is part of a contemporary global debate on conscience clauses, euthanasia, assisted suicide, human rights, and the dignity of human life. Analyses have shown that healthcare professionals should be guaranteed the right, not to perform such medical procedures, which are contrary to their moral and religious convictions.
Recent Advances in Elucidating Paclitaxel Resistance Mechanisms in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance
Authors: Cui Hongmei , Arnst Kinsie , Miller Duane D. , Li Wei
Published: November 2020

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a first-line drug for late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
who do not benefit from targeted therapy or immunotherapy. However, patients invariably develop
resistance to PTX upon prolonged treatments. Although diverse mechanisms leading to PTX
resistance have been well-documented in the literature, strategies to overcome PTX resistance in
NSCLC based on these mechanisms are still challenging. In this article, we reviewed recent advancements
elucidating major mechanisms of PTX resistance in NSCLC, including the overexpression of
ABC transporters, alternations to tubulin structures, and the involvement of cytokines, miRNAs, kinase
signaling pathways, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Potential markers of PTX resistance or
PTX response that could help to direct treatment decisions and restore cellular sensitivity to PTX were
also discussed. Finally, we summarized the corresponding strategies to overcome PTX resistance in
NSCLC cells, which might provide new insights into clinical trials and benefit lung cancer patients in
the future.
Developing Novel Anticancer Drugs for Targeted Populations: An Update
Authors: Tafesse Tadesse B. , Bule Mohammed H. , Khan Fazlullah , Abdollahi Mohammad , Amini Mohsen
Published: November 2020

Background:

Due to higher failure rates, lengthy time and high cost of the traditional de novo drug
discovery and development process, the rate of opportunity to get new, safe and efficacious drugs for the targeted
population, including pediatric patients with cancer, becomes sluggish.

Objectives:

This paper discusses the development of novel anticancer drugs focusing on the identification and
selection of targeted anticancer drug development for the targeted population.

Methods:

Information presented in this review was obtained from different databases, including PUBMED,
SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Various keywords were used as search terms.

Results:

The pharmaceutical companies currently are executing drug repurposing as an alternative means to accelerate
the drug development process that reduces the risk of failure, time and cost, which take 3-12 years with
almost 25% overall probability of success as compared to de novo drug discovery and development process (10-
17 years) which has less than 10% probability of success. An alternative strategy to the traditional de novo drug
discovery and development process, called drug repurposing, is also presented.

Conclusion:

Therefore, to continue with the progress of developing novel anticancer drugs for the targeted population,
identification and selection of target to specific disease type is important. Considering the aspects of the
age of the patient and the disease stages such as each cancer types are different when we study the disease at a
molecular level. Drug repurposing technique becomes an influential alternative strategy to discover and develop
novel anticancer drug candidates.
Role of Hydrogen in Atherosclerotic Disease: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Qin Shucun
Published: November 2020

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity
and mortality worldwide. Given our recent understanding of its role as a small-molecule antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory agent, hydrogen may play an important role in preventing and treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular
and cerebrovascular disease. In the past decade, more than 50 publications in the English language literature
considered the role of hydrogen as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. In this review, we summarized the
pathophysiological characteristics and risk factors associated with atherosclerosis (AS) and the laboratory research
data that focuses on hydrogen to prevent and treat this condition, including the responses observed in
both animal models and human studies. We will also consider the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy
of hydrogen molecules with respect to atherosclerotic disease. Future studies might include clinical trials
with larger sample populations as well as experiments designed to explore the molecular mechanisms associated
with hydrogen treatment in greater depth.
Sequence-Based Deep Learning Frameworks on Enhancer-Promoter Interactions Prediction
Authors: Min Xiaoping , Lu Fengqing , Li Chunyan
Published: November 2020

Enhancer-promoter interactions (EPIs) in the human genome are of great significance to transcriptional
regulation, which tightly controls gene expression. Identification of EPIs can help us better decipher gene
regulation and understand disease mechanisms. However, experimental methods to identify EPIs are constrained
by funds, time, and manpower, while computational methods using DNA sequences and genomic features
are viable alternatives. Deep learning methods have shown promising prospects in classification and
efforts that have been utilized to identify EPIs. In this survey, we specifically focus on sequence-based deep
learning methods and conduct a comprehensive review of the literature. First, we briefly introduce existing sequence-
based frameworks on EPIs prediction and their technique details. After that, we elaborate on the dataset,
pre-processing means, and evaluation strategies. Finally, we concluded with the challenges these methods are
confronted with and suggest several future opportunities. We hope this review will provide a useful reference
for further studies on enhancer-promoter interactions.
Nanotechnology Driven Approaches for the Management of Parkinson’s Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sharma Shrestha , Rabbani Syed A. , Agarwal Tanya , Baboota Sanjula , Pottoo Faheem H. , Kadian Renu
Published: November 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is believed to be one of the commonly found adult-onset movement disorder
occurring due to neurodegeneration and striatal dopamine deficiency. Although clinical diagnosis depends
on the occurrence of bradykinesia and other cardinal motor features, PD is linked with many non-motor symptoms
that are responsible for overall disability. Among several factors, genetic and environment-related factors
are thought to be the major ones accountable for PD. Comprehensive research has shown that a number of
drugs are effective in providing symptomatic relief to the patients suffering from PD. But some drug molecules
suffer from significant drawbacks such as poor bioavailability and instability, therefore, they sometimes fail to
deliver the expected results. Hence, to resolve these issues, new promising novel drug delivery systems have
been developed. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, self-emulsifying drug delivery system
(SEDDS), niosomes are some of the novel drug delivery system (NDDS) carriers that have been explored for
enhancing the CNS concentration of levodopa, apomorphine, resveratrol, and other numerous drugs. This paper
elucidates various drugs that have been studied for their potential contribution to the treatment and management
of PD and also reviews and acknowledges the efforts of several scientists who successfully established various
NDDS approaches for these drugs for the management of PD.
Recent Approaches of Repositioning and Traditional Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak
Authors: Tandon Nitin , Luxami Vijay , Tandon Runjhun , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: November 2020

The recent emergence of novel, pathogenic COVID-19 disease associated with SARSCoV-
2 virus in China and its rapid national and international spread pose a global health emergency.
The development of a new drug is tedious and may take decades to develop and involve multiple steps
like the development of prototypes and phase I to III human trials, which involve the study on small to
large populations to examine the safety and side effects associated with the drug under trials. Due to
continous increase in the number of confirmed cases and deaths, there is an urgent need to develop a
drug that is effective to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus with fewer side effects to the human body. Therefore,
this review focus on the latest advances in the development for the treatment of COVID-19 disease
associated with SARS-CoV-2 with repositioning of already marketed drug with small molecules,
as well as Chinese traditional medicines with established safety and efficacy which are being used for
different therapeutic uses.
The Potential Migrated Mechanism of Water-Soluble Components in Pellets Prepared by Wet Extrusion/Spheronization: Effect of Drying Rate
Authors: Wang Bingwei , Liu Jianping , Li Zhenghua , Xia Yulong , Zhang Shuangshuang , Li Ziyi
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

At present, there are numerous researches on the migration of components
in tablets and granules, however, the investigation in the pharmaceutical literatures concerning
the effect of drying rate on the migration of water-soluble components of pellets is limited.
Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) are crucial parameters during the drying process, which
is an essential step in the preparation of pellets via wet extrusion/spheronization. To quantify these
variables, the water loss percentage of pellets per minute is defined as the drying rate.

Aim:

The study aimed to investigate the influence of drying rate on the migration of water-soluble
components in wet pellets and the potential migrated mechanism.

Methods:

The pellets containing tartrazine as a water-soluble model drug and microcrystalline cellulose
as a matrix former were prepared by extrusion/spheronization and dried at four different drying
temperatures and relative humidity. Afterwards, the extent of migrated tartrazine was assessed
regarding appearance, in-vitro dissolution test, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-Ray Powder
Diffraction, Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Confocal Raman
Mapping.

Results:

Results demonstrated that red spots of tartrazine appeared on the surface of pellets and
more than 40% tartrazine were burst released within 5 minutes when pellets were dried at 60°C/RH
10%. When pellets were dried at 40°C/RH 80%, none of these aforementioned phenomena were observed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the faster the drying rate was, the more tartrazine migrated to the exterior
of pellets. Adjusting drying temperature and relative humidity appropriately could inhibit the migration
of water-soluble components within wet extrusion/spheronization pellets.
Self-Assembled Nanoparticles of Natural Phytochemicals (Berberine and 3,4,5-Methoxycinnamic Acid) Originated from Traditional Chinese Medicine for Inhibiting Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Han Nana , Huang Xuemei , Tian Xuehao , Li Tong , Liu Xiaojing , Li Wen , Huo Su , Wu Qianwen , Gu Yuhao , Dai Ziqi , Xu Bing , Wang Penglong , Lei Haimin
Published: November 2020

Background:

In the field of antibacterial, nanomaterials are favored by researchers because
of their unique advantages. Medicinal plants, especially traditional Chinese medicine, are
considered to be an important source of new chemicals with potential therapeutic effects, as well as
an important source for the discovery of new antibiotics. MRSA is endangering people's lives as a
kind of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to tetracycline, amoxicillin,
norfloxacin and other first-line antibiotics. It is a hotspot to find good anti-drug-resistant bacteriae,
nature-originated nanomaterials with good biocompatibility.

Objective:

We reported the formation of phytochemical nanoparticles (NPs) by the self-assembly
of berberine (BBR) and 3,4,5-methoxycinnamic acid (3,4,5-TCA) from Chinese herb medicine,
which had good antibacterial activity against MRSA.

Method and Results:

We found that NPs had good antibacterial activity against MRSA; especially,
its antibacterial activity was better than first-line amoxicillin, norfloxacin and its self-assembling
precursors on MRSA. When the concentration reached 0.1 μmol/mL, the inhibition rate of
NPs reached 94.62%, which was higher than that of BBR and the other two antibiotics (p < 0.001).
It was observed by Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) that NPs could directly
adhere to the bacterial surface, which might be an important aspect of the antibacterial activity
of NPs. Meanwhile, we further analyzed that the self-assembly was formed by hydrogen bonds and
π-π stacking through Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR),
hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Spectrum (1H NMR), and powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD).
NPs’ morphology was observed by FESEM and TEM. The particle size and surface charge were
characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS); and the surface charge was -31.6 mv, which
proved that the synthesized NPs were stable.

Conclusion:

We successfully constructed a naturally self-assembled nanoparticle, originating from
traditional Chinese medicine, which had a good antibacterial activity for MRSA. It is a promising
way to obtain natural nanoparticles from medicinal plants and apply them to antibacterial therapy.
Antioxidant Activity Profiling of Acetonic Extract of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) Seeds in Different In-Vitro Models
Authors: Yadav Neha , Pal Ajay , Sihag Sonam , C.R Nagesh
Published: November 2020

Background:

Syzygium cumini L., commonly known as Jamun, black-plum, and Indian blackberry, is one of the most widely distributed trees in India with booming medical benefits and possesses antioxidant, anticancer and anti-diabetic properties. It belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Despite countless phytochemicals, seeds are not consumed and are the waste part of Jamun fruit.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of phenolics from Jamun seeds against a bundle of oxidant moieties.

Methods:

The 50% acetone extract of Jamun seeds was investigated for in-vitro antioxidant profiling. Assays include free radical scavenging activity, metal chelation activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, total reducing power, nitric oxide scavenging activity, and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity.

Results:

The extract depicted maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity followed by ABTS radical scavenging activity. Hefty metal chelation and nitric oxide scavenging activity were recorded while lipid peroxidation, H2O2, and OH- scavenging activity was intermediate.

Conclusion:

Jamun seed showed ample antioxidant activity and certifies that it is the right candidate for exploitation as a source of natural antioxidants to counteract autoxidation-induced pathologies or diseases.
Antibacterial Activity of Honey against Methicillin-Resistant and Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Mirzaei Arezou , Karamolah Kolsoom Shirzadi , Mahnaie Mina Pourmbarak , Mousavi Fatemeh , Moghadam Parisa Mehrabi , Mahmoudi Hassan
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Staphylococcus aureusis the most important causative agent of wound infections, including diabetic foot ulcers. Honey is a very useful nutrient with antimicrobial properties and other biological properties such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. The aim was to examine the antibacterial activity of honey against methicillin-resistant and sensitiveS. aureus(MRSA and MSSA) isolated from patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2019 to December 2019. TwentyS. aureusisolates were collected from patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Different concentrations (100%, 70%, 50%, 25% vol/vol) of honey were studied. Dilutions of honey solutions were examined to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) againstS. aureus. MICs were determined by spectrophotometric assay at 620 nm.

Results:

All strains showed sensitivity to honey with MIC equal to 25% (vol/vol). The MIC (%) values of honey for all studiedS. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) isolates ranged between 18-100% (v/v).

Conclusion:

Honey with confirmed, antibacterial activity has the potential to be an efficient treatment complementary for diabetic foot ulcers infected or at risk of infection withS. aureus.