bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cambios en las condiciones, prácticas y relaciones maestros-estudiantes durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en los bachilleratos rurales mexicanos
Authors: Guzmán Gómez Carlota
Published: September 2022

En este artículo se analizan algunos de los cambios ocurridos en los telebachilleratos comunitarios mexicanos durante la pandemia por COVID-19, particularmente en las condiciones de los actores escolares, en las nuevas actividades que implica la educación a distancia y en las relaciones maestros-estudiantes. Desde la sociología comprensiva, y a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, se recupera la perspectiva de directivos y docentes con el fin de mostrar su papel en la transformación de la escuela. Se encontró que, a pesar de que los problemas preexistentes de directivos y maestras y maestros se exacerbaron, dichos actores tuvieron un papel protagónico y asumieron con creatividad y compromiso la labor docente.
La colaboración educativa antes y durante la pandemia: análisis de redes sociales en escuelas chilenas
Authors: Queupil Juan Pablo , Cuenca Vivanco Catalina
Published: September 2022

Las relaciones colaborativas en educación han sido impactadas por el desarrollo de la pandemia de COVID-19 en diversas latitudes del orbe, lo cual invita a su análisis para contextos en Latinoamérica. Este estudio analiza el impacto de la pandemia en la colaboración de tres establecimientos educativos en Chile. Para ello, se utiliza un enfoque exploratorio descriptivo con base en la teoría y metodología del análisis de redes sociales (ARS), la cual permite cuantificar los cambios en las relaciones colaborativas entre y dentro de las unidades educativas examinadas, distinguiendo entre roles y atributos de 77 integrantes en total. Los resultados muestran que la cola­boración cambió durante la pandemia, destacando una mayor distribución de esta entre diversos roles y cargos, lo que da luces sobre las implicancias del impacto de la emergencia sociosanitaria en estas relaciones cooperativas.
On a method for ensuring functional safety of a system with single-channel information processing
Authors: Shubinsky I. B. , Rozenberg E. N. , Korovin A. S. , Penkova N. G.
Published: September 2022

The paper Aims to reduce the cost of onboard train control systems by using an architecture with a single-channel source of information (in this case, axle counters) and a two-channel receiver of information (in this case, an on-board control system) instead of the conventional architecture, whereas the generator and receiver are to have at least two channels. Additionally, in order to ensure the system’s safety, the failure detection mechanism embedded in the most common multichannel architecture that involves comparing the outputs of the onboard unit’s channels is complemented by software verification algorithms that enable a SIL4-compliant level of correct failure detection of the single-channel device (in this case, an axle counter). This level is primarily characterized by the quantitative indicator “probability of correct detection” and achieving the goal requires calculating the acceptable and, at the same time, achievable range of this probability and the performance parameters of the verification algorithms, of which it is a function.

Methods. The paper shows two safety models of an onboard train control system, i.e., the conventional architecture with two-channel generating and receiving devices and the architecture with a single-channel source and a two-channel receiver of information. The graph models feature similar states and only differ in terms of the model parameters. By applying the topological method [1] to the conditions of the problem, within both models, formulas were derived for calculating the mean time to hazardous failure, rate and probability of hazardous failures. Input values were identified, including the probabilities of correct detection of failure of the on-board system and axle counter, the values of those safety indicators were calculated, allowing to attribute the system to one of the four discrete safety integrity levels.

Results. The paper defines the probabilistic performance indicators of failure detection software and hardware for an architecture with a single-channel source and a two-channel receiver of information. Indicator definition involves setting maximum permissible values that enable the quantitative safety indicators (mean time to hazardous failure, rate and probability of hazardous failures) not worse than those of a conventional architecture with twochannel generating and receiving devices. The efficiency parameters that are the most safetycritical due to their significant effect on correct failure detection (in this case, the axle counter) are identified. The findings show that it is possible to reduce hardware-related costs without compromising compliance with the safety requirements when using single-channel sources (in this case, axis counters) and two-channel receivers of information (in this case, an on-board control system) that feature software enabling an appropriately high level of correct failure detection (in this case, of an axle counter).
Diversidade de mamíferos em fragmentos florestais urbanos na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cachoeira, Joinville, SC
Authors: Sidnei S. Dornelles  , Guilherme H. Evaristo  , Mateus Tosetto  , Célio Massaneiro Jr.  , Victor R. Seifert  , Bianca Raboch  , Josué Gonçalves  , Cleiton Valentim
Published: September 2022

Na mata atlântica, reduzida a cerca de 12% de sua cobertura original, é inevitável que a riqueza mastofaunística esteja pressionada pelas atividades antrópicas. A Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cachoeira, inserida na malha urbana, possui fragmentos de floresta ainda pouco conhecidos em relação à sua diversidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a ocorrência de mamíferos nos fragmentos florestais urbanos da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cachoeira. A amostragem foi realizada em cinco fragmentos de floresta ombrófila densa, combinando diversos métodos: armadilhas de contenção viva, armadilhas fotográficas, redes de neblina, transecções para procura de vestígios, entrevistas e revisão na literatura. Foram registradas 32 espécies de 13 famílias e sete ordens, sendo duas espécies exóticas. Três espécies foram registradas nos cinco sítios: Dasypus novemcinctus, Carollia perspicillata e Canis familiaris. Cinco espécies foram registradas em quatro sítios: Didelphis aurita, Artibeus lituratus, Nasua nasua, Procyon cancrivorus e Dasyprocta azarae. Catorze espécies foram registradas somente em um dos cinco sítios. Do total de espécies, 56,3% são onívoras. A diversidade nos sítios não está relacionada ao tamanho dos fragmentos. Sugerem-se programas de monitoramento, controle de espécies exóticas, construção de corredores, enriquecimento e translocações.
Caracterização morfométrica da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Itajaí – Santa Catarina
Authors: Dionatan Gerber  , Carla Talita Pertille  , Francielle Santos Vieira  , Bruno Jan Schramm Corrêa  , Camila Furlan de Souza
Published: September 2022

A caracterização morfométrica de bacias hidrográficas fornece informações importantes para o planejamento da conservação da água e demonstra a susceptibilidade à erosão e a capacidade de uso do solo. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar as propriedades morfométricas da bacia do Rio Itajaí (SC), utilizando-se de dados SRTM e ambiente SIG, por meio da obtenção de parâmetros geométricos, de relevo e de rede de drenagem. Os dados evidenciaram que a bacia hidrográfica é de 5.ª ordem e apresenta forma alongada com relevo ondulado. O estudo apontou baixa capacidade e densidade de drenagem, apresentando um padrão dendrítico, com poucas ramificações. A bacia compreende canais transicionais, regulares e irregulares, o que indica media taxa de transporte de sedimentos. A análise dos dados mostrou os atributos da bacia diante da dinâmica ambiental, permitindo inferir que a bacia do Rio Itajaí é pouco sujeita a enchentes. Entretanto existe a necessidade de estudos complementares das suas microbacias para verificar efetivamente o seu potencial quanto à ocorrência de enchentes, inundações ou alagamentos.
Fases de desenvolvimento de Oxelytrum discicolle (Brullé, 1840) (Silphidae, Coleoptera) na região nordeste de Santa Catarina
Authors: Carla Fabiana Bonfanti  , Anderson Gaedke  , Denise Monique Dubet da Silva Mouga
Published: September 2022

A espécie Oxelytrum discicolle (Brullé, 1840) (Silphidae, Coleoptera) é uma das mais abundantes em levantamentos entomológicos forenses. Em função de diferenças observadas no relato do desenvolvimento dessa espécie em relação a dados originados no estado de Santa Catarina, realizou-se o estudo dos estágios de desenvolvimento da espécie em laboratório. Os adultos foram coletados em armadilha tipo Tomahawk, em fragmento urbano de mata atlântica em Joinville (SC). Depois foram armazenados em recipiente plástico com solo e tampa perfurada, sendo mantidos a temperatura ambiente, fotoperíodo de 12:12 e alimentados com larvas de mosca. Os ovos produzidos foram transferidos para recipientes plásticos menores, com orifícios e solo, umedecidos conforme necessidade, mantidos em temperatura de 25°C. Os imaturos foram alimentados com larvas de mosca descongeladas. Anotaram-se a data e a hora de cada evento de desenvolvimento. As larvas foram verificadas em diferentes instares para análise de tamanho. Obtiveram-se dados para tamanho e tempo de desenvolvimento, que se diferenciam em relação a trabalhos anteriores. Os dados atualizados de tamanho e tempo de desenvolvimento da espécie, para a região, possibilitarão a correta identificação dos instares larvais encontrados em cadáveres humanos, permitindo uma estimativa mais precisa do intervalo mínimo pós-morte.
Métodos para a superação da dormência em sementes de Schizolobium parahyba (Vellozo) S. F. Blake (Fabaceae)
Authors: Danieli Ferneda Candido  , Adriana dos Santos de Oliveira
Published: September 2022

O presente estudo visou avaliar a eficiência de diferentes métodos de superação de dormência na germinação de sementes de Schizolobium parahyba. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com sete repetições de 15 sementes. Para isso, realizaram-se os seguintes tratamentos: T1) desponte com tesoura de poda; T2) imersão em água (80ºC), permanecendo em repouso na mesma água, fora do aquecimento, por 48 horas; T3) imersão em água (95ºC) por 2 minutos; T4) ácido sulfúrico concentrado por 10 minutos; T5) ácido sulfúrico concentrado por 20 minutos; T6) autoclavagem a 100ºC por 20 minutos e T7) testemunha. As sementes foram colocadas para germinar em caixas “gerbox”, contendo vermiculita esterilizada, umedecida com água destilada, a temperatura de 25ºC e fotoperíodo de 16 horas. Observaram-se as maiores porcentagens de germinação em T1 (33,1%), T2 (24,4%) e T6 (22,6%), que não diferiram significativamente entre si. O grupo T2 proporcionou a menor porcentagem de sementes mortas (1,7%). As maiores porcentagens de germinação e as menores porcentagens de sementes duras foram obtidas nos grupos T1, T2 e T6. Desponte e autoclavagem ocasionaram maior mortalidade das sementes.
Levantamento florístico de plantas medicinais de um fragmento de campos de altitude da mata atlântica
Authors: Iberê Martí Moreira da Silva  , Dalmo Arantes de Barros  , Marcondes Geraldo Coelho Junior  , Athila Leandro de Oliveira  , Rita de Cássia Ribeiro Carvalho  , Acacio Geraldo de Carvalho
Published: September 2022

A mata atlântica apresenta uma grande biodiversidade de espécies vegetais, algumas ameaçadas. Com usos diversos, muitas sofrem com a pressão humana e pela ausência de manejo de áreas relevantes no bioma. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar o levantamento florístico de um campo de altitude sobre corpos de bauxita, identificando espécies com potencial medicinal, no município de Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais. Fez-se uma revisão de literatura dessas espécies, inferindo sobre sua respectiva importância no uso popular, seus componentes químicos e sua atividade biológica. Identificaram-se 42 espécies com potencial medicinal, distribuídas em 19 famílias, com destaque para Asteraceae (22 espécies). Do total de 42 espécies com potencial medicinal, 39 foram relatadas na literatura quanto ao seu uso popular, 37 têm seus componentes químicos estudados e 27 apresentaram registros de pesquisas com aspectos relacionados à atividade biológica. Percebeu-se a questão de diferença de gênero e de diferença etária em relação ao conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais. Verificou-se que as pesquisas sobre plantas medicinais são fragmentadas e realizadas em menor escala. A elaboração de planos de manejo sustentáveis de produtos não madeireiros com potencial medicinal é uma estratégia para conservar a sociobiodiversidade da mata atlântica.
Efeito do tamanho do fragmento florestal sobre as comunidades de Opiliones (Arachnida) em diferentes fitofisionomias no centro sul do estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Ramos de Lima Diego , Talarico Rubim Luis Gustavo , Dos Reis Pádua Thiago Henrique , Magalhães de Souza Marcos
Published: September 2022

A fragmentação dos ecossistemas terrestres é um dos fatores que mais afetam a qualidade do hábitat, o que impacta negativamente muitas espécies, entretanto há poucos estudos sobre esse efeito em Opiliones, aracnídeos que desempenham diferentes serviços ambientais. Esta pesquisa objetiva investigar o efeito do tamanho dos fragmentos sobre esses artrópodes em diferentes fitofisionomias de cerrado e mata atlântica. As coletas foram realizadas no período noturno, com 24 dias de trabalho de campo, entre outubro de 2020 e março de 2021, em três fragmentos de floresta de diferentes tamanhos, no centro-sul do estado de Minas Gerais. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença de riqueza, abundância, diversidade e composição das comunidades entre os fragmentos, sugerindo que o tamanho destes, como variável isolada, não afetou os Opiliones em floresta de galeria e semidecidual, pois possivelmente outros fatores influenciam o efeito do tamanho da área, tais como o grau de conservação do ecossistema e as atividades antrópicas.
Fibromialgia e disfunção temporomandibular: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Byanka Porto Fraga  , Emanuella Barros dos Santos  , Thalyta Porto Fraga  , José Caetano Macieira  , Jader Pereira de Farias-Neto  , Lucindo José Quintans Júnior  , Leonardo Rigoldi Bonjardim
Published: September 2022

Introdução e objetivo: Vários estudos têm associado disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) com fibromialgia (FM), e há uma grande diversidade de resultados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre a relação entre DTM e FM. Revisão de literatura: Por muitos anos, a DTM e a FM foram consideradas entidades distintas, mas recentemente alguns autores acreditam que essas duas situações clínicas apresentam semelhanças. É relevante ressaltar que em ambas a dor é o principal sintoma, seja na face, na mandíbula ou na cabeça. Ainda, essas síndromes dolorosas são caracterizadas pela diminuição no limiar da dor e pela redução da capacidade de atuação dos sistemas descendentes de modulação da dor. A relação de comorbidade entre DTM e FM pode indicar, portanto, a existência de alguma forma de sensibilização central comum às duas doenças, com compartilhamento de eventos neuroquímicos. Verificou-se que a presença de DTM é um achado comum em fibromiálgicos. Conclusão: A FM e a DTM são entidades clínicas distintas, embora partilhem de sinais e sintomas, especialmente àqueles relacionados com a dor. Além disso, a prevalência de DTM em pacientes com FM é maior do que o contrário. Também se faz importante no diagnóstico dessas duas patologias a diferenciação entre trigger e tender points, de maneira a evitar falsos diagnósticos de DTM em fibromiálgicos.
Descontaminação de escovas dentais utilizadas por crianças portadoras de necessidades especiais: análise microbiológica
Authors: Ana Cláudia Rodrigues Chibinski  , Kamila Grando  , Patrícia Trochman Fanchin  , Eduardo Campagnoli  , Fábio André dos Santos  , Denise Stadler Wambier
Published: September 2022

Introdução: Crianças portadoras de necessidades especiais apresentam higiene bucal deficiente. Portanto, suas escovas dentais tornam-se altamente contaminadas e constituem fontes de disseminação de diferentes patógenos. Objetivo: Avaliar a contaminação e a descontaminação de escovas dentais usadas por crianças com necessidades especiais. Material e métodos: Escovas dentais de 30 indivíduos, após 30 dias de uso, foram armazenadas em ágar nutriente estéril e incubadas (37ºC, por 24 horas). A seguir, 100 µl das diluições (1:10 e 1:100) foram semeados em ágar MacConkey (bactérias gram-negativas), ágar Mitis Salivarius (Streptococcus spp.) e ágar Sabouraud (Candida spp.) e incubados (37ºC, por 48 horas). Dividiram-se de modo aleatório as amostras em três grupos para descontaminação com três soluções, aplicadas com spray (seis borrifadas por escova) antes da análise microbiológica: clorexidina (GC – digluconato de clorexidina a 0,12%), hipoclorito (GH – hipoclorito de sódio a 1%) e água destilada (GA – controle). Para a análise estatística dos dados, recorreu-se aos testes não paramétricos exato de Fisher e Wilcoxon (α = 0,05). Resultados: A primeira avaliação microbiológica evidenciou crescimento bacteriano nas 30 escovas. Detectaram-se níveis superiores a ≥ 300 x 103 UFC/ml em 80% das amostras para estreptococos, 60% para gram-negativos e 47% para cândida. Após a desinfecção, apenas o GC apresentou redução significativa na turvação do meio (p = 0,04) e nos níveis de gram-negativos (p = 0,04) e cândida (p = 0,005). Quanto aos outros grupos, o processo de descontaminação não foi estatisticamente expressivo na diminuição dos níveis dos microrganismos pesquisados. Conclusão: Entre os agentes testados, somente a clorexidina demonstrou eficiência na redução dos bacilos gram-negativos e das leveduras do gênero Candida spp., e nenhuma das soluções se mostrou eficaz contra Streptococcus spp.
Doença periodontal e sua influência no controle metabólico do diabete
Authors: Marcia Maehler  , Tatiana Miranda Deliberador  , Geisla Mary Silva Soares  , Ricardo Luiz Grein  , Gastão Valle Nicolau
Published: September 2022

Introdução: Atualmente se aceita que a doença periodontal (DP) é mais prevalente e mais severa em pessoas portadoras de diabete melito (DM) do que nas não diabéticas. Por outro lado, indivíduos com periodontite severa podem apresentar dificuldade em realizar o controle glicêmico. Objetivo: Por meio de uma revisão da literatura, determinar a influência da DP no controle metabólico dos pacientes diabéticos. Revisão de literatura: Mediante pesquisa na base de dados PubMed entre os meses de novembro e dezembro de 2008 foram relacionados diversos artigos da bibliografia atual e clássica, utilizando unitermos como periodontite e diabete melito. Dos 44 trabalhos encontrados, metade (n = 22) referia-se a estudos em humanos após tratamento periodontal mecânico somente ou associado a uma terapia antimicrobiana tópica ou sistêmica. Destes, dez apresentaram resultados benéficos quanto ao controle glicêmico. Três artigos (n = 3) traziam pesquisas simulando a periodontite em ratos pré-dispostos ou portadores de DM. Os resultados para as investigações epidemiológicas (n = 5), de revisão de literatura e meta-análise (n = 14) mostraram-se positivamente similares aos estudos em humanos após tratamento periodontal para quatro e 11 artigos, nessa ordem. As possíveis trajetórias patofisiológicas comuns entre DP e DM avaliadas pelos autores foram relacionadas a marcadores inflamatórios, à resposta do hospedeiro alterada e à resistência a insulina. Conclusão: A periodontite pode influenciar no controle glicêmico do diabete. No entanto a padronização das pesquisas no tocante à terapia periodontal e ao grupo testado torna-se necessária para consolidar a relação bidirecional entre DP e DM e auxiliar no tratamento multiprofissional dos pacientes acometidos por tais patologias.
Dental pulp stem cells in endodontic research: a promising tool for tooth tissue engineering
Authors: Amit Gandhi  , Taru Gandhi  , Natasha Madan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Millions of teeth are saved each year by root canal therapy. Although current treatment modalities offer high levels of success for many conditions, an ideal form of therapy might consist of regenerative approaches in which diseased or necrotic pulp tissues are removed and replaced with healthy pulp tissue to revitalize teeth. The practice of dentistry is likely to be revolutionized by biological therapies based on growth and differentiation factors that accelerate and/or induce a natural biological regeneration. Literature review: This review summarizes current knowledge, barriers, and challenges in the clinical use of adult stem cells, scaffolds, and growth factors for the development and evaluation of regenerative endodontic therapies.
The potential role of probiotics in periodontal health
Authors: Rinkee Mohanty  , Bianca Nazareth  , Neha Shrivastava
Published: September 2022

Probiotics represent an area in which bacterial interaction with the hosts is being put to practical and therapeutic use. The mechanism of action of probiotics is related to its ability to compete with pathogenic microorganisms for adhesion sites, to antagonize these pathogens or to modulate the host’s immune response. Therefore, changing the actual composition of plaque from an inflammatory cytokine-rich environment to a more benign environment dominated by neutral or even helpful organisms can contribute to overall systemic health. Objective: This non systematic review summarizes the currently available data on the potential benefits of probiotics for periodontal health. Literature review: Current and relevant references were selected in order to summarize the studies conducted so far on probiotics in preventing and treating oral infections. Conclusion: Probiotics as a treatment modality deserves to be explored further with long term studies with specific focus on its role in prevention.
Free Fatty Acid Receptors (FFARs): Emerging Therapeutic Targets
for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Loona Dapinder Pal Singh , Das Bhanuranjan , Kaur Ramandeep , Kumar Rajnish , Yadav Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2022

Free fatty acids (FFAs) present in our dietary fats not only act as vital nutrients
but also function as signalling molecules and modulate key biological functions through
their active involvement in a multitude of energy metabolism pathways. However, it has
been reported that excessive intake of dietary fat contributes to the development of different
types of Diabetes mellitus. Free fatty acid receptors are the key regulators of most
metabolic disorders. Among them, diabetes mellitus is a severe growing disorder and
found in every corner of the world. For various metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes
mellitus, these different free fatty acid receptors are being explored as drug targets.
In the present review, various FFAs sensing G-protein coupled receptors (GPR) like
GPR40 (FFAR1), GPR43 (FFAR2), GPR41 (FFAR3), GPR120 (FFAR4), and GPR84 are
being explored as emerging novel therapeutic targets for antidiabetic drugs. Additionally,
this review has covered pre-clinical discovery and development of different selective ligands
targeted to these receptors starting from hit identification to lead optimization via
chemical modification and the challenges and tactics selected by different medicinal
chemists to improve potency, physicochemical properties, safety profiles, and pharmacokinetics
of different FFAR agonists for making a potential drug candidate. Several molecules
have been withdrawn in the clinical trials without reporting any reasons. We believe
that this review will help the researchers to find a new direction in the discovery of new
antidiabetic drugs.
Heuristic Analysis of Genomic Sequence Processing Models for High Efficiency Prediction: A Statistical Perspective
Authors: Shrimankar Deepti D. , Durge Aditi R. , Sawarkar Ankush D.
Published: September 2022

Genome sequences indicate a wide variety of characteristics, which include species and
sub-species type, genotype, diseases, growth indicators, yield quality, etc. To analyze and study the
characteristics of the genome sequences across different species, various deep learning models have
been proposed by researchers, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Deep Belief Networks
(DBNs), Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs), etc., which vary in terms of evaluation performance, area of
application and species that are processed. Due to a wide differentiation between the algorithmic implementations,
it becomes difficult for research programmers to select the best possible genome processing
model for their application. In order to facilitate this selection, the paper reviews a wide variety
of such models and compares their performance in terms of accuracy, area of application, computational
complexity, processing delay, precision and recall. Thus, in the present review, various deep
learning and machine learning models have been presented that possess different accuracies for different
applications. For multiple genomic data, Repeated Incremental Pruning to Produce Error Reduction
with Support Vector Machine (Ripper SVM) outputs 99.7% of accuracy, and for cancer genomic
data, it exhibits 99.27% of accuracy using the CNN Bayesian method. Whereas for Covid genome
analysis, Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory with CNN (BiLSTM CNN) exhibits the highest accuracy
of 99.95%. A similar analysis of precision and recall of different models has been reviewed.
Finally, this paper concludes with some interesting observations related to the genomic processing
models and recommends applications for their efficient use.
Combinatory Approaches Targeting Cognitive Impairments and Memory
Enhancement: A Review
Authors: Kale Pravin Popatrao , Gupta Varun Santosh
Published: September 2022

The objective of this paper is to look at how natural medicines can improve cognition and memory when used with sildenafil, a popular erectile dysfunction medicine that also has nootropic properties. Newer treatment strategies to treat the early stages of these diseases need to be developed. Multiple factors lead to complex pathophysiological conditions, which are responsible for various long-term complications. In this review, a combination of treatments targeting these pa-thologies is discussed. These combinations may help manage early and later phases of cognitive impairments. The purpose of this article is to discuss a link between these pathologies and a combi-national approach with the objective of considering newer therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cognitive impairments. The natural drugs and their ingredients play a major role in the management of disease progression. Additionally, their combination with sildenafil allows for more efficacy and better response. Studies showing the effectiveness of natural drugs and sildenafil are mentioned, and how these combinations could be beneficial for the treatment of cognitive impairments and amnesia are summarised. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical trials are required to explore the medicinal potential of these drug combinations.
Calixarene Derivatives: A Mini-Review on their Synthesis and Demands in
Nanosensors and Biomedical Fields
Authors: Abd Karim Nur Farah Nadia , Supian Faridah Lisa , Musa Mazlina , Ayop Shahrul Kadri , Azmi Mohd Syahriman Mohd , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Yi Wong Yeong
Published: September 2022

Nanotechnology has been widely studied in biomedical applications in the last decade. The
revolution in nanotechnology triggers the fabrication of nanomaterials with novel properties and functionalities,
making the research in nanosensors and biomedical rapidly expanding. Nanosensor application
has improved the sensitivity by enhancing their catalytic activity, conductivity, and biocompatibility.
Calixarene is excellent as a sensing element used as a sensor due to its unique host-guest properties.
Three major types of calixarene which are extensively studied are calix[4]arene, calix[6]arene,
and calix[8]arene. These organic nanomaterials resemble vase-like supramolecular structures and exhibit
valuable properties. Calixarene's basic molecular design is the cyclic phenol tetramer with four
aryl groups, perfect for molecular recognition such as cations, transition metal ions, and heavy metals.
Calixarenes may form stable complexes with biomolecules in developing biosensors for protein, enzyme,
and antibody sensing. Calixarene's lower rim can be modified for optimum molecular interaction
with guest molecules such as anions, cations, and neutral molecules. The lower ring has welldefined
conformation properties and cavities, which allow trapping guest drugs such as imatinib,
paclitaxel, and temozolomide. Calixarene also possesses good biocompatibility and innocuousness
and gained attention for cancer treatment due to the response to multiple stimuli, stability, avoiding
non-specific cell uptake, and reaching the target for treatment effect. This review paper focuses on the
synthesis and characteristics of calixarene applied in nanosensors as an ideal complex agent in drug
transportation and controlled drug released for biomedical research.
Inorganic Phosphate (Pi) in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment: Production,
Transport and Signal Transduction as Potential Targets for Anticancer
Strategies
Authors: Lacerda-Abreu Marco Antonio , Meyer-Fernandes José Roberto
Published: September 2022

Tumor cells develop a high demand for inorganic phosphate (Pi) due to their high growth
rates and energy requirements. Serum Pi concentrations in cancer patients have been found to be two
to four times higher than baseline levels in healthy individuals. Twofold Pi accumulation was observed
in breast cancer cells in the mouse tumor microenvironment. In the breast tumoral microenvironment,
ectonucleotidases and ectophosphatases—presenting catalytic sites facing the extracellular
environment—could be involved in the extracellular release of Pi to be internalized by Pi transporters
to fuel the high energy requirement typical of cancer cells. Two Pi transporters were characterized in
breast cancer cells (Na+-dependent and H+-dependent) with strong associations with tumor processes
such as proliferation, migration, adhesion, and epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover,
a high extracellular Pi concentration stimulates ROS production in triple-negative breast cancer cells
by Pi transport stimulation. Several compounds show a potent ability to inhibit ectonucleotidases, ectophosphatases,
Pi transporters, and Pi-modulated signal pathways in breast cancer cells and regulate
proliferation, migration, adhesion, and EMT. This review article aimed to gather the relevant experimental
records regarding Pi's effects on the breast cancer microenvironment and points to possible inhibitors
for ectonucleotidases, ectophosphatases, Pi transporters, and Pi-modulated signal pathways as
potential chemotherapeutic agents or Pi acting as a potent enhancer of classical chemical-induced cytotoxicity
in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Sleep Disturbance, Irritability, and Response to Lurasidone Treatment in
Children and Adolescents with Bipolar Depression
Authors: Singh Manpreet K. , Siu Cynthia , Tocco Michael , Pikalov Andrei , Loebel Antony
Published: September 2022

Background::

The presence of mixed (subsyndromal hypomanic) symptoms may influence
treatment outcomes in pediatric bipolar depression. This post-hoc analysis investigated “bridge” symptoms
that have cross-sectional and predictive associations with depressive and manic symptom clusters
in youth with bipolar depression.

Methods::

The moderating effects of these bridge symptoms on the response to flexibly dosed
lurasidone 20-80 mg/d compared to placebo treatment was analyzed in children and adolescents with
bipolar I depression in a six-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind study followed by a 2-year, openlabel
extension study of lurasidone.

Results::

Sleep disturbances, assessed by “difficulty with sleep” (Children’s Depression Rating Scale,
Revised [CDRS-R] item 4) and “decreased need for sleep” (Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS] item
4), and “irritability” (CDRS-R item-8, YMRS item 5) were identified as “bridge” symptoms and found
to have replicable causal associations with depressive (CDRS-R total) and manic symptom clusters
(YMRS total) at baseline and week-6. A greater improvement in overall depression severity at week 6
with lurasidone (vs. placebo) treatment was observed in the presence (vs. absence) of decreased need
for sleep at study baseline, mediated in part by significant reductions from study baseline in decreased
need for sleep and manic symptom severity. The absence of sleep disturbance and irritability in patients
at open-label extension study baseline was associated with higher rates of sustained recovery
(symptomatic and functional remission) over 6 months compared to patients with those symptoms at
baseline (68% vs. 50%, Number Needed to Treat=6).

Conclusion::

Our findings suggest that sleep disturbance and irritability are cardinal symptoms that
“bridge” between depressive and manic symptom clusters and influence treatment outcomes in youth
with bipolar depression.
The Synthesis of Amides from Benzoic Acids and Dicarbodiimides Under
Catalyst-Free Conditions
Authors: Wu Fengtian , Wu Ling , Cui Chunna , Yan Fangming , Zeng Rong , Sun Yijia , Liu Xiuping , Zhang Caihong , Chen Yenan
Published: September 2022

Amides are a critical class of widely distributed heterocycles in nature. The preparation of amides from benzoic acids and dicarbodiimides under catalyst-free conditions was reported. Various products were obtained in good to high yields. The model reaction could be scaled up to the gram-scale level. A reaction mechanism was proposed based on control experiments and relevant literatures.
Remifentanil and Propofol Co-loaded Nanoemulsion: Formulation Development
and In vivo Pharmacodynamic Evaluation
Authors: Hou Lei , Tian Hang
Published: September 2022

Background:

The present work is an effort to develop novel propofol (PPF) and remifentanil
(RFT) co-loaded nanoemulsion (NME) for the treatment of anesthetic effects.

Methods:

The PPF/RFT NME was prepared via the high-pressure homogenization method. Its
physicochemical properties were assessed to ensure good quality and suitability for i.v. administration.
We also studied the in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of PPF/RFT NME in dogs with an
optimized formulation.

Results:

This study showed that the mean particle size of PPF/RFT NME was 124.2 nm and the zeta
potential was −20.6 mV. In the stability test, the NME maintained a good round shape and did not
demonstrate any significant changes in physicochemical characteristics. In terms of the in vitro release,
the early burst release of the NME preparations containing PPF or RFT was ideal in clinical practice,
where a loading dose or a rapid onset of the drug was required. Based on histopathological observations,
no histological change occurred to the rat organs after the administration of PPF/RFT NME. Regarding
pharmacodynamics, compared with the combination group at the same dose, PPF/RFT NME could make
animals enter the anesthetic state faster and the anesthetic effects last longer. In addition, vital signs of
PPF/RFT NME could be maintained in a good state while better effects were delivered.

Conclusions:

This study used PPF and RFT to prepare a compound NME. This could reduce the
anesthesiologist's administration time and make the anesthesia process more efficient.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 3,9-Dioxatetraasteranes as Potential
Inhibitors of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Tian Nana , Chu Dongchen , Yan Hong
Published: September 2022

Background:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated and therapeutically
amenable target, and inhibition of the EGFR signaling pathway has emerged as an attractive target for
cancer therapy.

Methods:

The present work was designed to synthesize and evaluate the antiproliferative activity of a
novel series of 3,9-dioxatetraasteranes as potential inhibitors of EGFR. All target compounds were evaluated
for antiproliferative activity in vitro against A549 and HepG2 cell lines.

Results:

Among the target compounds, compound B13 displayed the most potent antiproliferative activity
against A549 with IC50 = 4.31 μM and HepG2 with IC50 = 6.92 μM. In addition, a molecular docking
study was performed to investigate the binding mode and binding capacity with EGFR (PDB code:
1M17).

Conclusion:

The results indicated that 3,9-dioxatetraasteranes may be promising potential EGFR inhibitors.
Inhibition of Key Digestive Enzymes Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Piper betle L. Leaf Extracts to Manage Diabetes in an Alternative Way
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Mahmud Tanveer , Hasan Rezaul , Islam Kamrul
Published: September 2022

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder. The therapeutic approaches for treating diabetes are to decrease the absorption of glucose through the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase or to use medications for lowering the blood glucose level.

Objective:

The current study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potentials of the key digestive enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, by betel leaf extracts and blood glucose lowering activities using diabetic mice.

Methods:

In vitro inhibitory potentials of the key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase) by the betel leaf (Piper betle) extracts, including the study on the mode of enzyme inhibition, were evaluated spectrophotometrically and in vivo blood glucose lowering activities were assessed using alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Results:

Betel leaf extracts showed potential α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities and blood glucose lowering activities. Among the extracts, young deshi betel leaf extract demonstrated the highest α-amylase inhibition activity, while young khasia betel leaf extract exhibited the lowest α-amylase inhibition activity. Young khasia betel leaf extract showed the maximum α-glucosidase inhibition activity. However, the lowest α-glucosidase inhibition activity was found with deshi betel leaf extracts. Betel leaf extract inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities through competitive inhibition. In vivo study revealed that among the extracts, young deshi and khasia leaf extract reduced blood glucose levels in all doses. Young deshi leaf extract exhibited significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic activity to reduce blood glucose level ˂ 6.9 mmol/L at a lower concentration.

Conclusion:

This study would open a new window for the researcher to find new antidiabetic bioactive compounds that would be cost-effective and without any adverse effects.
Advances in the Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis to Tobacco
Analysis
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Zhenjie , Wu Qianyu , Zhang Xinle
Published: September 2022

Background:

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has found a wide range of applications because of its high separation efficiency, low expense, short analysis time and minimal sample volume requirement. The tobacco quality depends on the nature and quantity of numerous substances. CE has been applied in the constituent analysis of tobacco and tobacco products for quality control and tobacco research.

Methods:

The advances in the applications of CE to tobacco analysis are reviewed. The main subjects cover the separation modes of CE, the detection techniques of CE, sample preparations and the applications of CE in the measurements of various constituents in tobacco samples. In addition, the CE-based metabonomic investigation of tobacco is also introduced.

Results:

Capillary zone electrophoresis, micellar electrokinetic chromatography, capillary isotachophoresis, capillary gel electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography and non-aqueous CE have been applied in the determination of a variety of constituents in tobacco and tobacco products. The assayed substances include alkaloids, amines, saccharides, organic acids, inorganic ions, phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, hormones, agricultural chemicals, etc.

Conclusion:

This review demonstrates that CE is a promising analytical technique in the field of tobacco analysis. It is anticipated that CE will find more and more applications in tobacco investigations.
Emerging Applications of Polymeric Nanoparticles in Tumor Targeting
Authors: Marwaha Minakshi Gupta , Awasthi Rajendra , Marwaha Rakesh Kumar , Prasher Parteek , Gulati Monica , Singh Sachin Kumar , Anand Krishnan , Gupta Gaurav , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal , Dureja Harish
Published: September 2022

Nanoparticles are well-established carriers for targeted delivery of bioactive polymeric
nanoparticles (PNPs). They have attracted significant attention from pharmaceutical scientists globally
due to their wide range of applications in the medical field. The encapsulation of drugs into the
nanoparticles offers several unique characteristics leading to prolonged circulation, improved drug
localization, and thus enhanced drug efficacy. It also provides a better understanding of the molecular
basis of the disease. Nanoparticles allow efficient maintenance of medication cycles at the target
site, with less exposure to normal cells and thus decreasing the rehabilitation period. Despite extensive
developments in the field of nanotechnology, specifically in drug delivery, only a few nanotechnology-
based products are currently available in the market. Thus, further advanced exploration
is necessary to make nanoparticles useful for the betterment of mankind. This review is focused on
recent advancements in pharmaceutical nanotechnology with special emphasis on polymers used
for the preparation of PNPs and their emerging applications in tumor-targeting. This manuscript
also highlights the recent patents disclosing PNPs for tumor targeting.
Resistance Pattern in Mostly Gram-negative Bacteria Causing Urinary
Tract Infections
Authors: Bandy Altaf , Alotaibi Bader S. , Tantry Bilal Ahmad , Farhana Anjum , Alammar Muath A. , Shah Naveed Nazir , Mohammed Abdul Hafeez , Wani Farooq
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

The antimicrobial prescription in urinary tract infections (UTI) is driven by local data on its pathogenic spectrum and the resistance pattern exhibited by the disease-causing pathogens.
We aimed to determine the bacteriological diversity of UTI causing pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in mostly gram-negative bacteria.

Methods:

This retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study analyzed the culture and sensitivity reports of urine samples from a referral centre of Aljouf region of Saudi Arabia. All the antibiograms from January 1, 2020, to December 31st 2020 were included. The bacterial identification and antimicrobial testing were carried out by the BD Phoenix system (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD, USA). Antimicrobial testing was performed as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute recommendations. Frequencies of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistance were calculated.

Results:

Of the 1334 non-duplicate urine samples received, 422 (31.6%) bacterial growths were observed. Of these, 383 (90.8%) and 39 (9.2%) were gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial isolations, respectively. E. coli 161 (38.1%), K. pneumoniae 97 (23.0%), and E. faecalis 18 (4.3%) were frequent aetiologies of UTI. 309 (80.7%) of gram-negative bacteria were multidrug-resistant including 88 (23.0%) extensively drug-resistant. Overall, a resistance rate of > 55 % to 1st through 4th generation cephalosporins was observed except for cefoxitin (43.7%). A resistance rate of 37.6% was observed towards carbapenems with the lowest rate (34.0%) to meropenem.

Conclusion:

Multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria dominate the pathogenic spectrum of UTI in the region. A high resistance rate to cephalosporins and carbapenems exist in gram-negative organisms causing UTI.
Wave-Assisted Techniques, a Greener and Quicker Alternative to
Synthesis of Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges: A Review
Authors: Wadhwa Pankaj , Vij Mohit , Dand Neha
Published: September 2022

The ever-increasing applications of cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin-based nanosponges in
formulation development has gained much attention from researchers towards needed research in this
arena. Nanosponges are three-dimensional nanoporous versatile carriers in the pharmaceutical research
field because of their capability to encapsulate lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs both in their crystalline
structure by inclusion and non-inclusion phenomenon. This review sheds light on the advancements
made in this field and the associated patents with regard to their synthesis while zooming in on the utilization
of two novel energies (Microwave and ultrasonic) in accomplishing this goal and its future
thereof. Microwave and ultrasound-assisted manufacturing of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNS)
has been found superior to conventional heat-dependent methods due to rapid/homogenous heating
and fast kinetics, which ultimately provide the final product with high yield and crystallinity relatively
rapidly. The review article also defines several facets of microwave and ultrasound-assisted nanosponge
synthesis including the synergism of microwave and ultrasonic energy and the theories behind
them. This hitherto unexplored microwave-ultrasonic coupling technology could be a future technology
to synthesize CD-NS with a better outcome. In the recent past, these novel energy processes have been
used successfully in material synthesis at an industrial scale due to their swift and streamlined synthesis
attributes. Likewise, these wave-assisted methods have the full potential to materialize the concept of
CD-NS from lab scale to industrial scale as a competent and versatile drug carrier, having all the prerequisite
characteristics, for commercialization.
Neuroprotective Effects of Shogaol in Metals (Al, As and Pb) and High-fat
diet-induced Neuroinflammation and Behavior in Mice
Authors: Ahmed Touqeer , Ishaq Sara , Siyar Sohana , Basri Rabia , Liaqat Amna , Hameed Armeen
Published: September 2022

Background:

Increased exposure of humans to toxic metals and high-fat diet (HFD)
consumption severely damages brain health. Natural plant extracts have shown huge potential to
treat multiple human diseases.

Objective:

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Shogaol (an active
component of ginger) in neuroinflammation and behavioral paradigms in mice treated with
metals and HFD.

Methods:

8-11 weeks old male mice model was developed by giving a combination of metals,
i.e., Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al), 25mg/kg each mixed in drinking water with
laboratory prepared HFD (40% fat) for a total duration of 72 days. Shogaol treated groups received
two doses (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) of Shogaol along with metals and HFD. The biochemical
parameters, including body weights, blood glucose, and kidney and liver functions, were assessed
along with the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The expression analysis of neuroinflammatory
genes (TNF-α, IL-1β & GFAP) was performed using q-PCR in the hippocampus
and cortex. The exploratory and anxiety-like behavior was assessed using an open field test, and
depressive behavior was assessed through the forced swim test, while learning and memory were
assessed using the Morris water maze test and y-maze test.

Results:

Shogaol (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) treatment improved metabolic profile and reduced expression
of neuroinflammatory genes in the cortex and the hippocampus. Shogaol treatment improved
BBB integrity. Results of the behavioral analysis showed that Shogaol treatment (2mg/kg
& 12mg/kg) rescued behavioral impairment and improved anxiety and depression.

Conclusion:

Shogaol treatment showed strong therapeutic potential in metals & HFD induced
neuroinflammation and improved cognitive functions; thus, can be considered a potential drug
candidate in the future.