bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication Skills of Resident Physicians in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Habbash Asma Saad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Effective communication improves patient-physician relationship and the overall quality of care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate communication skills of resident physicians at different health care facilities in Abha, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study on a total of 210 resident doctors.Results: The communication skills scores were nearly normally distributed with a mean score of 113.30 ± 32.25.In comparing the skills by various socio-demographic factors, it was noted that gender and age played a significant role in specific communication skills. There was significant difference in mean scores of younger and older physicians in domains of interpretation and clarification (p < 0.001), asking (p < 0.001), feedback (p < 0.01), punishment and reward skills (p < 0.001). In asking skills, there was significant difference in mean scores of male and females (p < 0.001). Residents in the specialty of Internal Medicine had significantly higher scores than other specialties (CI 95% = 107.74–127.07; p < 0.001). Fifth-year residents had significantly higher scores than those of other levels (CI 95% =123.94-142.05; p < 0.001). Residents with more than one year of experience after the basic degree had significantly higher scores than residents with lesser experience (CI 95% = 123.76–137.68; p < 0.001). Residents who had taken training in communication skills had higher scores than those who had no prior training (CI 95% = 112.78-124.48; p = 0.07). Conclusion:The resident physicians are lacking in communication skills. Results of this study point towards a lingering need to focus on training of physicians in effective communication and efforts should be made to include it as a core competency in medical curriculum.
Transcriptome and metabolite profiling analyses provide insight into volatile aroma compounds of the apple cultivar ‘Ruixue’ and its parents during fruit development
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Hao Nini , Feng Ruifang , Meng Zhipeng , Li Yanan , zhao zhengyang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Aroma is one the most crucial inherent quality attributes of fruit. ‘Ruixue’ apples were selected from a cross between ‘Pink Lady’ and ‘Fuji’, a later ripening yellow new cultivar. However, there is little known about the content and composition of aroma compounds in ‘Ruixue’ apples or the genetic characters of ‘Ruixue’ and its parents. In addition, the metabolic pathways for biosynthesis of aroma volatiles and aroma-related genes remain poorly understood.Results: Volatile aroma compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our results show that the aroma proﬁle of volatile compounds changes with ripening. Aldehydes were the dominant volatile compounds in early fruit development, with alcohols and esters increasing dramatically during maturation. In ripe fruit, esters and terpenoids were the main aroma volatiles in ripening fruit of ‘Pink Lady’ and ‘Fuji’ apples, and they included butyl 2-methylbutanoate, propanoic acid, hexyl ester, propanoic acid, hexyl ester, hexanoic acid, hexyl ester, acetic acid, hexyl ester and (Z, E)-α-farnesene. Interestingly, aldehydes and terpenoids were the dominant volatile aroma compounds in ripening fruit of ‘Ruixue’, and they mainly included 2-hexenal, 2-hexenal, octanal, (E)-2-octenal, nonanal and (Z, E)-α-farnesene. By comparing the transcriptome proﬁles of ‘Ruixue’ and its parents fruits during development, we identiﬁed a large number of aroma-related genes related to the fatty acid, isoleucine and sesquiterpenoid metabolism pathways and transcription factors that may regulate aroma biosynthesis. Conclusions: Our initial study facilitates a better understanding of the volatile aroma compounds that affect fruit flavour as well as the mechanisms underlying diﬀerences in flavour between ‘Ruixue’ and its parents.
Mentorystės reikšmė pradedančiųjų muzikos mokytojų profesinėje veikloje
Authors: Bušmaitė Eglė , Kavaliauskienė Angelė 
Published: December 2020

Pradedantieji muzikos pedagogai pirmaisiais profesinės veiklos metais susiduria su problemomis, kurias galėtų padėti spręsti labiau patyręs pedagogas – mentorius. Mentorystė yra apibrėžiama kaip bendradarbiavimas, paremtas iš anksto sudarytu planu, kuris patenkina asmenybės augimo poreikius. Tai procesas, kuris yra susijęs su patirtiniu mokymusi, formuojant globojamo asmens požiūrį į pedagoginį darbą, atsakomybę ir pareigas. Mentoriaus veikla yra įvairialypė, tad jam reikalingas platus kompetencijų, žinių, vertybių, asmeninių savybių ir gebėjimų spektras. Jo kompetencijos grindžiamos ne tik profesiniais, pedagoginiais, asmeniniais, bet ir vadybiniais, suaugusiųjų mokymo ir konsultavimo bei administravimo gebėjimais.Kokybinio tyrimo metu norėta išsiaiškinti, su kokiais sunkumais ir problemomis susiduria pradedantieji muzikos mokytojai ir kas galėtų padėti jas spręsti, o kartu ir integruotis į profesinę darbo rinką. Tyrimo tikslui pasiekti buvo panaudota mokslinės ir metodinės literatūros analizė, standartizuotas atvirasis interviu. Tyrimas vyko 2020 m. balandžio mėnesį, jame dalyvavo 8 pradedantieji dirbti muzikos pedagogai.Kokybinis tyrimas atskleidė, kad daugelis pradedančiųjų muzikos pedagogų susiduria su adaptacijos laikotarpiu. Adaptacijos laikotarpiu kylančias įvairias profesines problemas – praktinės patirties trūkumą, nepakankamą drausmę klasėje, nedraugišką kolegų požiūrį, neigiamus emocinius išgyvenimus – iš dalies galėtų padėti spręsti skirtas patyręs pedagogas – mentorius. Pradedančiajam muzikos pedagogui labiausiai reikalinga pagalba yra trijose kryptyse: profesinėje (pedagoginėje ir dalykinėje), ugdytinių pažinimo ir aktyvaus ugdymo įstaigos įsitraukimo. Sėkmingai pradedančiųjų muzikos pedagogų profesinei veiklai didžiausią įtaką turi teigiamos mentoriaus savybės, tokios kaip bendravimas ir bendradarbiavimas, motyvacija, pozityvumas, lojalumas bei atsakingumas.
THE LEGAL CHARACTER AND STATUS OF THE ARCTIC COUNCIL WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF INTERNATIONAL LAW OF THE SEA AND THE ARCTIC. THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN THE ARCTIC COUNCIL AND ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Farmas vel Król Filip 
Published: December 2020

This article describes the legal character and status of the Arctic Council, focusing on the Council’s structure and powers in regional cooperation in the Arctic and elaborating on the decision-making process and the role of the indigenous peoples, both currently and from the point of view of suggested new legislation. The Arctic Council is also presented as a body in the tangible world, where other states and organisations may have a certain extent of inﬂuence over the Council’s capabilities. China and the European Union are good examples of such external agents.
The aim of this article is to analyse the role of the indigenous peoples and their organisations in the Arctic Council. Te presence of representative bodies of the indigenous peoples within the frameworkof the Arctic Council is considered significant. I hold the view that an extensive range of powers should be granted to the organisations representing the indigenous peoples within the Arctic Council. My article elaborates on the details of these powers and their significance.
UMOWA O DOFINANSOWANIE JAKO SZCZEGÓLNY TYP UMOWY STOSOWANEJ PRZEZ POLSKĄ AGENCJĘ ROZWOJU PRZEDSIĘBIORCZOŚCI W POSTĘPOWANIU W SPRAWIE UDZIELENIA WSPARCIA W ŚWIETLE KONCEPCJI UMOWY ADMINISTRACYJNEJ W POLSKIEJ I W NIEMIECKIEJ DOKTRYNIE PRAWA.STUDIUM PRZYPAD
Authors: Sancewicz Paweł 
Published: December 2020

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza umów stosowanych przez Polską Agencję Przedsiębiorczości w postępowaniach w sprawach udzielania wsparcia finansowego. Przeanalizowane zostały zarówno umowy cywilnoprawne, jak i umowy o dofinansowanie zawierane przez PARP.
Umowy o dofinansowanie zawierane przez PARP zostały porównane do konstrukcji teoretycznej umowy administracyjnej. Umowy przy pomocy których PARP udziela pomocy finansowej charakteryzują się specyficznymi cechami, ponieważ treść takich umów jest normowana prawem publicznym (umowa o dofinansowanie, umowa o udzielenie pomocy finansowej). Ponadto, jakkolwiek przy zawieraniu takich umów można wyróżnić element negocjacyjno-uzgodnieniowy, to w ich przypadku nie wyeliminowano w pełni waloru władczości. Przy udzielaniu takiej pomocy publicznej podmiotowi administracji, jakim jest PARP przysługuje istotny zakres uznania administracyjnego.
Przeprowadzona w artykule analiza podstaw normatywnych udzielania pomocy publicznej przez PARP skłania do wniosku, że ustawodawca kształtuje dwuetapową procedurę, zgodnie z którą zawarcie umowy dotyczącej pomocy finansowej jest poprzedzone czynnością z zakresu administracji publicznej, będącą prawną formą działania podmiotów administracji (w formie pisemnej informacji).
Impact of Guidelines on Hypertension Control in the Elderly
Authors: Rita Del Pinto , Dobre Mirela , Pagliacci Silvia , Ferri Claudio 
Published: December 2020

Background.:
Hypertension control is a crucial measure to reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk, and blood pressure (BP) treatment targets have been recently revised to address this issue. However, achieving the recommended goal may be challenging.

Objective.:
We aimed to assess the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension according to the US hypertension guidelines among elderly participants in an Italian nationwide epidemiological survey, the relevant clinical correlates, and the agreement with the application of the European guidelines.

Methods.:
Elderly (≥65y) volunteers enrolled in an Italian nationwide survey underwent BP measurement using standard protocols. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as BP≥130/80 mmHg. Agreement of this definition with those from European guidelines (≥140/90 mmHg; ≥140/80 mmHg) was tested using Cohen’s kappa. Self-reported information on modifiable/non-modifiable CV risk factors was also collected.

Results.:
Of the 13,162 treated hypertensive elderly, 69.8% had uncontrolled hypertension. They tended to be
overweight/obese men with diabetes. Overall agreement between US and European guidelines was poor to good
(κ = 0.289, p<0.001 and κ = 0.691, p<0.001 based on the 140/90 and 140/80 mmHg threshold, respectively).
Elderly participants with controlled hypertension were more likely to report a history of CV or chronic kidney
disease. No difference in lifestyle habits was observed by BP control status.

Conclusion.:
Real-world data identify limited concordance between guidelines in terms of BP target achievement among older hypertensive Italians and highlights the need of spreading awareness of the CV risk, especially in the presence of diabetes and obesity.
Structural Insights into the IL12:IL12 Receptor Complex Assembly by
Molecular Modeling, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Singh Sakshi , Rai Geeta 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Interleukin-12 receptor (IL12R) is a type I cytokine receptor that can promote hematopoiesis and
regulate innate and adaptive immunity. It binds with the IL12 ligand, which activates the IL-12 signaling pathway that
triggers hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation process. The structure of IL12:IL12R complex is not
known.

Objective:
The present work describes a de novo computational method for rational protein designing to elucidate the
structure of IL12:IL12R complex.

Methods:
Homology modeling, docking, and MD simulation methods were used to design mimics of the interaction of IL12
and IL12R.

Results:
3D structure prediction and validation confirms the accurate structure of IL12R protein that contains immunoglobin
domain, fibronectin type three domain, cytokine-binding domain, and WSXWS motif. Molecular docking and MD
simulation revealed that IL12R bound tightly with IL12 ligand at their interface. The estimated binding energy of the
docked complex was -26.7 kcal/mol, and the interface area was 281.4 Å2. Hotspot prediction suggested that ARG34, SER58,
GLU61, CYS62, LEU63, SER73, ASP142, GLN146, LYS168, THR169 ARG181, ARG183, ARG189, and TYR193 residues in IL12
ligand interacted with SER175, ALA176, CYS177, PRO178, ALA179, ALA180, GLU181, GLU182, ALA192, VAL193, HIS194,
ARG208, TYR246, GLN289, ASP290, ARG291, TYR292, TYR293 and SER294 residues in IL12 receptor.

Conclusion:
The results of the study provides a simulated molecular structure of IL12:IL12R complex that could offer a
promising target complex to substantiate IL12 based drug-designing approaches.
An Updated Review on SARS-CoV-2 Main Proteinase (MPro): Protein Structure and Small-Molecule Inhibitors
Authors: Sabbah Dima A. , Hajjo Rima , Bardaweel Sanaa K. , Zhong Haizhen A. 
Published: December 2020

:
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-stranded RNA viruses with spike (S) protein
projections that allow the virus to enter and infect host cells. The S protein is a key virulence
factor determining viral pathogenesis, host tropism, and disease pathogenesis. There are currently
diverse corona viruses that are known to cause disease in humans.

:
The occurrence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), as fatal human CoV diseases, has induced significant
interest in the medical field. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease
caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV2 outbreak has been
evolved in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and identified as a pandemic in March 2020, resulting
in 53.24 M cases and 1.20M deaths worldwide.

:
SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase (MPro), a key protease of CoV-2, mediates viral replication and transcription.
SARS-CoV-2 MPro has been emerged as an attractive target for SARS-CoV-2 drug design
and development. Diverse scaffolds have been released targeting SARS-CoV-2 MPro. In this review,
we culminate the latest published information about SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase (MPro) and reported
inhibitors.
Combination of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor with Cu(II) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate Complex Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Stem Cells: A Promising Novel Approach
Authors: Erkisa Merve , Aztopal Nazlihan , Erturk Elif , Ulukaya Engin , Yilmaz Veysel T. , Ari Ferda 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation within the tumor that play a role in the
initiation, progression, recurrence, resistance to drugs and metastasis of cancer. It is well known that epigenetic
changes lead to tumor formation in cancer stem cells and show drug resistance. Epigenetic modulators and /or
their combination with different agents have been used in cancer therapy.

Objective:
In our study, we scope out the effects of a combination of a histone deacetylases inhibitor, Valproic
Acid (VPA), and Cu(II) complex [Cu(barb-κN)(barb-κ2N,O)(phen-κN,N’)]·H2O] on cytotoxicity/apoptosis in a
stem-cell enriched population (MCF-7s) obtained from parental breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).

Methods:
The viability of the cells was measured by the ATP assay. Apoptosis was elucidated via the assessment
of caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M30 ELISA) and a group of flow cytometry analysis (caspase 3/7 activity,
phosphatidylserine translocation by annexin V-FITC assay, DNA damage and oxidative stress) and 2ˈ,7ˈ–
dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining.

Results:
The VPA combined with Cu(II) complex showed anti-proliferative activity on MCF-7s cells in a doseand
time-dependent manner. Treatment with a combination of 2.5 mM VPA and 3.12 μM Cu(II) complex
induced oxidative stress in a time-dependent manner, as well as apoptosis evidenced by the increase in caspase
3/7 activity, positive annexin-V-FITC, and increase in M30 levels.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that the combination therapy induces apoptosis following increased oxidative
stress, thereby making it a possible promising therapeutic strategy for which further analysis is required.
Recombinant Human IL-11 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cell Growth and EMT through Activating STAT3/HIF-1α/EMT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Peng Na , Lu Meijun , Kang Mafei , Liu Xiuli , Li Bihui , Dong Cuimei 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Interleukin-11 (IL-11) could promote invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, however,
its mechanism is unclear.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate effects of recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11) on lung cancer cell metastasis and growth.

Methods:
Human lung cancer cell, A549, was cultured and subcutaneously injected into mice to establish
Xenograft tumor models. Tumor models were divided into control, rhIL-11 transplantation (250 μg/kg/day), and
rhIL-11 transplantation (500 μg/kg/day) group. Tumor volumes were recorded and measured 6 times. Hypoxia-
Inducible Factor 1α (HIF1α), snail, slug, Signal Transducers/Activators of Transcription-3 (STAT3), E-cadherin,
twist, and vimentin levels were evaluated using western blot and Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR).

Results:
Sizes of subcutaneous tumors increased following measurement time. rhIL-11 treatment significantly
enhanced HIF1α and STAT3 expression in rhIL-11 treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05).
However, no remarkable differences were discovered between rhIL-11 (250 μg/kg/day) and rhIL-11 (500
μg/kg/day) group (p>0.05). rhIL-11 treatments significantly increased twist, and slug expressions compared to
control group (p<0.05), especially for rhIL-11 (500 μg/kg/day) treatment, which triggered significantly higher
effects on twist and slug expressions compared to those in the control group (p<0.05). Vimentin and snail mRNA
levels were significantly up-regulated and E-cadherin level was significantly down-regulated in rhIL-11
treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, rhIL-11 at a dosage of 500 μg/kg/day
triggered remarkably higher effects on vimentin, snail, and E-cadherin expressions compared to those in rhIL-11
(250 μg/kg/day) group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
rhIL-11 transplantation promoted growth and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of A549
cells, which might be associated with STAT3/HIF-1α/EMT signaling pathway activation.
Effects of Mucoadhesive Polymers on Released Particles and Drug Release in Solid Lipid Particle-Based Buccal Tablets
Authors: Phan Thuy T.H. , Tran Phuong H.L. , Tran Thao T.D. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Mucoadhesive polymers play a critical role in controlled-release tablets for buccal drug
delivery.

Objective:
This research aimed to investigate the characterization and mechanisms of solid lipid particle-based tablets with different
mucoadhesive polymers for buccal delivery.

Methods:
Prednisolone (PSL)-loaded solid lipid particles (SLPs) were conventionally prepared by ultrasonication. The freeze-drying
method was used to convert the SLP suspension into a solid dosage form for buccal delivery by using mucoadhesive polymers.

Results:
All formulations showed over 80% drug release after 6 h, which followed immediate and sustained release patterns depending on
the SLP type. However, the different polymers in the formulations resulted in different mucoadhesion times and drug release and drug
permeability profiles. HPMC 4000 showed higher drug permeation (3327 μg vs. 2589 μg after 6 h) but a shorter mucoadhesion time than
Carbopol (197 min vs. 361 min). In addition, surface morphology, swelling and erosion, particle size and zeta potential were also noted for
the different mechanisms for buccal tablet design with different controlled release profiles.

Conclusion:
The results of this work indicate a good strategy for the selection of mucoadhesive polymers for SLP-based tablets in
improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Novel Scopoletin Derivatives Kill Cancer Cells by Inducing Mitochondrial Depolarization and Apoptosis
Authors: Shi Zhixian , Chen Li , Sun Jianbo 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Natural products and their molecular frameworks have been explored as invaluable
sources of inspiration for drug design by means of structural modification, computer-aided drug design, and so
on. Scopoletin extracting from multiple herbs exhibits potential anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo without
toxicity towards normal cells.

Objective:
The study aims to obtain new scopoletin derivatives with enhanced anti-cancer activity. We performed
chemical structure modification and researched the mechanism of anti-tumor activity.

Methods:
In this study, we considered scopoletin as a lead compound, designed and synthesized a series of
scopoletin derivatives via introducing different heterocyclic fragments, and their chemical structures were
characterized by NMR spectra (1H NMR and 13C NMR) and HRMS(ESI). The antiproliferative activity of target
compounds in four cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG2, and A549) was determined by the MTT
assay. Compound 11b was treated with Ac-cys under different reaction conditions to explore the thiol addition
activity of it. The Annexin V/PI and JC-1 staining assay were performed to investigate the anti-tumor mechanism
of 11b.

Results:
Novel compounds 8a-h and 11a-h derivatives of scopoletin were synthesized. Most of the target
compounds exhibited enhanced antiproliferative activity against different cancer cells and reduced toxicity
towards normal cells. In particular, 11b displayed the optimal antitumor ability against breast cancer MDA-MB-
231 cells with an IC50 value of 4.46 μM. Compound 11b also cannot react with Ac-cys under the experimental
condition. When treated with 11b for 24 h, the total apoptotic cells increased from 10.8% to 79.3%. Besides, 11b
induced the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Conclusion:
Compound 11b was more active than other derivatives, indicating that the introduction of thiophene
fragment was beneficial for the enhancement of antitumor effect, and it was also not an irreversible inhibitor
based on the result that the α, β-unsaturated ketones of 11b cannot undergo Michael addition reactions with Accys.
Furthermore, studies on the pharmacological mechanism showed that 11b induced mitochondrial
depolarization and apoptosis, which indicated that 11b killed cancer cells via a mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Therefore, in-depth research and structure optimization of this compound is warranted.
Expression of mir-221, mir-29a, mir-155 and mir-146a in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) in HIV-1 Infected Patients
Authors: Narouei Arsalan , Rouzbahani Negin H. , Ghanbari Maryam , Taj Leila , Mohraz Minoo , Gholami Mohammad , Baesi Kazem 
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim:
patients infected by HIV-1, some cellular biomarkers such as
microRNAs have an important function in the suppression or progression of the disease. The aim
of the current study is to evaluate the expression of mir-221, mir-29a, mir-155, and mir-146a in
HIV-1 infected patients.

Methods:
The miRNAs of 60 HIV-1 infected patients (sample group) and 20 healthy controls (normal
group) were extracted from their peripheral mononuclear cells. We used TaqMan-based Real--
time PCR for evaluation of expression mir-155, mir-221, mir-29a and mir-146a by the comparative
method. To evaluate differences among the data, one-way ANOVA was used. The expression of
mir-155 and mir-146a in HIV-1 patients (sample group) was down-regulated in comparison with
healthy controls (normal group) with a confidence value (***p<0.001). In addition, in the sample
group, the expression of mir-221 was downregulated compared to the normal group (***p<.001).

Results:
There was no significant difference in expression mi-29a in the sample and control group.
In the sample group, mir-221 had a low expression, and mir-29a had a high expression, respectively.
According to the results of the current study and comparative studies, it seems that the microRNA
has an important role in the progression or suppression of HIV-1 infection.

Conclusion:
However, the data showed that besides other cellular and viral factor, these miRNAs
could be used as a biomarker. However, the miRNAs field experts are in general agreement that
more investigation is needed to use miRNAs as a biomarker in HIV.