bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Variance in Prevalence of COPD among Smokers in a Real World Setting
Authors: Aiyer Akshar , Surani Salim , Aguillar Raymond , Sharma Munish , Ali Mohammed , Varon Joseph 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent and progressive airflow limitation generally caused by prolonged cigarette smoking. Ethnic differences have been reported regarding COPD risk from smoking. The purpose of this study was to compare COPD prevalence in Hispanic and Caucasian smokers in a real-world setting. We studied consecutive patients referred to the community-based pulmonary practice. Hispanic and Caucasian smokers were included in the study.

Methods:
The clinical diagnosis of COPD was recorded from the chart. COPD was defined by PFT using GOLD criteria. Exclusion criteria were other ethnicities, non-smokers, and patients with a history of asthma /other pulmonary conditions. We reviewed a total of 1,313 consecutive PFTs of which 797 patients met our inclusion criteria.

Results and Discussion:
The prevalence of COPD among Hispanics was found to be lower by both clinical diagnosis as well as by spirometry compared to Caucasians (41.6% vs 54.2%). In Hispanics, clinical diagnosis was 91% higher by PFT, whereas for Caucasians, it was 6% lower. The odds of developing COPD (diagnosed based on FEV1/FVC ratio <70%) in the Caucasians are 4.1 times higher than Hispanics (Odds Ratio: 4.1; 95%CI: 2.8-5.9). Hispanic smokers have a lower prevalence of COPD both by the clinical diagnosis as well as by PFT. There is a significant disconnection between clinical and PFT diagnosis of COPD in Hispanic patients.

Conclusion:
The genetic basis of lower COPD risk and prevalence in Hispanics needs to be better understood. Spirometry threshold criteria for confirming a diagnosis of COPD may need to be modified based on ethnicity in clinical practice.
Efficacy and Safety of Biologic Agents in Chronic Urticaria, Asthma and Atopic Dermatitis – A Real-life Experience
Authors: Abuzakouk Mohamed , Ghorab Omar K.H.A. , Wahla Ali S. , Zoumot Zaid , Nasir Mohsen , Grandon Deepa , Uzbeck Mateen H. , Salvo Fulvio , Shafiq Irfan 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Several biologic agents have been approved for the treatment of asthma, chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis. These therapeutic agents are especially useful for patients with severe or refractory symptoms. We present the real-life experience of four of the commonly used biologic agents in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods:
In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment parameters for all patients treated with biologic agents.

Results:
270 patients received biologics at our centre between May 2015 and December 2019 with a median age of 36.5 years. Omalizumab was the most prescribed agent (n=183, 67.8%) followed by dupilumab (n=54, 20%), benralizumab (n=22, 8.1%) and mepolizumab (n=11, 4.1%). Urticaria was the commonest treatment indication (n=148, 55%) followed by asthma (n=105, 39%) and atopic dermatitis (n=13, 5%). All chronic urticaria patients were treated with omalizumab and showed improvement in the mean urticaria control test score from 6.7±4.47 to 12.02±4.17, with a p-value of 0.001. Dupilumab was found to be the most commonly prescribed drug for asthma (37%), followed by omalizumab (32%), benralizumab (21%) and mepolizumab (10%). The mean Asthma control test score for all asthmatics combined increased from 17.06 ± 5.4 to 19.44 ± 5.6, with p-value 0.0012 with treatment; FeNO reduced from 60.02 ± 45.74 to 29.11 ± 27.92, with p-value 0.001 and mean FEV1 improved from 2.38L ± 0.8 to 2.67L ± 0.78, with p-value 0.045. Only 4 patients in the entire cohort reported adverse events.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrated that biological agents are a safe and effective treatment for atopic asthma, chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis.
Determination of the structure of the earth's crust by changing the velocity of seismic waves from the earthquake data
Authors: Shakhtarin B. I. , Aslanov T. G. , Magomedov H. D. , Tagirov H. Yu. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. A study of the structure of the earth's crust by determining the velocities of seismic waves from previously broken sections of the earth's crust.Methods. Two mathematical methods are proposed for determining the seismic wave velocities. The first is based on the weighted average method, and the second is based on the matrix method for solving systems of linear algebraic equations. The initial parameters used in the calculations are data from earthquakes that occurred – the coordinates of earthquake centers of origin and seismic sensors, as well as the travel times of seismic waves from the earthquake center of origin to the seismic sensors.Results. The problem of determining the propagation velocity of seismic waves in different parts of the earth's crust is solved by two different methods. The distribution densities of errors in determining the seismic wave velocities are obtained for the weighted average method, in six different situations, for the distribution of seismic wave velocities on the ground, and the matrix method, in the case of distribution of seismic wave velocities on the ground in staggered order.Conclusion. The proposed methods allow refining the coordinates of the centers of the occurred earthquakes while using the iteration method can significantly improve the accuracy of determining the coordinates of the earthquake center of origin and the speeds of seismic waves in various areas. The presence of seismic wave velocities in various parts of the earth's crust during calculations allows determining the coordinates of the earthquake source using new methods based on the use of second-order hyperboloid figures, which were not previously used by seismologists.
Application of multilayer finite elements of variable thickness in the calculation of reinforced concrete slabs in the "Prince" computer complex
Authors: Aidemirov K. R. , Agapov V. P. , Murtazaliev G. M. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. A family of multilayer finite elements designed for calculating reinforced concrete slabs and shells of variable thickness is described. The features of the formation of stiffness matrices associated with the variability of the cross-section of elements are considered.Methods. The family is based on the simplest planar triangular element constructed using the Kirchhoff hypothesis. The transverse displacements in this element are approximated by an incomplete cubic polynomial. This element is not suitable for practical use, but it is based on improved elements of three- and foursided shape in the plan. Special attention is paid to the consideration of cross-section variability.Results. The results of testing the developed elements are presented and the advantages of their use in the practice of design and calculation of structures are shown.Conclusion. The developed PRINCE software package can be useful in the design and calculation of structures containing plates of variable thicknesses.
Monitoring of destruction and shallowing of water bodies and bank protection structures in the Volga river delta within the framework of the "Ecology of safe construction" program
Authors: Zolina T. V. , Strelkov S. P. , Kupchikova N. V. , Shayakhmedov R. I. , Kondrashin K. G. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. The article describes the features of works on coastal protection of territories subject to slope processes. The role of research of leading processes of destruction of coastal zones in the framework of the program “The Ecology of Safe Construction and Municipal Services” for forecasting and preventing risks, as well as providing information for further work on building reliable coastal protection, is emphasized. Despite the existing variety of ways to protect embankments from erosion, the search for new technical solutions at the moment continues to be an urgent task.Methods. Geotechnical monitoring of hydraulic structures was carried out. Visual assessments of cracks, slopes of individual structural blocks, and deformations were performed. A thermal imager device is used to search for abnormal temperatures and an electronic hardness meter that measures the strength of concrete.Results. It is determined that the water regime of the Astrakhan Region is characterized by an uneven distribution of runoff due to a direct dependence on the flow rate from the Volgograd hydropower plant. The predominant source of moisture is discharges in the form of a series of rain floods, which often cause flooding. One of the most effective solutions is to preserve the operational characteristics of the bank protection spur-pile of variable cross-section when changing the hydrological river regime. The bank protection spur runs partially movable horizontally and vertically and comprises a head spur in the form of piles of variable height; the body in the form of a floating garland of variable cross-section; the base in the form of a slider block. The design and technological solution allow blocking the coastal stream with the body of the spur at any water level and changing the angle of inclination of the spur with the protected shore.Conclusion. Prevention of emergencies, especially in urbanized areas that are subject to intense anthropogenic impact, is possible only when engineering protective structures are built, which have a positive effect both in protective and environmental aspects.
Temperature field of a thermoelectric system for extracting foreign objects when introducing into the human body
Authors: Evdulov O. V. , Nasrulaev A. M. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. The objective of the article is to create a design model of a thermoelectric system for extracting foreign objects from the human body by freezing when introduced into the cavity, as well as to study the internal thermophysical processes.Methods. A design model of a thermoelectric system for extracting foreign objects from the human body by freezing the thermoelectric system introduced into the cavity is developed, based on solving the problem of thermal conductivity, taking into account the thermophysical characteristics of a biological object, foreign object, and a thermoelectric module.Results. As a result of the numerical experiment, the authors obtained graphs of temperature changes at various points of the thermoelectric system when introduced into the human body to extract a foreign object, depending on the power of the thermoelectric system, the parameters of the module materials, and external conditions. It is determined that the device can use a standard thermoelectric module with a cooling capacity from 4500 W/m2to 7000 W/m2with a duration of 6-7 minutes for entering the system mode.Conclusion. It is established that the selection of thermoelectric module parameters must be guided by the limitations of the device operation, as well as medical norms and standards to avoid the process of cold injury of adjacent tissues, which is fully provided in the proposed design. A method for improving the efficiency of the system is proposed, according to which the thermoelectric system is pre-cooled using an external cold source, and forced modes of thermoelectric module operation are used.
Study of the effect of hull geometry on the towing resistance of motor ferries when overcoming water obstacles
Authors: Mesropyan A. V. , Rakhmatullin R. R. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. The article studies the influence of the hull geometry on the towing resistance and speed of ferry vehicles on the water when overcoming water obstacles.Methods. 3D modeling methods are used in CAD and CAE packages to study the degree of influence of the hull geometry on the water resistance to the movement of the ferry vehicle, which makes it possible to accurately model the working processes occurring when flowing around motor ferries.Results. The analysis of the results of computer simulation of the movement of a ferry vehicle of the original design on the water is carried out. The advantages and disadvantages of the ferry bridge machine of the original design are determined, and various variants of design and layout schemes are proposed, the use of which allows increasing the speed and maneuvering characteristics of ferry vehicles.Conclusion. A variant of the design and layout scheme of a motor ferry is proposed, which allows improving the hydrodynamic characteristics of the ferry vehicle body by using modern technical solutions aimed at reducing towing resistance and increasing the speed of transportation when overcoming water obstacles.
STUDY OF ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIALITY OF EIGHT DIFFERENT MANGROVE SPECIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR INTRA-RELATIONSHIP THROUGH CLUSTER ANALYSIS
Authors: KADER ABDUL , GHOSH PARTHADEB , SINHA SANKAR NARAYAN 
Published: January 2021

Objective: The present study investigates the antimicrobial activities of eight different mangrove plants and also the development of their intra-relationship through cluster analysis.
Methods: The dried and powdered leaves of different mangrove species were extracted by cold maceration process with water, methanol, and chloroform. The antimicrobial activity was done using the agar well diffusion method. The cluster analysis of the mangrove plants was analyzed by MINITAB Release 13.1.
Results: The order of extraction yield for each mangrove species was methanol > chloroform > water. The methanol extract of Suaeda maritima, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis, and chloroform extract of Sonneratia apetala gave the highest inhibition zones of 19 mm, 19 mm, 19.33 mm, and 19.33 mm, respectively, against Bacillus subtilis. The methanol extract of Ceriops decandra, Xylocarpus granatum, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza found the highest inhibition zones of 21.67 mm, 22 mm, and 20.3 mm, respectively, against Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The endangered and endemic species Heritiera fomes gave the highest result (18 mm) against both for Micrococcus luteus and B. subtilis in methanolic extract. The maximum zone of inhibition of fungal strains was found against Botrytis cinerea (15 mm), Fusarium oxysporum (16.33 mm), and Rhizopus oryzae (13.33 mm) with the methanol extract of X. granatum, S. apetala, and C. decandra, respectively. Cluster analysis of 8 mangrove species based on different bacterial pathogens was also shown where it demonstrated their intra-relationship against some bacterial pathogens.
Conclusion: From this study, it may be concluded that mangrove plants can be used to discover bioactive natural products.
EFFECTS OF GREEN IRON NANOPARTICLES ON BIOFILM-FORMING BACTERIA
Authors: GHOSH DASTIDAR MADHUMITA , BS NIVEDITHA , POOJA  
Published: January 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the effects of iron nanoparticles (FeNP) synthesized from plant source of biofilm-forming bacteria.
Methods: FeNP were synthesized from Pongamia pinnata leave extracts and it was characterized using Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray Analysis. The synthesized FeNP were evaluated against bio film-forming Gram-negative Pseudomonas, Sewage organisms, and Gram-positive hay bacillus Bacillus subtilis. These biofilm-forming microorganisms were evaluated for antibiotic sensitivity. The extracellular and intracellular proteins of biofilm-forming bacteria were estimated in the presence of FeNP.
Results: All these biofilm-forming microorganisms were found to be antibiotic-resistant. The green FeNP showed potential antimicrobial effectiveness against hay Bacillus, followed by Pseudomonas and sewage bacteria. These NPs inhibited the intracellular protein formation more than extracellular proteins of biofilm-forming micro-organisms.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that the FeNP synthesized from plant sources were effectively inhibited the biofilm-forming microorganisms by obstructing the intracellular protein synthesis. These NPs can be used as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and alternative molecule to treat the antibiotic-resistant biofilm- forming micro-organisms.
EFFECT OF STERCULIA QUADRIFIDA R. BR BARK TO IN VITRO DPPH RADICAL AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE ON DIABETIC WISTAR RATS
Authors: A PRAING RAMBU KONDA , SUNARNI TITIK 
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aims of the research were to evaluate the antioxidant effect of Sterculia quadrifida R.Br bark by in vitro 1,1-biphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity on diabetic Wistar rats model.
Methods: S. quadrifida bark powder was extracted in ethanol 70% by maceration method. The antioxidant activity of ethanol extract was tested by DPPH radical scavenging method. The activity of GPx was evaluated from the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the absorbance using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry method.
Results: The ethanol extract of S. quadrifida bark had a strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, with the IC50 value was 4.86±0.01 ug/ml, besides that the extract also showed significantly activity of GPx (p<0.05) at a dose of 65, 130, and 260 mg/kg bw.
Conclusion: The ethanol extract of S. quadrifida bark had a potent antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging and GPx activity.
THE ROLE OF INTERLEUKIN-4 GENE PROMOTER POLYMORPHISMS IN GRAVES’ DISEASE
Authors: RAVEINAL RAVEINAL , DARWIN ERYATI , DECROLI EVA , JAMSARI JAMSARI 
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to prove the role of interleukin-4 gene promoter polymorphisms in Graves’ disease patients in M Djamil General Hospital Padang, Indonesia.
Methods: This study was conducted from August 2015 until December 2015 in the Internal Medicine Department in Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia. This study involved 15 patients with Graves’ disease and 15 normal subjects. We examined that IL-4 promoter gene polymorphism was examined with PCR.
Results: Sequencing examination on IL-4 gene promoter resulted in 2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) motifs, which is rs2243250 and rs2070847. IL-4 SNP gene promoter polymorphisms rs2243250 and rs2070847 were found in both patient and control groups. TT is homozygous SNP polymorphisms. CT is heterozygous SNP polymorphisms. CC is wild type or no mutation SNP polymorphisms. Based on statistical tests, no difference in rs2243250 and rs2070847 SNP polymorphisms was found between patient and control group (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study observed no difference in interleukin-4 gene promoter polymorphism between Graves’ disease patients and control group.
ANTI-OBESITY EFFECT OF CANNABIS SATIVA SEED FLOUR FROM KHLALFA OF TAOUNATE REGION (NORTHERN OF MOROCCO) IN HIGH CALORIC DIET-INDUCED OBESE MICE
Authors: BOUARFA MOUNA , SOUIRTI ZOUHAIR , CERRUTI PIERFRANCESCO , AVELLA MAURIZIO , FARAH ABDELLAH , BOUSTA DALILA 
Published: January 2021

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-obesity activity of Cannabis sativa seed Flour (CSSF) on obese mice.
Methods: The experiment process was carried out in 8 weeks. In this time, three groups of animals were adopted: High caloric diet control group (HCD), group treated with 100 mg/kg of CSSF, group treated with 200 mg/kg of CSSF, and normal diet control group (ND). Then, the histopathological and biochemical parameters analysis has been realized at the end of the experiment.
Results: As a result, body weight gain, epididymal, and perirenal adipose tissue decreased in the CSSF (Cannabis sativa seed Flour) group in both doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) compared to the HCD. CSSF lowered serum glucose level elevated by HCD. For lipid profiles, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) significantly decreased in the CSSF group. The histopathological results of this study showed a regenerative effect of CSSF on the kidney and liver tissues.
Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that CSSF can be used as a natural anti-obesity agent.
A NOVEL APPROACH IN DESIGNING ENTERIC-COATED ANTIPLATELET DRUG FOR BYPASSING STOMACH AND GASTRIC IRRITATION
Authors: THIRUMALESH NAIK SUGALI BANOOTH , PURUSHOTHAMAN MUNUSWAMY , CHANDRA SEKHAR KOTHAPALLI BANOOTH 
Published: January 2021

Objective: The innovative approach in this investigation is making an enteric-coated acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for antiplatelet activity using a novel excipient.
Methods: A novel methodology used in making ASA tablets for tackling the stomach irritation of ASA, by including Plantago ovata seed mucilage as a tablet binder. ASA compatibility with P. ovata seed mucilage was judged by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) studies. All tablets were prosecuted for flow properties, physicochemical constraints, and release.
Results: The enteric-coated tablets established no interface by FTIR and DSC lessons. All the tablets possessed physicochemical constraints. The ASA showed its opposition to discharge in the stomach (2 h) and errand in a basic buffer (within 45 min).
Conclusions: The work revealed that with the help of P. ovata as a tablet binder will resolve the disputes connected to gastric irritation.
DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SOME NOVEL 2‐AMINO-PYRIDINE‐3‐ CARBONITRILE AND 2‐AMINO-4H-PYRAN‐3‐CARBONITRILE DERIVATIVES AGAINST ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
Authors: LAGU SURENDRA BABU , PRASAD YEJELLA RAJENDRA 
Published: January 2021

Objective: Investigation, the series of newer 2‐amino-pyridine‐3‐carbonitrile and 2‐amino-4H-pyran‐3‐carbonitrile derivative were synthesized and evaluated antimicrobial activities and antioxidant activity.
Methods: Novel synthesized chalcones were further condensation to give 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine and 2-amino-3-cyanopyrans in the presence of malononitrile, pyridine, and ammonia acetate. The product is characterized by conventional and instrumental methods. Pyridine and 4-H-Pyran and their analogs occupy prime position due to their diverse applications.
Results: The compounds A3C and B3C exhibited marked zone of inhibition with 30.02±0.02 mm and 29.06±0.01 mm, respectively. Docking studies suggested possible interactions with dihydrofolic reductase 4 with 9.15 and −9.67 kcal/mol, respectively. The IC50 30.28±0.01 exhibited A3C by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl methods which is better among the series. The 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives were found good activity than 2-amino-3-cyanopyrane derivative. Among all synthesized compounds few having potent activity and some are near to the standard.
Conclusion: Antimicrobial activity and antioxidant of the newly synthesized pyrans and pyridines derivatives will definitely inspire future researchers for the preparation of new analogs.