bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain electrical activity to tones of increasing intensity in fibromyalgia: effects of attentional mechanisms and medication.
Authors: Samartin-Veiga Noelia , González-Villar Alberto Jacobo , Triñanes Yolanda , Gómez-Perretta Claudio , Carrillo-de-la-Peña María Teresa
Published: April 2020

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) has been associated to an increased central response to noxious somatosensory stimulation, which may be generalized to other sensory modalities. However, the evidence supporting generalized hypervigilance or increased sensory processing is not conclusive. To clarify this, we studied the brain electrical activity associated to auditory stimuli varying in intensity in patients with FM, considering the effects of attentional mechanisms and medication.
Methods

We performed two experiments using different sequences of stimuli (engaging bottom-up vs. top-down attention). In Study 1, we recorded auditory event-related potentials (AEPs) from 50 patients with FM and 60 healthy controls (HCs), using 72 stimuli of each intensity level (70, 80, 90, 105dB) presented randomly within the sequence. In Study 2, the AEPs were recorded from 28 patients with FM and 30 HCs using 3 intensity levels (70, 90, 105dB) of stimuli presented in blocks. For each experiment, we analyzed intensity and group effects on N1-P2 peak-to-peak amplitude using mixed-model ANOVAs and, only for the FM group, the effect of Group of Medication (with vs. without effect on the CNS) and the correlation (Pearson’s r) between AEPs and clinical variables.
Results

In general, the N1-P2 amplitudes were larger at Cz than Fz and, increased as the tone intensity increased. Contrary to the expectation, the patients showed a trend of reduced AEPs to the loudest tones in study 1 and no significant differences with the HCs in study 2. Medication with central effects significantly reduced AEP amplitudes, while no significant relationships between the N1-P2 amplitude/intensity function and patient symptoms were observed.
Conclusions

Using a large sample, the findings do not provide evidence of augmented central processing of auditory stimuli in FM, nor of its relationship with the symptoms severity. Nevertheless, given the observed effect of medication, we could not discard the role of sensory amplification as an underlying pathophysiological mechanism in fibromyalgia.
Loss of HOXB3 promotes development of hormone receptor negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Lizhe , Yu Shibo , Jiang Siyuan , Ge Guanqun , Yan Yu , Zhou Yuhui , Niu Ligang , He Jianjun , Ren Yu , Wang Bin
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe homobox (HOX) gene family as a transcription factor encoding a specific nuclear protein is essential for embryonic development, differentiation, and homeostasis. The role of HOXB3 protein varies in different tumors. This study aims to explore the role of the HOXB3 gene in breast cancer.MethodDifferentiated expressed genes were screened by analyzing metastatic breast cancer gene chip data in TCGA and GEO database. The function of selected HOXB3 gene was also analyzed by GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner and metascape. Molecular biology methods such as qRT-PCR, western blot and IF was used to verify bio-informatics findings.ResultsBoth bio-informatics analyses and western blot showed that HOXB3 was lost in breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue. Survival analysis also showed that lower expression of HOXB3 was associated with poor prognosis. Bio-informatics analyses further showed that HOXB3 was positively correlated with hormone receptors. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blot also confirmed that HOXB3 had the highest expression in the immortalized breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A, lower in luminal breast cancer cell line T47D and the lowest in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231. Metascape for GO analysis of GEO data provided possible mechanism that HOXB3 could positively regulate cell adhesion, inhibit cell proliferation and activate immune response in breast cancer, and considered that HOXB3 might cause cell malignant transformation through the above pathways.ConclusionIn summary, HOXB3 expression was decreased in breast cancer, especially in hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. The lower expression of HOXB3 was associated with poor prognosis. It might become a new biomarker to predict prognosis of breast cancer.
Finite element analysis of the initial stability of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis with three-screw fixation: posteromedial versus posterolateral home-run screw
Authors: Wang Sen , Yu Jian , Ma Xin , Zhao Dahang , Geng Xiang , Huang Jiazhang , Wang Xu
Published: April 2020

Objective
Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) is a standard surgical method for the treatment of advanced traumatic ankle arthritis and has become more popular due to its advantages. To fix the tibiotalar joint, the use of three percutaneous screws is considered to have better mechanical stability than the use of two screws. However, it is sometimes difficult to insert three screws because they might block each other due to the small area of the tibiotalar joint surface and the large diameter of the screws; few articles illustrate how to insert three screws without the screws disturbing each other. The purpose of this study is to explore possible screw configurations of tripod fixation in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis that avoid the collision of screws and yield better biomechanical performance.
Methods
We used the finite element method to examine the impact of different screw positions and orientations on the biomechanical characteristics of a three-dimensional (3D) ankle model. Maximum and average micromotion, pressure on the articular surface, and von Mises stress values of the tibia and the talus were used to evaluate the initial stability of the ankle.
Results
Five kinds of three-screw configurations were identified, and finite element analysis results suggested that configurations with the posteromedial home-run screw presented lower micromotion (especially configuration 3) and better screw distributions on the articular surface than those with the posterolateral home-run screw.
Conclusion
Screw configurations with the posteromedial home-run screw avoid collision and are more biomechanically stable than those with the posterolateral home-run screw. Thus, inserting the home-run screw through the posteromedial approach is recommended for clinical practice.
Epstein-Barr virus and human adenovirus viremia in renal tumors is associated with histological features of kidney cancer
Authors: Kryst Piotr , Poletajew Sławomir , Wyczałkowska-Tomasik Aleksandra , Gonczar Stefan , Wysocki Maciej , Kapuścińska Renata , Zgliczyński Wojciech , Pączek Leszek
Published: April 2020

Background. There is a growing evidence that viral infections may impact the risk and clinical course of malignancies, including solid tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of selected chronic / latent viral infections with the clinical course of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods. In this prospective study we enrolled 27 patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy due to the histologically confirmed RCC and followed them up for one year post-operation. Isolation of the nucleic acids of human adenovirus (ADV), herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK virus (BKV) and John Cunningham virus (JCV) from tumor tissue was performed using the NucleoSpin Tissue Kit (Macherey-Nagel, Düren, Germany) or EZ1 Virus Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). The number of viral copies in the tissue was assessed with the real-time PCR.Results. Viral infections were diagnosed in ten patients (37.0%), including three ADV cases (11.1%) and eight EBV cases (29.6%). Infected patients tended to be significantly older (71.3 vs. 57.6 years, p < 0.05), more commonly presented with chronic renal disease (OR 2.4, p < 0.05), diabetes (OR 4.2, p < 0.05) and overweight (OR 2.0, p < 0.05). Regarding oncological data, infected patients were found to have a higher rate of high-grade cancers (OR 5.0, p < 0.05) and a higher rate of papillary RCCs (OR 8.3, p < 0.05). Status of viral infections had no influence on the clinical cancer stage, surgical procedure or survival.Conclusions. EBV and ADV infections are common in renal cancer patients and increase the risk of high-grade RCC presence. While there is no significant impact on short term survival, further studies are needed to assess the relevance of these findings in a long run.Trial registration. Medical University of Warsaw KB/37/2017
Platelet count as a biomarker for monitoring treatment response and disease recurrence in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Hu Qinghong , Hada Abha , HAN Liping
Published: April 2020

Objectives
We sought to determine the impact of pretreatment plasma platelet levels, dimerized plasmin fragment (D-dimer) and fibrinogen in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and the impact of platelet levels on SKOV3 cell lines growth and responsiveness to chemotherapy.
Methods
Under approval of ethical committee, we identified 104 women with recurrent EOC who underwent treatment between January 2010 and February 2015. Reviewing clinical, laboratory, and pathologic records from this retrospective cohort, we analyzed the correlation between pretreatment plasma D-dimer, fibrinogen, platelet levels and clinicopathological parameters, progression free survival (PFS)and overall survival (OS). Inco-culture experiments human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell lines were used to test the effect of platelet levels on tumor growth and responsiveness to docetaxel.
Results
Of the 104 recurrent EOC, thrombocytosis at diagnosis and the decrease of platelet count by less than 25% after primary therapy were associated with worse median progression free survival (P = 0.003;P = 0.021) and median overall survival (P = 0.009;P = 0.009).Mean platelet levels declined at the end of primary therapy(P < 0.001) and rose at recurrence(P = 0.007) a.In multivariate analysis, elevated platelet levels at primary therapy and the decrease of platelet count less than 25% after primary therapy were unfavorable prognostic factor for PFS( P = 0.022; P = 0.015) and OS(P = 0.013;P = 0.007)in recurrent EOC, but elevated plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen were not. In SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines, suitable concentration platelet co-culture protected against apoptosis (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Platelet count during treatment could be used as a biomarker used for monitoring the disease recurrence and predicting treatment response. And platelet with suitable concentration co-culture protected against apoptosis inSKOV3 cell line, which may explain clinical observations.
Metabolomics Reveals Ecological Significance of Secondary Metabolites in Scutellaria baicalensis under drought stress
Authors: Meng Xiang-cai , Wang Bin , Cong Wei , Du Hongwei , Zhang Ai-hua , Wang Xi-jun
Published: April 2020

Background Plant have to face the more environmental stress than animal which can dodge unfavourable circumstances by moving about, it is inevitable that the reactive oxygen species(ROS), as a product of stress, are massive generated. Excessive ROS with a powerful oxidizability under stress could do harm to the protein, including enzymes. So it is impossible to eliminated too much ROS only by antioxidant enzymes. Plant have evolved a secondary metabolism as peculiar additional pathway, but the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites would be extremely costly due to the consumption of much material and energy during suitable condition, secondary metabolism are augmented only after the stress befall, meaning the secondary metabolites vary according to the ecological environment. Results Using UHPLC -ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, a total of 24 differential compounts in root of Scutellaria baicalensis were identified between the drought and suitable condition. Based on Results of t-test analysis(P<0.05)between various groups, ions whose VIP value ≧2, the most significant differential chemical markers of the drought condition were citric acid, shikimic acid, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, 3,5,7,2',6'-pentahydroxyflavanone, 5,2',6'-trihydroxy-7,8 -dimethoxyflavone, chrysin, eriodictyol, 5,8-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy flavone, highlighting that most of them were free flavonoids with many phenolic hydroxyl group of flavonoids, with a characteristic of higher avtivities. Conclusions The diversity of secondary metabolites plays a crucial role, S. baicalensis modified the ability to eliminate ROS and matained the equilibrium of ROS through the biosynthesis and convertion between these flavonoid which contain many compounts, like an intricate buffer solution.
Correlation of Gut Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio with Fibrosis and Steatosis in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Jasirwan Chyntia Olivia Maurine , Muradi Akhmadu , Hasan Irsan , Simadibrata Marcellus , Rinaldi Ikhwan , Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi A , Sulaiman Andri Sanityoso , Kurniawan Juferdy , Kalista Kemal Fariz , Nababan Saut Horas , Gani Rino Alvani
Published: April 2020

Background : We investigated the gut microbiota in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its correlation with fibrosis and steatosis as reflected in the controlled attenuation parameter and transient elastography valuesMethods : A cross-sectional study was performed on 37 patients with NAFLD at Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital from December 2018 to March 2019. The gut microbiota was investigated in fecal samples with 16S RNA sequencing using the next-generation sequencing platform MiSeq (Illumina).Results : NAFLD was more common in patients with metabolic syndrome. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla. Bacteroides was more dominant than Prevotella, contrary to the results in previous studies on normal populations in Indonesia. Microbiota dysbiosis was observed in most samples. The gastrointestinal microbiota diversity was significantly decreased in patients with NAFLD with high triglyceride levels and central obesity. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio correlated with steatosis and obesity, whereas some other species in the lower taxonomy were mostly correlated with steatosis and obesity without fibrosis. Proteobacteria is the only phylum strongly correlated with fibrosis in patients with normal body mass index.Conclusions : The gut microbiota diversity was decreased in patients with NAFLD with high triglyceride levels and central obesity, and certain gut microbes were correlated with fibrosis and steatosis.
In-silico Immunomodelling of 2019-nCoV
Authors: Maali Amirhosein , Teimouri Hossein , Amiri Shahin , Adibzadeh Setare , Azad Mehdi
Published: April 2020

Background: Novel Corona Virus 2019 (2019-nCoV) is a positive-sense single-strand RNA virus form coronaviridae family, responsible for corona virus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) with rapid transmission. The aim of this study is characterization of major viral proteins, prediction of antigen proteasomal cleavage pattern, MHC class I processing and presentation, B- and T-cell epitopes, and anti-inflammatory epitopes of 2019-nCoV, compared with SARS-CoV. Methods: The aminoacid sequence of spike surface (S) glycoprotein, membrane (M) glycoprotein, envelop (E) protein and nucleocapsid (N) phosphoprotein were obtained from NCBI. The sequences were aligned by MEGA 7.0 and modeled by SWISS-MODEL. The proteasomal cleavage pattern, MHC class I processing and T-cells epitopes were predicted via IEDB analysis and EPISOFT. The B-cell epitopes were predicted by BepiPred 2.0. Also, prediction of anti-inflammatory epitopes was performed by AntiFlam. Results: Two major antigen proteins, S glycoprotein and M glycoprotein of 2019-nCoV, respectively, have 26.57% and 20.59% less efficiency in proteasomal cleavage and presentation to MHC class I, comparing SARS-CoV. There are less B-cell predicted epitopes in 2019-nCoV, comparing SARS-CoV. The anti-inflammatory properties of 2019-nCoV S glycoprotein and N protein is higher than SARS-CoV. Discussion: It seems that the evolution of 2019-nCoV is on the way of deficiency in antigen presenting to MHC class I and escaping from cellular immunity. Also, the predicted hotspot epitopes potentially can be used to induction of adaptive cellular immunity against 2019-nCoV. In addition, 2019-nCoV appears to be less immunopathogenic than SARS-CoV due to its higher anti-inflammatory proteins.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression of Sodium/Potassium-ATPase α Subunits and Prognosis of Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhang Yongjian , Xu Ye , Yang Shaoyou , Li Bing , Huang Lan , Lou Ge
Published: April 2020

Background
Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) is the most common and lethal gynecological cancer in women worldwide. Biomarkers to diagnose and predict prognosis of OSC remain limited. We therefore aimed to investigate whether Na+/K+-ATPase α-subunits (ATP1As) are helpful diagnostic and prognostic markers of OSC.
Methods
Gene expression data (RNA-Seq) of 376 patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program database. Further databases used in our analysis included Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), the Human Protein Atlas, cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics, and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE).
Results
Expression levels of ATP1A1 and ATP1A3 were higher in OSC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues, whereas the expression level of ATP1A2 and ATP1A4 were lower in the former than in the latter. Overexpression of ATP1A2 was significantly associated with higher Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and histologic grade. Increased mRNA expression of ATP1A3 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in OSC patients, while greater ATP1A4 levels were associated with favorable OS and DSS. Multivariate analysis also showed that primary therapy outcome, residual tumor, and mRNA expressions of ATP1A3 and ATP1A4 were independent prognostic factors for both OS and DSS of OSC patients. Moreover, ATP1A1 staining was abundant in tumor tissues. Furthermore, a high expression of ATP1A3 was significantly correlated with poor OS and DSS in the subgroup of patients aged ≥ 60 years, FIGO stage III, histological grade G3, and TP53 mutation. Mutation frequencies of the ATP1As ranged 3%-5%.
Conclusions
In conclusion, these results indicate that the ATP1As gene family could be potential diagnostic or prognostic markers for OSC. In addition, ATP1As may be effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of OSC.
Evaluation of an in-house indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of feline panleukopenia VP2 subunit antigen in comparison to hemagglutination inhibition assay to monitor tiger antibody levels by Bayesian approach
Authors: Areewong Chanakan , Rittipornlertrak Amarin , Nambooppha Boondarika , Fhaikrue Itsarapan , Singhla Tawatchai , Sodarat Chollada , Prachasilchai Worapat , Vongchan Preeyanat , Sthitmatee Nattawooti
Published: April 2020

Background: Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is an etiologic pathogen of feline panleukopenia that infects all members of Felidae including tigers (Panthera tigris). Vaccination against FPV among wild felid species has long been practiced in zoos worldwide. However, few studies have assessed tiger immune response post-vaccination due to the absence of a serological diagnostic tool. To address these limitations, this study aimed to develop an in-house indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the monitoring of tiger antibody levels against the feline panleukopenia vaccine by employing the synthesized subunit capsid protein VP2. An in-house horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated rabbit anti-tiger immunoglobulin G (IgG) polyclonal antibody (HRP-anti-tiger IgG) was produced in this study and employed in the assay. It was then compared to a commercial HRP-conjugated goat anti-cat IgG (HRP-anti-cat IgG). Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using the Bayesian model with conditional dependence being assumed between both HRP-conjugated antibody-based ELISAs and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests. Results: The posterior estimates for sensitivity and specificity of two indirect ELISA HRP-conjugated antibodies were higher than those of the HI test. The sensitivity and specificity of indirect ELISA for HRP-anti-tiger IgG and HRP-anti-cat IgG were 86.5%, 57.2% and 86.7%, 64.6%, respectively, while the results of the HI test were 79.1 and 54.1%. In applications, 89.6% (198/221) of tiger serum samples were determined to be seropositive by indirect ELISA testing. Conclusion: The results support evidence that an in-house indirect ELISA developed in this study could be used as a serological tool for the effective detection of tiger antibodies.
Liver damage in severe COVID-19 patients from Sichuan area
Authors: Li Tianlong , Deng Chao , Du Qing , Chen Hong , Lu Sen , Yue Ruiming , Guo Yang , Huang Xiaobo , Pan Lingai
Published: April 2020

Background: COVID-19 has spread worldwide, which becomes a huge threat to human beings.Materials: Severe COVID-19 patients from Sichuan area admitted to department of critical care medicine in Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center were retrospectively enrolled. The liver function during the ICU hospitalization were record and analyzed.Results: The severe COVID-19 patients mainly presented with respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and dyspnea, and the incidence was higher in the elderly patients and males. ALT, AST, TB, and PT increased to varying degrees during the course of the disease, and ALB decreased. The incidence of liver dysfunction in patients taking Lopinavir/Ritonavi was significantly higher than patient who did not have it, but there was no statistical difference (p<0.05). Patients taking low-dose Lopinavir/Ritonavi had a smaller effect on liver function than patients receiving normal dosage.Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients have obvious liver damage early in the course of the disease and have a slower recovery. Pay attention to avoid using drugs that can aggravate liver damage while treating the primary disease. If there is no alternative drug, we can give some liver protection treatment appropriately.
Joint force of individual, hospital, government: Simulation of the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus by multi-agents complex adaptive system
Authors: Zhong Weiqiong , Wang Tianxiu
Published: April 2020

Early forecasting is important for health officials and decision-makers to respond to public health emergencies such as the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The spread of epidemic is mainly impacted by the interaction among agents, i.e., individual, hospital and government. In an effort to efficiently mitigate the impact of the virus, this original study designed a multi-agents complex adaptive system model of COVID-19 to detect the trend of the spread in 8 countries by simulating the adaptation and interaction among the agents. The results show that there should be 127,726 infections in China, 12,000 in South Korea, 729,377 in the USA, 176,623 in Italy, 194,359 in Spain, 165,122 in Germany, 177,462 in France and 149,540 in UK. It is impossible to screen and report all the cases, and the detection rate may be 82% in Italy, 65% in China, 55% in the USA, and 41% in UK on April 8, 2020. Scenario simulation results imply that action time is the most important factor in containing the spread of epidemic. If China had locked down Wuhan city five days later, the total infection would be tripled. The forces of individual, hospital and government should be united in fighting the virus.
Radon concentration measurement and effective dose assessment in different brands of commercial bottled water produced in China
Authors: Yong Jinlong , Feng Guangwen , Liu Qian , Tang Chao , Wu Baoshan , Hu Youhua , Cai Changlong , Mao Peihong
Published: April 2020

Radon and its progeny often exist in daily drinking water, and may pose a potential health threat to the public. In this study, the radon concentrations of 15 different brands of bottled drinking water and their radiological hazards were measured and evaluated. The results indicate that the concentration range of radon in water is 13.3 ± 4.7 to 300.0 ± 21.6 mBq/L, and is lower than the limit level (11.11 Bq/L). The results compared with radon concentrations from other countries or regions show that the radon concentrations in this study are almost within the range of those of all the others. The average annual effective dose for infants, children and adults in the three age-groups is 0.657, 0.535 and 0.665 μSv/y respectively, which is lower than the recommended level of 0.1 mSv/y. The results also show that the bottled water does not pose a major health hazard to the public. Moreover, combined with statistical analysis, it is concluded that the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) and Ca2+ in bottled mineral water has a strong correlation with the radon concentration in the water.
Migración y estructuración territorial del estado de Baja California
Authors: Wells Ayón Alba Adriana
Published: April 2020

En este ensayo se considera a Baja California como un producto territorial del fenómeno migratorio, y se realiza una descripción general de la dinámica poblacional que ha experimentado el estado a partir de los constantes movimientos migratorios en destacadas áreas de su espacio geográfico. Demostrando así la existencia en Baja California de movilidades geográficas de población constituidas principalmente por tres tipos de movimientos: el interno, el interurbano, y el internacional; además de encontrar la presencia de cadenas de migración interna basadas en sistemas de reciprocidad social. Finalmente, se proporcionan las conclusiones del trabajo.
El cambio tecnológico en la industria maquiladora de exportación en México: Un enfoque metodológico
Authors: Godínez Plascencia J. Alberto
Published: April 2020

El presente trabajo hace una revisión crítica de los estudios más representativos que analizan el cambio tecnológico en la industria maquiladora en México (IME). El objetivo es realizar una evaluación de los diferentes elementos que se estudian en cada uno de los trabajos, haciendo un énfasis especial en los instrumentos de medición y la base de datos.El argumento que sustenta el trabajo es que la diversidad de resultados y conclusiones son producto de la misma heterogeneidad de las plantas maquiladoras, pero también de la diversidad de los objetivos, hipótesis, marco teórico, variables, indicadores, instrumentos de medición, base de datos, etc., que utilizan los estudios analizados.Las conclusiones plantean la siguiente pregunta: ¿Existe un cambio de carácter estructural en el nivel tecnológico de la IME? Actualmente, en la IME existe una heterogeneidad en la base tecnológica que se manifiesta en una dualidad tecnológica, que se mantiene como estructura y como proceso tendencial. Este esquema se reproduce tanto entre las plantas como al interior de las mismas que cuentan con tecnologías y formas de organización más avanzadas. Además, este apartado proporciona una serie de recomendaciones técnico-metodológicas, con el fin de mejorar y eficientar los instrumentos de medición y base de datos sobre el cambio tecnológico u otras variables que se deseen conocer para la IME.
Methodological Features of GDP Formation Within the Framework of the System of National Accounts
Authors: Alekseev K. A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose of the study. The aim of this work is to examine methodological approaches to the formation of gross domestic product on an annual and quarterly basis within the framework of the System of National Accounts, using the example of 189 countries. The work is based on a dynamic and structural analysis of statistical information of gross domestic product published on the official websites of statistical agencies and the International Monetary Fund.

Materials and methods. The information base of the study is the official statistical data of countries published on the website of the International Monetary Fund, as well as methodological provisions for the formation of gross domestic product. The research methodological base is represented by statistical methods of information analysis and empirical research.

Results. The analysis of data and methodological approaches to gross domestic product formation in different countries has been carried out, as a result of which the main problems of a number of countries regarding the accuracy and relevance of gross domestic product data have been identified. These problems are grouped into six key criteria based on practical macroeconomic approaches, in particular gross domestic product: updating of the base year, annual and quarterly gross domestic product data, timeliness of reporting gross domestic product data, method of compiling gross domestic product (production, expenditure, income), use of the international standard “System of national accounts, 2008”.

Conclusion. Despite a rather large volume of macroeconomic indicators, one of the main indicators is gross domestic product, the dynamics of which reflects the development of the economy. Therefore, reliable data on gross domestic product play a key role in the analysis of macroeconomic and financial policies, as well as in the analysis and accuracy of forecasting the development of the country’s economy. The study revealed that 50% of the countries surveyed had acceptable base years, meaning that the transition to the new base year did not exceed 10 years. Virtually all countries generate annual gross domestic product data, while quarterly estimates of gross domestic product form about 65% of countries. The timeliness of data dissemination also varies from country to country, and many do not publish date information. 72% surveyed countries provide annual gross domestic product data in a timely manner, while 55% surveyed countries provide quarterly gross domestic product data in a timely manner. The production method is the most common of the three methods of calculating gross domestic product (the production method, the method of using income and the generation of gross domestic product by source of income). Gross domestic product formation in accordance with the current version of the international standard “System of National Accounts, 2008” is applied in 52% of countries, and in most other countries the previous version of the international standard “System of National Accounts, 1993” is used.
Human dignity, speciesism, and the value of life
Authors: Hołub Grzegorz
Published: April 2020

This paper deals with a discussion concerning the value of life. Specifically, it addresses the idea of speciesism, a term coined by Peter Singer, whereby human life is endowed with special significance because of its membership in the species Homo sapiens. For Singer, it is an example of erroneous thinking. On such an account, the idea of human dignity seems to be highly problematic. In this article, the author directs a number of critical voices, both methodological and ontological, toward scepticism concerning a species belonging. He argues that natural species play quite important roles in the existing reality. The author further tries to prove that the realm of life should be associated with a so-called intrinsic value. In the light of that, any living entity possesses its axiological importance and should be considered and treated accordingly. Human dignity is a corollary of the special place accorded in such reasoning by the value of human life. The article concludes with a thesis that the stance arguing for human dignity is still unthreatened and ready for further development.
A violência institucional contra crianças, adolescentes e suas famílias: contexto histórico e perspectivas para a psicologia brasileira
Authors: Silva Flávio Joni Duarte , Andrade Maria Clara de Mello
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo versa sobre a violência institucional contra a criança e o adolescente. Faz-se a tentativa, recorrendo a todo um aparato histórico, de mostrar que essas ações praticadas hoje, tem uma história e são herdeiras de outras ainda mais escancaradas e violentas. Em um primeiro momento vê-se a história das primeiras leis com o intuito de proteção das crianças e adolescentes, como algumas diretrizes do Código Penal de 1830 e a primeira lei brasileira que versava sobre diretrizes das vidas infantis, o Código de Menores. Na segunda parte, discorre-se sobre a reelaboração do Código Mello Matos e sobre o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Em sua terceira parte, o trabalho se dá em cima da questão do olhar psicológico e da prática da psicologia nestes locais de internação e reenquadramentos sociais. Será que estamos realmente fazendo nosso papel? Como guisa de conclusão, tenta-se verificar novas oportunidades para a psicologia, e discussões que ela deve ter consigo mesma para não cair em discursos que não são pertinentes e humanitários.
Human Papillomavirus Induced Cervical and Oropharyngeal Cancers: From Mechanisms to Potential Immuno-therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Saeed Mohd. , Faisal Syed Mohd , Akhtar Firoz , Ahmad Saheem , Alreshidi Mousa M. , Kausar Mohd. Adnan , Kazmi Shadab , Saeed Amir , Adnan Mohd. , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: April 2020

The human papillomavirus (HPV) associated infections are the hallmark of cervical and neck cancer.
Almost all the cases of cervical cancer (CC) and 70% of oropharyngeal cancer (OC) are, more or less, caused by the
persistent infection of HPV. CC is the fourth most common cancer globally, and is commenced by the persistent
infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs), predominantly HPV types; 16 and 18. In the light of the above facts,
there is an immediate requirement to develop novel preventive and innovative therapeutic strategies that may help in
lower occurrences of HPV mediated cancers. Currently, only radiation and chemical-based therapies are the treatment
for HPV mediated neck cancer (NC) and CC. Recent advances in the field of immunotherapy are underway,
which are expected to unravel the optimal treatment strategies for the growing HPV mediated cancers. In this review,
we decipher the mechanism of pathogenesis with current immunotherapeutic advances in regressing the NC and CC,
with an emphasis on immune-therapeutic strategies being tested in clinical trials and predominantly focus on defining
the efficacy and limitations. Taken together, these immunological advances have enhanced the effectiveness of immunotherapy
and promises better treatment results in coming future.
In Silico Analysis, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Triazole Derivatives as H1 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Badeliya Sandip N. , Panchal Ishan I. , Panigrahi Bibhuranjan , Patel C. N.
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

Histamine, a biological amine, is considered as a principal mediator of
many pathological processes regulating several essential events in allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Numerous derivatives have been developed that strive with histamine at the H1 receptor
and prevent binding of histamine at the H1 receptor, thereby preventing allergic reactions. Molecules
containing a triazole ring fused with six-membered ring systems are found to possess broad
applications in the field of medicine and industry. The present study is an attempt to characterize
the impact of the nature of the substituent introduced at 5 positions of the-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol
on their capacities to bind with the H1 receptor.

Methods:

Molecular docking (PDB ID: 3RZE) revealed that synthesized derivatives and target
proteins were actively involved in binding with Tyr-108, Thr-112, Ala-216, and Phe-432 subunits.
A pharmacophore model, new 5-(4-substituted phenyl)-4-(phenylamino)-4-H-1,2,4-triazole-3-
thiols (5a-5h) were designed and evaluated for H1-blocking activity using isolated segments from
the guinea pig ileum.

Results:

According to in silico analysis, all the compounds have a topological polar
surface area (TPSA) less than 140 Å squared, so they tend to a good penetration in cell
membranes. The results show that most of the compounds are non-inhibitors of CYP450
substrates that play a fundamental role in drug metabolism. Compounds 5d
(50.53±12.03), 5h (50.62±12.33) and 7a (55.07±12.41) are more active than others.

Conclusion:

Finally, these derivatives were screened for H1 receptor antagonist activity
using guinea pig ileum taking chlorpheniramine maleate as a standard. Most of the
compounds possesses better antihistamine activity.
Identifying the Molecular Targets of an Anti-pathogenic Hydroalcoholic Extract of Punica granatum Peel Against Multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens
Authors: Joshi Chinmayi , Patel Pooja , Godatwar Pawan , Sharma Sanjeev , Kothari Vijay
Published: April 2020

Background:

Antibiotic-resistant members of the family Enterobacteriaceae are
among the serious threats to human health globally. This study reports the anti-pathogenic activity
of Punica granatum peel extract (PGPE) against a multi-drug resistant, beta-lactamase producing
member of this family i.e. Serratia marcescens.

Objective:

This study aimed at assessing the anti-pathogenic activity of PGPE against the gramnegative
bacterial pathogen S. marcescens and identifying the molecular targets of this extract in
the test bacterium.

Methods:

Effect of PGPE on S. marcescens growth and quorum sensing (QS)-regulated pigment
production was assessed through broth dilution assay. In vivo anti-infective and prophylactic activity
of PGPE was assessed employing the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model
host. Differential gene expression in PGPE-exposed S. marcescens was studied through a whole
transcriptome approach.

Results:

PGPE was able to modulate QS-regulated pigment production in S. marcescens without
exerting any heavy growth-inhibitory effect at concentrations as low as ≥2.5 μg/mL. It could attenuate
the virulence of the test bacterium towards the worm host by 22-42% (p≤0.01) at even
lower concentrations (≥0.5 μg/mL). PGPE also exerted a post-extract effect on S. marcescens.
This extract was found to offer prophylactic benefit too, to the host worm, as PGPE-pre-fed
worms scored better (34-51%; p≤0.001) survival in face of subsequent bacterial attack. Differential
gene expression analysis revealed that PGPE affected the expression of a total of 66 genes in
S. marcescens by ≥1.5 fold.

Conclusion:

The anti-virulence effect of PGPE against S. marcescens is multifaceted, affecting
stress-response machinery, efflux activity, iron homeostasis, and cellular energetics of this bacterium
notably. Among the major molecular targets identified in this study are LPS export
transporter permease (LptF), t-RNA pseudouridine synthase (TruB), etc.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammatory Markers of Vascular Disease
Authors: Balta Sevket
Published: April 2020

Vascular diseases are the main reason for morbidity and mortality worldwide. As we know,
the earlier phase of vascular diseases is endothelial dysfunction in humans, the endothelial tissues play
an important role in inflammation, coagulation, and angiogenesis, via organizing ligand-receptor associations
and the various mediators’ secretion. We can use many inflammatory non-invasive tests (flowmediated
dilatation, epicedial fat thickness, carotid-intima media thickness, arterial stiffness and anklebrachial
index) for assessing the endothelial function. In addition, many biomarkers (ischemia modified
albumin, pentraxin-3, E-selectin, angiopoietin, endothelial cell specific molecule 1, asymmetrical dimethylarginine,
von Willebrand factor, endothelial microparticles and endothelial progenitor cells) can
be used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. We have focused on the relationship between endothelial
dysfunction and inflammatory markers of vascular disease in this review.
T9-T10 Osteomyelitis, Epidural Abscess and Cord Compression Secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus: A Case Report
Authors: Davis Michelle A. , Antony Suresh
Published: April 2020

Case Report:

We report a case of spinal abscess/osteomyelitis at the T9-T10 levels in a non-immunocompromised patient who presented with lower extremity weakness secondary to a Mycobacterium abscessus infection. This patient was successfully treated with surgical debridement with amikacin-tigecycline-imipenem triple therapy before and after her debridement. Outcomes and treatment with this rare cause of epidural abscess/osteomyelitis are not well defined at this time.

Background:

Clinical Presentations with this species of mycobacterium are usually systemic with patients presenting with pulmonary and soft tissue infections. The primary presentation of spinal epidural abscess/osteomyelitis is unusual, especially when there is no primary focus such as a lung infection or concurrent bacteremia.

Conclusion:

This paper presents a new case of spinal osteomyelitis without a primary source in addition to 10 previously reported M. abscessus cases. The treatment plans and outcomes suggest that surgical debridement along with a macrolide-based combination therapy should be considered a definitive treatment against Mycobacterium abscesses.
Review and Improvement of the Finite Moment Problem
Authors: Hjouj Fawaz , Jouini Mohamed Soufiane
Published: April 2020

Background:

This paper reviews the Particle Size Distribution (PSD) problem in detail. Mathematically, the problem faced while recovering a function from a finite number of its geometric moments has been discussed with the help of the Spline Theory. Undoubtedly, the splines play a major role in the theory of interpolation and approximation in many fields of pure and applied sciences. B-Splines form a practical basis for the piecewise polynomials of the desired degree. A high degree of accuracy has been obtained in recovering a function within the first ten to fifteen geometric moments. The proposed approximation formula has been tested on several types of synthetic functions. This work highlights some advantages, such as the use of a practical basis for the approximating space, the exactness of computing the moments of these basis functions and the reduction of the size along with an appropriate transformation of the resulting linear system for stability.

Objective:

The aim is to recover a function from a finite number of its geometric moments.

Methods:

The main tool is the Spline Theory. Undoubtedly, the role of splines in the theory of interpolation and approximation in many fields of pure and applied sciences has been well- established. B-Splines form a practical basis for the piecewise polynomials of the desired degree.

Results:

A high degree of accuracy has been obtained in recovering a function within the first ten to fifteen geometric moments. The proposed approximation formula is tested on several types of synthetic functions.

Conclusion:

This work highlights some advantages, such as the use of a practical basis for the approximating space, the exactness of computing the moments of these basis functions and the reduction of the size along with the data transformation of the resulting linear system for stability.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings of Cervical Spine Derangement (CSD) among Iraqi Working Dentists
Authors: Al Shammari Ghassan Abdulateef Abbas , Al-Esawi Sattar Razzaq , Taher Abbas , Albujeer Ammar H
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To assess the cervical spine derangement among working dentists using MRI in order to establish a relationship between job parameters and cervical derangement changes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out at the MRI unit of Al-Sader Medical city of Al Najaf health directorate from June 2015 to December 2016. The involved 43 working dentist volunteers of varying age and sex, who underwent an MRI of their cervical spine.

Results:

The MRI was normal in 16 (37.3%) and abnormal in 27 (62.8%) participants. The abnormality was due to cervical spine spondylitis changes.

Conclusion:

Intervertebral Discs (IVD) degeneration was the most frequent finding, followed by IVD herniation.
Assessment of Peri-implant Buccal Bone Thickness Using Digital Imaging Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bohner Lauren , Hanisch Marcel , Chilvarquer Israel , Kleinheinz Johannes , Tortamano Pedro
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

This systematic review aimed to answer the following focused question: Do the currently available imaging techniques provide accuracy in the assessment of peri-implant buccal bone thickness?

Methods:

A search strategy was conducted in eight electronic databases, followed by an additional manual search in grey literature and references of selected articles. Studies evaluating the accuracy of imaging techniques to measure peri-implant buccal bone thickness were included. Individual risk of bias was assessed by the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate CBCT accuracy. The overall effect size was determined by means of the Z-test. Q test was used to evaluate the homogeneity of effect sizes among studies and I2 was applied to determine the variance within studies.

Results:

After an initial screening, 83 studies were further selected for full reading and 13 of them were considered eligible for this review. In sum, the accuracy of Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), of ultrasound, and of computed tomography were assessed. There was no statistically significant difference between CBCT and the gold standard (p=0.81). The mean difference between measurements of bone thickness obtained by CBCT and the goldstandard was -0.0.3mm [95%CI -0.29;0.253mm].

Conclusion:

CBCT showed acceptable accuracy for assessing peri-implant bone. No meaningful conclusion could be drawn about other techniques.
A New Study of Shape and Size-dependent Properties of Nanocrystals Utilizing the Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Salem Aeshah
Published: April 2020

Background:

Possessions of components, described by their shape and
size (S&S), are certainly attractive and has formed the foundation of the developing
field of nanoscience.

Methods:

Here, we study the S&S reliant on electronic construction and possession
of nanocrystals by semiconductors and metals to explain this feature. We formerly
considered the chemical dynamics of mineral nanocrystals that are arranged
according to the S&S not only for the big surface area, but also as a consequence of
the considerably diverse electronic construction of the nanocrystals.

Results:

The S&S of models, approved by using the Fractional Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FFTIR), indicate the construction of CdSe and ZnSe
nanoparticles.

Conclusion:

In order to study the historical behavior of the nanomaterial in terms
of S&S and estimate further results, the FFTIR was used to solve this project.