bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serial SARS-CoV-2 Seropravelence Studies in Delhi July-August 2020: Indications of Pre-existing Cross-reactive Antibodies and Implications for Disease Progression
Authors: Dey Smarajit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Two seropravelence studies were undertaken in Delhi, the city-state capital of India, in July-August 2020, exactly one month apart, to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Virus-tested (mostly RT-PCR) caseloads corresponding to these surveys, as of 13 days earlier to ensure antibody generation, were compared. The survey conducted June 26-July 10 (sample size 21387) showed 23.48% seropravelence, (extrapolated to 4.48 mn of Delhi population of 19.1 mn), which was 79-times higher than corresponding virus-tested positives totaling 56746. Survey conducted August 1-7 (15311 samples) showed 29.1% antibody-positive (5.56 mn population), and was 44x of virus-tested positive total of 125096. Pointing out that all serological surveys world-over have shown antibody-positives to be higher than virus-test positives by multiples 7x to 80x, this study seeks to examine why the multiple should decline so drastically in one month, from 79x to 44x. Statistical adjustments were performed for Sampling Error and Sensitivity/Specificity of the diagnostic kits. Indigenously developed COVID KAVACH ELISA tests for IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus were used for the surveys. Significantly, statistical adjustments were also done to account for the Testing Volumes and (Spot) Positivity rates at the two different times. [Spot Positivity is defined in the study and is the closest estimate of current or fresh positivity.] After all statistical revisions, the antibody-positive to virus-test positive multiples stood at 53x and 37x for the two surveys. Calculating across the two sets of data, and other sensitivity analysis, the study indicates that there is a significant proportion of pre-existing cross-reactive antibodies (possibly to the HCoV viruses), that are seropositive in SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, to the extent of 16%-19% of the population. The study also infers that there is an Amplification Factor of 15 in the Delhi serostudies: ie, each virus-test positive represents 14 more who are possibly asymptomatic and untested. The study forecasts a seropravelence 31%-34% for the 3rd serial serosurvey scheduled in September, whose results expected 22nd September. Limitations of the study are discussed, notably the absence of any research paper on the survey techniques, antibody testing controversies, and the statistical adjustment for Testing Volumes. The study discusses how Chain-of-Transmission protocols and Decreasing Susceptible Population work in unison to slow down a pandemic, and analyses the disease progression graph of Delhi in that context. The implications of 16%-19% pre-existing antibodies on disease progression in Delhi are discussed.
The efficacy of intensive therapy and anaesthesiology virtual distance learning among fifth-year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kovács Enikő , Kállai András , Fritúz Gábor , Iványi Zsolt , Mikó Vivien , Valkó Luca , Hauser Balázs , Gál János 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) brought several challenges in medical education. The aim of our study was to investigate whether virtual trainings (VT) organized during the COVID-19 pandemic at our university were effective in replacing in-person bed-side education in intensive therapy and anaesthesiology among fifth-year medical students, both from students' and instructors' perspectives. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study consisting of three parts: a 20-item students' questionnaire filled out by students participating in VT, a 22-item instructors' questionnaire filled out by instructors taking part in virtual education and a 20-item knowledge test completed by students participating in VT, as well as by students visiting bed-side trainings (BT) during the same semester, before COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaires focused on effectiveness, content, self-preparedness, technical background and interactivity of VT. Instructors' and students' responses given to the common questions, as well as the knowledge test results were compared. Mann-Whitney U test was used for group comparisons and binary logistic regression was performed to analyse the influence of previous health-care experience on students' feeling of self-preparedness. Results: 113 students (68% response rate) and 29 instructors (97% response rate) filled out the questionnaires. The majority of students found our VT useful and effective; however, a considerable number of participants felt disadvantaged by taking a virtual course instead of bed-side learning sessions and would recommend to keep virtual distance learning methods combined with BT. Instructors found VT overall effective and deemed the transfer of their knowledge satisfactory; however, they described worse interactivity and contact with students during virtual sessions compared to in-person teaching. Instructors showed a clearer consensus that VT should not replace BT in the future, while students’ answers were more divided in this regard. Previous health-care experience did not influence students' feeling of self-preparedness. One hundred and twenty-seven students (56 after VT and 71 after BT) completed the end-of-semester knowledge test. Students participating in VT performed better than students visiting BT (median score VT:83.5 vs BT:77.3; p=0.015). Conclusions: The new curriculum incorporating virtual practice sessions was effective in maintaining continuous education of intensive therapy and anaesthesiology among fifth-year medical students during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Strains Circulating in Malaysia During First Wave and Early Second Wave of Infections.
Authors: Zawawi Zarina Mohd , Suppiah Jeyanthi , Kalyanasundram Jeevanathan , Azizan Muhammad Afif , Mat-Sharani Shuhaila , Hisham Hamidah Akmal , Ping Tan Lu , Wahid Manisya Zauri Ab , Rashid Tengku Rogayah Tengku Abdul , Zain Rozainanee Mohd , Ahmad Norazah , Thayan Ravindran 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Since December 2019, the outbreak of COVID-19 has raised a great public health concern globally. Here, we report the whole genome sequencing analysis of SARS-CoV-2 strains in Malaysia isolated from six patients diagnosed with COVID-19.Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA extracted from clinical specimens and isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing using NextSeq 500 platform. The sequencing data were assembled to full genome sequences using Megahit and phylogenetic tree was constructed using Mega X software.Results: Six full genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 comprising of strains from 1st wave (25th January 2020) and 2nd wave (27th February 2020) infection were obtained. Downstream analysis demonstrated diversity among the Malaysian strains with several synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in four of the six cases, affecting the genes M, orf1ab, and S of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The phylogenetic analysis revealed viral genome sequences of Malaysian SARS-CoV-2 strains clustered under the ancestral Type B.Conclusion: This study comprehended the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolution during its circulation in Malaysia. Continuous monitoring and analysis of the whole genome sequences of confirmed cases would be crucial to further understand the genetic evolution of the virus.
Sensitive Detection and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 by Multiplex Droplet Digital RT-PCR
Authors: Kock Remco de , Baselmans Mieke , Scharnhorst Volkher , Deiman Birgit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose. We aimed to develop a one-step droplet digital RT-PCR (RT-ddPCR) multiplex assay that allows for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA with respect to human derived RNA and could be used for triage and monitoring of Covid-19 patients. Methods. A one step RT-ddPCR multiplex assay was developed for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 E, RdRp and N viral RNA, and human Rpp30 DNA and GUSB mRNA, for internal nucleic acid (NA) extraction and RT-PCR control. Dilution series of viral RNA transcripts were prepared in water and total NA extract of Covid-19 negative patients. As reference assay, an E-GUSB duplex RT-PCR was used. Results. Assay sensitivity of the RT-PCR assay drastically decreased when SARS-CoV-2 copies were detected in a background of total NA extract compared to water, while the sensitivity of the RT-ddPCR was not affected by the total NA background. GUSB mRNA detection was used to set validity criteria to assure viral RNA and RT-PCR assay quality. In a background of at least 100 GUSB mRNA copies, 5 copies of viral RNA are reliably detectable and 10 copies viral RNA copies are reliably quantifiable. Conclusion. The present study describes a robust and sensitive one-step RT-ddPCR multiplex assay for reliable detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. By determining the fractional abundance of viral RNA with respect to a human housekeeping gene, viral loads from different samples can be compared, what could be used to investigate the infectiveness and to monitor Covid-19 patients.
Predicting Performance of Briquette Made from Millet Bran: A Neural Network Approach
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Thampi B.S. Gireeshkumaran , Mondal Pranab Kumar 
Published: September 2020

Millet bran possesses good fuel quality and can be successfully used as a professional feedstock for producing solid biofuel. In this paper, a framework for developing an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to estimate the performance of millet bran briquettes is presented by using experimental data to train, test, and validate the ANN. With the capacity of the developed multi-layer ANN, the effects of moisture content, temperature, and applied pressure on the density, durability, and impact resistance are predicted. Different cases considering three parameters as inputs to the ANN, namely, moisture content, temperature, and applied pressure were analyzed. The outputs of the ANN are the density, durability, and impact resistance for each of the input parameters separately. By comparing with the experimental values, it is shown that the ANN-based method can predict the data well with a Mean Square Error (MSE) value ~ 0.2%. Further, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model is used to check the efficiency of ANN prediction from which it is shown that the proposed ANN-based method provides useful guidance for the prediction of the physical parameters efficiently, with the least deviation and high accuracy.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Ocimum sanctum and Cymbopogon nardus
Authors: Ogbonna Ruth Amarachi , Ramanathan Rahini , Ping Ng Shee 
Published: September 2020

Plant extracts have gained popularity recently, for their importance as potential antioxidative and antimicrobial agents. These properties have been attributed to their phytochemical content. The extraction solvent and the plant part are among the factors that influence the yield of these phytochemicals This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts of the leaf and stem of Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) and Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass); two commonly occurring plants in South East Asia. The extracts were obtained by solvent extraction using water, methanol and ethanol. The percentage yield, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was investigated. The organic extracts yielded a higher percentage recovery of phytochemicals compared to the water extracts. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid in all extracts; rutin only in the leaf extracts and the citronella grass leaf extract contained both rutin and gallic acid. Antimicrobial assays were performed using the agar well diffusion method with tetracycline as positive control. Basil extracts exerted a greater inhibitory growth on both S. aureus and E. coli. S. aureus was found to be more susceptible to the presence of plant extracts. Water extracts did not display any zones of inhibition. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay was used to study the antioxidant effect with Vitamin C (0.1mg/ml) as positive control. The results indicated that the Basil leaf extracts possessed greater antioxidant potential compared to the stem. The study concludes that organic extracts of O. sanctum and C. nardus possess pharmaceutical properties.
Carbohydrate-Binding Agents: Potential of Repurposing for COVID-19 Therapy
Authors: Gupta Rajesh Kumar , Apte Girish R. , Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Mishra Satyendra , Pal Jayanta K. 
Published: September 2020

:
With the emergence of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2
(SARS-CoV-2), the whole world is suffering from atypical pneumonia, which resulted in more
than 559,047 deaths worldwide. In this time of crisis and urgency, the only hope comes from new
candidate vaccines and potential antivirals. However, formulating new vaccines and synthesizing
new antivirals are a laborious task. Therefore, considering the high infection rate and mortality due
to COVID-19, utilization of previous information, and repurposing of existing drugs against valid
viral targets have emerged as a novel drug discovery approach in this challenging time. The transmembrane
spike (S) glycoprotein of coronaviruses (CoVs), which facilitates the virus’s entry into
the host cells, exists in a homotrimeric form and is covered with N-linked glycans. S glycoprotein
is known as the main target of antibodies having neutralizing potency and is also considered as an
attractive target for therapeutic or vaccine development. Similarly, targeting of N-linked glycans of
S glycoprotein envelope of CoV via carbohydrate-binding agents (CBAs) could serve as an attractive
therapeutic approach for developing novel antivirals. CBAs from natural sources like lectins
from plants, marine algae and prokaryotes and lectin mimics like Pradimicin-A (PRM-A) have
shown antiviral activities against CoV and other enveloped viruses. However, the potential use of
CBAs specifically lectins was limited due to unfavorable responses like immunogenicity, mitogenicity,
hemagglutination, inflammatory activity, cellular toxicity, etc. Here, we reviewed the current
scenario of CBAs as antivirals against CoVs, presented strategies to improve the efficacy of
CBAs against CoVs; and studied the molecular interactions between CBAs (lectins and PRM-A)
with Man9 by molecular docking for potential repurposing against CoVs in general, and SARSCoV-
2, in particular.
A Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Xiaoaiping (XAP) Injection and S-1 Combination Therapy in Inhibiting the Invasion and Metastasis of Human GC Cells
Authors: Wen Peiyu , Wang Haibo , Ni Tengyang , Dai Xiaojun , Chu Zewen , Ma Shuang , Xiang Liangliang , Zhou Zhen , Qian Yayun , Sunagawa Masataka , Liu Yanqing 
Published: September 2020

Background:
This study aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of Xiaoaiping (XAP) injection
combined with S-1 in inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of human GC cells.

Methods:
BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells were incubated in vitro, and the effects of treatment on the cytotoxicity
and proliferation of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Cell adhesion tests and Transwell
assays were used to detect the effects of Xiaoaiping injection combined with S-1 on the metastatic ability
of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. The expression of VEGF, Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proteins related to
the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) were detected by Western blotting. Meanwhile, a tumour model
was established in nude mice, and the effect of XAP combined with S-1 on BGC-823 cells in vivo was studied.

Results:
Compared with the single drug group, the combination of XAP with S-1 increased the inhibition rate
(P<0.05). The adhesion test showed that the combination group significantly inhibited the adhesion of BGC-823
and MGC-803 cells (P<0.05). The combination of XAP with S-1 reduced the migration and invasion potential
of human GC BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. Western blotting showed that the expression of VEGF, MMP-9, Ncadherin
and vimentin was decreased and E-cadherin expression was increased in the combination group compared
with these expression values in either the XAP or S-1 alone group (P<0.05). In vivo, we found that XAP
combined with S-1 had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of tumours compared with XAP or S-1
alone. Immunohistochemistry showed that XAP combined with S-1 was able to enhance the levels of E-cadherin
and downregulate N-cadherin and vimentin.

Conclusion:
The combination of XAP with S-1 can enhance the inhibitory effect of a single drug on proliferation,
invasion and metastasis. The mechanism may be related to the decrease in the expression of VEGF and
MMP-9 proteins and the effect on EMT.
Designing Specific HSP70 Substrate Binding Domain Inhibitor for Perturbing Protein Folding Pathways to Inhibit Cancer Mechanism
Authors: Coşkun Kübra A. , Koca İrfan , Gümüş Mehmet , Tutar Yusuf 
Published: September 2020

Background:
HSP70 is a survival factor for tumor cells in transformation and in tumor progression as well as
in anti-apoptotic response.

Objective:
Several inhibitors targeting HSP70 ATPase function displayed off-target affect but PES which targets HSP70
substrate binding domain prevents tumor cell survival prominently. However, PES may not bind HSP70 in the absence of
nucleotide. This research aimed to design a unique inhibitor molecule that work both in the presence and absence of
nucleotides to amplify inhibition.

Methods:
A set of chimeric coumarine-pyrazole derivatives determined by in silico techniques and synthesized to
elucidate their inhibitory effects. Cell viability experiments displayed KBR1307 as the most efficient inhibitor. A set of
characterization experiments performed, and results compared to that of PES agent. Binding constant, ATP hydrolysis
rate, and percent aggregation determined in the presence and absence of inhibitors.

Results:
In silico docking experiments showed that only KBR1307 binds the HSP70 substrate binding domain
and interacts with cochaperone interface. Binding experiments indicated that KBR1307 binds HSP70 both in the
presence and absence of nucleotides, but PES does not. Both inhibitors significantly lower HSP70 ATPase activity
and substrate protein disaggregation activity. However, KBR1307 displays a lower IC50 value at the MCF-7 cell
line compared to PES. Both inhibitors do not alter HSP70 secondary structure composition and overall stability.

Conclusion:
KBR1307 effectively inhibits HSP70 compared to PES and provides promising template for novel anticancer
drug development.
Antiproliferative and Genotoxic Action of an Underexploited Organoteluran Derivative on Sarcoma 180 Cells
Authors: do Nascimento Maria L.L. Barreto , dos Reis Antonielly Campinho , Santos José V.O. , Negreiros Helber A. , da Silva Felipe C. Carneiro , Ferreira Paulo M.P. , Gonçalves Juan C.R. , Dittz Dalton , Braz Débora C. , Nunes Adriana M.V. , Cunha Rodrigo L.O.R. , Melo-Cavalcante Ana A.C. , de Castro e Sousa João Marcelo 
Published: September 2020

Background:
The search for novel metallic chemical compounds with toxicogenic effects has been of
great importance for more efficient cancer treatment.

Objective:
The study evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic activity of organoteluran RF07 in the
S-180 cell line.

Methods:
The bioassays used were cell viability with 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazole)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium
bromide (MTT) test, evaluation of apoptosis and necrosis using fluorescence and flow cytometry, cytokinesisblock
micronucleus test and comet assay. The compound was tested at 1; 2.5 and 5μM.

Results:
The results showed the cytotoxicity of RF07 at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20μM when compared
to the negative control. For genotoxicity tests, RF07 showed effects in all concentrations assessed by increased
index and frequencies of damage and mutagenic alterations. The compound was also cytotoxic due to the significant
decrease in the nuclear division index, with significant values of apoptosis and necrosis. The results of
fluorescence and flow cytometry showed apoptosis as the main type of cell death caused by RF07 at 5μM,
which is thought to avoid an aggressive immune response of the organism.

Conclusion:
In addition to cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, RF07 creates good perspectives for future antitumor
formulations.
Establishment of Quality Standards for Raw Material of Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H. Rob
Authors: Charoonratana Tossaton , Pongnuruk Ketkanok , Puttarak Panupong 
Published: September 2020

Introduction:
Cyanthillium cinereum has long been used in Thai traditional medicine.
However, the standard information of C. cinereum raw material has not been established.

Objective:
This study aimed to present the standard information of C. cinereum raw material.

Material and methods:
The microscopic and macroscopic characteristics, the physicochemical
analysis, and assays for bioactive contents of 24 samples of C. cinereum from different locations
were evaluated to determine the standard information of the plant material.

Results:
The result showed the microscopic characteristic of pollens in all powder samples. No nicotine
content in C. cinereum extract was observed with LC-MS; apigenin and luteolin were instead
selected as markers. The observed average contents of apigenin and luteolin were 0.238 and
1.059 mg/g, respectively, using HPLC-UV. Nitrite and nitrate components in C. cinereum, which
induced flavor aversion leading to smoking cessation, were determined. The average nitrite and nitrate
content were 0.004 and 0.526 mg/kg in ethanol extract and 0.014 and 1.645 mg/kg in the water
extract, respectively. The results did not substantiate the concern for high potassium content in
C. cinereum materials for cardiovascular and renal patients where only traces were observed in all
samples (3.113 and 20.898 mg/kg in ethanol and water extracts, respectively).

Conclusion:
The results can be used to establish the specification of C. cinereum, which will be
useful for quality control of the raw material. This new information is crucial and can be utilized extensively
prior to herbal product preparation.
A Novel Approach for Extraction of Distinguishing Emotions for Semantic
Granularity Level Sentiment Analysis in Multilingual Context
Authors: Naik Midde V. , D Vasumathi , Kumar A.P. Siva 
Published: September 2020

Introduction:
Extraction of distinguishing semantic level emotions posed in multi-languages over social media
is an essential task in the field of sentiment analysis or opinion mining. The extraction of emotions expressed in Dravidian
or local languages combining with multi-languages over social media has become an essential challenge in the field of big
data sentiment analysis.

Methods:
In the proposed approach, an innovative framework to recognize the sentiments of users in multi-languages or
Dravidian languages text data using scientific linguistic theories has been defined. The proposed method used machine
learning techniques such as naïve Bayes, support vector machine for fine-grained classification of multilingual text with
help of lexicon-based features groups.

Results:
The results obtained by the experiments conducted on collected benchmark datasets in the proposed approach are
outperformed and better in comparison with corpus-based and world level, phrase-level sentiment analysis for multilanguages text.

Conclusion:
Machine learning technnique SVM has outperformed for sentiment and emotion extraction.