bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dihydroartemisinin Shows Promising Effects in the Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Maintains Inflammatory Homeostasis by Targeting AXL in Microglia
Authors: Xiaoxin Zhu , Qingsen Ran , Li Qi , Li Liu , Lidong Sun , Qing Yang , Yujie Li , Ying Chen , Xiaogang Weng , Yajie Wang , Weiyan Cai
Published: December 2020

Background: During EAE progression, the endogenous mechanisms mediating nervous autoimmune inflammation balance, as represented by AXL, were proved to be pathologically disturbed, immune balance and axon repair. Therapeutically, by activating AXL signaling, the inflammatory rebalance from promotion to resolution has attracted increasing attention and showed advantages in autoimmune disease treatment. Previous studies implied that DHA had potential effects in treating autoimmune diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms in inflammation regulation, especially in CNS, remain unclear.Methods: C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG35-55 and treated daily with DHA. Then clinical scores, pathology, and ethology features of EAE were assessed through histological staining (H&E, LFB staining), TEM and gait analysis. Moreover, DHA-responsive cells and genes were screened by 10x Genomics. The immunological responses to DHA were measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope in BV2 cells. The concentrations and bio-activities of chemokines were respectively evaluated through ELISA and trans-well assay. Results: After DHA treatment, the clinical scores and body weight were significantly improved. Histologically, mice showed slighter spinal cord lesion, less inflammatory cuffs. By using gait analysis, DHA obviously improved physical coordination. 10x Genomics demonstrated that DHA selectively upregulated AXL expression in microglia. Immunologically, by enhancing AXL signaling, the phagocytic and chemotactic potential of microglia and the Treg differentiation followed by upregulating PDL1 were significantly influenced by DHA. Conversely, specific blocking of AXL by SGI7079 was sufficient to reverse above-mentioned functions. Molecularly, DHA specifically rebalanced the overactivated inflammation through STAT1:SOCS3: AXL: IFNAR pathway. Conclusions: The present study highlighted the central role of AXL signaling in DHA mediated inflammatory transition.
Astragalosides IV Improves Palmitic Acid-induced Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Injury Due to Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Li Yan , Su Yong , Zhu Yunfeng , Han Yuli , Dong Xianan , Li Weizu , Li Weiping
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperlipidemia plays a key role in occurrence and development of DN. The main saturated fatty acids of palmitic acid (PA) is closely related to glomeruli and tubules injury in T2DM. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has comprehensive pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis. However, whether AS-IV can attenuate PA-induced renal tubular epithelial cells damages and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsIn vitro, the HK-2 cells were stimulated with PA (200 μM) for 6, 9, 12, and 24 h respectively, then treated with AS-IV (10, 20 or 40 μM) and Apo (100 μM) for 24 h. In vivo, we investigated the effects of AS-IV in high-fat diets (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 DN rats. Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay kit. The lipid deposition was detected by ORO Staining assay kit. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Immunofluorescence staining and Immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expressions of NLRP3 and NOX4. The ELISA kits were conducted to assess the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, GSH and SOD. Western blotting was used to assess the expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, 1L-1β, NOX4, p22phox and p47phox proteins.ResultsOur results indicated that PA exposure not only significantly decreased cell viability, GSH and SOD expressions, and increased lipids deposition and apoptosis, but also increased the level of ROS and the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18. Moreover, PA exposure significantly increased the expressions of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1. However, all these abnormalities were significantly ameliorated by AS-IV and apocynin (Apo) treatment. In addition, our results indicated that AS-IV (80 mg/kg) could attenuate the renal tubular pathological injury and lipids deposition, and decrease the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, NOX4, p22phox and p47phox in renal tubules. Conclusions﻿The study suggested that AS-IV could improve PA-induced HK-2 cells injury and renal tubular damage in T2DM rats, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of NOX4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
A Scoring System To Predict Mortality In Patients Admitted To Hospital With Covid-19
Authors: Pedroso Yanet , Aguirre-Jaime Armando , Díaz-Cuevas Zaida , Ramos-Real María José , Abreu-Trujillo Óscar , Castro-Hernández María Beatriz , Rodríguez-Gaspar Melchor , López-Lirola Ana , Díez-Fuentes María Luisa , Santos-Arozarena Dácil , Putze Guillermo Burillo , Lecuona María
Published: December 2020

Background: Mortality from COVID-19 has reached rates approaching 13,0%, and it is necessary to have tools to predict the course of the disease, risk of aggravation and probability of death. We propose a predictive mortality score in patients admitted with COVID-19.Methods: We have collected and analysed more than 50 epidemiological, clinical, analytical and treatment variables in a referral cohort of 303 patients admitted for COVID-19. Those variables retained after multivariate analysis that compared survivors and non-survivors patients became the components of the risk of death score. To check the validity of the score, a validation cohort of patients admitted for COVID-19 was used.Results: Mortality was 17% in the referral cohort. Candidate variables to predict risk of death were age ≥65 years, cardiovascular disease, dyspnoea, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, abnormal prothrombin, elevated D-dimer, and abnormal lactate dehydrogenase. The proposed cut-off point in the scale was 7 (with 0-6 points representing a low risk of death and 7-17 a high risk). Application of the score in the validation cohort obtained a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92%, with a positive predictive value of 71% and a negative predictive value of 100%.Conclusions: Our study presents for the first time the development and validation of a risk-of-death scoring system for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 using clinical and laboratory parameters that can be retrieved from patients’ admission records.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Determination of Enterococcus spp. Obtained from Hospital Environment in Iran
Authors: Marghmalek Saba Asgharzadeh , Valadan Reza , Gholami Mehrdad , Nasrolahei Mohtaram , Goli Hamid Reza
Published: December 2020

Background: The role of the hospital environment as a source of pathogenic bacteria in recent studies has been poorly investigated. This study investigated the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence determinants in Enterococcus species isolated from hospital environment in Sari, Iran. Method: Overall, 90 enterococci strains were obtained from high touch surfaces of four hospitals in Sari, Iran. These environmental samples were obtained from bathroom, beds, tables, doorknobs, room keys, wheelchair and walls in the patient and staff’s rooms. The resistance profile of the isolates was determined by disk diffusion method. Seven resistance genes and two virulence associated genes were evaluated molecularly by multiplex PCR. Results: According to the PCR, 42 (46.66%) of them were E. faecalis and 48 (53.33%) others were detected as E. faecium. Also, 28 (66.6%) E. faecalis and 18 (37.5%) E. faecium isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Among all 90 environmental isolates 54 (60%), 54 (60%), 8 (8.8%), 8 (8.8%), 60 (66.6%), 26 (28.8%), and 24 (26.6%) isolates contained tetM, tetL, vanA, vanB, ermB, aac(6´)-Ie-aph(2´´)-Ia, and aph (3´)-IIIa, respectively. Moreover, all isolates were investigated for the presence of virulence genes and 88 (97.7%) of isolates had esp gene, and 16 (17.7%) had ace.Conclusions: This report showed that the environmental isolates of Enterococcus are the major sources of antibiotic resistance genes that can transfer them to the clinical isolates of bacteria in hospital settings. An effective following strategy should be organized to clearance and stop emergence of these pathogenic bacteria.
Association between insulin resistant surrogate index and arterial stiffness in hypertensive population: a five year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Zhou Di , Zhang Jie , Li Zhiwei , Wang Jinqi , Han Ze , Miao Xinlei , Liu Xiangtong , Li Xia , Wang Wei , Tao Lixin , Guo Xiuhua
Published: December 2020

Background

Causal association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio with arterial stiffness remains unclear. This study aims to assess the effect of TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio on the incidence of arterial stiffness in hypertensive population, and identify the susceptible subgroups.
Methods

This study enrolled 1201 hypertensive participants without arterial stiffness aged 18 or above in 2013 and 2014 as baseline. Physical examination and biochemical test including fasting blood glucose (FBG), TG, HDL-C were measured. The TyG index was denoted as ln[TG*FBG/2]. Incident arterial stiffness cases were confirmed during the following annual examination by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, > 1800 cm/s), until December 31 of 2019. The Cox model was used to explore the association of TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio with the arterial stiffness.
Results

During a mean follow-up of 5.09 years, 430 cases of arterial stiffness were confirmed. In the multivariate Cox model, the higher TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio were positively associated with a higher risk of arterial stiffness (adjusted HR for per-unit increase: 1.39 and 1.08, P < 0.05). The adjusted HR (95% CI) comparing participants in the highest quartile versus lowest quartile of TyG and TG/HDL-C ratio were 1.51 (1.10–2.07) and 1.08 (1.01–1.15), respectively. This positive linear association of evaluated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio with arterial stiffness was confirmed using restricted cubic spline function. The observed association was stronger in subgroups with overweight, co-diabetes and poor blood pressure control (systolic pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or without anti-hypertension medication).
Conclusion

The elevated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio independently increased the future risk of arterial stiffness in hypertensive population. Monitoring TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio deserves more attention in clinical practice, especially in the population with overweight, co-diabetes and poor blood pressure control.
miR-17-5p promotes the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer by regulating HSPB2
Authors: Yu Wei fang , Wang Jia , Li Chao , Xuan Mingda , Han Shuangshuang , Zhang Yingfu , Liu Pengfei , Zhao Zengren
Published: December 2020

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) can affect tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. After miRNA microarray chip analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and adjacent normal tissues, a significant upregulation of miR-17-5p expression was found in CRC tissues. However, the underlying mechanism of miR-17-5p in CRC is still unclear.Methods: The levels of miR-17-5p in 47 paired CRC and adjacent normal tissue samples were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays were used to explore the biological effects of miR-17-5p on CRC cells. In addition, the transcriptome sequencing and miRNA target prediction software were employed to identify targets of miR-17-5p. Luciferase reporter detection was used to demonstrate the direct binding of target genes by miR-17-5p. The rescue experiment was conducted to investigate the biological function of target genes and regulatory mechanism of miR-17-5p on target genes.Results: The expression of miR-17-5p was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. In CRC group, the expression of miR-17-5p in cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis was higher compared with those without lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of miR-17-5p inhibited CRC cell apoptosis, as well as promoting proliferation, migration and invasion. We hypothesized that HSPB2 might be a target gene of miR-17-5p and validated for the first time that miR-17-5p binds directly to the 3’-UTR of HSPB2. In the rescue experiment, the tumor suppressive effect of HSPB2 was detected and miR-17-5p could promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting HSPB2.Conclusion: MiR-17-5p promotes invasion and migration by inhibiting HSPB2 in CRC, thereby implicating its potential as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.
GLOBAL HEALTH POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Doctorate in Health Sciences College of Graduate Health Studies A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA., Aziz Maria , A. DiDonna Thomas ,   Masters degree in nursing sciences Doctorate in Health Sciences Adjunct faculty, College of Graduate Health Studies A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.
Published: December 2020

Health equality is the goal of global health policymakers (Weiss & Pollack, 2017).In the current political scenario, global health policy Development is facing significant challenges across the globe. Addressing these barriers is a complex task and requires coordination between global organizations across various healthcare domains. Our paper identifies barriers to the development of cohesive global health policy, and offer a few potential remedies in the development process of the same.
Retracted Covid-19 papers and the levels of ‘citation pollution’: A preliminary analysis and directions for further research - ANNEXUS
Authors: Van Der Walt Wynand , Willems Kris , Friedrich Wernher , Hatsu Sylvester , Krauss Kirstin
Published: December 2020

These datasets inform the study titled "Retracted Covid-19 papers and the levels of ‘citation pollution’: A preliminary analysis and directions for further research". Our aims with this paper are as follows:
1) By interrogating cases of papers citing the 33 retracted papers, specifically papers that review Covid-19 literature and/or case studies, we demonstrate the need for ongoing and more in-depth studies that focus on the phenomenon of citation pollution caused by weak or questionable scientific practices.
2) We show that the “Covid-19 publication race” has potentially aggravated the distortion of published science on Covid-19.
3) We highlight trends that could help understand how citation pollution may potentially escalate and consequently, how it may be mitigated.
Impact of functional interdependency on employee satisfaction with performance appraisal in the real estate industry
Authors: N. Elangovan , Rajendran Sridhar
Published: December 2020

Unbiased performance appraisal tends to bolster the performance of employees. The studies indicate several inadequacies with the current performance appraisal systems. Functional interdependence is one such factor that has been ignored. The study aims to find the factors that can improve the satisfaction with performance appraisal of employees whose deliverables are highly interdependent on other functions. Organizational justice, rater competence, inter-functional conflict, and cohesion are considered the mediating variables. To test the model, the data are collected through a survey using a questionnaire from the executives of Indian real estate companies who have undergone the appraisal process at least once. Firms with more than 500 employees are randomly selected for the list of members of the real estate developers’ associations. The results show that functional interdependency has a negative impact on satisfaction with performance appraisal. Although conflict and cohesion are found to influence satisfaction with performance appraisal, they did not mediate the effect of functional interdependency on satisfaction with performance appraisal. However, the study found that rater competence and organizational justice have a mediating effect. The study provides practical implications to HR managers of real estate companies to train the raters and include the complexities of functional interdependencies in the appraisal system. A grievance mechanism should be created to address the employees’ concerns, ultimately improving satisfaction with performance appraisal.
The Film Life of Pi as a Multimedia Tool in English Language Classrooms of Engineering Colleges in Gujarat- An ESP Approach
Authors:   Indian Institute of Information Technology Vadodara., Chetia Barnali , Bhatt Dharna ,   Indian Institute of Information Technology Vadodara.
Published: December 2020

ESP advocates the designing of special courses instead of one multi-purpose course, to suit the needs of different courses of students. The curriculum of English as a course in Engineering Institutes differs from other disciplines in Arts, Commerce and Science colleges. Use of films as a multimedia tool and as an ESP approach in English classrooms of Engineering Institutes has become inevitable. For many students, films are their initial contact with English-speaking culture and a fun way to relax and also learn at the same time. The present study tries to examine the use of films as a multimedia tool in the English language classrooms of Engineering Institutes of Gujarat. The film Life of Pi by Ang Lee is considered as a major instrument for the present study. The study was conducted on a sample of 315 students pursuing their B.Tech in different Government Engineering colleges of Gujarat, India. The study was accomplished by using the survey and observation method. The survey questionnaire was used as a major instrument for the data collection of the study. The results suggests that Films as a teaching tool motivates student to learn English in second language classrooms and also helps them to understand and enhance their second language skills.
Towards Creating a Socially Sustainable Society amid COVID- 19 Pandemic: A Gandhian Perspective
Authors:   Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India, Mishra Neha , Mishra Anindya J ,   Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
Published: December 2020

The current coronavirus pandemic has emerged as a threat to the entire humanity. It has affected society at large and has created a lot of chaos and uncertainty in the world. This has created the need to restore and establish social sustainability in the society. Social sustainability is viewed as a process for creating successful places that promote people’s well-being by understanding people’s needs and wants. Here, Gandhi’s comprehensive vision for society can be related to the sustainable development approach and the social dynamics prevailing in the society amid the pandemic. As the three pillars of sustainable development- environmental, economic, and social- are interlinked, Gandhi’s ideas and principles of value-based approach and ethical living hold good in sustainable development discourse. However, though Gandhian principles and concepts have been often viewed in environmental sustainability, it is least analyzed and understood in terms of social sustainability. Therefore, the paper tries to fill this gap by focusing on building a social aspect of sustainability amid the pandemic through Gandhian perspective. This paper analyses social sustainability in terms of (a) social equity, (b) social well-being, and (c) participation by all. In this context, his idea of “Sarvodaya” is significant as it deals with social welfare, which holds importance in current pandemic days. Apart from “Sarvodaya,” Gandhi also developed an integrated view of the individual, society, and state by focusing on social harmony based upon the moral principles- love, truth, justice, and non-violence, which hold importance even today.
Characteristics of δ18O and δ2H and their implication for the interaction between precipitation, groundwater and river water in the upper River Tuojiang, Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Guodong , Meng Yuchuan , Xia Cheng Cheng , Chen Ke
Published: December 2020

The Tuojiang River has multiple water sources and serious pollution problems, but its hydrological mechanism in the upper reaches is still unclear. To better understand the hydrological characteristics of the Tuojiang River, the isotopic compositions of its precipitation, river water and groundwater in the upper reaches have been investigated from May 2018 to April 2019. The results indicated that the isotope values of precipitation, river water and groundwater fluctuate significantly throughout the year with depleted value in the wet season and enriched value in the dry season. Spatially, the isotope values of river water increase gradually from upstream to downstream. River water is the main source of recharge to groundwater and precipitation is the minor one. The isotope-based hydrograph separation shows that the Mianyuan River and Pihe River contribute more greatly to Tuojiang River than the Shiting River and Yazi River. The mean residence time of river water from the Tuojiang River varies from 0.95 to 1.49 years, which indicates that rivers in the upper reaches of the Tuojiang River respond to precipitation quickly. This study proved the usefulness of stable isotopes to identify the different water cycle components and reflect the pollution problem in multiple water source confluence areas.
Determination of large microplastics: wet-sieving of dewatered digested sludge, co-substrates, and compost
Authors: Schwinghammer Larissa , Krause Steffen , Schaum Christian
Published: December 2020

Dewatered digested sludge and compost may act as a conduit for microplastics (<5 mm) in terrestrial and subsequently aquatic systems. However, standardized methods for microplastics analyses are lacking. Thus, the aim is to demonstrate the applicability of wet-sieving as a way to quantify large microplastic particles (MPP, 1–5 mm) in dewatered digested sludge and compost. Additionally, we investigated the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, expired drinks and slaughterhouse waste used as co-substrate for anaerobic digestion at wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Therefore, we collected samples from six WWTP and two biogas plants. These were then wet-sieved and potential MPP analysed via attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). In dewatered digested sludge the amount of microplastics ranged from 0 to 326 MPP/kg TS (total solids) while compost contained 39–102 MPP/kg TS. Our results show that with 0–36 MPP/kg TS co-substrates are not necessarily a source of microplastics in WWTP. Furthermore, we found film to be the most abundant shape in the biogas plant samples, whereas, in WWTP samples film, fragments and fibers were detected the most. ATR-FTIR revealed that polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene were the most abundant materials found across all samples.

HIGHLIGHTS Standardized methods for MP analysis are still lacking. Applicability of wet-sieving as method of detection for MP of 1–5 mm is demonstrated. It is proposed that the number of MPP should always be given in reference to the total solids of the respective sample. More research is needed to evaluate the effect of co-substrates on the number of MPP in WWTPs.
Efficient removal of Cr (VI) and Co (II) from aqueous solution by activated carbon from Manihot esculenta Crantz agricultural bio-waste
Authors: Belcaid A. , Beakou B. H. , El Hassani K. , Bouhsina S. , Anouar A.
Published: December 2020

Heavy metals are one of the most dangerous and critical threats to human and environment. In this study, the adsorption efficiency of activated carbon from cassava peels considered as agricultural waste (CPR) was evaluated for removal of heavy metals Cr (VI) and Co (II) from aqueous media. Cassava peel carbon (CPC) was obtained by acid treatment. Structural and morphological properties were investigated using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area (BET) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The adsorption experiments were conducted in batch mode under natural solution pH and complexation of the heavy metals, which allows the use of UV-Visible spectroscopy technique. CPC adsorbent exhibited a high adsorption capacity, according to Langmuir model, for Cr (VI) (166.35 mg/g) and Co (II) (301.63 mg/g) at 25 °C. Kinetic and adsorption isotherms followed the pseudo second-order and Langmuir isotherm models for both metals, respectively. Thermodynamic study confirmed the spontaneity and endothermic nature of both metals adsorption onto CPC surface.
The Debate on the Concept of the Person in Bioethics
Authors: Hołub Grzegorz
Published: December 2020

This article endeavours to sketch the debate about the concept of a person in the realm of bioethics. Initially, it sets out three understandings of the issue, namely the concept of a person in naturalistic philosophy, in the current of communitarianism and in one of the humanistic positions. The analysis of these approaches lead to the conclusion that a human person is perceived either as an empirical and psychological entity or as a free subjectivity creating him/herself. This thesis provides stimulation for further research. In order to avoid a kind of dualism in the perception of a person stemming from the stances outlined above, the personalistic approach is developed. This points out that a human being should be depicted as one indivisible entity unifying in itself more strictly its self, a subjective aspect of the person, with nature-body aspect which is an objective facet of being human. Given this personalistic perspective, a person comes out as an embodied subjectivity formed by the unique personal act of existence. In this article, such a concept of a person is argued as a vital support in the complex field of bioethical dilemmas.
The influence of cultural factors on the collapse of the Greenland Norse civilization
Authors: Sadowski Ryszard F.
Published: December 2020

The understanding of the collapse of ancient civilizations is important for the understanding of very complex process happening in our civilization. The Earth is put in danger due to many reasons and some of them do not change throughout history. Because of the global range of human actions, the power reached by contemporary man is much more dangerous than it used to be centuries ago. Therefore, the understanding of the past collapses is crucial for the safety of our global village. The article shows the reasons for the collapse of the Greenland Norse civilization. It seems that the main reason was climate change but it also seems that the Greenland Norse could have survived, or at least postponed the collapse. The author indicates that cultural factors were the roots of ecological degradation and the lack of economic adaptation. The Norse knew the Inuit and their adaptive strategies but did not learn from them. It seems that the collapse of the Greenland Norse civilization was the choice of the Norse’s elite. The leaders kept the society in a risky balance in order to rule over them, but finally, the fragile equilibrium was shattered and caused the collapse.
Nanotechnology-Based Platforms for Vaginal Delivery of Peptide Microbicides
Authors: Sánchez-López Elena , Gómara María José , Haro Isabel
Published: December 2020

Background:

Vaginal drug delivery offers an opportunity for effective microbicide
treatments. However, the physiological characteristics of the vagina represent a
challenge when preparing microbicide formulations for local delivery that avoid systemic
effects.

Objective:

To review recent advances in vaginal microbicides placing special emphasis
on nanocarriers that encapsulate peptide microbicides. The review includes an overview
of local treatment and prevention strategies for bactericidal, fungal, protozoal and viral
vaginal infections that use peptide microbicides.

Methods:

Scientific literature and clinical trials published in the PubMed database since
2015 are analyzed.

Result:

Peptide microbicides are used for vaginal drug delivery as a means of prevention
and treatment of several infectious diseases, especially sexually transmitted infections,
and it is clear that such peptide-based microbicides constitute a suitable strategy. Their
combination with nanotechnological drug delivery systems improves local peptide administration
while avoiding their degradation and adverse effects. To date, only a few polymeric
and lipid-based nanocarriers have been used for peptide microbicide vaginal delivery.

Conclusion:

The combination of nanotechnology and peptide microbicides has emerged
over recent years, and different platforms are being used for vaginal peptide delivery.
Nanostructured systems for peptide delivery via vaginal rings or hydrogels are increasingly
used as platforms capable of providing suitable drug delivery. However, there is still a
lack of knowledge about nanocarriers aimed at encapsulating peptides for local microbicide
delivery.
Recent trends in QSAR in Modelling of Drug-Protein and Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Sharma Smriti , Bhatia Vinayak
Published: December 2020

The unprecedented growth in the area of QSAR has completely changed the landscape
of drug discovery. QSAR techniques quantitatively correlate the associations between chemical
structure alterations and respective changes in biological activity, thereby playing a major role in
improving the potency, efficacy and selectivity of the lead compounds in drug design. In this
review, authors have summarized the role of QSAR in drug discovery, especially with respect to
lead optimization and drug-receptor interactions. The recent trends in the usage of 3D-QSAR to
understand Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) have been explored. Specifically, the latest advances
in the concepts of chemical Space (CS) and chemography have been examined in detail. Also, the
authors have tried to present the current limitations and challenges in this field. The authors agree
with the prevalent view that the models must be systematically validated both internally as well as
externally to strengthen the hit rates in the experiments. It is important to apply the ‘in cerebro-in
silico’ approach that entails choosing the method specific to the target–ligand system.
Isolation, Characterization, and Docking Studies of (Z)-Isopropyl 7-((1R, 2R, 3R, 5S)-
2-((1E, 3Z)-3-Fluoro-4-Phenoxybuta-1, 3-Dienyl)-3,5-Dihydroxycyclopentyl) Hept-5-
Enoate, an Impurity of Tafluprost
Authors: Jaggavarapu Rama Mohana Reddy , Muvvala Venkatanarayana , Ghojala Ventakareddy , Cheedarala Ravi Kumar
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The origin, isolation, and characterization of (Z)-isopropyl 7-((1R, 2R, 3R, 5S)-2-((1E,
3Z)-3-fluoro-4-phenoxybuta-1, 3-dienyl)-3, 5-dihydroxycyclopentyl) hept-5-enoate, an impurity found in the
preparation of an anti-glaucoma agent-Tafluprost has been described in this study.

Materials and Methods:

Further, an enantiospecific synthesis of (Z)-isopropyl 7-((1R, 2R, 3R, 5S)-2-((1E, 3Z)-
3-fluoro-4-phenoxybuta-1, 3-dienyl)-3, 5-dihydroxycyclopentyl) hept-5-enoate has been revealed using deoxofluorination
as a key transformation of the strategy.

Results and Discussions:

Moreover, the impurity showing anti-glaucoma properties in docking studies with respect
to bimatoprost has been described.

Conclusion:

The extention of our work towards docking studies and the present impurity molecule showed almost
the same biological activity with respect to Tafluprost.
Current Trends in the Detection of Biological Proteins and Immunological Assays using Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Mazraedoost Sargol , Gholami Ahmad , Yousefi Khadije , Chiang Wei-Hung , Sadeghipour Yasin , Babapoor Aziz , Omidifar Navid , Akram Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Background:

There is a vital need to advance a cheap, quick, and robust strategy to detect biological proteins
since these biomolecules are regularly utilized as biomarkers responsible for diagnosing many diseases such as
malignancies. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted extensive consideration of researchers in various fields
because of their particular optical properties and extraordinary execution in photovoltaic gadgets, photocatalysis, and
biological imaging. These nanomaterials adequately improve the sensor performance for their reproducibility, selectivity
just as effectively. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) comprise discrete highlights, starting as attractive fluorophores and
superb electro-impulses inferable from their photographic soundness, water-solvency, biocompatibility, non-poisonous
quality, and making them an ideal contender for a wide range of new biomedical applications.

Methods:

All online published studies and online content related to the detection of biological proteins and
immunological assays using graphene quantum dots from January 2000 to 2020 are reviewed. This review begins with a
rundown of the new methodologies and various structures of graphene quantum dots. In the next step, the detailed
description is followed on their applications in the fields of protein and immune detection for drug probing applications.

Results:

After providing a brief review for chemical and biological synthesis of GQD, in this review, we categorized the
detection method of biological proteins using GQD into four main categories including, GQD fluorescence sensors for
serum enzyme detection, ultra-trace detection of biological using GQDs, GQD-based immunological assays
(immunosensors) especially for cancer and cardiac biomarkers, protein probing for theragnostic purposes.

Conclusion:

Through this review, we discuss the current trends and future application of graphene quantum dots and their
role in proteins and other biomolecules detection, diagnosis in diseases, and their importance in theragnostic applications.
Emergence of Sexual Dreams and Emission Following Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over the Medial Prefrontal and Cingulate Cortices
Authors: Shen Ying , Cao Xinyu , Zeng Ning-Ning , Wang Yingjie , Zhang Hangbin , Zangen Abraham , Yuan Ti-Fei
Published: December 2020

In a pilot study involving methamphetamine dependents receiving deep Transcranial
Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) targeting the medial prefrontal and cingulate cortices with H7 coil
(Brainsway, Israel), we assessed clinical outcomes from patients receiving 20 sessions of dTMS
treatments over 4 weeks (5 days on, 2 days off). Although the primary outcome was the behavioral
changes related to addiction, we encountered a phenomenon of robust increases in sexual dreams
and emission in a patient recruited for this study, which may inform alterations in cortical excitability
following dTMS treatment.
Day-ahead Load Probabilistic Forecasting Based on Space-time Correction
Authors: Jin Fei , Liu Xiaoliang , Xing Fangfang , Wen Guoqiang , Wang Shuangkun , He Hui , Jiao Runhai
Published: December 2020

Background :

The day-ahead load forecasting is an essential guideline for power generating,
and it is of considerable significance in power dispatch.

Objective:

Most of the existing load probability prediction methods use historical data to predict a single
area, and rarely use the correlation of load time and space to improve the accuracy of load prediction.

Methods:

This paper presents a method for day-ahead load probability prediction based on spacetime
correction. Firstly, the kernel density estimation (KDE) is employed to model the prediction
error of the long short-term memory (LSTM) model, and the residual distribution is obtained. The
correlation value is then used to modify the time and space dimensions of the test set's partial period
prediction values.

Results:

The experiment selected three years of load data in 10 areas of a city in northern China.
The MAPE of the two modified models on their respective test sets can be reduced by an average of
10.2% and 6.1% compared to previous results. The interval coverage of the probability prediction
can be increased by an average of 4.2% and 1.8% than before.

Conclusion:

The test results show that the proposed correction schemes are feasible.
THE ROLE OF WORKPLACE SPIRITUALITY IN REDUCING THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL CYNICISM ON JOB PERFORMANCE
Authors:   Management Department, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia, Risgiyanti Risgiyanti , Hidayah Rini ,   Accounting Department, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Indonesia, Fithrayudi T Muhammad ,   Accounting Department, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Indonesia
Published: December 2020

Organizational cynicism is now an important topic in the academic and business community, but the research relating to organizational cynicism is relatively neglected. Several studies that have examined the impact of organizational cynicism on job performance directly still show different results. This study strives to overcome this research gap by examining the impact of organizational cynicism on job performance by using variables of workplace spirituality as a moderating variable. The research data was taken from the supervisor and nurse from 7 private hospitals in the Pekalongan. The samples of this study were 176 respondents. The sampling technique was using convenience sampling. This research used a survey method with a quantitative approach and using the Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis tool with the help of WarpPLS 3.0. The results showed that organizational cynicism directly affects job performance. The results also show that spirituality in the workplace has a positive effect on job performance. Tests related to the effects of moderation suggest that workplace spirituality moderates the relationship of organizational cynicism on job performance. This study opens new avenues for research on organizational cynicism and carries implications for theory and practice.
Discussions and Misinformation About Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Twitter Content (Preprint)
Authors: Sidani Jaime E , Hoffman Beth , Colditz Jason B , Wolynn Riley , Hsiao Lily , Chu Kar-Hai , Rose Jason J , Shensa Ariel , Davis Esa , Primack Brian
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Misinformation and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are increasing. Some of this may stem from early reports suggesting a lower risk of severe COVID-19 in nicotine users. Additionally, a common conspiracy is that the e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak of 2019 was actually an early presentation of COVID-19. This may have important public health ramifications for both COVID-19 control and ENDS use.

OBJECTIVE

Twitter is an ideal tool for analyzing real-time public discussions related to both ENDS and COVID-19. This study seeks to collect and classify Twitter messages (“tweets”) related to ENDS and COVID-19 to inform public health messaging.

METHODS

Approximately 2.1 million tweets matching ENDS-related keywords were collected from March 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020, and were then filtered for COVID-19–related keywords, resulting in 67,321 original tweets. A 5% (n=3366) subsample was obtained for human coding using a systematically developed codebook. Tweets were coded for relevance to the topic and four overarching categories.

RESULTS

A total of 1930 (57.3%) tweets were coded as relevant to the research topic. Half (n=1008, 52.2%) of these discussed a perceived association between ENDS use and COVID-19 susceptibility or severity, with 42.4% (n=818) suggesting that ENDS use is associated with worse COVID-19 symptoms. One-quarter (n=479, 24.8%) of tweets discussed the perceived similarity/dissimilarity of COVID-19 and EVALI, and 13.8% (n=266) discussed ENDS use behavior. Misinformation and conspiracy theories were present throughout all coding categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Discussions about ENDS use and COVID-19 on Twitter frequently highlight concerns about the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 for ENDS users; however, many contain misinformation and conspiracy theories. Public health messaging should capitalize on these concerns and amplify accurate Twitter messaging.
Public Interest in Immunity and the Justification for Intervention in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Google Trends Data (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Kwan Yunna , Lee Jun Young , Shin Jae Il , Lee Keum Hwa , Hong Sung Hwi , Han Young Joo , Kronbichler Andreas , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Choi SungWon , Ghayda Ramy Abou , Park Myung-Bae
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of social big data is an important emerging concern in public health. Internet search volumes are useful data that can sensitively detect trends of the public's attention during a pandemic outbreak situation.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to analyze the public’s interest in COVID-19 proliferation, identify the correlation between the proliferation of COVID-19 and interest in immunity and products that have been reported to confer an enhancement of immunity, and suggest measures for interventions that should be implemented from a health and medical point of view.

METHODS

To assess the level of public interest in infectious diseases during the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak, we extracted Google search data from January 20, 2020, onward and compared them to data from March 15, 2020, which was approximately 2 months after the COVID-19 outbreak began. In order to determine whether the public became interested in the immune system, we selected coronavirus, immune, and vitamin as our final search terms.

RESULTS

The increase in the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases that occurred after January 20, 2020, had a strong positive correlation with the search volumes for the terms coronavirus (R=0.786; P<.001), immune (R=0.745; P<.001), and vitamin (R=0.778; P<.001), and the correlations between variables were all mutually statistically significant. Moreover, these correlations were confirmed on a country basis when we restricted our analyses to the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Korea. Our findings revealed that increases in search volumes for the terms coronavirus and immune preceded the actual occurrences of confirmed cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that during the initial phase of the COVID-19 crisis, the public’s desire and actions of strengthening their own immune systems were enhanced. Further, in the early stage of a pandemic, social media platforms have a high potential for informing the public about potentially helpful measures to prevent the spread of an infectious disease and provide relevant information about immunity, thereby increasing the public’s knowledge.
Interests, Motives, and Psychological Burdens in Times of Crisis and Lockdown: Google Trends Analysis to Inform Policy Makers (Preprint)
Authors: Rotter Dominik , Doebler Philipp , Schmitz Florian
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government and the 16 German federal states implemented a variety of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to decelerate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and thus prevent a collapse of the health care system. These measures comprised, among others, social distancing, the temporary closure of shops and schools, and a ban of large public gatherings and meetings with people not living in the same household.

OBJECTIVE

It is fair to assume that the issued NPIs have heavily affected social life and psychological functioning. We therefore aimed to examine possible effects of this lockdown in conjunction with daily new infections and the state of the national economy on people’s interests, motives, and other psychological states.

METHODS

We derived 249 keywords from the Google Trends database, tapping into 27 empirically and rationally selected psychological domains. To overcome issues with reliability and specificity of individual indicator variables, broad factors were derived by means of time series factor analysis. All domains were subjected to a change point analysis and time series regression analysis with infection rates, NPIs, and the state of the economy as predictors. All keywords and analyses were preregistered prior to analysis.

RESULTS

With the pandemic arriving in Germany, significant increases in people’s search interests were observed in virtually all domains. Although most of the changes were short-lasting, each had a distinguishable onset during the lockdown period. Regression analysis of the Google Trends data confirmed pronounced autoregressive effects for the investigated variables, while forecasting by means of the tested predictors (ie, daily new infections, NPIs, and the state of economy) was moderate at best.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that people’s interests, motives, and psychological states are heavily affected in times of crisis and lockdown. Specifically, disease- and virus-related domains (eg, pandemic disease, symptoms) peaked early, whereas personal health strategies (eg, masks, homeschooling) peaked later during the lockdown. Domains addressing social life and psychosocial functioning showed long-term increases in public interest. Renovation was the only domain to show a decrease in search interest with the onset of the lockdown. As changes in search behavior are consistent over multiple domains, a Google Trends analysis may provide information for policy makers on how to adapt and develop intervention, information, and prevention strategies, especially when NPIs are in effect.
El baile de Yuag: reseña etnográfica de su ejecución entre los Huitoto de Puerto Leguízamo
Authors: Calle Restrepo Horacio
Published: December 2020

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Competencia digital docente en el contexto de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia de Costa Rica
Authors: Barboza Robles Yansin Rebeca
Published: December 2020

El artículo es producto de una investigación de enfoque qualitativo, desarrollada en la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) de Costa Rica, en el segundo semestre de 2018, con la participación de nueve personas funcionarias de la universidad, expertas en aprendizaje virtual. Su objetivo fue definir los componentes de la competencia digital docente en el contexto de la UNED, según la opinión de personas expertas en aprendizaje en línea de la institución. A partir de un grupo de enfoque, se obtuvieron 22 indicadores de logro que describen las capacidades deseables del profesorado de la UNED para desempeñarse adecuadamente en los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, durante la fase de implementación de un curso en línea. Se recomienda utilizar la lista de indicadores para detectar necesidades de capacitación en el cuerpo docente de la institución, así como para evaluar su desempeño.
La gestión directiva o el liderazgo educativo en tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Kochen Gladys
Published: December 2020

La situación de emergencia en el mundo vino a interpelar las políticas públicas ¿cómo volver a la escuela?, ¿cómo será volver a una nueva “normalidad”? Los directores tuvieron que comenzar a trabajar con los docentes y alumnos que estaban en sus casas y desde sus casas, haciendo un seguimiento de sus planes, definiendo los problemas para buscar soluciones y, sobre todo, redefiniendo la construcción de políticas intersectoriales. Experiencia que evidentemente no debemos perder. Se debe planificar evaluando el sostener y mantener la cercanía durante y después de la pandemia, planificando la vuelta de quienes eventualmente han quedado fuera del sistema, garantizando la incorporación de tecnologías a la comunidad educativa, con participación de docentes y familia. Planificar es necesario, pero también lo es el considerar si lo hacemos teniendo en cuenta la experiencia o simplemente volveremos a planificar para una supuesta “normalidad”.