bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered Expression of IL-18, IL-18 Binding Protein and IL-18 Receptor in Blood Monocytes of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Wang Junling , Gu Fangqiu , Li Zhi , Zhan Mengmeng , Wang Ling , Zhang Huiyun , Chen Dong , Xie Hua , Chai Ruonan , Zhao Nan , Yang Ruiming , Hu Yalin , He Shaoheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Interleukin (IL)-18 is emerging as an attractive participant in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, correlation of IL-18 with IL-18 binding protein (BP) in plasma, and expression of IL-18, IL-18BP and IL-18 receptor (R) in AR blood monocytes remain obscure. We therefore investigated IL-18, IL-18BP and IL-18R expression in monocytes using flow cytometric analysis, murine AR model, and quantitative real-time PCR in the present study. Results: Plasma IL-18 and IL-1β in AR patients was higher than those in healthy control subjects. Free (f)IL-18 had a high correlation with IL-18BP, IL-1β and TNF-α in AR plasma. Proportion of IL-18+ monocytes was increased, whereas IL-18BP+ monocytes were decreased in blood of patients with AR. It was found that Platanus pollen allergen extract provoked the elevated expression of IL-18 and IL-18R in AR blood monocytes. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Artemisia sieversiana wild and Platanus pollen allergen extracts enhanced IL-18R protein and mRNA expression in isolated primary monocytes from AR patients. Moreover, numbers of macrophages and IL-18R+ macrophages in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were increased, and levels of IL-18 in both plasma and NLF were elevated in AR mice. Conclusions: These suggest that IL-18 is likely to participate in the development of AR as a causative factor; therefore, it could be a therapeutic target for AR.
Scalable Computing of Betweenness Centrality based on Graph Reduction with a Case Study on Breast Cancer Analytics
Authors: Chou Chung-Hsien , Wang Shaoting , Shih Hsiang-Shun , Sheu Phillip C-Y. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGraph theory has been widely applied to the studies in biomedicine such as structural measures including betweenness centrality. However, if the network size is too large, the result of betweenness centrality would be difficult to obtain in a reasonable amount of time.ResultIn this paper, we describe an approach, 1+ɛ lossy graph reduction algorithm, to computing betweenness centrality on large graphs. The approach is able to guarantee a bounded approximation result. We use GSE48216, a breast cancer cell line co-expression network, to show that our algorithms can achieve a higher reduction rate with a trade-off of some bounded errors in query results. Furthermore, by comparing the betweenness centrality of the original graph and the reduced graph, it can be shown that a higher reduction rate does not sacrifice the accuracy of betweenness centrality when providing faster execution time.ConclusionsOur proposed 1+ɛ lossy graph reduction algorithm is validated by the experiment results which show that the approach achieves a faster execution within a bounded error rate.
Evaluation of Filtering Techniques applied to simulated Electroencephalogram signals for Visual Evoked Potential Detection
Authors: Montalvo-Aguilar Jesús Alejandro , Bazán Ivonne , Ramírez-García Alfredo 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: In this paper, it is presented an assessment of different windowing techniques and denoising methods applied to detect the Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) contained into the electroencephalographic (EEG) signals. The objective is to analyze advantages and disadvantages of each technique performance to identify correctly the VEP waveform and to quantify the latency which is a parameter commonly used as an indicator of ocular diseases. Method: Assessment of techniques was performed considering rigorous controlled conditions on the signal set, to assure that obtained results were linked just to the technique performances and avoid any undesirable effect due to the natural interference of acquisition of signals. For this reason, a simulated signals set was created based on a typical VEP waveform commonly registered around 100ms after an external stimulus was applied in the routine clinical study. Additionally, two evaluation stages were considered: fixed latency parameters stage and random latency parameters stage.Results: The best results without filter was with rectangular window and the use of elliptic filter can help to extract the VEP with a rectangular window too. For wavelet denoising the best result is Biorthogonal 2.6 wavelet with a Hamming window. Discussion or Conclusion: Five parameters were proposed to assessment the VEP extraction performed: signal noise ratio (SNR) mean square error (MSE), average latency (AL), latency standard deviation (LSD) and latency correlation variance (LCV) as representative factors to be considered on evaluations of VEP extraction methods. SNR and MSE were focused to assess the level of noise that remain in signal after windowing & denoising method was applied. In the other hand AL, LSD and LCV were oriented to evaluate the impact of the method on the VEP latency estimation.
Biomarker Analysis Based Chemoprofiling of Polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation Containing Vitis vinifera L. by Validated UPLC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Goel Prerna , Aeri Vidhu , Dewangan Rikeshwer Prasad , Rub Rehan Abdur 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Drakshasava is one of the commercial Ayurvedic medicines from India,
prepared from grapes and spices. It is believed to address health imbalances and claimed to be
beneficial for weakness, bleeding disorders, and various inflammatory diseases. It has been
reported to possess pharmacological activities such as diuretic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial.
Being a polyherbal mixture, it faces challenges in its standardization and quality control.

Objective:
The aim of the present study is to develop a validated UPLC-MS/MS method for
simultaneous quantification of 10 polyphenolic biomarkers in Drakshasava. It explores the effect
of Vitis vinifera L. and additional herbs on fermentation with respect to bioactive compounds
through the successive addition method.

Methods:
The MS methods were optimized in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with
ESI while chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column using
both isocratic and gradient elution in water and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid.

Results:
The developed method was validated as per ICH-Q2B guidelines and found to be within the
assay variability limits. Gallic acid was found to be the most abundant marker in all the samples
followed by resveratrol. The content of all the markers has been found to be increased significantly
post-fermentation, compared to decoction except kaempferol. The successive addition of prashpeka
drvya (minor herbs) in the formulation showed variability at different stages with respect to the
selected markers and did not exhibit major changes in the chemical profiling of the final product.

Conclusion:
The developed method was found to be rapid, accurate, reliable, and highly sensitive
for the simultaneous quantification of selected biomarkers in Drakshasava. The research is the first
chemometric report on the standardization of Drakshasava by validated UPLC-MS/MS method. It
may prove to be a useful tool for the development of new phytopharmaceutical drugs and further
quality control of other polyherbal formulations.
Computational Investigation of Zerumbone as an Inhibitor of TNF-alpha Using Molecular Dynamics and Molecular Docking Methods
Authors: Singh Salam Pradeep , Nongalleima Khumukcham , Singh Ningthoujam Indrajit , Chanu Wahengbam Kabita , Singh Thiyam Ramsing , Singh Chingakham Brajakisor 
Published: November 2020

Background:
There are several reports on the anti-cancer property of zerumbone, such
as in breast, cervical and ovarian cancer. But the investigation of the actual protein target has been
the least concerned and there are few reports on the inhibitory effect of zerumbone against specific
cancer-causing proteins and enzymes. Therefore, further investigation is required at a much deeper
molecular level.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the anti-proliferative activity of Zerumbone against cervical
cancer cell and assess its TNF-α enzyme inhibitory action.

Methods:
The investigation emphasized the anti-cancer activity of zerumbone against HeLa cells
and its subsequent TNF-α assay. Furthermore, computational studies on Zerumbone as an inhibitor
of TNF-α were carried out using computational techniques such as docking and MD simulations.

Results and Discussion:
From the molecular docking analysis, it was observed and substantiated
that the α,β-Unsaturated carbonyl scaffold is the main driving force for anti-cancer activity of
zerumbone and inhibition of TNF-α.

Conclusion:
Zerumbone might be a potent anti-cancer agent targeting the HeLa cancer cell lines
and inhibiting the TNF-α enzyme.
Nigella Sativa (Black Seeds), A Potential Herb for the Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Hypertension - A Review
Authors: Maideen Naina M.P. , Balasubramanian Rajkapoor , Ramanathan Sambathkumar 
Published: November 2020

:
Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction and untimely
death. The prevalence of hypertension is extremely high among the global population, and
many of them depend on modern medicines to manage their blood pressure. The modern antihypertensive
medications include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor
blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), diuretics, beta-adrenergic blockers, direct
renin inhibitors, direct-acting vasodilators, alpha-adrenergic blockers and centrally acting
drugs that are associated with many harmful and undesirable effects. The patients may consider traditional
herbal medicines as a good strategy to manage chronic conditions due to the reasons such
as perceived failure of allopathic medicines, relatively high cost of allopathic medicines, social-cultural
practices and/or herbal knowledge, poor access to medical facilities and safety concerns about
modern medicines. Nigella sativa (Black seeds) has been used to treat various conditions, including
hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc. Hence, the antihypertensive potential of N. sativa is
analyzed in this review. The literature was searched in databases including Medline/PMC/PubMed,
Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and reference lists to
identify articles associated with antihypertensive properties of N.sativa. Numerous randomized controlled
trials and animal studies reported that N.sativa has potential antihypertensive effects.
Hence, N. sativa could be used effectively to manage patients with stage 1 hypertension, and the patients
using modern antihypertensive medications could reduce their doses by adding N. sativa into
their regimen as adjuvant therapy.
Novel Somatic Mutations of the CDH1 Gene Associated with Gastric Cancer: Prediction of Pathogenicity Using Comprehensive In silico Methods
Authors: Chakraborty Payel , Ghatak Souvik , Yadav Ravi Prakash , Mukherjee Subhajit , Chhakchhuak Lalchhandama , Chenkual Saia , Zomuana Thomas , Lalruatfela Sailo Tlau , Maitra Arindam , Kumar Nachimuthu Senthil 
Published: November 2020

Background::
Mutations in the CDH1 and the role of E-cadherin proteins are well
established in gastric cancer. Several in silico tools are available to predict the pathogenicity
of the mutations present in the genes with varying efficiency and sensitivity to detect the
pathogenicity of the mutations.

Objective::
Our objective was to identify somatic pathogenic variants in CDH1 involved in
Gastric Cancer (GC) by Sanger sequencing as well as using in silico tools and to find out
the best efficient tool for pathogenicity prediction of somatic missense variants.

Methods::
Sanger sequencing of CDH1 was done for 80 GC tumor and adjacent normal tissues.
Synthetic data sets were downloaded from the COSMIC database for comparison of
the known mutations with the discovered mutations from the present study. Different algorithms
were used to predict the pathogenicity of the discovery and synthetic mutation datasets
using various in-silico tools. Statistical analysis was done to check the efficiency of
the tools to predict pathogenic variants by using MEDCALC and GraphPad.

Results::
Six missense somatic variants were found in exons 3, 4, 7, 9, 12 and 15. Out of the
6 variants, 5 variants (chr16:68835618C>A, chr16:68845613A>C, chr16:68847271T>G,
chr16:68856001T>G, chr16:68863585G>C) were novel and not reported in disease variant
databases. PROVEAN, Polyphen 2 and PANTHER predicted the pathogenicity of the variants
more efficiently in both the discovery and synthetic datasets. The overall sensitivity of
predictions ranged from 60 to 80%, depending on the program used, with specificity from
55 to 100%.

Conclusion::
This study estimates the specificity and sensitivity of prediction tools in predicting
novel missense variants of CDH1 in Gastric Cancer. We report that PROVEAN,
Polyphen 2 and PANTHER are efficient predictors with constant higher specificity and accuracy.
This study will help the researchers to explore mutations with the best pathogenicity
prediction tools.
Taraxacum officinale Extracts Exhibit Safe and Selective Anticancer Activity
Authors: Al-Eisawi Zaynab , Abderrahman Salim M. , Al-khalaf Islam F. , Al-Abbassi Reem , Bustanji Yasser K. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Medicinal plants have been and continue to be the primary source of treatment for many diseases. Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional medical remedy for several diseases. However, the anti-cancer potential of this plant has not been fully screened. Genotoxicity screening which is an integral part of the evaluation of the safety of this plant is also lacking.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of different extracts of T. officinale.

Method:
Plant sample was extracted in different solvents to prepare ethanol, methanol, chloroform and water extracts. These extracts were then tested for their ability to inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer (Caco-2), chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562), prostate cancer (PC-3), and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay and the selectivity indices was determined with the aid of mortal human fibroblasts. Then the most active extract, chloroform extract, was used to detect the genotoxicity of the constituents on mice bone marrow cells.

Results:
The results showed that the T. officinale chloroform extract was found to be most effective against leukemia (K562) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines. The extracts showed marked selectivity towards these cancer cells. Genotoxic studies revealed that genotoxic changes occurred after chloroform extract treatment, however, these changes were observed at the very high concentrations only.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that T. officinale exhibits selective anti-tumor activity and it is safe for use.
Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Current Update: Perspective on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Drug Targets and Vaccines
Authors: Harer Sunil L. , Sonar Priyanka A. 
Published: November 2020

Background::A novel coronavirus disease, 2019-nCoV (COVID-19), was reported first in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, in late December 2019 and subsequently reached pandemic level affecting around 213 countries. As of 24th May 2020, the total number of positive cases confirmed is 5,446,514 and 344,754 death reports worldwide. COVID-19 infection causes pneumonialike severe respiratory infection and acute lung failure. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA beta coronavirus that is a confirmed causative agent of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 may use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), unlike the receptor utilized by SARS-CoV (emerged in 2002) to infect humans. People with a history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.Objective::The purpose of this review was to help the society to distinguish and deal with SARSCoV- 2, and make available a reference for forthcoming studies.Methods::Recently, diagnostic primer sets on the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been identified. The receptor-binding domain of SARS-COV-2 highlighted the mode by which beta-CoV recognizes ACE2. Various diagnostic tools are available to differentiate and identify SARS-CoV-2 infection as RT-PCR, antigen detection assay, and antibody detection assay. Different strategies have been employed to control the SARS-CoV-2, considering various drug targets like the main protease (3- CLPro), papain-like protease (PLpro), helicase (NSP13), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and viral envelope (E) protein.Conclusion::In the present review, we have updated details of transmission, pathogenesis, genome structure, diagnostic criteria, clinical characteristics, therapeutics, and vaccine development of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may be significant in the control and response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Money Management Behavior and Issues among Congolese University Students: Requirement for Educational Finance
Authors: Chinyabuuma Vigoureux , Suprapto Suprapto , Romadhon Muhammad Imron 
Published: November 2020

Abstract: This study investigated the factors that influence a number of financial issues students face in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A survey was conducted to collect the data for this study. Respondents were asked to demonstrate which of the ten financial education topics they were keen on taking. Descriptive statistics was utilized to present the data. The results show that loans, residential status, and impulse spending were the causes that brought about the students’ financial issues. By identifying the causes of students’ financial issues, educators may be able offer a course, in which students can learn the money management skills needed to address these issues. The respondents were asked if they would be interested in financial education if offered. Almost all of the students expressed their interest in learning how to manage their money. In conclusion, many of the respondents did not have sufficient knowledge and skills in managing their financial affairs.Keywords: financial issues, loans, residential status, impulse spending, money management Perilaku dan Masalah Pengelolaan Uang di Kalangan Mahasiswa Universitas Kongo: Kebutuhan Keuangan PendidikanAbstrak: Penelitian ini menyelidiki faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi sejumlah masalah keuangan yang dihadapi siswa di Republik Demokratik Kongo. Sebuah survei dilakukan untuk mengumpulkan data untuk penelitian ini. Responden diminta untuk menunjukkan yang mana dari sepuluh topik pendidikan keuangan yang mereka minati. Statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk menyajikan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pinjaman, status tempat tinggal, dan pengeluaran impulsif merupakan penyebab yang menimbulkan masalah keuangan siswa. Dengan mengidentifikasi penyebab masalah keuangan siswa, pendidik mungkin dapat menawarkan kursus, agar siswa dapat mempelajari keterampilan pengelolaan uang yang diperlukan untuk mengatasi masalah ini. Para responden ditanya apakah mereka akan tertarik dengan pendidikan keuangan jika ditawarkan. Hampir semua siswa menyatakan minatnya untuk mempelajari cara mengelola uang mereka. Kesimpulannya, banyak responden yang tidak memiliki pengetahuan dan keterampilan yang memadai dalam mengelola urusan keuangannya.Kata Kunci: masalah keuangan, pinjaman, status tempat tinggal, pengeluaran impulsif, pengelolaan uang
Marginal Part-Time Employment in Indonesian Labor Market: Profile and Determinant
Authors: Mahmuda Dede 
Published: November 2020

Abstract: The increase of marginal part-time employment has been found in developed countries, as well as in developing countries. This form of non-standard employment has very short work hours (less than 15 hours/week) and no guarantee of stable employment. In Indonesia, the share of part-time worker amongst working population increased from 15.4 percent in 2009 to 22.1 percent in 2018. Unfortunately, few studies discuss about marginal part-time employment. Using binary logistic regression, this study aims to identify marginal part-time workers based on their socio-demographic characteristic. The result indicates that female (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.75-1.87), living in rural area (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.08-1.16), and less educated are more likely to be marginal part-timer. Therefore, it is recommended for policymakers to ensure the labor regulation adequately protect the rights of part-time worker, so that the workers condition can be improved since they are most vulnerable group in the globalized economy.Keywords: non-standard employment, labor market, part-time, Indonesia Pekerja Paruh Waktu Marjinal Pada Pasar Tenaga Kerja Indonesia: Profil dan DeterminanAbstrak: Peningkatan pekerja paruh waktu marjinal telah teramati pada negara-negara maju dan juga negara berkembang. Salah satu bentuk pekerjaan non-standar ini memiliki jam kerja yang sangat pendek (kurang dari 15 jam seminggu) dan tidak adanya jaminan kestabilan pekerjaan. Di Indonesia, proporsi pekerja paruh waktu diantara penduduk bekerja meningkat dari 15,4 persen pada 2009 menjadi 22,1 persen pada 2018. Sayangnya, hanya sedikit studi yang membahas tentang pekerjaan paruh waktu marjinal. Dengan menggunakan regresi logistik biner, studi ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi pekerja paruh waktu marjinal berdasarkan karakteristik sosio-demografinya. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa perempuan (OR: 1,81; 95% CI: 1,75-1,87), penduduk desa (OR: 1,12; 95% CI: 1,08-1,16), dan kurang berpendidikan berisiko lebih besar menjadi pekerja paruh waktu marjinal. Oleh karena itu, direkomendasikan bagi pembuat kebijakan untuk dapat memastikan peraturan ketenagakerjaan cukup untuk melindungi hak-hak pekerja paruh waktu khusus yang termarjinal agar kondisi pekerja dapat ditingkatkan karena mereka adalah kelompok paling rentan dalam ekonomi global.Kata kunci: pekerjaan non-standar, pasar tenaga kerja, paruh waktu, Indonesia
Gobernanza de la pandemia covid-19 y modelos de gestión
Authors: Vidal Josep Pont 
Published: November 2020

La pandemia causada por el covid-19 ha impulsado, de manera urgente y no planificada, diferentes orientaciones o modelos de gobernanza de la pandemia. Los gobiernos han propuesto diferentes modelos u orientaciones de combate a la pandemia, con resultados no concluyentes. Estos modelos y las premisas que los subyacen, no son solo respuestas rápidas a una situación contingente e hipercompleja para dar respuesta a la situación sanitaria, sino que corresponden a la existencia de racionalidades, decisiones y planificación de modelos de Administración y gestión y su vínculo con el Estado. A partir de un contexto de hipercomplejidad, describimos una aproximación a los modelos de gestión de la pandemia de Suecia, Alemania y España principalmente. En base a las reflexiones sobre su gestión, abrimos un análisis sobre las orientaciones en la reconfiguración futura del Estado y su relación con la sociedad y la Administración y gestión pública y los impactos políticos ya visibles.