bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum lipid profiles of patients taking efavirenz based antiretroviral regimen compared to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir with an optimized back ground at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Belete Abebe Muche , Seifu Daniel , Menon Menakath , Amogne Wondwossen , Shewa Aster , Tefera Alemu Adela 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidemia represent significant health care concerns in Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy due to their association with cardiovascular disease risk. There is limited data regarding the effects of boosted atazanavir (ATV/r) treatment in the lipid profiles of Ethiopian HIV patients. Thus, this study compares the lipid profile changes of HIV patients on ATV/r-based regimen compared to efavirenz (EFV)-based regimen, while the background nucleos/tide backbone is optimized.Materials and methods: A comparative Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult HIV-infected patients at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July-September 2017. Equal number of EFV and ATV/r-treated patients (n = 90 each) taking for one year and above were included in the study. Serum lipid parameters (triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) were measured using fully automated mind ray, Chemistry analyzer. Data comparison used chi-square test, Student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate regression analysis and p-value<0.05 was used to identify associated factors of serum lipid profiles.Results: In the present study ATV/r-treated group resulted significantly higher in the median values of TG [207 (56-1094) vs. 145(42-768) mg/dL; p=0.001] and the mean value of TG/HDL-C ratio (6.6 vs. 4.4; p=0.001) as compared to EFV-treated group. EFV-treated group showed significantly higher in the mean value of HDL-C (44.7 vs. 38.7mg/dL; p= 0.001) as compared to ATV/r-treated group. No significant difference was found in TC (p=0.5), LDL-C (p=0.6), TC/HDL-C (p=0.5) and LDL-C/HDL-C (p=0.1) between EFV and ATV/r-treated patients. In ATV/r-treated patients, CD4 count and body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with TC. In EFV-treated patients, BMI was significantly associated with increased serum LDL-C and TC in female participants.Conclusion: In conclusion, ATV/r raises TG and TG/HDL-C while, HDL-C was higher in EFV than ATV/r-treated group. Both groups have less atherogenic lipid profiles in terms of TC/HDL-C and LDL/HDL-C.
Glucose 6-phosphate transport regulatory protein UhpA regulates the virulent genes in Edwardsiella piscicida
Authors: Wang Xuepeng , Chen Jiakang , Sun Yongcan , Ye Tingqi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Edwardsiella piscicida (E. piscicida) is an important zoonotic pathogen, which infects animals by colonizing the intestine. Glucose 6-phosphate (Glu6P) was an important carbohydrate in intestine and could be used as a regulate signal. Here we identify a virulence-regulating pathway named Glu6P transport regulatory protein UhpA, which affects the virulent genes of hemolysins, flagellar, T3SS, T6SS and metabolism related genes how to promote E. piscicida infect the host. The results showed that the metabolism related gene expression of cysteine synthase (orf 1134) and sulfate transporter (ychM) in the uhpA mutant strain ΔuhpA was 0.76-fold and 0.68-fold lower than the ones in the wild strains (P < 0.05), the gene expression of ethA and ethB in the ΔuhpA strain was 0.80-fold and 0.72-fold lower than the ones in the wild strains (P < 0.05). However, the gene expression of fliC and flgN in the ΔuhpA was 1.51-fold and 1.21-fold higher than the ones in the wild strains (P < 0.05), the gene expression of T3SS (esrB and esrC) and T6SS (evpB and evpC) in the ΔuhpA was 1.27-fold, 1.13-fold 1.28-fold and 1.23-fold higher than the ones in the wild strains (P < 0.05). Besides, the survival rate of fish challenged with E. piscicida EIB202 and ΔuhpA was 50% and 30% respectively. These suggested that although the uhpA gene deletion decreased the metabolic level and the hemolysins related gene expression in E. piscicida, the uhpA gene could down regulate the key virulent gene expression to decrease the pathogenicity of E. piscicida in fish.
Evaluating the Impact of Social Deprivation on Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey Scores
Authors: Stephens Andrew R , Potter Jared W , Tyser Andrew R , Kazmers Nikolas H 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Social deprivation has been shown to affect access to health care services, and influences outcomes for a variety of physical and psychological conditions. However, the impact on patient satisfaction remains less clear. The objective of this study was to determine if social deprivation is an independent predictor of patient satisfaction, as measured by the Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey (PGOMPS). Methods We retrospectively reviewed unique new adult patient (≥18 years of age) seen at a tertiary academic hospital and rural/urban outreach hospitals/clinics between January 2014 and December 2017. Satisfaction was defined a priori as achieving a score above the 33 rd percentile. The 2015 Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to determine social deprivation (lower score signifies less social deprivation). Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to determine the impact of ADI on PGOMPS total and provider sub-scores while controlling for variables previously shown to impact scores (wait time, patient age, sex, race, specialty type, provider type, and insurance status). Results Univariate analysis of PGOMPS total scores revealed a 4% decrease in odds of patient satisfaction per decile increase in ADI (p < 0.001). Patients within the most deprived quartile were significantly less likely to report satisfaction compared to the least deprived quartile (OR 0.79, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that the odds of achieving satisfaction decreased 2% for each decile increase in ADI on the Total Score (p < 0.001), independent of other variables previously shown to impact scores. For PGOMPS Provider Sub-Score, univariate analysis showed that patients in the lowest ADI quartile were significantly less likely be satisfied, as compared to the least deprived quartile (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.86; p < 0.001). A 5% decrease in a patient being satisfied was observed for each decile increase in ADI (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.96; p < 0.001). Conclusions Social deprivation was an independent predictor of outpatient visit dissatisfaction, as measured by the Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey. These results necessitate consideration when developing health care delivery policies that serve to minimize inequalities between patients of differing socioeconomic groups.
Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields Enhance Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation via DNMT1 regulated OCT4/NANOG gene expression
Authors: Li Kejia , Ning Tong , Wang Hao , Jiang Yangzi , Zhang Jue , GE Zigang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple strategies have been proposed to promote the differentiation potential of MSCs, which is the fundamental property in tissue formation and regeneration. However, these strategies are relatively inefficient that limit the application, thus more advanced methods are needed. In this study, we report a novel and efficient strategy, nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) stimulation, which can enhance the trilineage differentiation potential of MSCs; and further explained the mechanism behind. Methods: We used histological staining to screen out the nsPEFs parameters that promoted the trilineage differentiation potential of MSCs, and further proved the effect of nsPEFs by detecting the functional gene. In order to explore the corresponding mechanism, we examined the expression of pluripotency genes and the methylation of their promoters. Finally, we targeted the DNA methyltransferase which was affected by nsPEFs. Results: The trilineage differentiation of bone marrow derived MSCs was significantly enhanced in vitro by simply pre-treated with 5 pulses of nsPEFs stimulation (energy levels as 10 ns, 20 kV/cm; 100 ns, 10 kV/cm), and this was due to the nsPEFs demethylated the promoters of stem cell pluripotency genes OCT4 and NANOG through instantaneous downregulation of DNA Methylation Transferase 1 (DNMT1), thereby increased the expression of OCT4 and NANOG for up to 3 days, and created a treatment window period of stem cells. Conclusions: In summary, nsPEFs can enhance MSCs differentiation via the epigenetic regulation, and could be a safe and effective strategy for future stem cell application.
Distribution Of Tsetse Flies And Significance To The Control Of African Trypanosomiasis In Busia County, Kenya
Authors: Adungo Ferdinard , Mokaya Tom , Makwaga Olipher , Mwau Matilu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Tsetse flies are the cyclical vectors of both human and animal diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2012, Kenya has not recorded a case of human trypanosomiasis. However, African animal trypanosomiasis continues to be a major challenge to livestock production despite decades of control efforts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tsetse flies in Busia County post intervention and to build the capacity of local inhabitants in vector control activities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2018 and December 2018 in Teso South and Teso North sub-counties. Odour-baited biconical traps were deployed for 48 hours in each sampling area and captured tsetse flies were analysed for trypanosome infections. Additionally, training and field demonstrations were conducted as part of capacity building to enhance participation of local inhabitants in tsetse control activities. Results: In Teso South sub-county, 62 tsetse flies were captured in Kwangamor, six in Obekai and 14 in Ngelechom sites. All the captured tsetse flies were classified as G. fuscipes fuscipes. In Teso North sub-county sites of Kapesur, three G. pallidipes were captured, while the Ikapolok sites yielded 12 tsetse flies all G. fuscipes fuscipes. The apparent density of tsetse flies was between 0.08 and 1.55 flies-per trap-per-day across the five study areas with G. fuscipes fuscipes being the dominant species. Microscopic examination of 72 G. fuscipes fuscipes identified three T vivax and one T. congolense positive tsetse flies. No trypanosomes were observed in all the G. pallidipes. Overall infection rate of 1.39% and 4.17% was observed for T. congolense and T. vivax respectively. With regards to capacity building, a total of 26 community members were trained on tsetse fly control activities. Out of which five were selected as focal persons and were further trained on integrated vector management techniques and tsetse survey methods. Conclusions: Tsetse flies in Teso South sub-county, albeit low density, harbour trypanosomes. This calls for an urgent attention to stop potential spread and transmission. Moreover, training of local inhabitants in tsetse control activities will help to strengthen and sustain efforts towards elimination of African trypanosomiasis in Busia County.
A Novel Chalcone derivative suppresses Melanoma cell growth through targeting Fyn/Stat3 pathway
Authors: Tang Ling , Long Jing , Li Keke , Zhang Xu , Chen Xiang , Peng Cong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Fyn has been documented to have oncogenic features in multiple tumors, which might be a potential therapeutic target, however, few studies on the function role of Fyn and its specific inhibitors in melanoma.Methods: We investigated the impacts of Fyn and its inhibitors Lj-1-60 on melanoma by way of bioinformatics analysis, western blot, cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis and xenograft tumor model as well as immunohistochemical staining. Pull-down and in vitro phosphorylation assay to further demonstrate Lj-1-60 targeting Fyn. Transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR to confirm the potential mechanisms of Lj-1-60 in melanoma.Results: Our findings showed that Fyn is overexpressed in melanoma cells and knock down of Fyn suppresses the proliferation of melanoma cells. To identify the potential inhibitors of Fyn, our in-house library including total of 11277 chemicals was conducted to vitro screening, among those compounds, eighty-three inhibitors were further detected to explore the effect on melanoma cells growth and discovered a novel chalcone derivative Lj-1-60 exhibited low cellular toxicity and high anti-tumor efficacy. Lj-1-60 directly associates with Fyn and inhibits the Fyn kinase activity with Stat3 as substrate. What’s more, Lj-1-60 suppresses the proliferation of melanoma in vitro and in vivo through inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the activation of Stat3 had also been abrogated both in Lj-1-60 treated melanoma cells or Fyn knocking down cells.Conclusion: Our study revealed a novel Fyn inhibitor could significantly suppress melanoma growth, which is a promising potential inhibitor for melanoma treatment.
COVID-19 Impact Estimation on ICU Capacity at Andalusia, Spain, Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Prieto F. A. , Baltas N. G. , Rios-Pena L. , Rodriguez P. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The objective of this article is to evaluate the spread of the virus and estimate the cases of infected population in need of urgent hospitalization, in order to provide sufficient resources to public health. To this end, a deep learning tool based on deep neural networks (DNN) was developed to predict COVID-19 infection and the need for urgent hospitalization in some of the infected patients. We associated the available resources of public hospitals and evaluated the need to increase them after the possible substantial increase caused by SARS-CoV-2 by provinces in the regions of Andalusia, Spain.
A method for evaluation of patient-specific lean body mass from limited-coverage CT images and its application in PERCIST: comparison with predictive equation
Authors: Shang Jingjie , Tan Zhiqiang , Cheng Yong , Tang Yongjin , Guo Bin , Gong Jian , Ling Xueying , Wang Lu , Xu Hao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : To introduce a novel and reliable method for estimating LBM by limited-coverage (LC) CT images from PET/CT examinations and test its validity, then to analyse whether SUV normalised by LC-based LBM could change the PERCIST 1.0 response classifications, based on LBM estimated by the James predictive equation (PE). Methods: First, 199 patients who received whole-body PET/CT examinations were retrospectively retrieved. A patient-specific LBM equation was developed based on the relationship between LC fat volumes (FV LC ) and whole-body fat mass (FM WB ). This equation was cross-validated with an independent sample of 97 patients who also received whole-body PET/CT examinations. Its results were compared with the measurement of LBM from whole-body CT (reference standard) and the results of the James PE. Then, 241 patients with solid tumours who underwent PET/CT examinations before and after treatment were retrospectively retrieved. The treatment responses were evaluated according to the PE-based and LC-based PERCIST 1.0. Concordance between them was assessed using Cohen’s κ coefficient and Wilcoxon’s signed-ranks test. The impact of differing LBM algorithms on PERCIST 1.0 classification was evaluated. Results: The FV LC were significantly correlated with the FM WB (r=0.977). Furthermore, the results of LBM measurement evaluated with LC images were much closer to the reference standard than those obtained by the James PE. The PE-based and LC-based PERCIST 1.0 classifications were discordant in 27 patients (11.2 %; κ = 0.823, P =0.837). These discordant patients’ percentage changes of SUL peak were all in the interval above or below 10 % from the threshold (± 30 %), accounting for 43.5 % (27/62) of total patients in this region. The degree of variability is related to changes in LBM before and after treatment. Conclusions: LBM algorithm-dependent variability in PERCIST 1.0 classification is a notable issue. SUV normalised by LC-based LBM could change PERCIST 1.0 response classifications based on LBM estimated by the James PE, especially for patients with a percentage variation of SUL peak close to the threshold.
An SDN-Based Energy-Aware Traffic Management Mechanism
Authors: Vieira Alex B. , Paraizo Wallace Nascimento , Chaves Luciano Jerez , Correa Luiz H. A. , Silva Edelberto Franco 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Green computing is a central theme in many computer science areas, including computer networks. Dynamic solutions that can properly adjust network resources can prevent infrastructure over-provision and mitigate power consumption during low demand periods. In this work, we propose DTM (Dynamic mechanism for Traffic Management), an energy-aware dynamic mechanism for traffic management, built upon the SDN paradigm. DTM continuously monitors the use of network links to concentrate traffic and disconnect idle equipment without degrading the offered quality of service. Our simulations show that the mechanism can save up to 46% of energy on average. When compared to an existing solution, DTM is, on average, 4% to 7% better, depending on the evaluated scenario.
Contribución al debate sobre la vocación espacial rural. Un enfoque sobre el modelo residencial ejidal del valle de Mexicali
Authors: Toudert Djamel 
Published: April 2020

¿Tenemos los medios para hacer dos políticas, una urbana y otra rural? ¿Podemos considerar la salvación del mundo rural dentro de una alternativa diferente a la de la política agricola? En este trabajo, más que aportar soluciones, se plantean diversos cuestionamientos; el propósito es reflexionar sobre el debate de las mutacionesespaciales que afectan al mundo rural, visto a través de algunas interacciones del modelo residencial dentro del marco de la conurbación del desplazamiento laboral. En el valle de Mexicali, la agricultura es aún la actividad principal del espacio rural, pero sus objetivos y sus medios se han modificado. Este espacio ofrece un campo de visión de primer orden para el análisis de la relación con el complejo urbano industrial. Se resalta aquí la idea de la participación a distancia y de la reconfiguración aureolar dentro de una ecuación que suma funcionalidad y subordinación espacial, integración territorial y polarización de oportunidades del desarrollo.
Entre límite y frontera: El recorrido histórico de la integración entre el norte
Authors: Bandieri Susana 
Published: April 2020

El propósito de este artículo es dar a conocer los antecedentes históricos de las relaciones económicas, sociales y culturales vigentes entre el norte de la Patagonia Argentina y el sur de Chile desde la etapa de dominación indígena. Avanzado el siglo XX, importantes medidas arancelarias tomadas por ambos Estados nacionales, como producto de la necesidad de asegurar sus propios mercados internos, provocarían la afirmación de los controles de tránsito a través de Los Andes y el fin de la integración, transformando definitivamente un área fronteriza en área limítrofe. Se analizan también proyectos sucesivos más recientes como la construcción de un ferrocarril trasandino. Este y otros proyectos se recuperan hoy en el marco de la discusión por la incorporación de Chile al Mercosur, Argentina y Chile tiene actualmente, a causa de la globalización mundial, sobrados motivos para discutir el tema de la integración como una forma de sobrevivencia posible para los países del cono sur de América, cuya condición actual de desintegración y aislamiento constituye un dato más de la realidad vigente en el conjunto latinoamericano.
Recent Developments in Medicinal Chemistry of Allosteric Activators of Human Glucokinase for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Therapeutics
Authors: Grewal Ajmer S. , Lather Viney , Charaya Neha , Sharma Neelam , Singh Sukhbir , Kairys Visvaldas 
Published: April 2020

Background:Glucokinase (GK), a cytoplasmic enzyme catalyzes the metabolism of glucose to glucose- 6-phosphate with the help of ATP and aids in the controlling of blood glucose levels within the normal range in humans. In pancreatic β-cells, it plays a chief role by controlling the glucose-stimulated secretion of insulin and in liver hepatocyte cells, it controls the metabolism of carbohydrates. GK acts as a promising drug target for the pharmacological treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as it plays an important role in the control of carbohydrate metabolism.Methods:Data used for this review was based on the search from several science databases as well as various patent databases. The main data search terms used were allosteric GK activators, diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes, glucokinase, glucokinase activators and human glucokinase.Results:This article discusses an overview of T2DM, the biology of GK, the role of GK in T2DM, recent updates in the development of small molecule GK activators reported in recent literature, mechanism of action of GK activators and their clinical status.Conclusion:GK activators are the novel class of pharmacological agents that enhance the catalytic activity of GK enzyme and display their antihyperglycemic effects. Broad diversity of chemical entities including benzamide analogues, carboxamides, acrylamides, benzimidazoles, quinazolines, thiazoles, pyrimidines, pyridines, orotic acid amides, amino acid derivatives, amino phosphates and urea derivatives have been synthesized in past two decades as potent allosteric activators of GK. Presently, the pharmaceutical companies and researchers are focusing on the design and development of liver-selective GK activators for preventing the possible adverse effects associated with GK activators for the long-term treatment of T2DM.
Preparation and Evaluation of Gliptin Liposomes for Targetting Ocular Region in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Raj Swarna , Singhal Manmohan , Kumar Bhavna 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Neurodegeneration shows the distressing effects of miscommunications
between brain cells. Insulin signaling dysregulation and small vessel disease in the base of diabetes
may be important contributing factors in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Gliptins play
a role in neurodegeneration due to its neuroprotective effects. Eye is an extension of the brain.
Ocular route reduces drug’s adverse effects offering an advantage in minimizing risk by targeted
delivery to the brain. Conventional ophthalmic formulations exhibit poor bioavailability. Liposomes
serve as promising active carriers of drugs to posterior segment eye disorders due to improvement
in intravitreal half-life and targeted sustained drug delivery to the retina. Liposomes act
as drug carriers for entrapment of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

Objective:
The study aimed to formulate and evaluate sitagliptin liposomal formulation for sustained
effect in individuals suffering from neurodegeneration owing to high patient compliance,
especially in geriatric patients.

Methods:
Sitagliptin liposomes were prepared by the ethanol injection method and were evaluated
for various physicochemical properties such as visual appearance, particle size distribution, zeta
potential, % drug entrapment efficiency, % drug loading capacity and in vitro drug release studies.

Results:
The optimized formulation (L-3) showed round-shaped distinct particles with good stability.
The L-3 shows average diameter (281.9 nm); zeta potential (-11.9 mV); % entrapment efficiency
(82.7 ± 0.89%); % drug loading (33.11 ± 0.67%). L-3 followed Korsmeyer- Peppas model
with fickian diffusion transport of drug release giving n’ (0.3094), r2 (0.9753), with 83.78 ± 0.97%
of sustained drug release. The L-3 passes the sterility test indicating its safe use in ophthalmic purposes.

Conclusion:
Thus, liposomal drug delivery is a highly effective approach for sustained drug delivery
and minimizing the side effects of gliptins for effective therapy in neurodegeneration.