bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The validity and reliability of a novel mobile app to measure agility performance in the physically active youth population
Authors: Escobar-Alvarez Juan A. , Carrasco Rocio , Olivares Pedro R. , Feu Sebastián , Ramírez-Velez Robinson , Pérez-Sousa Miguel A.
Published: January 2021

Agility is a key component of physical fitness in adolescents. However, the measurement of this variable is usually complex, requiring high cost instruments and complex software. To test the validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app (Lap Tracker Auto-timer) to measure agility performance among adolescents. Twenty-four physically active adolescents (15.7 ± 2.3 years old) participated in two testing sessions (separated by 7 days). They performed three 4 x 10 m agility test trials measured by Photocell or the iPhone app. The correlation analysis revealed high validity (r = .92; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .88 – .95), with a standard error of the estimate of 0.56 s (p < 0.001). The coefficient of variation (CV; 0.09) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; .93; 95% CI = .85 – .97) showed an acceptable reliability. This study demonstrated that the iPhone App Lap Tracker Auto-timer could be a valid, reliable and low-cost tool to evaluate agility performance in adolescents. However, more studies are required to guarantee the utility of this app.
Narratives 2.0
Authors: König Katharina
Published: January 2021

Based on a corpus of voice message narratives in German WhatsApp group chats, the present study contributes to research on social media storytelling in that it focusses on stories of personal experience which are embedded in a communication platform which favours a continuous dialogic exchange, narrated to well-defined non-anonymous publics and multimodal (comprised of visual and audible posting types). To capture the characteristics of this type of social media storytelling, the paper argues that Ochs and Capps’ (2001) dimensional model originally developed for conversational narratives (including the dimensions of tellability, tellership, embeddedness, linearity, moral stance) should be expanded by the dimensions of publicness, multimodality and sequencing. The prototype of storytelling in WhatsApp group chats is based on recent personal experiences; it is related by a single teller as an initial, sequentially non-embedded and linearly organised “big package” story (in a single voice message sometimes introduced by a text message containing an abstract); other group members routinely document their evaluative stances in rather conventionalised text message responses in the semi-public group space.
Inclusão dos temas de gestão nos currículos dos cursos de graduação em Odontologia no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira José Jhenikártery Maia de , Almeida Nicholas Nicolau , Farias Micaella Fernandes , Andrade Kauana da Silva , Silva Fábio Victor Dias , Lima Júnior Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos
Published: January 2021

Introdução e objetivo: Considerando a escassez de disciplinas que abordem a intrínseca relação entre a área da saúde, especificamente a odontologia, e a administração, nas grades curriculares dos cursos de graduação em Odontologia espalhados pelo país, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a inclusão dos temas da área de gestão nos currículos dos cursos de graduação em odontologia, conforme determinam as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais de 2002. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, cuja população foi constituída por todas as faculdades registradas junto ao Conselho Federal de Odontologia. A coleta dos dados foi realizada através dos sites institucionais das faculdades, por meio da análise das ementas e planos de curso de graduação em odontologia, no período de junho a setembro de 2016. Resultados: Verificou-se a existência de 220 faculdades de odontologia no Brasil. O estado de São Paulo concentrava 21,4% das instituições; 71,69% divulgavam suas informações curriculares no site; 36,97% ofertavam disciplinas da área de gestão e 7,56% ofertam conteúdos de gestão através de outras disciplinas. Conclusão: Em função da inobservância de um percentual expressivo de cursos de odontologia que atendam à determinação da inclusão da formação em gestão nas matrizes dos cursos de odontologia no Brasil, pode-se concluir que esta ainda é bastante incipiente e que, possivelmente, os egressos destes cursos apresentam um significativo déficit de formação.
FEATURES AND PROSPECTS OF THE ECONOMIC RENT FROM WORKFORCE AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS IN UKRAINE
Authors: Bogush Larysa
Published: January 2021

Object of research: the article presents the results of studying the economic rent from workforce and social conditions (significant components of the important rent-forming resource of nowadays global economy – social capital) in Ukraine. Solved problem: determining the features of economic rent, outlining the conditions and prospects for increasing the rental income of the Ukrainian economy from the capitalization of workforce’ intellectual and creative qualities, as well as socium rent-generating conjunctures. Main scientific results: the role of the economic rent in the system of rental relations of the modern global economy and its national components is examined; the features of the formation and distribution of economic rent’ various types in the process of using the workforce’ intellectual and creative potential, as well as other components of the nowadays most significant type of rent-forming resources – social capital – are studied. The specificity of human component and social capital in general as a rent-generating resource is manifested in the generation of additional prerequisites (resource, organizational and economic) and incentives to increase volumes and expand potential areas for extracting rent income in the process of its use, since the using of the employee’ knowledge and abilities leads to a consistent accumulation of professional experience, and consequently – to a permanent increase in the aggregate of these rent-generating properties and in activities for improving the environment of their implementation in Ukraine. Scope of practical use of research results: the research results can be used in developing strategies and programs of Ukrainian economy’ innovative diversification in the process of its further competitive integration into the global economic space, that, among other things, requires the creation of conditions for improving the rent-generating properties of workforce and social environment, as well as increasing the level of its capitalization.
RESEARCH OF REPARATIVE MECHANISMS IN THE OPTIC NERVE IN TOXIC NEUROPATHY CAUSED BY Cr (VI)
Authors: Kuzenko Olena , Demin Yuri , Kuzenko Yevhen
Published: January 2021

Intoxication lesions of the optic nerve (toxic optic neuropathy, TON) most often occur under the influence of exogenous factors, including heavy metals. Сell survival under stress have involves heat shock proteins (HSPs). The aim of the research. To assess the optic nerve’s immunoreactivity to heat shock proteins of the HSP70 and HSP90α families and reveal its relationship with the severity of morphological changes in toxic optic neuropathy caused by Cr (VI). Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 48 mature male rats. The experimental groups were given to drink water with Cr(VI) for 20, 40 and 60 days. This type of water is typical for the water basins in the northern districts of the Sumy region. Optic nerves сhanges under the influence of Cr(VI) have investigated by the morphometric method. Neuroglial cells and capillary endothelial cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry by HSP70α and HSP90 expression for intensity and spatial distribution. Results. The data analysis revealed that Cr (VI) has a neurotoxic effect on the optic nerve with the development of edema, which is manifested by the thickening of nerve fibers. The dynamics of HSP70 immunoexpression in the endothelium of the optic nerve capillaries of rats on 20 and 40 experimental days was characterized by stable values and was 1.5 times higher than the control. The maximum number of positively stained cells for the HSP70 marker was detected in endothelial cells of the microvasculature for 60 days – 82.44±12.42 %. HSP70 levels in neuroglia cells of optic nerve have decreased on day 40 (55.66±11.56% p=0.05) and lower than the control (70.44±4.81 %.) group. Optic nerve capillaries was highest immunoactivity on HSP90 in group II endothelial cells – 51.22±14.57% (p=0.05). The activity of HSP90α protein in optic neuroglia cells was characterized by a gradual increase in the duration of the experiment and was higher by 12, 4 % in experimental group III (81.77±21.67 %) compared with control (71.66±4.95 %). Conclusions. Our study provides an insight into the significant difference in the immunoreactivity of heat shock proteins of the HSP70 and HSP90α families in neuroglia and endothelial cells of the optic nerve capillaries under the influence of Cr(VI). The results obtained suggest that Cr (VI) has a neurotoxic effect on the optic nerve with the development of edema, which is manifested by the thickening of nerve fibers. A comparison of the dynamics of the development of the dystrophic process in the optic nerve with the results of the immunohistochemical analysis showed, that an increase in the thickness of nerve fibers is accompanied by an increase in immunoreactive neuroglial cells (HSP90α) and endothelial cells (HSP70).
METHODS OF MUSIC THERAPY AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BIOELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF STUDENTS' BRAINS WHILE LISTENING TO THE MUSICAL COMPOSITION OF THE AUDIBLE FREQUENCY SPECTRUM
Authors: Liashko Dariia
Published: January 2021

The object of the study. Experimental research of music therapy methods. The problem to be solved. Determining the influence of selected musical composition of the audible frequency spectrum on the bioelectrical activity of students' brains, in particular alpha-, beta- and theta-rhythms. Main scientific results. The dependence of the influence on the bioelectrical activity of the brain of the compositions of the three frequency bands both individually and the composition as a whole is revealed. The dependence of alpha, beta and theta rhythms is shown. The area of ​​practical use of the research results. Medical institutions specializing in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system, organic brain damage, stress, and its effective psychological rehabilitation. An innovative technological product. A technique of music therapy that allows to determine how different frequency ranges affect the bioelectrical activity of the human brain. The area of application of an innovative technological product. Clinical practice of using a music therapy.
MANEUVER FOR STOPPING THE SHIP IN A SET POINT BY ACTIVE OR PASSIVE BRAKING AND CONCIDERING THE CURRENT
Authors: Kalinichenko Yevgeniy , Kourov Mykhaylo , Volovyk Kateryna
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the use of active or passive braking of a ship to stop it at a given point. To substantiate the relevance of the study, an analysis of the literature on the problem of ensuring the safe maneuvering of ships was carried out, in which the issues of theoretical and experimental studies of the turnability of ships, the adequacy of the existing models of turnability to the real process of turning the ship, as well as the development of a system of autopilot control of the ship's heading using the principles of fuzzy logic were considered. Considerable attention is paid to the development of an information system for simulating the movement of ships with complex dynamic models. The necessary analytical expressions are given that characterize the dependences of the time and the distance traveled to the stop of the ship on the mode of active and passive braking, which are required to solve the problem posed in the work. A formal description of the maneuver for stopping the ship at a given point by active and passive braking is obtained. This description makes it possible to determine the moment of engine stop in case of passive braking or the moment of its reverse – in case of active braking, provided that the ship is following a heading equal to the bearing to a given point. Cases of presence and absence of current in the area of ship maneuver are considered. In the case of the presence of a current, two stages of the ship's movement are considered: from the zero moment of time until the moment of the start of braking, when the speed of the ship is unchanged, and the second stage, from the moment of the start of braking until the stop of the ship, when the speed of the ship decreases. To take into account the flow during braking with an exit to a given point, two methods are proposed. The first one is at a constant flow angle with a lateral displacement relative to the programmed trajectory of motion. And the second – with a variable flow angle at zero displacement relative to it. A successful check of the correctness of the results obtained by simulation computer modeling of maneuvers for stopping the ship at a given point of braking, taking into account the current, has been carried out
DETERMINATION OF THE SIZES OF PARTICLES OF SUPERCONDUCTING CUPRATE Y3Ba5Cu8OX BY MEANS OF DIFFERENT METHODS
Authors: Bolotnikova Anastasiia
Published: January 2021

The superconducting cuprate Y3Ba5Cu8Ox was obtained with the help of sol-gel technology (sample C), co-precipitation of hydroxocarbonates (sample B) and solid-phase synthesis methods (A). Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy and methods based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction data: the Williamson-Hall construction and the Scherrer formula, features of the microstructure of the synthesized samples are established. The smallest particle size has a sample that has been synthesized by the sol-gel method. The tendency to aggregation and sedimentation for this sample is the smallest. The sample obtained by the co-precipitation method has larger grains and a higher tendency to aggregate. The size of the microparticles and the tendency to aggregate for the sample synthesized by the solid-phase method are greatest. The morphology of particles was studied using three methods: SEM, Scherrer and Williamson-Hall formulas and the following results were found: particle size depends on the synthesis method, but a relatively narrow size distribution within one synthesis method remains, the value of crystal lattice microdeformation for samples increases in a line: C sample– A sample– B sample. Thus, the work was carried out for determining the size, structure and morphology of superconducting phases. It expands knowledge in the field of research of superconducting compounds
Entanglement spreading after local fermionic excitations in the XXZ chain
Authors: Gruber Matthias , Eisler Viktor
Published: January 2021

We study the spreading of entanglement produced by the time evolution of
a local fermionic excitation created above the ground state of the XXZ chain.
The resulting entropy profiles are investigated via density-matrix
renormalization group calculations, and compared to a quasiparticle ansatz.
In particular, we assume that the entanglement is dominantly
carried by spinon excitations traveling at different velocities, and the entropy
profile is reproduced by a probabilistic expression involving the
density fraction of the spinons reaching the subsystem. The ansatz
works well in the gapless phase for moderate values of the XXZ anisotropy,
eventually deteriorating as other types of quasiparticle excitations gain spectral weight.
Furthermore, if the initial state is excited by a local Majorana fermion, we observe a
nontrivial rescaling of the entropy profiles. This effect is further investigated
in a conformal field theory framework, carrying out calculations for the
Luttinger liquid theory. Finally, we also consider excitations creating an
antiferromagnetic domain wall in the gapped phase of the chain, and find
again a modified quasiparticle ansatz with a multiplicative factor.
Correlation functions by separation of variables: the XXX spin chain
Authors: Niccoli Giuliano , Pei Hao , Terras Véronique
Published: January 2021

We explain how to compute correlation functions at zero temperature within the framework of the quantum version of the Separation of Variables (SoV) in the case of a simple model: the XXX Heisenberg chain of spin 1/2 with twisted (quasi-periodic) boundary conditions. We first detail all steps of our method in the case of anti-periodic boundary conditions. The model can be solved in the SoV framework by introducing inhomogeneity parameters. The action of local operators on the eigenstates are then naturally expressed in terms of multiple sums over these inhomogeneity parameters. We explain how to transform these sums over inhomogeneity parameters into multiple contour integrals. Evaluating these multiple integrals by the residues of the poles outside the integration contours, we rewrite this action as a sum involving the roots of the Baxter polynomial plus a contribution of the poles at infinity. We show that the contribution of the poles at infinity vanishes in the thermodynamic limit, and that we recover in this limit for the zero-temperature correlation functions the multiple integral representation that had been previously obtained through the study of the periodic case by Bethe Ansatz or through the study of the infinite volume model by the q-vertex operator approach. We finally show that the method can easily be generalized to the case of a more general non-diagonal twist: the corresponding weights of the different terms for the correlation functions in finite volume are then modified, but we recover in the thermodynamic limit the same multiple integral representation than in the periodic or anti-periodic case, hence proving the independence of the thermodynamic limit of the correlation functions with respect to the particular form of the boundary twist.
Incorporation of Fluorescent Dyes in Electrospun Chitosan/Poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Guellis Cristiane , Rossin Ariane , Bessegato Guilherme , Dragunski Douglas , Bariccatti Reinaldo , Lindino Cleber
Published: January 2021

Polymeric films have been increasingly investigated due to the ease of miniaturization and integration in several sensor devices. Films obtained from the electrospinning technique have a controlled diameter and homogeneity, and substances can be incorporated into the polymeric network. Electrospinning fiber of chitosan (Ch) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was obtained from solutions prepared at different concentrations in acetic acid, and varying the distance and the voltage applied. The obtained films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible specular reflectance spectra (UV-SRS). The best conditions for electrospinning were obtained for a 2% m/v (Ch + PEO) solution in the ratio 90:10% m/m (Ch:PEO), applied voltage of 18 kV, and 18 cm distance between the capillary tube and collector. Acridine orange, sodium fluorescein, and erythrosine fluorescence dyes were successfully incorporated into Ch:PEO films. The spectrofluorometric spectra of the films showed excitation and emission processes and the acridine orange film showed evidence of excimer formation by the presence of an excitation peak at 569 nm. Ch-PEO films with the incorporation of fluorescent dyes may well be used as flexible probes or sensors in colorimetric devices in biochemical applications.
Factor Model of Labor Productivity in the Coal Industry
Authors: Kharlampenkov Evgeny , Kudryashova Irina
Published: January 2021

The article introduces the problem of increasing the labor efficiency at Russian coal enterprises. Using the case of Kuzbass, the authors examined factors that affect labor efficiency in coal industry, e.g. new equipment and mining technologies, qualified personnel, robotics, new quality management and information technologies, etc. They used a multiplicative model to estimate the key factors and made forecast of its dynamics up to 2035 for open and underground mining. The authors believe that effective models of mining enterprise management are impossible without a radical increase in labor efficiency, since it indicates labor costs in the production of the final product per unit of time. Labor efficiency in the open-pit mining is higher, as it has lower labor costs and offers a simple and safe way of organizing labor processes. However, new equipment can increase the efficiency of underground mining. Underground mines also demonstrate a faster growth of labor efficiency than open pits. The authors justified the need to assess labor efficiency using a system analysis and a multiplicative model. As global coal market continues to deteriorate, mining labor efficiency can still maintain positive long-term rates of growth if it manages to optimize deliveries and increase the labor efficiency at the federal level. The research possesses considerable theoretical and practical significance as it offers a solution for of the most relevant challenges.
МОЛИТВА ПРАВОСЛАВНОГО ВРАЧА
Authors:   Первый Санкт-Петербургский государственный медицинский университет имени академика И.П. Павлова, Филимонов С.В.
Published: January 2021

An Orthodox Christian with a higher medical education, living according to the commandments of God, a full-fledged church life, regularly (at least 1-2 times a month) partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, professing the Orthodox faith in accordance with the Holy Gospel, apostolic rules, rules of the Ecumenical Councils and the Holy Fathers of the Church, by decisions of the Local Church Councils, recognizing the hierarchy (the Most Holy Patriarch, Synod, ruling bishops), attending church on Sundays and holidays, praying in the morning and evening, having or looking for a confessor, being in a married marriage or striving for such, praying for his patients, studying spiritual literature or studying at catechism or theological courses, taking care of both medical and spiritual education, regularly purifying his soul in the Sacrament of Repentance, repenting, among others, of medical sins.
Fight Against «German Domination» and Creation of «Liquidation Law» Rules in the Russian Empire During the First World War
Authors:   Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Sinichenko V.V.
Published: January 2021

The article sets out the goal of analyzing Russian legislation from the period of 1914 –1917. The relevance of the work is caused by the fact that in modern historiography there is no single view on the formation and composition of the legal framework of the so-called «liquidation legislation». This is due to the fact that researchers study typically three different groups of regulations: firstly, it is a struggle against foreign land tenure and land use in Russia; secondly, the struggle against foreign share capital, and thirdly, the struggle against the right to own and manage enterprises that then functioned in Russia and belonged to «enemy subjects» and «immigrants from hostile states» by the ownership right. The object of the study in the article was the measures of the emergency legislation of Russia in the framework of which a liquidation company was carried out against foreign enterprises during the First World War. The subject of the study is the activities of the Russian government, expressed in a number of Decrees of the Council of Ministers 1914–1917 which aimed at restricting the subjects` rights of the states warring with Russia. Along with general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, etc.), the work uses the problem-chronological method, which made it possible not only to describe the dynamics of the adoption of the norms of «liquidation law», but also to identify the impact on its development of the political situation, the decision-making algorithm of the Russian government in the time period studied. The author concludes that from March 16, 1915 to February 7, 1917, the activities of the Russian government in relation to subjects of the countries hostile to Russia were unskilled and did not comply with the practice of international law. This had a negative impact on the economic activities of the Russian state, which was in difficult conditions of military confrontation with the «Central Powers» bloc during the First World War.
Special Features of Regulating Agency Relations in China (Comparative Legal Aspect)
Authors:   Dorji Banzarov Buryat State University, Chmeleva T.A.
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to the agency agreement, which has become widespread in recent years in the field of ensuring interaction between entrepreneurs of China and Russia. This agreement has the following characteristic features: the onset of legal consequences for the principal as a result of the commission of legal and / or actual actions in his interests by another person; personal participation of the agent in relations with third parties to achieve the goals of the agency agreement; urgent nature; responsibility of the agent for actions performed in the interests of the principal. Such features of the treaty under consideration expand the possibilities of entrepreneurs and other entities that do not have this status, serving as a kind of tool that allows them to delegate part of their powers to others, but to satisfy their own needs, and therefore determine the important role of agency in commercial relations, including when making foreign trade deals. Therefore, the study of the regulation of agency relations in various legal orders seems to be very relevant, and a comparative analysis of the legislation of different countries, in addition to the utilitarian role, can help in determining the ways of further development of domestic law. The article examines the place of the agency agreement among other institutions of representation under the legislation of Russia and China, identifies the prospects for improving Russian legislation, taking into account the Chinese experience.
Developing an USACE method to rehabilitate Hour-al-Azim marsh and dust management
Authors: Shani Ramin Gorji , Barani Gholam-Abbas
Published: January 2021

Hour-al-Azim marsh is one of the most significant wetlands of the Mesopotamia watershed. In the past few years, severe environmental and hydrological stress have caused the loss of a large part of its area and its bed has become the largest focal point of haze in the southwestern of Iran. Determining delineation is one of the most important and necessary measures to protect a wetland's ecosystem and, in this study, delineation was determined using the USACE-R-G method. This method is a combination of ecological and hydrological criteria with a Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System. The results showed that under the first scenario the marsh is about 3,279 km2 which about 882 square kilometers constitute free-water surface and its average depth is 2.4 meters. In the second scenario, these numbers were estimated to be 1,619 km2 with an average depth of 2.7 meters. Moreover, the area of the haze focus is about 1,659 km2. As well as this, under these conditions the amount of water required to submerge the marsh is 7.9 in the first scenario and 4.4 billion cubic meters in the second one.
TEATRO DE OBJETOS NA PANDEMIA: EXPERIMENTAÇÕES PRÁTICAS
Authors: PARENTE JOSE
Published: January 2021

Relato e reflexão sobre três experimentos cênicos na linguagem do teatro de objetos, uma vertente do moderno e do contemporâneo teatro de animação, concebidos e realizados durante o período de quarentena imposto pela pandemia mundial do novo corona vírus. Mais especificamente, o estudo busca compreender a relação entre o objeto e o conceito de metáfora, bem como as possibilidades do emprego consciente desta noção em processos artísticos.

Palavras-chave: encenação contemporânea, processos criativos, metáfora, teatro de objetos.
Editorial
Authors: Ciotti Naira , Dos Santos Lopes Melissa
Published: January 2021

Nesta edição, composta por dezesseis textos, a revista Manzuáreflete a diversidade da produção de conhecimento nas ArtesCênicas e registra quatorze diferentes abordagens sobre o amplotema do corpo em tempos de isolamento.
The Clinical Characteristics and Survival Profiles of Wilms Tumor in the United Arab Emirates: A Single-center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: AlJassmi Abdulrahman Mohammad , Rana Asim Noor , Humad Hani , Madasu Anjan
Published: January 2021

Background:

Wilms Tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric kidney tumor, yet the disease has variable clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes
across different populations.

Objectives:

This study aims to review the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of children with WT who have received treatment at Dubai Hospital,
UAE.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted involving the medical records of confirmed WT children (aged < 14 years) who had received treatment
between 2013 and 2018. Diagnosis should have been established based on the histopathological examination of operable tumors and needle biopsy
for inoperable tumors. The Société Internationale d’Oncologie Pédiatrique (SIOP) WT 2001 protocol was used for patient management, and the
UMBRELLA SIOP–RTSG 2016 Wilms tumor pathology and molecular biology protocol was used for histopathologic classification and clinical
staging. The presenting sign and symptoms, the findings of diagnostic imaging techniques, histological grading, the received treatments, and
follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to carry out the survival analysis.

Results:

Ten children were diagnosed with WT (median age of 3.40 years, 60% males). All patients presented with abdominal masses without prominent
pain. Synchronous bilateral lesions were found at diagnosis in one patient and metastatic lesions in three patients. Four children were discharged
against medical advice; five received treatment according to the SIOP WT 2001 regimen, while the remaining patient was managed in the United
States according to the National Wilms Tumor Study Group (NWTSG) protocol. The overall 6-year and relapse-free survival rates were 90% and
80%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The clinical characteristics and managemental outcomes of children presenting with WT are promising, possibly owing to adopting the SIOP
protocol. Considering the small sample size, more large-scale, nation-wide studies are warranted.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Development of Curcumin, its Combinations and Formulations and Curcumin-like Compounds as Anti-infective Agents
Authors: Kannigadu Christina , N'Da David. D.
Published: January 2021

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria,
fungi, parasites and viruses. Such diseases mostly develop in tropical and sub-tropical
climates and represent major health challenges. The pathogens of these diseases are
able to multiply in human hosts, warranting their continual survival. Prevention of these
diseases is becoming extremely difficult due to the absence of effective vaccines and
their treatment, less effective due to the emergence of resistance by their causative pathogens
to existing drugs. Several currently available drugs employ oxidative stress, resulting
from the generation of reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS), as the mechanism
for exerting their pharmacological actions. RONS inhibit endogenous antioxidant enzymes,
which ultimately eradicate the microbiota.

Curcumin, a redox-active natural product, for centuries, has been used in Asian traditional
medicine for the treatment of various diseases. It is known for possessing multiple biological
and pharmacological activities. Curcumin has been investigated extensively over
the years for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiparasitic, antiviral and antibacterial activities,
and no toxicity is associated with the compound. Despite its potency and good
safety profile, curcumin is still in clinical trials for the treatment of diseases, such as tuberculosis,
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Crohn’s disease, colorectal
cancer, and multiple myeloma, among many others, as it is yet to be qualified as a therapeutic
agent. This review summarizes events over the last decade, especially regarding
the discovery of curcumin, an update of its synthesis, its pathogen specific mechanisms
of action, and the pharmacological effects of its derivatives, combinations and formulations
as potential antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral agents for the treatment
of various infectious diseases.
COVID-19 Infection: Epidemiology, Virology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment
Authors: Kaur Avneet , Bhalla Vijay , Salahuddin Mohammed , Rahman Syed O. , Pottoo Faheem H.
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus was first discovered during the year 1930 and since then, various coronaviruses like
HKU1, MERS-CoV , NL63 and SARS-CoV-2 have been found to infect humans. The COVID-19 pandemic
caused by SARS-CoV-2 is spreading at an alarming rate, thereby creating a health emergency around the world.
SARS-CoV2 is reported to be originated from a wet animal market of Wuhan, China. Since then, the world is
searching for effective ways to manage and treat the COVID-19 infection. The infections have already multiplied
with several folds compared to the number of persons infected by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. In order to fill the gap of knowledge about this virus,
several pieces of evidence are required to control it so more lives could be saved. The present review is based
on the publicly available literature in order to explore the knowledge regarding epidemiology, virology, diagnosis,
clinical features, pharmacological and therapeutic ways to treat the novel coronavirus. This can be helpful
in offering novel insights and potential therapeutics for fighting this disease.
Natural Products, a Potential Therapeutic Modality in Management and Treatment of nCoV-19 Infection: Preclinical and Clinical Based Evidence
Authors: Iqubal Ashif , Iqubal Mohammad K. , Ahmed Musheer , Haque Syed E.
Published: January 2021

A recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCoV-19) has put an enormous burden on global public
health. Millions of people were affected by this pandemic, and as of now, no effective antiviral drug has been
found for the management of this situation. Cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress, hypoxia and multi-organ
failure are hallmark clinical conditions of this disease. Trials for several investigational and repurposed drugs
are being conducted, but none of them were found to be safe and effective. However, for the critically ill patient,
plasma therapy, dexamethasone, and remdesivir are included in the treatment protocol. For a long time,
various natural drugs have been used as antiviral agents in Indian and Chinese traditional medicines, which can
be explored as a potential therapeutic option in such situation. It is, therefore, speculated that the proper screening
and standardization of these medicines can be a breakthrough in the management and treatment of nCoV-19
infection. As natural products possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory properties
and also specifically act on various viral enzymatic machinery and affect their replication process, thus
they may be useful as alternatives in relieving symptoms and treatment of nCoV-19 infection. However, only
on the basis of their traditional value, discrimination and off-label use of these natural drugs must be prevented,
and robust preclinical and clinical data along with appropriate guidelines are needed for them to enter into clinical
practice.
Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Thiophenes Starting from Amino Mercaptoacrylates and α-brominated Acetamides
Authors: Suárez José Agustín Quincoces , Ricardo Alfredo Peña , Costa José Matheus Freitas , Gonçalves Carolina Passarelli , Tremante Mário Augusto , Saavedra Manuel Salustiano Almeida
Published: January 2021

Some thiophenic derivatives show important biological activity or are used as intermediates
in organic synthesis. For this reason, it is very important to develop new synthesis
procedures with good yields and using few synthesis steps. The present work offers an overview
of the method for obtaining substituted thiophenes reported in the literature, and the
synthetic procedures used from push-pull systems. In this work, we present the synthesis of
14 new tetrasubstituted thiophenes starting from amino mercaptoacrylates and α-brominated
acetamides, derived from furoyl and benzoylacetonitrile, respectively. Best yields (66 to
85%) were obtained through ultrasonic irradiation. Combined use of spectroscopic methods
and elementary analysis was done for characterization of all the compounds.
Bactericidal Activity of Sargassum aquifolium (Turner) C. Agardh against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Biofilm-forming Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Bamunuarachchi Nilushi I. , Khan Fazlurrahman , Kim Young-Mog
Published: January 2021

Aim:

To study the bactericidal activity of crude ethanolic extract and fractionations obtained
from Sargassum aquifolium (Turner) C. Agardh (brown algae) towards Gram-positive bacteria
and Gram-negative biofilm-forming human pathogenic bacteria.

Background:

The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the hospital and community
settings has led to the discovery of alternative strategies. Marine organisms are considered as one
of the potential sources of diverse bioactive molecules against several biological activities. Hence,
the algae, especially the marine brown algae were selected to evaluate its antibacterial activities towards
biofilm-forming human pathogenic bacteria.

Objective:

To restrain the drug-resistant ability of pathogenic bacteria, we checked the extract of
Sargassum aquifolium (Turner) C. Agardh (Phyophyceae) for the concerned bioactive compounds.

Methods:

Antibacterial activity towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated
using disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Furthermore, the active compound present
in the extracts was also identified using Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS).

Results:

A total of 21 bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis with different
chemical natures. The crude ethanolic extraction was fractionated sequentially according to the eluotropic
series from less to extreme polar. The highest zone of inhibition was recorded for ethanolic extract
on Listeria monocytogenes with a value of 38.00±0.17 mm and the lowest was 10.67±0.06 mm
for ethyl acetate fraction on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ethyl acetate fractionate showed a higher effectivity
than other fractionations. An MIC value of 256 μg/mL was recorded against Staphylococcus
aureus and L. monocytogenes and 512 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa. Its ethanolic
extract also showed synergism with oxytetracycline on S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli.
Furthermore, the same extracts also showed synergism with tetracycline on E. coli and with erythromycin
on P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion:

The present study reports the antibacterial activity of the S. aquifolium (Turner) C.
Agardh extracts against human pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it also predicts the synergistic activity
of selected antibiotic combinations against both selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative
pathogenic bacteria.
Biogenic Synthesis of Metal/Metal Oxide Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Mondal Aniruddha , Umekar Mayuri S. , Bhusari Ganesh S. , Chouke Prashant B. , Lambat Trimurti , Mondal Sudip , Chaudhary Ratiram G. , Mahmood Sami H.
Published: January 2021

Nanotechnology is an emerging outlet of nanoscience in which the atoms are encompassed
in nanoscale dimensions and become more receptive compared with their distinctive counterparts.
Recently, the utilization of synthetic designs and physicochemical approaches has received
special attention; nevertheless, the generation of noxious impressions on the eco-system has raised
serious concerns of the scientific community worldwide. Presently, environment-friendly green synthesis
routes are promising venues for the arrangement of Metal/Metal Oxide (M/MO) nanostructured
materials by using plants and their corresponding alliances. This revolution is predominantly
recompensing as far as the reduction of toxic emissions and wastes is concerned. Accordingly, material
scientists have adopted various renewable naturally-occurring eco-friendly materials, and biogenic
processes to fabricate the functional M/MO nanostructured materials. The current review article
recapitulates and assimilates the present state of knowledge on different strategies for biogenic
fabrication of M/MO nanostructured materials.
Nucleoside and Non-Nucleoside DOT1L Inhibitors: Dawn of MLLrearranged Leukemia
Authors: Cao Meng , Li Tong , Chen Yuxiang , Zhai Xin
Published: January 2021

Herein, the underlying role of disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) as a therapeutic
target for mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)-rearranged is comprehensively clarified. DOT1L can
be aberrantly recruited by an MLL fusion partner, thereby causing the over-expression, of several leukemia
relevant genes and eventually leading to leukemia. As the unique histone methyltransferase
(HMT), DOT1L possesses the function to specifically methylate H3K79, which was identified as a
hallmark of active transcription. Accordingly, blockading of DOT1L has been recognized as an effective
approach for cancer treatment. Currently, nucleoside DOT1L inhibitors have been developed successfully
with the only EPZ5676 entering phase I clinical trial in 2013, which was validated as ‘orphan
drug’ toward MLL-rearranged leukemia by FDA. In order to find compounds with better pharmacokinetic
properties as DOT1L inhibitors, other types of non-nucleoside skeletons have also been
reported successively.
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Analgesic Activities and Mechanisms of Quinolines, Indoles and Related Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Shan-Shan , Tan Qiu-Wan , Guan Li-Ping
Published: January 2021

Quinoline, isoquinoline, and indoles are common heterocyclic compounds. They have
many biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-virus,
anti-rheumatism, immunity regulation, expectorant, and analgesic. Over the past few centuries, traditional
natural products have made great contributions to the discovery and development of new therapeutic
agents. Many important drugs have been found from these three classes of compounds. In this
mini-review, we mainly cover the research progress on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
analgesic activities of quinoline, isoquinoline, and indole compounds over the past 20 years (2000-
2019). We aim to explore new characteristic groups or structures in the search for active lead compounds
and provide a basis for rational drug design.
Studying Adsorption and Cellular Toxicity of Boron Nitride Nanostructure versus Melphalan Anti-ovarian Cancer Drug
Authors: Fu Min , Tayebee Reza , Saberi Satar , Nourbakhsh Narjes , Esmaeili Effat , Maleki Behrooz , Vatanpour Hamid R.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Inclusion of anticancer drugs into biocompatible
nanoparticulate carriers decreases the general toxicity and improves the efficacy of
clinical treatments due to the reduction of soluble circulating free drugs.

Methods:

In addition, removal of emerging drug contaminants from wastewaters is a
necessity that should be seriously attended. Boron nitride (BN) is a choice in drug
delivery because of its many surprising properties. Here, boron nitride nanoparticles are
prepared, characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and x-ray
diffraction (XRD) and used in the delivery of melphalan anti-cancer drug.

Results:

Then, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to study the
adsorption of this drug on the surface of pure boron nitride fullerene via familiar hybrid
functionals B3LYP and B3PW91. In addition, the polarizable continuum model (PCM)
calculations show that BN is stable in water.

Conclusion:

Finally, the in vitro cellular toxicity and viability of BN nanoparticles was
examined on ES-2 cancer cells. The inhibitory dose IC50 of the material confirmed
acceptable cytotoxicity and nanoparticles affected the average growth of the ES-2
cancer cells.
Pidotimod and Immunological Activation in Individuals Infected with HIV
Authors: Ucciferri Claudio , Falasca Katia , Reale Marcella , Tamburro Manuela , Auricchio Antonio , Vignale Francesca , Vecchiet Jacopo
Published: January 2021

Background:

The improvements in HIV infection therapy and the large availability of
antiretroviral drugs have led to an increased survival among HIV infected people, and simultaneously
to a raised morbidity and mortality due to not-AIDS-related events in this group compared to
the general population. An increased systemic inflammation and a persistent immune activation
play a pivotal role in determining high rates of non-AIDS comorbidities. In the last years, many natural
or synthetic immunomodulatory molecules acting by different mechanisms have been conceived.
Pidotimod is a synthetic dipeptide molecule showing immunomodulatory properties. The
aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of Pidotimod supplementation on residual inflammation
in HIV infected population.

Methods:

Forty HIV positive individuals under cART were enrolled: 30 were treated with Pidotimod
supplementation (study group) and 10 served as control group (without Pidotimod supplementation).
For all participants, Cystatin C, PCR, ESR, microalbuminuria, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-4, IL-10,
IL1β, IL-18 and IL-2 were measured at enrolment (T0), 4 weeks after of Pidotimod supplementation
(T1), and 4 weeks after completing supplementation (T2).

Results:

In HIV positive participants treated with Pidotimod, the evaluation of cytokine levels
showed that IL-10, IFN gamma, and IL-4 were significantly higher at enrolment compared to the
control group. The increase under Pidotimod treatment persisted after supplementation suspension,
while the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were reduced. Salivary IgA also increased during 4
weeks of supplementation and persisted at 4 weeks after completing supplementation. On the other
hand, the Cystatin C and microalbuminuria levels decreased over time, at a greater extent the Cystatin
C serum levels.

Conclusions:

The study findings showed that the HIV population receiving Pidotimod achieved a rebalancing
of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as a significant reduction
in cystatin C levels. The treatment further allowed for an increase in salivary IgA levels at all the
analyzed times, as a secondary event to a remodulation of the immunological status obtained with
pidotimod. This approach could represent a new way to design new intervention strategies aimed at
improving the persistent immune activation status in the virologically suppressed HIV population.