bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graduate Work-Readiness in Mauritius: A multi-stakeholder approach
Authors: Hardin-Ramanan Sarita , Gopee Shafiiq , Rowtho Vikash , Charoux Odylle
Published: October 2020

Characterised by strong human capital dependency, Small Island Development States (SIDS) such as Mauritius depend largely on work-ready graduates to boost their economy. Yet, Graduate Work Readiness (GWR) and graduate unemployment feature prominently on the Mauritian government agenda. This paper investigates the previously unexplored issue of GWR in Mauritius through four key stakeholder lenses – those of the government, employers, universities, and undergraduates – before suggesting collaborative strategies to enhance graduate employability. The paper findings build on government and parastatal body interviews and qualitative survey responses from the Top 100 companies, higher education institution directors and final year undergraduates in Mauritius. Study results and recommendations are derived from a thematic content analysis of interview transcripts and qualitative survey data. Results indicate that there is a strong need to (1) strengthen stakeholder links, (2) enforce industry-centric university curricula, (4) improve graduate work experience, (4) hone graduate soft skills, and (5) their attitude to work.  A Graduate Work Readiness Integrated Stakeholder Framework (GWRISF) supported by a National Work Integrated Learning Committee (NWILC) is then recommended. It is envisaged that proposed strategies will not only assist Mauritian stakeholders in better joining forces for GWR improvement but can also be useful to other comparable SIDS.
The effects of exergaming on pain, postural control, technology acceptance and flow experience in older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ditchburn Jae-Llane , Schaik Paul van , Dixon John , MacSween Alasdair , Martin Denis
Published: October 2020

Background: Older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain are at risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergaming on pain and postural control in older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Secondary outcomes were technology acceptance, flow experience, perceived physical exertion, expended mental effort and heart rate. Methods: 54 older adults (age: 71 ± 5 years) with chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomised into 2 groups. Group 1 received exergaming training using the Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise System (IREX®). Group 2 undertook traditional gym-based exercise (TGB). Both groups completed twice weekly 40-minute exercise sessions for six weeks. Perceived pain was measured using a numeric pain rating scale and the Multidimensional Affect and Pain Survey questionnaire. Postural control was measured as sway using a Kistler™ force platform. Technology acceptance was measured with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire and flow experience with the Flow State Scale. Physiological measures of perceived physical exertion, expended mental effort and heart rate were recorded during all sessions. Results: The exergaming group demonstrated significant reductions in pain intensity and thermal pain including a near significant approach in physical engagement in comparison to TGB group. Although no intervention effects on postural control were found, the exergaming group showed significant improvements in three sway measures (AP SD, ML SD and AP range) over time whereas significant improvements in ML range were found in the TGB group. Relating to technology acceptance, significant intervention effects on social influence and behavioural intention were found in the TGB group instead, although both groups demonstrated increases of acceptance over time. Regarding flow experience, concentration at task was significantly influenced in the TGB group and significant increases in flow variables over time were observed in both groups. Significant increases over time in perceived physical exertion and expended mental effort were found in both groups. Conclusion: Our findings support the potential of exergaming to alleviate pain and improve balance in older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Both forms of exercise are acceptable, intrinsically motivating and show evidence of benefit to older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04029285 (retrospectively registered, July 23, 2019) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04029285?term=Alasdair+Macsween&draw=2&rank=2
The Financial Innovative Business Strategies of Small to Medium Scale Enterprises in Developing Country and Influence for the Global Economy Performance
Authors: Umadia Sr. Kingsley , Kasztelnik Karina
Published: October 2020

The paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issues such the financial innovative business strategies of small to medium scale enterprises in developing country and influence for the global economy performance. The main purpose of this scientific research study problem is the impact of all business strategies of small to medium scale enterprises for the global economy performance. The methodology is the synthesis literature review then observation all current and prior existing literature and facts available for the purpose of understanding the current financial business strategy withing small to medium scale enterprises in developing country. The strategies observed could assist the theorists, regulators, and scholar-practitioners in seeking solutions that may change the narrative of SMEs having stunted growth or dying before their fifth anniversary. The findings from this study could help understand what strategies work and those that do not work for SMEs. Once SMEs begin to grow and thrive beyond five years, there will be an improvement in employment level, general production level, and economic growth, which is considered a significant positive social change. The research contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge in that is provided a research study on the financial innovative business strategies and influence for the global economy performance. The methodological implication is grounded on the fact that three different methods were used to triangulate the data collected; semi structured interview, field notes, and document reviews. The study methodological implication includes, achieving the qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological method of data collection and study. Keywords: financial innovation, microfinance, entrepreneurship, world development.
Elaboração de um framework para MOOC na Formação Contínua de Professores
Authors: Amado Carolina , Pedro Ana
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo decorre de uma investigação que tem como objetivo contribuir para a estruturação de um referencial para caracterizar Massive Open Online Courses, no âmbito da formação contínua de professores. Neste artigo iremos identificar quais as dimensões que a literatura assinala como adequadas para o design de MOOC. Para isso iremos adotar a abordagem qualitativa scoping literature review, cujo propósito passa por identificar e analisar dimensões formuladas em trabalhos relevantes publicados na área. Foi possível identificar um conjunto de necessidades relacionadas com as ofertas formativas para professores e questões de design de cursos massivos no âmbito da formação contínua de professores. Por aplicação de critérios de elegibilidade foram selecionados para análise nove artigos. Os resultados revelam a existência de um conjunto de recursos e decisões a valorizar e destacar aquando da implementação de cursos massivos para a formação contínua de professores, nomeadamente, os conteúdos, a avaliação, a descrição geral do curso, o público-alvo e a abordagem pedagógica.
Control over the Human Body Before and After Death: The Civil Law Aspect
Authors: Novoselova L.
Published: October 2020

In this article, an attempt is made to determine the legal status of the human body (organs and tissue) both while a person is alive and after a person dies. The article discusses the points of view of various authors in relation to the possibility of considering the human body, its organs and tissue, after their separation from the body, as objects of a person’s property rights, and also as an object of a person’s non-property rights. The article argues the impossibility of qualifying the human body and the organs that were not separated from it during life as parts – and perhaps critical parts – of the existence of the total human being, as objects of real (property) rights including the rights of the persons themselves. The human body as a single object is a personal non-property benefit. The organs and tissue separated from the body may be considered objects of real rights, but on several conditions: if they were indeed separated from the body and if the person gave permission for this in a will. The specific characteristics of the legal status of the separated organs and tissue of a human being are analyzed as things (possessions) with limited turnover. The specific characteristics of the legal status of the organs and tissue separated from the body as possessions in limited turnover are reviewed as well as the impact of personal non-property rights on this status. The main focus of the article is on the legal status of the human body and the organs separated from it after death in view of the fact that transplantology and postmortem organ donation are becoming more and more widespread. This issue is analyzed in terms of the body as a whole and as it applies to the organs and tissue that are not used for transplantation. The proposal is to base our analysis on the status of the human body after death which as a rule cannot be the object of property rights. The human body is disposed of within the framework of the protection of the personal non-property rights of the deceased, including the right of physical inviolability that covers the organs and tissue separated from the body. The article characterizes the legal nature of living wills when people give instructions as to the procedure of their burial and other means of handling their body, including donation of their bodies to science. The article examines the possibility of the right of ownership to organs and tissue separated from the body after death. This right can exist if a complex legal construct is present, including a direct or assumed living will of the person. The specific characteristics of living acts concerning the possibility of after-death organ and tissue harvesting for further use, including for transplantation purposes, and the differences between such acts and last wills are determined.
The Form of Ordinary Testaments Under Chinese and Russian Law and in the European Legal Tradition
Authors: Turłukowski Ja.
Published: October 2020

This paper analyses regulations concerning ordinary forms of testament in Russian and Chinese legislation against the background of selected solutions specific for particular European legal systems. It begins with a brief analysis of the development of Chinese and Russian civil law. This is intended to show the differences, but also the similarities, between them, caused, among other things, by the influence of Soviet law as well as ongoing reforms of succession law in both countries. Such similarities justify the need for a comparative examination of these legal orders, while the European context makes it possible to highlight their specific features. Taking into account the aim of this study, particular attention is paid to the normative sources of inheritance law and the traditional division of testaments into ordinary and special wills, something which is a common feature of Russian law, Chinese law and European legal traditions. The paper then examines particular forms of wills commonly found in European legislation, and follows this with a discussion of whether such solutions exist in Chinese and Russian law. Forms of holographic and notarial wills are presented in this manner. Particular attention is paid to forms of wills that occur only in one legal order, e.g. printed testaments as well as video and audio testaments in Chinese law, as well as the several types of notarial wills in Russian law. The paper concludes with a discussion of Russian and Chinese legislation’s various approaches to preserving the genuine will of the testator and the security of the legal transaction.
Procedure: History, Current State and Perspectives
Authors: Valeev D. , Makolkin N.
Published: October 2020

This article is devoted to the results of the VI annual Symposium of the journal “Herald of Civil Procedure” held on 27 and 28 September 2019 on the premises of the Faculty of Law of the Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University (KFU). The Symposium took place with the participation of the editorial board of the journal “Civil Law Review” and was titled “2019 – Civil Law and Procedure: History, Current State and Perspectives (Coinciding with the Bicentennial of D.I. Meyer).” The editorial board of the journal “Herald of Civil Procedure” annually invites outstanding legal scholars and practitioners in the field of civil procedure to Kazan to attend the Symposium of the journal “Herald of Civil Procedure”. In only six years, the Symposium has become not only an annual tradition, but also a brand name. The Symposium is an anchor event not only of the Law Faculty of the KFU, but also of the entire Kazan Federal University, which each year cordially welcomes leading civil procedure scholars. In addition, the Symposium hosts participants, friends and interested listeners, and has created a platform for large-scale discussions at the highest level The first and each subsequent Symposium are consistent in scope and organization. Yet, each year something new appears, some highlight that gives the event a unique character and momentum for moving forward, developing, improving and raising the level of engagement.
Civil Liability for Marine Oil Pollution Damage in the BRICS Countries
Authors: Linh Dinh Thi My
Published: October 2020

Until the 20th century, most countries around the world focused on developing the benefits of maritime transport and paid little attention to oil pollution from ships. The truth of the matter is that the development of marine transportation was a leading cause of marine pollution. Today, marine oil pollution is considered a dangerous source of contamination of the marine environment, and the oil pollution from ships is the source that draws the greatest concern. This concern clearly is felt by the BRICS countries, whose members, with vast seas adjacent to their landmasses, are keenly interested in preserving and protecting the marine environment against pollution, including marine pollution caused by oil from ships. The BRICS member states are countries with large economies and significant influence on regional and global issues. In recent years they have played a vital role in the world economy in terms of total production, destinations for investment capital and potential consumer markets. Therefore, the development and improvement of the laws of these countries relating to civil liability for marine pollution damage have significance for protecting the marine environment. This paper explores the legal regimes relating to civil liability for marine pollution damage at the international level and in the BRICS member states. It compares the differences in the domestic legislation of the BRICS countries pertaining to civil liability for marine pollution damage and concludes with recommendations for better implementation.
Breeders’ and Farmers’ Exceptions: How Valuable Are They for the World and Are They a Necessity for the BRICS Countries?
Authors: Gavrilova O.
Published: October 2020

These days, the world and every country in it are faced with the task of ensuring food security for people. It’s of current interest also for the BRICS countries. The ability to access genetic information and materials for seed production depends on intellectual property regimes. A lack of access to them is a main barrier for contribution in the development of plant varieties. This situation leads to dependence on obtaining hybrid varieties from foreign companies, which poses a threat to food security. It seems that to ensure freedom of research priorities there is a need to provide an opportunity to commercialize new breeding achievements resulting from such discoveries. Correct policymaking also includes the issue of regulating the situation when a patent and a certificate of ownership of the new plant variety are issued to different persons or companies. Capturing in legislation the breeders’ exception is necessary for the use of the patented invention in the frame of creating, discovering and developing a new plant variety. The biodiversity of seeds is a high stakes matter especially for the developing countries, where there are many challenges for smallholder farmers. The guarantee of the farmers’ right to use the saved seeds on their own farms and to exchange such seeds between themselves may be one of the aspects of food security as it is a base of the traditional agriculture economy in some countries, where smallholder farmers play a significant agricultural role. Also the position and scope of farmers’ rights and privileges, based on legislation and, especially, on judicial cases, shows a side of independence on international corporations in the agricultural sector.
Transnational Contracts and Their Performance During the COVID-19 Crisis: Reflections from India
Authors: Khanderia S.
Published: October 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted the performance of contracts across the globe. In some situations, the outbreak may render the performance of contracts impossible as a result of governmental restrictions in the form of national lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus. In other situations, the pandemic may adversely impact the execution of contractual obligations by dramatically affecting the price of the performance and, thus, resulting in hardship or commercial impracticability, while in certain situations the pandemic may be legally construed to not affect the performance of a contract. In domestic contracts, the consequences of such non-performance would depend on the principles of national law. In comparison, agreements with a foreign element (international contracts) are likely to increase the complexity of deciding claims arising from the non-performance of contracts due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The rights and liability of the parties would chiefly depend on the law that will govern the agreement – which differs across the globe. Some contracts would include a force majeure clause to exonerate the parties from performance on the occurrence of an event such as a pandemic. The courts’ interpretations of such force majeure clauses similarly differ across the globe. The laws of some countries would excuse the parties from performing their contractual obligations even if the pandemic resulted in hardship. Others would strictly construe the terms of such clauses and would invalidate them if the occurrence of the pandemic did not make the performance impossible. This paper examines the non-performance of transnational contracts due to the COVID-19 outbreak when they are governed by Indian law. It highlights the situations when an international contract for the sale of goods or services whose performance has been allegedly hindered due to COVID-19 would (a) frustrate and (b) breach the agreement under Indian law. The paper provides a comparative analysis of Indian law with jurisdictions such as France, Germany, Austria, China, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States to demonstrate that Indian law is not well equipped to deal with complex lawsuits arising due to the non-performance of contracts as a result of the pandemic.
Main Trends in the Development of Russian Law on Non-Profit Organizations
Authors: Avtonomov A. , Grib V.
Published: October 2020

The article is a comparative study of legal regulation on non-profits in the Russian Federation by federal law, including the Constitution, federal statutes, decrees of the President of the Russian Federation, resolutions of the Government and Constitutional Court rulings in connection with certain international legal acts dealing with the right to association, and by the law of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The main stages of the development of the law on non-profits both at the federal level and at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, as well as the main trends in the development of non-profit law in modern Russia, are explored.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Platelet Hyperaggregation in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The era of novel anti-diabetic agents
Authors: Daios Stylianos , Kaiafa Georgia , Pilalas Dimitrios , Nakou Ifigeneia , Kanellos Ilias , Kirdas Konstantinos , Despoudi Kalliopi , Papanas Nikolaos , Savopoulos Christos
Published: October 2020

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) incidence is ever-increasing and along with its microvascular and macrovascular complications is associated with a high morbidity and mortality burden globally. Major components of diabetes
pathophysiology include glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity and insulin resistance, disturbing the vascular wall integrity and leading
to endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperaggregation.

Objective:

This review aims to identify and summarize the effect of novel anti-diabetic agents (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose co-transporter -2 inhibitors) on endothelial (EF) and platelet function (PF) and evaluate the consistency with the results of cardiovascular outcomes studies.

Methods:

We performed a structured search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed research of the literature between
1981 and 2020 regarding the effect of DM and novel anti-diabetic agents on EF and PF.

Results:

We analyzed data regarding the effect of novel anti-diabetic agents on EF and PF as well as the pathophysiological
interplay between DM, PF, and EF. The available studies use different methods to evaluate these outcomes and the results of
different studies are rather conflicting as a result of different study designs, combinations of drugs tested, small study samples and patient population heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

The currently available data do not unequivocally support a consistent effect of novel antidiabetic agents on EF
and PF. Further study is required ideally with validation of the results with clinical outcomes.
Different Effects of Polymorphic Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 and Cytochrome P450 2A6 Activities on an Index of Arteriosclerosis as a Lifestyle-Related Disease in a General Population in Japan
Authors: Uraoka Mirai , Shimizu Makiko , Kuwajima Yoshiki , Mizugaki Ami , Yokoyama Haruka , Mure Kanae , Yamazaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Background:

The relationships between lifestyle-related diseases and polymorphic drug-metabolizing
enzyme activities in the general population in Japan remain unclear.

Objective:

In this study, the relationships between an index of arteriosclerosis and the phenotypic activities of
flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) and cytochrome P450 (P450) 2A6 were analysed.

Methods:

Subjects in a general population in Japan (age range 35-97 years, 640 men and 795 women, 12%
were current smokers) who took part in a health check program were recruited.

Results:

Subjects were divided into two groups using the median ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) score.
Subjects harbouring P450 2A6 wild-type allele had a significant age-adjusted odds ratio of 1.3 (95% CI,
1.0-1.6) of having a lower than median ABI score compared with subjects for mutant P450 2A6. For subjects
with wild-type FMO3, the odds ratio of 0.89 was not significant. The proportions of P450 2A6 extensive metabolizers
varied significantly across the inter-quartile ranges of the ABI scores (p = 0.008). Furthermore, the proportion
of subjects with low ABI scores was also dependent on the phenotypic P450 2A6 activity (p = 0.025) as
estimated from the P450 2A6 genotype. These results suggest that in a general population in Japan, the ABI
score, as a risk index for arteriosclerosis, is associated with the predicted P450 2A6 phenotype but is not associated
with FMO3 function.

Conclusion :

The P450 2A6 wild-type allele may be a possible candidate biomarker for arteriosclerosis in a general
population in Japan with a variety of dietary habits.
Paeoniflorin Affects Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway through Downregulation of 5-HT1D
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Xun , Gao Yahan , Tan Rulan , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhong Qixin , Zeng Feng
Published: October 2020

Background:

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high mortality. Paeoniflorin is a pinane monoterpene picroside with anti-tumor effect isolated from Chinese peony root and white peony root.

Objective:

The study was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism of Paeoniflorin (PF) regulating Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) progression via 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1D (5-HT1D).

Methods:

HepG2 and SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells were treated with different concentrations of PF (0, 5, 10, 20 μM). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. RTqPCR assay was used to detect the expression level of 5-HT1D, and Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of 5-HT1D and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins.

Results:

With the increase in PF concentration, the mRNA levels of 5-HT1D in HepG2 and SMMC- 7721 hepatoma cells were decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion ability of cells were gradually weakened, while the apoptosis rate was gradually increased. Overexpression of 5-HT1D significantly promoted the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, and increased the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins, β -actenin, survivin, C-myc, and Cyclin D1. Furthermore, 5-HT1D overexpression could reverse the effect of PF on hepatoma cells and inhibit the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins.

Conclusion:

PF may inhibit the progression of HCC by blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway expression through downregulating 5-HT1D.
Seventeen-Year Medical Professional Liability Experience in a Level III University Hospital
Authors: Bolcato Matteo , Fassina Giacomo , Sanavio Matteo , Aprile Anna
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

In recent decades, the number of medical professional liability disputes has
grown exponentially, becoming a well-studied aspect of public healthcare. Legal medicine is an essential
tool in managing this phenomenon.

Methods:

This article reports the results of the analysis of disputes for medical professional liability
in a Level III University Hospital in Italy. The study covers the time period from 01.01.2003 to
31.12.2019.

Results:

About 33% of claims have been compensated. Those claims fall within the following categories:
37% in the surgical field, 17% in the field of internal medicine, and 35% in the emergency care
field. As for the types of a medical mistake, compensation was awarded in 30% of diagnostic error
cases, 26% of therapeutic error cases, 47% of execution error cases, and 55% of organizational deficiency
cases.

Discussion:

The difference in the rate of compensation between the various medical fields or types of
error depends on specific medico-legal characteristics. The aim of advanced healthcare systems is to
prevent medical liability disputes by analyzing this phenomenon and improving clinical risk management
programs. In particular, according to our study, events related to organizational deficiencies are
the most preventable. In addition, through the use of a dedicated reporting procedure, medico-legal
analysis of malpractice cases may be the key to risk reduction.

Conclusion:

Every major hospital should set up a medico-legal watchdog responsible for collecting
and analyzing information on professional medical liability disputes in order to prevent and manage
such events.
1,8-Naphthyridine Derivatives: A Privileged Scaffold for Versatile Biological Activities
Authors: Ojha Madhwi , Yadav Divya , Kumar Avinash , Dasgupta Suman , Yadav Rakesh
Published: October 2020

:

1, 8- Naphthyridine nucleus belongs to significant nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds
which has garnered the interest of researchers due to its versatile biological activities. It is
known to be used as an antimicrobial, anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, anti-convulsant, anti-
Alzheimer’s, anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-hypertensive, antimalarial,
pesticides, anti-platelets, and CB2 receptor agonist, etc. The present review highlights the
framework of biological properties of synthesized 1, 8-naphthyridine derivatives developed by various
research groups across the globe.
Overexpression of RAD50 is the Marker of Poor Prognosis and Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Karamat Uzma , Ejaz Samina
Published: October 2020

Background:

The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and thus
demands exploration of the most relevant diagnostic biomarkers. RAD50 is a cancer susceptibility
gene that encodes a DNA damage repairing protein. Its role in breast cancer as clinico-pathological
specific biomarker has yet to be explored.

Objective:

This study was aimed to investigate the RAD50 expression and its promoter’s methylation
level variations in breast invasive carcinoma patients having different clinico-pathological features.
This study further explored the mutational spectrum of RAD50 and the correlation of its expression
with the survival of patients and the effectiveness of drugs used for treatment.

Methods:

Enrichment analysis of RAD50 was accomplished using the platform of GeneCards. The
information regarding RAD50 expression, its promoter methylation and impact on survival of patient
was retrieved from TCGA and CPTAC databases. However, the effect of RAD50 expression
on tumor’s response to various drugs was deduced through the analysis of CCLE and genomic of
GDSC dataset.

Results:

The promoter hyper-methylation and elevated expression of RAD50 was documented in
various subgroups of breast invasive carcinoma. The subjects having low/medium expression levels
were observed to survive longer than patients exhibiting high expression of RAD50 except for
post-menopausal subjects. The frequency of missense mutations was higher in RAD50 than truncating
mutations. Most of the drugs were found to have a positive correlation with RAD50 expression.

Conclusion:

The status of RAD50 promoter’s methylation inversely correlates with the expression
level of RAD50. While RAD50 is overexpressed in breast cancer patients and thus makes tumor resistant
against many anti-cancer drugs.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) in Lung Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Murugesan Sivakumar , Murugesan Jayakumar , Palaniappan Seedevi , Palaniappan Sivasankar , Murugan Tamilselvi , Siddiqui Shahid S. , Loganathan Sivakumar
Published: October 2020

Lung cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide today. Kinases play a crucial role
in mediating the signaling pathways, and it directs to control several necessary cellular processes.
Conversely, the deregulation of tyrosine kinases leads to oncogenic conversion, uncontrolled cell
proliferation and tumorigenesis. Tyrosine kinases are largely deregulated in lung cancer and specifically
in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, the inhibition of pathogenic kinases is a
breakthrough development in cancer research, treatment and care, which clinically improve the
quality of life. In the last decades, various single or combination inhibitors are approved by U.S
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and commercially available in clinics, and currently, several
preclinical studies are ongoing and examining the kinase inhibitors. However, many gaps remain in
understanding the mechanisms of kinase inhibitors and their selectivity. In this analysis, we focus
on a class of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their novel role in lung cancer.
Synthesis of New Bis-pyrazolines Endowed with Potent Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger
Authors: Sever Belgin , Altintop Mehlika Dilek , Özdemir Ahmet
Published: October 2020

Background:

Due to the increasing number of cases of invasive fungal infections (IFIs),
there is an urgent need to identify potent antifungal agents capable of combating IFIs. Pyrazolines
are one such class of therapeutically active agents that could be considered to fulfill this need.

Objective:

In this context, this paper aims to identify two new series of bis-pyrazolines endowed
with potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.

Methods:

Two new series of bis-pyrazolines (4a-i, 5a-e) were synthesized through an efficient and
versatile synthetic procedure. The compounds were screened for their antifungal effects on C. albicans
and A. niger using a broth microdilution method. Their cytotoxic effects on NIH/3T3 mouse
embryonic fibroblast cells were determined using MTT assay. Molecular docking studies were performed
in the active site of lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) to shed light on their antifungal
effects using Schrödinger’s Maestro molecular modeling package.

Results:

5,5'-(1,4-Phenylene)bis[1-(2-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)thio)acetyl)-3-(2-thienyl)-4,5-
dihydro-1H-pyrazole] (4a) and 5,5'-(1,4-phenylene)bis[1-(2-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinylthiocarbamoyl)
thio)acetyl)-3-(2-thienyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole] (5a) were found as the most
promising antifungal agents in this series. Compounds 4a and 5a showed pronounced antifungal
activity against C. albicans (MIC= 0.016 mg/mL) and A. niger (MIC= 0.008 mg/mL). Based on
MTT assay, their antifungal effects were selective (IC50 > 0.500 mg/mL for NIH/3T3 cell line).
Molecular docking studies suggested that compounds 5a-e might show their anticandidal effects via
CYP51 inhibition in regard to their stronger interactions in the active site of CYP51.

Conclusion:

Compounds 4a and 5a stand out as potential antifungal agents for the management of
IFIs caused by C. albicans and A. niger.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition Potential and Some Bioactivities of the Peripherally Tetrasubstituted Cobalt(II), Titanium(IV), Manganese(III) Phthalocyanines
Authors: Karaçelik Ayça Aktaş , Küçük Murat , Efe Derya , Çakır Volkan , Bıyıklıoğlu Zekeriya
Published: October 2020

Background:

Peripherally tetrasubstituted cobalt(II), titanium(IV), manganese(III)
phthalocyanines carrying redox-active metal centers were previously synthesized. Metallophthalocyanines
(MPcs) exhibited the potential to use in medicinal applications due to biological activities,
such as antibacterial, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition.

Objective:

This study's aim was to evaluate the previously synthesized metallophthalocyanines in
terms of carbonic anhydrase inhibition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.

Methods:

In this study, the inhibition potential of the metallophthallocyanines against carbonic anhydrase
(CA) enzyme, which is important for treatments of many disorders, was evaluated. The
metallophthalocyanines showed high CA inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range of 74-317
nM, which was similar or better when compared with the standard CA inhibitors sulfanilamide and
acetazolamide. In addition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities were determined. The metallophthallocyanines
exhibited moderate antibacterial activity, especially against S. aureus and S.
epidermis. The antioxidant activities of the compounds in both tests were quite high, even exceeding
the standards Trolox and BHT, with SC50 values of 0.0048-0.0257 and TEAC values of 1143.3-
1543.7 μM, being 2 to 73 fold better activity.

Results:

In this study, the inhibition potential of the metallophthallocyanines against carbonic anhydrase
(CA) enzyme, which is important for treatments of many disorders, was evaluated. The
metallophthalocyanines showed high CA inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range of 74-317
nM, which was similar or better when compared with the standard CA inhibitors sulfanilamide and
acetazolamide. In addition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities were determined. The metallophthallocyanines
exhibited moderate antibacterial activity, especially against S. aureus and S.
epidermis. The antioxidant activities of the compounds in both tests were quite high, even exceeding
the standards Trolox and BHT, with SC50 values of 0.0048-0.0257 and TEAC values of 1143.3-
1543.7 μM, being 2 to 73 fold better activity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, all three metallophthalocyanines exhibit excellent carbonic anhydrase
and antioxidant potential and deserve further interest for the synthesis of new derivatives.
Cardiovascular Risk in Children with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Chociej Anna B. , Wasilewska Natalia , Flisiak-Jackiewicz Marta , Lebensztejn Dariusz
Published: October 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease in
children. With the global obesity epidemic, the prevalence of NAFLD is increasing both in industrialized
and developing countries. NAFLD is a multisystem disorder and a hepatic manifestation
of the metabolic syndrome. Growing scientific evidence suggests that NAFLD is an independent
risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This paper briefly describes the current knowledge concerning
the association between NAFLD and cardiac dysfunction in children.
Quality of Life Questionnaires for Children With Bronchial Asthma at Jordan University Hospital: An Observational Study
Authors: Al-Zayadneh Enas M. , Arafah Ala’ Dia-Eddin , Ibrahim Sarah Muwaffag , Glessa Maram Abdalla , Al-Iede Montaha
Published: October 2020

Background:

Asthma is a common chronic illness worldwide. Identifying and treating
impaired health-related quality of life, is now recognized as an important component of asthma management.
A high prevalence of behavioral and emotional difficulties was noticed among children
with asthma.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted over 8 weeks involving 45 asthmatic
children, between the ages of 7-17 years old, presented to Jordan University Hospital in Amman,
Jordan. General demographic characteristics were collected, and two questionnaires were used:
asthma control test (ACT), and the pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ). We also
used the feeling thermometer scale, and a pulmonary function test was done for patients. SAS
Software version 9.4 USA and Pearsons coefficient were used to find associations.

Results:

Among 45 patients, 53% of the sample had poor asthma control. The mean FEV1 on lung
function testing was 80% (± 16.18) of predicted. The mean for clinical asthma scores (ACT) was
18.8 ± 4.53 (out of 25). FEV1 was significantly higher in children with good control compared to
those with a low ACT score (P-value <0.05). The mean total PAQLQ score was 5.3 ± 1.06 and it
correlated significantly with ACT score (P-value <0.001).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the association of poorly controlled asthma with a poor quality
of life. It is recommended that the quality of life of children should be assessed and observed during
clinic visits, for a better comprehensive approach and effective improvement of outcome.
Need for Nutritious Convenience Foods for the Elderly Population: A Review
Authors: Agarwal Vyoma , Joshi Ila
Published: October 2020

Worldwide, the population of elderly persons is rising at a very fast rate. Elderly people
have difficulties in performing day to day activities as the aging process deteriorates the normal
functioning of their body. There is risk of inadequate nutrition because of difficulties in shopping
for food, cooking a meal, chewing and putting food in mouth. Vision loss makes cooking, and even
eating, more difficult. Some elderly people live alone or with their spouses. Cooking for one or two
persons/s is not very stimulating. These changes have a great role to play in changing the eating
habits of the elderly which may affect their nutrient intake. All these factors may cause nutritional
deficiencies, malnutrition and other health problems among them. There are major opportunities to
develop convenience food products in order to meet the changing needs of aging population. In order
to get maximum product acceptance, it is important to combine the elements of convenience
and affordability. While designing products for elderly, it is desirable to modify the food consistency
to assist in swallowing, make it nutrient-dense and design it in a way that it can be easily handled
and eaten. The packaging can be easy to open, information written in large fonts and contrasting
colours to help in easy reading. The availability of nutritious ‘ready-meals’ can serve as an opportunity
for elderly people who do not want to cook or have low interest in cooking. This can provide
a variety of healthier food choices to them and help to reduce malnutrition. Access to nutritious
convenience food products can facilitate a positive intervention to the aging consumers.
Selar (Selar crumenophthalmus) Fish Protein Hydrolysate Has Antidiabetic Properties Possibly through GLP-1
Authors: Kusuma Rio J. , Ermamilia Aviria , Halimah Salehah N. , Pradani Ninda F. , Sholikha Imroatus
Published: October 2020

Background :

Enzymatic hydrolysis of fish protein using protease or fish protein hydrolysate
can form bioactive peptides that have antidiabetic activity. One potential mechanism of
fish protein hydrolysate is reducing blood glucose through increased endogenous glucagon like peptide
(GLP)-1 production. Tempeh is soy fermented food that has protease which is potential biocatalyst
in producing fish protein hydrolysate.

Objective:

To evaluate the antidiabetic properties of Selar (Selar crumenophthalmus) fish protein
hydrolysate using tempeh protease as biocatalyst and duodenal gene expression of GLP-1.

Methods:

Selar fish protein isolate was digested for 8 hours at 37°C using crude tempeh protease.
Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotosin (65 mg/kg bw)
and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg bw). Fish protein isolate and hydrolysate in dose of 300 mg/bw and
500 mg/ bw were orally administered daily for 4 weeks. Blood was drawn for fasting serum glucose
and lipid profile analysis. Total RNAs were isolated from duodenum and quantitative real
time PCR was performed to quantify mRNA expression of GLP-1. Data were analyzed using one
way ANOVA and gene expression analysis were performed using Livak.

Results and Discussion:

There is a significant difference on fasting serum glucose, total cholesterol,
triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and duodenal GLP-1 mRNA expression level
between groups (p<0.05). The duodenal GLP-1 mRNA expression was the highest in rats who received
hydrolyzed fish protein 500 mg/ bw.

Conclusion:

Hydrolysis of selar fish protein using tempeh protease has anti-diabetic properties possibly
through GLP-1 production.
Natural Bioactive Compounds as Adjuvant Therapy for Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Santana Moema S. , Lopes Rute , Peron Isabela H. , Cruz Carla R. , Gaspar Ana M.M. , Costa Paulo I.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Hepatitis C virus infection is a significant global health burden, which
causes acute or chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis C is generally asymptomatic and progresses to
cure, while persistent infection can progress to chronic liver disease and extrahepatic manifestations.
Standard treatment is expensive, poorly tolerated, and has variable sustained virologic responses
amongst the different viral genotypes. New therapies involve direct acting antivirals; however,
it is also very expensive and may not be accessible for all patients worldwide. In order to provide
a complementary approach to the already existing therapies, natural bioactive compounds are
investigated as to their several biologic activities, such as direct antiviral properties against hepatitis
C, and effects on mitigating chronic progression of the disease, which include hepatoprotective,
antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities; additionally, these compounds present
advantages, as chemical diversity, low cost of production and milder or inexistent side effects.

Objective:

To present a broad perspective on hepatitis C infection, the chronic disease, and natural
compounds with promising anti-HCV activity. Methods: This review consists of a systematic review
study about the natural bioactive compounds as a potential therapy for hepatitis C infection.

Results:

The quest for natural products has yielded compounds with biologic activity, including viral
replication inhibition in vitro, demonstrating antiviral activity against hepatitis C.

Conclusion:

One of the greatest advantages of using natural molecules from plant extracts is the
low cost of production, not requiring chemical synthesis, which can lead to less expensive therapies
available to low and middle-income countries.
Advanced Maternal Age and Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in
Pregnant Women
Authors: Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Omani-Samani Reza , Maroufizadeh Saman , Saedi Nafise , Shokouhi Nasim , Esmailzadeh Arezoo , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Safiri Saeid
Published: October 2020

Background:

Advanced maternal age is an important predictor for maternal and neonatal outcomes such as
maternal mortality, low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm birth, cesarean section and preeclampsia.

Objective:

To determine the association of advanced maternal age and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in Iranian
pregnant women.

Methods:

In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 5117 pregnant women from 103 hospitals in Tehran, Iran, were
participated in the study in 2015. The required data were gathered from hospitals which equipped to the department of
obstetrics and gynecology. Advanced maternal age was considered as an independent variable and unwanted pregnancy,
preeclampsia, preterm birth, cesarean section and low birth weight were considered as interested outcomes.

Results:

In our study, the prevalence of advanced maternal age was 12.08%. Advanced maternal age was significantly
associated with higher risk of unwanted pregnancy (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.73), preterm birth (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.28-
2.39) and cesarean section (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03-1.74). In our study, there was no significant relationship between
advanced maternal age and preeclampsia but this relationship could be clinically important (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.99-2.20, P=0.052), and there is no significant relationship between advanced maternal age and low birth weight (OR: 1.08, 95%
CI: 0.67-1.74, P=0.736).

Conclusion:

Advanced maternal age is associated with higher risk of unintended pregnancy, preterm birth and cesarean
section but our findings did not support advanced maternal age as a risk factor associated with low birth weight.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Cheung Yun-Chung , Ueng Shir-Hwa , Ng Shu-Hang , Kuo Wen-Lin
Published: October 2020

Background:

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammogram (CESM) is a modern technique
providing additional information to detect or diagnose breast cancers.

Introduction:

We present a rare ACC of breast on CESM.

Methods:

A 49-year-old woman with surgicopathological proved ACC was reported with tumor
features on CESM, sonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI).

Results:

Sonography revealed a 1.4 cm × 1.2 cm × 1 cm circumscribe round mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left
breast that was diagnosed to fibroadenoma. The mammogram did not show any discernible mass, however the
recombined subtracted images displayed a circumscribe mass with thin rim enhancement and enhanced internal patches
that were resembling to CE-MRI. Finally, the mass was proved to ACC.

Conclusion:

CESM facilitates detection of an isodense cancer and provides the enhanced features for differential
diagnosis. Resembling CE-MRI, CESM displayed rim enhancement and internal enhanced patches as diagnostic clues for
this case of ACC.