bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trimesic Acid-Functionalized Chitosan: A Novel And Efficient Multifunctional Organocatalyst For Green Synthesis of Polyhydroquinolines And Acridinediones Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Beiranvand Rahman , Dekamin Mohammad G. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Trimesic acid-functionalized chitosan (Cs/ECH-TMA) material was prepared through a simple procedure by using chitosan (Cs), epichlorohydrin (ECH) and trimesic acid (TMA). The obtained bio-based Cs/ECH-TMA material was characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Cs/ECH-TMA material was successfully used, as a multifunctional heterogeneous and sustainable catalyst, for efficient and expeditious synthesis of medicinally important polyhydroquinoline (PHQ) and polyhydroacridinedione (PHA) scaffolds through the Hantzsch condensation in a one-pot reaction. Indeed, the heterogeneous Cs/ECH-TMA material can be considered as a synergistic multifunctional organocatalyst due to the presence of a large number of acidic active sites in its structure as well as hydrophilicity. Both PHQs and PHAs were synthesized in the presence of biodegradable heterogeneous Cs/ECH-TMA catalytic system from their corresponding substrates in EtOH under reflux conditions and high to quantitative yields. The Cs/ECH-TMA catalyst is recyclable and can be reused at least four times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Radiological Assessment of Hip Fracture Union RUSH and Modified RUSH
Authors: Zhang Xinlong , Ci Wentao , Luo Kaiwen , Xing Ziyang , yan shi , Guan Chenwei , Hu Qunfang , Wu Wutao , Yang Fan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objective：Intertrochanteric fracture is a common senile disease, which is mainly treated by surgery. The evaluation of postoperative healing of such fractures has always been based on qualitative evaluation of clinical and radiological indicators. Currently, there are no quantitative evaluations of hip fracture union other than the Radiographic Union Score or Hip (RUSH) score. The aim of this study was to evaluate fracture healing of intertrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and plates using RUSH and the modified RUSH score we developed. Methods：We collected a total of 96 patients with surgically treated intertrochanteric fractures, including 46 with lateral plate fixation and 50 with intramedullary nailing. Six orthopedic surgeons assessed the overall impression of fracture union on more than 200 postoperative X-rays without knowing any information, followed by the use of RUSH and modified RUSH to evaluate the x-rays separately to see if the two methods improved the consistency of intertrochanteric fracture union. Results：the consistency of overall fracture healing impression was moderate（ICC=0.487）, RUSH and modified RUSH improved the consistency to substantial（ICC=0.80）and basically perfect（ICC=0.81）, respectively. In addition, for the evaluation of union of all intertrochanteric fractures, the overall score of plate was always higher than that of intramedullary nail. When the lateral plate and intramedullary nail were separately scored, the RUSH score of plate was basically the same as modified RUSH, while the modified RUSH of intramedullary nail was higher than modified RUSH. Ultimately,the medial (r=0.54 and R =0.53) and anterior (r=0.55 and R =0.54) and the global score (R =0.68 and R =0.68) in the single cortex showed a high correlation with the overall fracture healing impression in both RUSH and modified RUSH scores. Ultimately,medial (r=0.54 and r =0.53) and anterior (r=0.55 and r=0.54) in individual cortices and overall scores (r=0.68 and r =0.68) showed a high correlation with overall fracture healing impressions in both RUSH and modified RUSH scores. Conclusions：we developed a new hip fracture score comparable to the RUSH score that significantly improves the consistency of radiographic assessment of intertrochanteric fracture union. Most importantly, modified RUSH filled the callus formation gap in RUSH scores between cortical bridging and no cortical bridging. Therefore, we recommend the use of RUSH or a modified RUSH score to improve orthopedic surgeons' assessment of intertrochanteric fracture union.
Trends in Burnout and Psychological Distress in Hospital Staff Over 12 Months of The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Maunder Robert G. , Heeney Natalie D. , Hunter Jonathan J. , Strudwick Gillian , Jeffs Lianne P. , Ginty Leanne , Johnstone Jennie , Kiss Alex , Loftus Carla A. , Wiesenfeld Lesley A. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background. The mental health effects of healthcare work during the COVID-19 pandemic have been substantial, but it is not known how long they will persist. This study aimed to determine if hospital workers’ burnout and psychological distress increased monotonically over one year, during which waves of case numbers and hospitalizations waxed and waned, or followed some other pattern.Methods. A prospective longitudinal survey was conducted at four time-points over one year in a cohort of 538 hospital workers and learners, which included validated measures of burnout (emotional exhaustion scale of Maslach Burnout Inventory) and psychological distress (K6). Repeated measures ANOVA tested changes over time and differences between subjects by occupational role and age. The direction and magnitude of changes over time were investigated by plotting rates of high scores (using cut-offs) at each time-point compared to case rates of COVID-19 in the city in which the study took place. Results. There were significant changes in emotional exhaustion over time (F = 4.6, p = .004) and significant effects of occupational role (F = 11.4, p < .001) and age (F = 12.3, p < .001). The rate of high burnout was highest in nurses, followed by other healthcare professionals, other clinical staff, and lowest in non-clinical staff. Peak rates of high burnout occurred at the second or third measurement point for each occupational group, with lower rates at the fourth measurement point. Similarly to the results for emotional exhaustion, rates of high psychological distress peaked at the winter 2021 or spring 2021 measurement point in each occupational group and were highest in nurses.Conclusions. Neither emotional exhaustion nor psychological distress was rising monotonically. Burnout and psychological distress were consistently related to occupational role and were highest in nurses. Although emotional exhaustion improved as the case rate of COVID-19 decreased, rates of high emotional exhaustion in nurses and other healthcare professionals remained higher than was typically measured in hospital-based healthcare workers prior to the pandemic. Ongoing monitoring of healthcare workers’ mental health is warranted. Organizational and individual interventions to support healthcare workers continue to be important.
WASF2 Overexpression and Promoter Hypomethylation Are Associated With Poor Clinical Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ahn Hye Ri , Baek Geum Ok , Yoon Moon Gyeong , Son Ju A , Yoon Jung Hwan , Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Hyo Jung , Kang Ho Chul , Eun Jung Woo , Kim Soon Sun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 2 (WASF2) is an integral member of the actin cytoskeleton pathway that plays a crucial role in cell motility. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of WASF2 in HCC carcinogenesis and its regulatory mechanism. Methods: WASF2 expression in HCC was analyzed using six public RNA-seq datasets and 66 paired tissues from patients with HCC. Role of WASF2 in HCC cell phenotypes was evaluated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro and in vivo. Epigenetic regulatory mechanism of WASF2 was assessed in the Cancer Genome Atlas liver hepatocellular carcinoma project (TCGA_LIHC) dataset and also validated in 38 paired HCC tissues. Results: WASF2 is overexpressed in HCC and is clinically correlated with prognosis. WASF2 inactivation decreased the viability, growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of Huh-7 and SNU475 HCC cells by restoring G2/M checkpoint function, inducing cell death, and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and hindering actin polymerization. In addition, WASF2 knockdown using siWASF2 in a xenograft mouse model exerted tumor suppressive effect. Furthermore, we observed a negative correlation between WASF2 methylation status and mRNA expression. The cg24162579 CpG island in the WASF2 5′ promoter region was hypomethylated in HCC compared to matched non-tumor samples. Patients with high WASF2 methylation and low WASF2 expression displayed the highest overall survival.Conclusions: WASF2 is overexpressed and hypomethylated in HCC and correlates with patient prognosis. Moreover, WASF2 inactivation exerts anti-tumorigenic effects on HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that WASF2 could be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Descriptive Statistical Analysis Report on the Results of Questionnaire and Observations on Patients With Physiological Halitosis Who Visited the KUMC Halitosis Clinic- A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Youngsoo , Ma Deuk-Sang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: We initiated to prepare the basic data that could help us to understand the characteristics of patients with physiological halitosis symptoms in Korea and aid in explaining the causes of these symptoms. Methods: We collected questionnaire and dietary analysis results from the data of 246 adult patients diagnosed with physiological halitosis symptoms, collected the data from the patients’ salivary measurements and the analysis data of patients’ tongue and throat management status. Using the SPSS (IBM SPSS™, Ver. 22.0) program, we performed a frequency analysis, calculating the correlation coefficient Phi with an independence test.Results: The mean age and one standard deviation of 246 patients with physiological halitosis was 41.85±11.63 years. The proportion of women, the proportion of patients who replaced breakfast with fast food or skipped breakfast, with beverage drinking habits such as coffee, tea, or carbonated drink, with irregular or insufficient consumption of water, who recognized their own oral malodor, suffering anxiety or stress over oral malodor, with an introverted personality, with insufficient unstimulated salivation volume, with incorrect tongue management, and with PND (Postnasal drip) or PTC (Posterior Tongue Coating) were all statistically analyzed to be significant (p < 0.05). As a result of the correlation analysis, the Phi values of the seven pairs of the bivariate variables were from 0.137 to 0.196, and the Phi values of the five pairs of the bivariate variables - the Phi value between the breakfast pattern variable and the regular diet variable, the Phi value between the stimulating menu variable and the drinking variable, the Phi value between the unstimulated saliva variable and the stimulated saliva variable, the Phi value between the unstimulated saliva variable and the sedimentation ratio of saliva variable, and the Phi value between the stimulated saliva variable and the sedimentation ratio of saliva variable - were from 0.203 to 0.394 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We could suggest the 10 potential common risk factors related to physiological halitosis symptom, and the five pairs of variables with Phi values ranging from 0.20 to 0.40 could be judged to have a moderate correlation.
Monitoring Pollution of the Tigris River in Baghdad by Studying Physico-Chemical Characteristics
Authors: Mensoor Montazer K. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The current study aimed at exploring and identifying pollution indicators of the Tigris River in Baghdad through studying physical and chemical characteristics. Monthly water samples were collected from four locations along the Tigris River in Baghdad for 12 months period. The studied characteristics of the current study included surface water temperature, pH, turbidity, salinity, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phosphate, nitrate, and Sulphate. The results showed that the mean values of all the studied physical and chemical characteristics except pH, temperature, and phosphate were higher than the acceptable limits of the Iraqi river water guidelines and international standards. The current study concluded that the Tigris River water was heavily polluted from untreated sewage discharge and other industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. The study recommended immediate measures to be taken to end the nonstop inflow of sewage and wastes into the Tigris River water from the residential, commercial, and institutional activities in Baghdad.
An Analysis of Maritime Policies in Ghana.
Authors: Lamptey Benjamin L. , Sackey Anthony Djaba , Pearl Dzigbodi A. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
An analysis of maritime transport policies in Ghana was conducted in this study. The objectives were to establish the existence or otherwise of maritime policy, the degree of its effectiveness and its impact on the maritime industry in particular and the nation as a whole, identify the challenges affecting the successful implementation of maritime policies in Ghana, and suggest measures for effective implementation of Ghana's maritime policies. The study was conducted in the port communities of Tema and Takoradi. It employed a descriptive research design and the instruments used were interviews and questionnaires. The study focused on maritime policies enacted since Ghana’s independence. The findings of the study indicate that although there is no single document as a maritime policy, there are forms of policies. These policies are described largely as ineffective having such impacts as loss of revenue to the state, pollution of the marine environment and a high cost of doing business through Ghana's ports. Some of the challenges impeding the successful realization of expected results from maritime policies in Ghana include inadequate training, insufficient resources and a low level educational background. Some of the measures for addressing these challenges include establishment of an intergrated maritime policy, education of merchants in maritime-related trade, provision of additional resources and training of personnel involved with functions guided by Ghana's maritime policies.
IGTP: A Next Point-of-Interest Recommendation Method that Integrates Geospatial and Temporal Preferences
Authors: Jiao Xu , Xiao Yingyuan , Zheng Wenguang , Zhu Ke 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
With the rapid development of location-based social networks(LBSNs), point-of-interest(POI) recommendation has become an important way to meet the personalized needs of users. The purpose of POI recommendation is to provide personalized POI recommendation services for users. However, general POI recommendations cannot meet the individual needs of users. This is mainly because the decision-making process for users to choose POIs is very complicated and will be affected by various user contexts such as time, location, etc. This paper proposes a next POI recommendation method that integrates geospatial and temporal preferences, called IGTP. Compared with general POI recommendation, IGTP can provide more personalized recommendations for users according to their context information. First, IGTP uses users' preferences information to model users' check-in histories to effectively overcome the challenge of extremely sparse check-in data. Secondly, IGTP takes into account the geographic distance and density factors that affect people's choice of POIs, and limits POIs to be recommended to the potential activitive area centered on the current location of the target user. Finally, IGTP integrates geospatial and users' temporal preferences information into a unified recommendation process. Compared with six advanced baseline methods, the experimental results demonstrate that IGTP achieves much better performance.
Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination: A new hope in triple negative breast cancer treatment
Authors: Moussa Nermine Aly , Mohamed Mahira , Haroun Medhat , Wasfy Maged Helmy 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Despite the tremendous efforts to implement new paradigms for breast cancer, the disease still remains a major challenge worldwide. Genetic deregulation is evident in all breast cancer subtypes and comprises a multitude of mutated genes and deregulated signaling cascades. In this sense, co-targeting Src and COX-2 signaling cascades have attracted fervent interest. This work explored the probable anti-carcinogenic effects of Dasatinib as a Src inhibitor, Celecoxib as a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and their combination in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Drug growth inhibition 50 (GI50) was determined using the MTT assay and the obtained results were analyzed using CompuSyn 3.0.1 software. MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into four treatment groups including a positive control, Dasatinib-treated, Celecoxib-treated, and combination-treated groups. Standard sandwich ELISA was used for the determination of the protein levels of c-Src, Bcl-2, p-AKT, FAK, PGE2, VEGF, and cyclin D1. Active caspase-3 was determined colorimetrically and the expression of COX-2 and c-Src genes was quantitatively determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The GI50 for Dasatinib was 0.05699 µM while that for Celecoxib was 69.0976 µM. Dasatinib up-regulated c-Src gene while Celecoxib and Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination down-regulated such expression level. COX-2 gene was down-regulated by Celecoxib while it was up-regulated by both Dasatinib and Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination. On one hand, Dasatinib, Celecoxib, and their combination significantly reduced the protein levels of c-Src, Bcl-2, p-AKT, FAK, PGE2, VEGF, and cyclin D1. On the other hand, they elevated active caspase-3. To sum up, Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination increased the capability for apoptosis and suppressed proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion suggesting a strong cross-talk between Src signaling cascade and COX-2/PGE2 via the intermediate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are warranted to verify the present findings.
Parallel Isolation and Characterization of Porcine Smooth Muscle, Endothelial and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Bioengineering Applications
Authors: Morini Sara , Pla-Palacín Iris , Sainz-Arnal Pilar , Sánchez-Romero Natalia , Falceto Maria , Mitjana Olga , Romero Antonio , Martinez-Santamaria Lucía , Guerrero-Aspizua Sara , Martinez Maria Bengochea , Arbizu Emma Olmedo , Fernandes-Platzgummer Ana , Baptista Pedro 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
There is significant interest in the pig as the animal model of choice for organ transplantation and the study of tissue engineering (TE) products and applications. Currently, efforts are being taken to bioengineer solid organs to reduce donor shortages for transplantation. For complex organs such as the lung, heart, and liver, the vasculature represents a fundamental feature. Thus, to generate organs with a functional vascular network, the different cells constituting the building blocks of the blood vessels should be procured. However, due to species' specificities, porcine cell isolation, expansion, and characterization are not entirely straightforward compared to human cell procurement. Here, we report the establishment of simple and suitable methods for the isolation and characterization of distinct porcine cells for bioengineering purposes.We successfully isolated, expanded and characterized porcine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal (pBM-MSC), aortic smooth muscle (pASMC), and umbilical vein endothelial cells (pUVEC). We demonstrated that the three cell types showed specific immunophenotypical features. Moreover, we demonstrated that pBM-MSC could preserve their multipotency in vitro, and pUVEC were capable of maintaining their functionality in vitro.These cultured cells could be further expanded and represent a useful cellular tool for TE purposes (i.e., for recellularization approaches of vascularized organs or in vitro angiogenesis studies).
Amalgamation of Solid Dispersion and Melt Adsorption Techniques For Augmentation of Oral Bioavailability of Novel Anticoagulant Rivaroxaban
Authors: Shah Pranav , Patel Milan , Shah Jigar , Nair Anroop , Kotta Sabna , Vyas Bhavin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of solid dispersion adsorbate to improve the solubility and bioavailability of rivaroxaban (RXN). Solid dispersion adsorbate (SDA) of RXN was developed by fusion method using PEG 4000 as carrier and Neusilin as adsorbent. A 32 full factorial design was utilized to formulate various SDAs. The selected independent variables were amount of carrier (X1) and amount of adsorbate (X2). The responses measured were time required for 85% drug release (Y1) and saturated solubility (Y2). MTT assay was employed for cytotoxicity studies on Caco-2 cells. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic evaluations were carried out to assess the prepared SDA. Pre-compression evaluation of SDA suggests the prepared batches (B1-B9) possess adequate flow properties and could be used for compression of tablets. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction data signified the conversion of crystalline form of drug to amorphous form, a key parameter accountable for improvement in drug dissolution. Optimization data suggests that the amount of carrier and amount of adsorbate significantly (P < 0.05) influence both dependent variables (time required for 85% drug release and saturated solubility). Post-compression data signifies that the compressibility behavior of prepared tablets were within the official standard limits. Significant increase (P < 0.0001) in the in vitro dissolution characteristics of RXN was noticed in optimized SDA (>85% in 10 min) as compared to pure drug, marketed product and directly compressible tablet. Cytotoxicity studies confirm nontoxicity of prepared RXN SDA tablets. Higher Cmax and AUC achieved with RXN SDA tablets indicated enhancement in oral bioavailability (~3 folds higher than the RXN suspension). Higher bleeding time and percentage of platelet aggregation noticed with RXN SDA tablets further substantiate the efficacy of the prepared formulation. In summary, the results showed the potential of RXN SDA tablets to enhance the bioavailability of RXN and hence can be an alternate approach of solid dosage form for its development for commercial application.