bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Priorizar uma área não é matar outra?: uma análise discursiva de necropolíticas no campo da educação e pesquisa
Authors: Pereira Martins Elisamar , Merlim Moraes Villela Gabriel , Giorgi Maria Cristina , Sampaio de Almeida Fabio 
Published: November 2020

Nosso artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre necropolíticas contemporâneas no campo da educação e da pesquisa, a partir da análise discursiva de vozes do Ministério da Educação em notícia publicada pelo jornal Estadão, em 2019. Como referencial teórico-metodológico adotou-se a Análise do Discurso de base enunciativa, a partir dos construtos de gêneros do discurso e linguagem-intervenção.Nossas análises apontam para a manutenção de uma organização social desigual e estruturalmente racista de distribuição de formação superior no país.
N-Terminally Added Tag Selectively Enhances Heterologous Expression of VacA Cytotoxin Variants from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Linn Aung Khine , Samainukul Nitchakan , Sakdee Somsri , Butnampetch Chonthicha , Li Hui-Chun , Angsuthanasombat Chanan , Katzenmeier Gerd 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori secretes VacA cytotoxin displaying
a high degree of polymorphic variations of which the highest VacA pathogenicity correlates with
m1-type variant followed by VacA-m2.

Objective:
To comparatively evaluate expression in Escherichia coli of the mature VacA variants
(m1- and m2-types) and their 33- and 55/59-kDa domains fused with His(6) tag at N- or C-terminus.

Methods:
All VacA clones expressed in E. coli TOP10™ were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western
blotting. VacA inclusions were solubilized under native conditions (~150-rpm shaking at 37°C
for 2 h in 20 mM HEPES (pH7.4) and 150 mM NaCl). Membrane-perturbing and cytotoxic activities
of solubilized VacA proteins were assessed via liposome-entrapped dye leakage and resazurin-
based cell viability assays, respectively. VacA binding to human gastric adenocarcinoma cells
was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Side-chain hydrophobicity of VacA was analyzed
through modeled structures constructed by homology- and ab initio-based modeling.

Results:
Both full-length VacA-m1 and 33-kDa domain were efficiently expressed only in the presence
of N-terminal extension while its 55-kDa domain was capably expressed with either N- or Cterminal
extension. Selectively enhanced expression was also observed for VacA-m2. Protein expression
profiles revealed a critical period in IPTG-induced production of the 55-kDa domain with
N-terminal extension unlike its C-terminal extension showing relatively stable expression. Both VacA-
m1 isolated domains were able to independently bind to cultured gastric cells similar to the full-
length toxin, albeit the 33-kDa domain exhibited significantly higher activity of membrane perturbation
than others. Membrane-perturbing and cytotoxic activities observed for VacA-m1 appeared
to be higher than those of VacA-m2. Homology-based modeling and sequence analysis suggested a
potential structural impact of non-polar residues located at the N-terminus of the mature VacA
toxin and its 33-kDa domain.

Conclusion:
Our data provide molecular insights into selective influence of the N-terminally added
tag on efficient expression of recombinant VacA variants, signifying biochemical and biological
implications of the hydrophobic stretch within the N-terminal domain.
Discovery of Novel GABAAR Allosteric Modulators Through Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Michaeli Amit , Lerner Immanuel , Zatsepin Maria , Mezan Shaul , Kilshtain Alexandra Vardi 
Published: November 2020

Background:
As not all target proteins can be easily screened in vitro, advanced virtual screening is
becoming critical.

Objective:
In this study, we demonstrate the application of reinforcement learning guided virtual screening for
γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) modulating peptides.

Methods:
Structure-based virtual screening was performed on a receptor homology model. Screened molecules
deemed to be novel were synthesized and analyzed using patch-clamp analysis.

Conclusion:
Reinforcement learning guided virtual screening is a viable method for the discovery of novel
molecules that modulate a difficult to screen transmembrane receptor.
Targeted Drug Delivery in Brain Tumors-nanochemistry Applications and Advances
Authors: Ganjeifar Babak , Morshed Seyyed Farhang 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, brain tumors
are still a major health issue due to poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The current treatment
options have limited efficiency. The main barriers to effective clinical treatment are systemic
toxicity of cytotoxic compounds, the physical and functional barrier of the blood-brain barrier (BBB),
and low selectivity of the therapeutic agents to tumor cells.

Objective:
The study aimed to review the advances in targeted drug delivery systems and strategies
for brain tumors.

Methods:
We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, BIOSIS
Previews, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, google scholar and additional sources for published and
unpublished trials using the set search terms. The date of the most recent search was 20 March
2020. The studies investigating the applications of targeted drug delivery for brain tumors were collected
and the most relevant studies were selected for a comprehensive review.

Results:
Different anticancer agents and nucleic acid-based therapies have been developed and assessed
as novel targeted drug delivery techniques for brain tumors. New vehicles include polymeric
and liposomal nanoparticles (NPs), wafers, microchips, microparticle-based nanosystems and
cells-based vectors. Strong evidence from preclinical and translational studies indicate the great potential
of these NPs-based technologies for use in brain tumors and improving the therapeutic outcomes.
Research is ongoing to develop effective new anticancer agents as well as strategies for
BBB modulation and penetration.

Conclusions:
New targeted drug delivery systems based on stimuli-responsive NPs have shown
promising outcomes in brain tumors. Advances in material design and nanochemistry lead to enhanced
intracranial concentrations. Non-invasive technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging-
guided ultrasound and high-intensity focused ultrasound have been utilized for BBB modulation
with higher precision and improved drug delivery performance.
Exploring the Potentials of Corn Fiber Gum in Fabricating Mucoadhesive Floating Tablet of Poorly Gastro-retainable Drug
Authors: Mangla Bhumika , Jain Anurekha , Malik Deepinder S. 
Published: November 2020

Aim::
To formulate and preliminary evaluated polysaccharide based
mucoadhesive floating tablets of Cinnarizine.

Background::
Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems has proved to be a successful
approach to enhance the gastric residence with site specific targeting for
achieving local or generalized effect. Various patents has also been filed globally
employing gastro-retentive approach.

Objective::
The study is designed to explore the mucoadhesive and low density
characteristics of corn fibre gum (CFG) for the preparation of gastro-retentive
floating tablets of cinnarizine.

Methods::
Floating tablets were prepared by direct compression technique using
different concentrations of CFG (45, 50, 60% w/w). The formulated floating
tablet batches were evaluated for their hardness, friability, drug content, floating
duration/lag time, swelling behavior, bioadhesive strength and in-vitro drug release.

Results::
Mucoadhesive strength was found to increase with an increment in the
polysaccharide concentration. Swelling index was found to increase both with
the increase in CFG concentration and with duration for which tablet remains in
medium. The in-vitro drug release studies indicated decrease in drug release
(91% to 77%) with the increase in polymer concentration. The release data was
further fitted to various kinetic models which revealed the drug release to be in
accordance with zero order and Higuchi models, indicating polymer to exhibit
the swellable matrix forming abilities. The value of n (between 0.458 and 0.997)
from Korsemeyer-Peppas model depicted the possibility of drug to follow more
than one mechanism of release from the formulation i.e. diffusion and erosion.
Stability studies revealed the preparations to retain their integrity and pharmaceutical
characteristics at variable storage conditions.

Conclusion::
Thus from the research findings, CFG could be concluded to possess
potential binder, release retardant and mucoadhesive characteristics which
could be successfully employed for the formulation of gastro-retentive floating
tablets.
Multifocal Osteolytic Lesions in Skull Bone with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Mellat-Ardakani Milad , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Nezhad Malihe Hassan , Salahshour Faeze , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Bone Tuberculosis of the skull base as well as maxillofacial and oral cavity
involvement can rarely and only occur in about 3% of the cases with systemic diseases or in case
of pulmonary involvement.

Case Presentation:
A 37-year-old patient with fever and swelling in his face and neck referred to
our center. After MRI and CT scan, it was revealed that multiple erosions and destructions are seen
in the Hard Palate bones, as well as the pre-maxillary process, alveolar ridge, and the floor of maxillary
sinus on both sides. In the Ziel Nelson staining, there were 5 Acid-fast bacilli in each field.
The patient received standard anti-tuberculosis and clarithromycin therapy. In the follow-up three
months later, the patient’s condition improved and MRI showed significant remission.

Conclusion:
The present case confirms that tuberculosis may occur in patients with skull bone involvement
and osteolytic lesions whose early diagnosis and treatment can result in gaining good
outcomes.
A Novel Cell-based In vitro Assay for Antiviral Activity of Interferons α, β, and γ by qPCR of MxA Gene Expression
Authors: Saber Mohamed A. , Okasha Hend , Khorshed Fatma , Samir Safia 
Published: November 2020

Background:Human MxA gene is related to the class of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) that plays a role in antiviral resistance.Objective:Implementation of standard curves obtained from designing a procedure for data processing in relative qPCR between MxA expression and interferon’s antiviral activity (IU/ml). These standard curves can be used to detect the antiviral activity of any new compound rapidly and safely.Methods:To detect the optimum incubation time for maximum MxA gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the isolated human PBMCs (1x106 cells) were incubated with a concentration of 1000 IU/ml of each IFN at different time intervals; 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h post-treatment. A standard curve was performed for each IFN (α, β, and γ) at different concentrations (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, and 2000 IU/ml).Results:As observed at 4 h incubation time of 1000 IU/ml concentration, IFN-γ provided a higher expression of MxA compared to IFN-α and IFN-β. Correlation analyses between IFN-α and IFN-β, IFN-β and IFN-γ were non-significant. However, there was a significant correlation between IFN-α and IFN-γ (p<0.01). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that cut-off values of IFN- γ, IFN-β, and IFN-α were 58.14 > 7.31 and > 3.33, respectively.Conclusions:The relative expression of MxA is a biomarker for IFN-α, β, and γ, especially IFN-α. It has compiled and validated a standard curve-based protocol for PCR data processing. It shows that the standard curve is an easy alternative tool to assess antiviral activity. We revised all patents relating to the antiviral assays of the used interferons.
Pharmacokinetics of Darolutamide, its Diastereomers and Active Metabolite in the Mouse: Response to Saini NK et al. (2020)
Authors: Nykänen Pirjo , Korjamo Timo , Gieschen Hille , Zurth Christian , Koskinen Mikko 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Saini et al. recently investigated the pharmacokinetics of darolutamide
and its diastereomers in vitro and in vivo in Balb/c mice, reporting higher levels of (S,S)-darolutamide
than (S,R)-darolutamide following intravenous or oral dosing, and interconversion of
(S,R)-darolutamide to (S,S)-darolutamide.

Objective:
To present our in vitro and in vivo studies of darolutamide pharmacokinetics in mice,
which contrast with the findings of Saini et al.

Methods:
Nude male Balb/c mice were orally dosed for 7 days with 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg of darolutamide
twice daily. Pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma and tissue samples were assessed by
liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolism and interconversion of darolutamide
and its diastereomers were investigated in cryopreserved Balb/c mouse hepatocytes. Protein
binding was determined in plasma samples by equilibrium dialysis.

Results :
On day 7, Cmaxwas reached 30 min after the last dose. Rapid formation and greater exposure
of keto-darolutamide versus darolutamide were observed. Plasma exposure of (S,R)-darolutamide
was 3-5-fold higher than that of (S,S)-darolutamide. The fraction of unbound keto-darolutamide
was almost 6-fold lower than for darolutamide.

Conclusion:
The darolutamide diastereomer ratio changes upon administration in mice and other
species due to interconversion through keto-darolutamide. This is not considered clinically relevant
since both diastereomers and keto- darolutamide are pharmacologically similar in vitro. Based on
the high protein binding of keto-darolutamide, its contribution in vivo in humans is considered low.
Assessment of Herb-drug Interactions Based on the Pharmacokinetic Changes of Probe Drug, Midazolam
Authors: Sabarathinam Sarvesh , Vijayakumar Thangavel M. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
In healthy volunteers, the probe drug method is widely practised to assess
the pharmacokinetic mediated herb-drug interactions (HDI). We analyzed the clinical evidence of
CYP3 A4 probe drug, Midazolam.

Methods:
Literatures, where Midazolam was used as a probe drug for prediction of herb-drug interaction,
were surveyed through an online database such as google scholar, Scopus, Cochrane,
PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov.

Results:
Midazolam was considered a sensitive probe for CYP3A4 substrates due to its bioavailability.
We observed that not all the herbs are causing drug interaction. However, significant
changes of the Midazolam pharmacokinetics were found after high-dose and long-term intake of
some herbs and food supplements, suggesting the induction and/or inhibition of CYP activities.

Conclusion:
Probe drug technique is one of the easiest ways for predicting CYP enzyme-mediated
herb-drug interactions. Midazolam shows a good response in clinical studies because of short halflife
and low harmfulness compared with other probe drugs.
Indonesian Strain of Lactobacillus reuteri Probiotic Reduces the Initial Biofilm Colonization
Authors: Widyarman Armelia Sari , Ramajayanti Triska , Theodorea Citra Fragrantia 
Published: November 2020

Background:
The benefits of probiotics for human health have long been proven. Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri, can produce a beneficial broad-spectrum antibacterial compound called reuterin by metabolizing glycerol.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the Indonesian strain of L. reuteri LC382415 on mono- and dual-species Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis biofilms in vitro.

Methods:

Streptococcus mutans and S. sanguinis were cultured in BHI broth. Lactobacillus reuteri LC382415 was inoculated on MRS agar. The different concentrations effect of L. reuteri (1×104, 1×106, and 1×108 CFU/mL) with and without glycerol supplementation on microbial biofilms were examined using a biofilm assay after incubation for 1,3,6, and 24-h. The biofilm mass optical density was measured with a microplate spectrophotometer at 490 nm. Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) was used as a positive control, and wells without treatment were used as negative controls.

Results:
A significant reduction in mono- and dual-species S. mutans and S. sanguinis biofilm formation was observed after treatment with all concentrations of L.reuteri and after all incubation periods (p<0.05) with or without glycerol supplementation. The concentration of 1×104 CFU/mL after 3-h incubation was the most effective in inhibiting biofilm formation, with 87.8% S. mutans, 95.9% S. sanguinis, and 80.4% dual-species biofilm reduction compared to the negative control (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
The Indonesian strain of L. reuteri effectively reduces mono- and dual-species S.mutans and S. sanguinis biofilms. This suggests that it may be useful in preventing biofilm formation in oral cavities. Future studies on the mechanism of action of this active component are warranted.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Depression in Postpartum Women in a Low-income Country; Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Necho Mogesie , Abadisharew Merid , Getachew Yemiyamirew 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Maternal mental health in the postpartum period is essential for the optimal development of the newborn. Despite this, a shortage of concrete evidence exists regarding it.

Methods:
PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE were investigated with no time limitation. A manual search for a reference list of articles was also done. Relevant data were extracted using the Meta XL package and analysis was done using Stata-11 meta-prop package. Heterogeneity was checked with Cochran's Q-statistics and the Higgs I 2 test.

Results:
Sixteen studies were included. The average prevalence of postpartum depression was 21.9%. The pooled prevalence was found to be higher in studies assessed with SRQ-20, i.e 24.6% than studies assessed using PHQ-9, which was 18.9%. Moreover, the pooled prevalence was slightly higher in southern Ethiopia (22.6%) than Addis Ababa (21.2%). Poor marital relation (pooled aOR= 3.56) (95% CI: 2.50, 4.63), unplanned pregnancy (pooled aOR=3.48) (95% CI: 2.18, 4.79), previous history of depression (pooled aOR= 4.33) (95% CI: 2.26, 6.59), poor social support (pooled aOR= 4.5) (95% CI: 3.34, 5.56), and domestic violence were among the associated factors for postpartum depression.

Conclusion:
More than one in five women were found to have postpartum depression and factors such as poor marital relations, history of depression, poor social support, domestic violence, and unplanned pregnancy were observed to be associated with it. Therefore, maternal postnatal care services should integrate this essential health concern.
Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) From Aqueous Extract of Seeds of Eletteria Cardamomum and Its Antimicrobial Activity against Pathogens
Authors: Venkatramanan Akshaya , Ilangovan Akila , Thangarajan Pakutharivu , Saravanan Anitha , Mani Balachandar 
Published: November 2020

Background:The Nanomaterials/Nanoparticles are of great interest today because of their small size and large surface area, modular and easily tunable morphology and size. Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles are widely used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Research on the synthesis and properties of metallic nanomaterials is a growing field of nanotechnology due to the use of nanoparticles in the scientific, technical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields. Green synthesis is an emerging technology for the production of nanoparticles due to its many advantages over traditional physical processes and the method of chemical synthesis.Methods:In this study, we report the cost-effective, long-lasting, stable, and regenerative aqueous extract of Elettaria cardamom seeds to target the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). This method is completely green, free from toxic and harmful solvents. CuO NPs were synthesized from a cupric nitrate mixture and the aqueous extracts of Elettaria cardamom seeds were kept at room temperature for 24 h. CuO NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier Transfer infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) analyzes. UV - Vis spectroscopy revealed the presence of CuO NPs.Results:SEM images stated that the particles were spherical and ranged in size from 1–100nm. FTIR spectra of control (seed extract) and synthesized CuO NPs identify functional groups of active components. In addition, the synthesized CuO NPs were tested for antimicrobial activity by standard disc diffusion method.Conclusion:Nanoparticles found that Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus resistant areas were observed around each well with antimicrobial activity against disease-causing pathogenic strains.
A Multipurpose Platform for Ambient Assisted Living (ActiveAdvice): Usability Study
Authors: Abrantes Diogo , Teles Soraia , Tavares de Sousa Rita , Freitas Alberto , Vieira-Marques Pedro , Ferreira Ana 
Published: November 2020

Background
Aging of the global population is slowly paving the way for new markets for care products and services. The desire of older people to maintain their independence while remaining at home is boosting the development of ambient assisted living (AAL) solutions. Lack of user awareness of AAL solutions paired with an insufficient use of user-centered and participatory design approaches in the development of these products has hindered the uptake of these solutions by end users.

Objective
This study aims to describe the usability and users’ experiences within a novel platform, ActiveAdvice, aimed at offering advice and a holistic market overview of AAL products and services.

Methods
Usability tests were performed on the developed platform among identified prospective end users, with 32 older adults and informal carers from 4 European countries being part of the user tests. The usability and appeal of the web interface design, information flow, and information architecture were analyzed by collecting both objective and subjective measures. These would include pretest and posttest surveys, along with a series of think-aloud tasks to be performed within the platform.

Results
The outcomes suggest that the ActiveAdvice platform’s objectives and functionalities are mostly aligned with the needs and expectations of end users, who demonstrated interest in using it, stressing its purpose along with its simple and intuitive interaction. Task completion rates were high, and participants had good satisfaction rates when navigating the platform. However, the tests still advocate for an improved design at some points and better disclosure of information.

Conclusions
Our findings shed light on a few peculiarities of interface design, information architecture, user needs, and preferred functionalities, which should be applied to future developments of similar platforms with related services. The AAL field could benefit from tools supporting the dissemination of available AAL solutions and how they can improve one's quality of life. These tools may benefit not only older adults but also caregivers, business owners, and governmental employees.