bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise anti-inflammatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects following convalescent plasma therapy with full clinical recovery
Authors: Zimmerli Aurelia , Monti Matteo , Fenwick Craig , Eckerle Isabella , Beigelman-Aubry Catherine , Pellaton Celine , Jaton Katia , Dumas Dominique , Stamm Gian-Marco , Infanti Laura , Andreu-Ullrich Heidrun , Germann Daphne , Mean Marie , Vollenweider Peter , Stadelmann Raphael , Prella Maura , Comte Denis , Guery Benoit , Gachoud David , Rufer Nathalie
Published: September 2020

Convalescent plasma to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the focus of numerous clinical trials worldwide, but the criteria of treatment efficacy remain largely unknown. Here, we describe a severely immunosuppressed patient following rituximab and chemotherapy for chronic lymphoid leukemia, who became infected by SARS-CoV-2. His prolonged viral disease was successfully cured after four cycles of convalescent plasma. Its immunomodulatory properties led to the rapid improvement of inflammation, pneumonia and blood cell counts, already after the first cycle. Importantly, the cumulative increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies following each plasma transfusion was associated to progressive viral clearance, resulting in clinical recovery from infection. Our data provide insight into the different modes of action of plasma components. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will help to optimize the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes During COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Arab Emirates: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Radwan Hadia , Kitbi Mahra Al , Hasan Hayder , Hilali Marwa Al , Abbas Nada , Hamadeh Rena , Saif Eman Rashid , Naja Farah
Published: September 2020

Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 lockdown among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of adults residing in the UAE was carried out during lockdown (n=2060). Using a multi-component questionnaire, the collected data included questions regarding the following lifestyle changes: Increased dietary intake, increased weight, decreased physical activity, decreased sleep, and increased smoking. An unhealthy lifestyle change score was calculated based on the number of unhealthy lifestyle changes each participant reported. In addition, sociodemographic and living conditions information was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and determinants of the unhealthy lifestyle changes considered in this study.Results: Among the unhealthy lifestyle changes examined, increased food intake was the most common (31.8%), followed by decreased physical activity (30%), increased weight (29.4%), decreased sleep (20.8%), and increased smoking (21%). In addition to identifying the correlates of each of the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the results of the multiple regression linear analyses revealed the following correlates for the overall unhealthy lifestyle change score: females (β=0.32, CI: 0.22;0.42), living in an apartment (β=0.12, CI: 0.003;0.23) and being overweight/obese (β=0.24, CI: 0.15;0.32) had higher scores, while older adults (>40 years) had lower scores (β=-0.23, CI: -0.34;-0.12).Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and practices among UAE residents. The findings of this study provided the evidence base for officials to design interventions targeting high-risk groups and aiming to improve healthy lifestyle factors among residents during the pandemic.
Severity of COVID-19 Infection in ACEI/ARB Users in Two Saudi Public Specialty Hospitals; Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alrashed Ahmed A. , Khan Tahir M. , Alhusseini Noara K. , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin , Enani Mushira , Alosaimi Bandar , Alkhani Nada M. , Mohzari Yahya , Alghalbi Maram M. , Alfahad Wafa , Alanazi Mona A. , Ben-Akresh Amal , Almutairi Malak , Abraham Ivo , Alamer Ahmad
Published: September 2020

The uncertainty about COVID-19 outcomes in angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) users continues with contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ACEI/ARB use in patients with severe COVID-19. This retrospective cohort study done in two Saudi public specialty hospitals designated as COVID-19 referral facilities. We included 354 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between April and June 2020, of which 146 were ACEI/ARB users and 208 were non-ACEI/ARB users. Controlling for confounders, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression and a sensitivity analysis using propensity score matched (PSM) patients. Compared to non-ACEI/ARB users, ACEI/ARB users had an eight-fold higher risk of developing critical or severe COVID-19 (OR=8.25, 95%CI=3.32-20.53); a nearly 7-fold higher risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR=6.76, 95%CI=2.88-15.89) and a nearly 5-fold higher risk of requiring noninvasive ventilation (OR=4.77,95%CI=2.15-10.55). Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or renal disease had a five-fold higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease (OR=5.40,95%CI=2.0-14.54]. These results were confirmed in the PSM analysis. In general, but especially among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and/or renal disease, ACEI/ARB use is associated with a significantly higher risk of severe or critical COVID-19 disease, and ICU care.
Income-related health inequalities associated with the coronavirus epidemic in South Africa: A decomposition analysis
Authors: Nwosu Chijioke O. , Oyenubi Adeola
Published: September 2020

Background: The coronavirus pandemic (covid-19) has resulted in an enormous dislocation of society especially in South Africa. The South African government has imposed a number of measures aimed at controlling the epidemic, chief being a nationwide lockdown. This has resulted in income loss for individuals and firms, with vulnerable populations (low earners, those in informal and precarious employment, etc.) more likely to be adversely affected through job losses and the resulting income loss. Income loss will likely result in reduced ability to access healthcare and a nutritious diet, thus adversely affecting health outcomes. Given the foregoing, we hypothesize that the economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus will disproportionately affect the health of the poor.Methods: Using the fifth wave of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) dataset conducted in 2017 and the first wave of the NIDS-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) dataset conducted in May/June 2020, this paper estimated income-related health inequalities in South Africa before and during the covid-19 epidemic. Health was a dichotomized self-assessed health measure, with fair and poor health categorized as “poor” health, while excellent, very good and good health were categorized as “better” health. Household per capita income was used as the ranking variable. Concentration curves and indices were used to depict the income-related health inequalities. Furthermore, we decomposed the covid-19 era income-related health inequality in order to ascertain the significant predictors of such inequality.Results: The results indicate that poor health was pro-poor in the pre-covid-19 and covid-19 periods, with the latter six times the value of the former. Being African (relative to white), per capita household income and household experience of hunger significantly predicted income-related health inequalities in the covid-19 era, while being in paid employment had a nontrivial but statistically insignificant contribution to health inequality.Conclusion: Addressing racial disparities, tackling hunger, income inequality and unemployment will likely mitigate income-related health inequalities in South Africa during the covid-19 epidemic.
Effect of mother’s knowledge of oral health in preventing early childhood caries among preschool children: a systematic review
Authors: Hamrah Mohammad Hassan , Ghadimi Sara , Mokhtari Saeedeh , Khosrozadeh Maryam , Kargar Mojgan , Alipour Firoozeh , Hamrah Mohammad Hussain , Dahi Toba
Published: September 2020

Objective: To review current models and scientific evidence on the influence of mother’s knowledge of oral health behaviors on their preschool children’s oral health.Method: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched for articles published between January 2009 and December 2019 on mother’s oral health behavior.Results: A total of 324 citations were retrieved, with 17 articles finally included in the analysis. The studies utilized various methods, including text messaging, phone conversation, of which motivational interviewing method was more effective in their knowledge and behaviors about their preschool child’s oral health.Conclusion: Mother’s knowledge has a direct effect influence on their preschool children’s oral health. Oral health education programs aimed at preventive actions are needed to provide children not only with adequate oral health, but better quality of life. Special attention should be given to the entire family, concerning their lifestyle and oral health habits.
Alveolar Epithelial Cell Type II as main target of SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 development via NF-Kb pathway deregulation.
Authors: Carcaterra Maurizio , Caruso Cristina
Published: September 2020

Background: The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires a rapid solutionand global collaborative efforts in order to define preventive and treatment strategies.Methods: One of the major challenges of this disease is the high number of patients needing advanced respiratory support due to the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) as the lung is the major –although not exclusive-target of the virus. The molecular mechanisms, pathogenic drivers and the target cell type(s) in SARSCoV-2 infection are still poorly understood, but the development of a “hyperactive” immune response is proposed to play a role in the evolution of the disease and it is envisioned as a major cause of morbidity and mortality.Results: Here we propose a theory by which the main targets for SARS-CoV-2 are the Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells and the clinical manifestations of the syndrome are a direct consequence of their involvement. We hypotize the existence of a vicious cycle by which once alveolar damage starts in AEC II cells, the inflammatory state is supported by macrophage proinflammatory polarization (M1), cytokines release and by the activation of the NF-κB pathway.Conclusions: If this theory is confirmed, future therapeutic efforts can be directed to target Type 2 alveolar cells and the molecular pathogenic drivers associated with their dysfunction with currently available therapeutic strategies.
Perceived risk, anxiety and protective health behaviours during the early phase of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Oyetunji Tosin Philip , Oyelakin  , Ogunmola Olusegun Ayomikun , Olorunsogbon Olorunyomi Felix , Ajayi Foluso O.
Published: September 2020

Background: Pandemics such as the current COVID-19 pandemic are often associated with heightened fears and significant adjustments in health behaviours. Aim: This study was aimed to assess perceived risk, anxiety and protective health behaviours of the general public during the early phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in NigeriaMethods: A cross-sectional study among 1197 respondents aged 18 years and above between April 27th to May 16th, 2020. Result: More than half (61.9%) of the respondents have high risk perception towards COVID-19. Using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, high anxiety level was found in 37.2% of the study respondents. Male gender (OR=1.38,CI=1.09-1.74), being employed (OR=1.53,CI = 1.21- 1.95) and high risk perception (OR=1.33, CI = 1.05-1.69) were positively associated with observance of more than one protective measure against COVID-19. Having not more than 12 years of education (OR=0.51, CI=0.32-0.81) was negatively associated with observance of more than one protective behaviour. High risk perception (OR=1.82; CI=1.42-2.34), having not more than 12 years of education (OR=1.73; CI= 1.13-2.64), and being employed (OR =1.29; CI=1.01-1.64) were positively associated with anxiety. Being aged 25-34 years (OR=0.34; CI =0.12-0.94) and being aged 35-54 years (OR=0.30; CI=0.10-0.85) were found to be protective against developing COVID-19- related anxiety.Conclusions: This study showed that risk perception has influence on both anxiety and observance of protective behaviours. Being a novel experience, this research has implications to support current and future response to a pandemic experience.
Bacterial Contaminants and Antibiogram of Ghana paper currency notes in circulation and its associated Health risks in Asante-Mampong, Ghana
Authors: Yar Denis Dekugmen
Published: September 2020

Transmission of pathogens through currency notes has become very relevant in today’s world due to Covid-19 pandemic. This study profiled microbial flora and their antibiotics activities from Ghana paper currency (GH¢) notes in circulation in Mampong Municipal of Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study employed a cross-sectional design to assess bacterial contaminants and their antibiotics activities from January to May 2019. A total of 70 GH¢ notes consisting of 15 each of GH₵1, GH₵2, and GH₵5; 10 each of GH₵10 and GH₵20 and 5 of GH₵50 were randomly sampled from persons at different shops, canteens and commercial drivers. The surfaces of each GH¢ note were gently swabbed and a ten-fold serial dilutions made inoculated on Plate Count Agar (PCA), MacConkey Agar, Mannitol Salt Agar and Desoxycholate Citrate Agar. The study used appropriate laboratory and biochemical tests for bacteria identification. SPSS-IBM version 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Of the 70 GH¢ notes studied, 97.1% were contaminated with one or more bacterial isolates. Mean counts on PCA ranged between 3.2 cfu/ml x 105 and 4.7 cfu/ml x 105 on GH¢ notes. Of 124 bacteria isolated; 34(27.4%), 30(24.2%), 22(17.7%), 17(13.7%), and 8(6.5%) were from GH¢1, GH¢2, GH¢10, GH¢5, GH¢20 and GH¢50 respectively [p<0.05]. Bacterial isolates were; Escherichia coli (28.23%), Staphylococcus auerus (16.94%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (16.13%), Klebsiella species (11.29%), Salmonella species (9.68%), Shigella species (8.87%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.65%), and Proteus species (3.23%). GH¢ notes had 25.81%, 20.16%, 19.35%, 17.74% and 16.94% from meat shops, commercial drivers, canteens, grocery shops, and vegetable shops in that order. All bacteria were 100% resistant to erythromycin, 87.5% to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole; 75% to vancomycin while 87.50% sensitive to amikacin. The GH¢ notes were heavily colonized with potential pathogens which are resistant to most commonly used antibiotics and could pose health threat to users during commercial transactions.
Patterns of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 carriers manifest multiscale association between urban landscape morphology and human activity
Authors: Cotlier Gabriel I. , Lehahn Yoav , Chelouche Doron
Published: September 2020

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the drastic measures taken to mitigate its spread through imposed social distancing, have brought forward the need to better understand the underlying factors controlling spatial distribution of human activities promoting disease transmission. Focusing on results from 17,250 epidemiological investigations performed during early stages of the pandemic outbreak in Israel, we show that the distribution of carriers of the respiratory severe acute syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is spatially correlated with two satellite-derived surface metrics: night light intensity and landscape patchiness, the latter being a measure to the urban landscape’s scale-dependent spatial heterogeneity. We find that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 carriers was significantly more likely to occur in “patchy” parts of the city, where the urban landscape is characterized by high levels of spatial heterogeneity at relatively small scales (~10-100m). We suggest that this spatial association reflects a scale-dependent constraint imposed by the city’s morphology on the cumulative behavior of the people inhabiting it. The presented results shed light on the complex interrelationships between humans and the urban landscape in which they live and interact, and open new avenues for implementation of multi-satellite data in large scale modeling of phenomena centered in urban environments.
Au25: A Tip-enhanced, Spinning Top - Core-Shell? The Brightest Molecular Super Star Among the Nanoclusters, Au21-25(C1)
Authors: Vishwanathan K.
Published: September 2020

The geometries and vibrational frequency of the stable AuN clusters with N = 21 to 25 are presented through the global structure re-optimization study. The finite-differentiation method has been implemented within the density-functionaltight-binding (DFTB) approach. The effect of the range of interatomic forces was calculated and the desired set of system eigenfrequencies (3N-6) is obtained by diagonalization of the symmetric positive semidefinite Hessian matrix. We have observed the vibrational spectral ranges of between 2.88 and 328.25 cm-1 Δ E=0, and even the minute details of the very lower frequencies were occupied in some clusters at the beginning of NVM itself which comes even below the scale of Far Infrared FIR, IR-C 200-10 cm-1. Significantly, some of the clusters spectrums are with double state degeneracy and the rest of them are having single state degeneracy. Nevertheless, our investigation has revealed that the vibrational spectrum strongly depends upon the size, shape, and structure, as well as, stretching and bending vibrations of the atoms.
The Landscape of Subcellular Long Non-coding RNAs Links Organelle Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Sang Ling-jie , Ju Huai-Qiang , Yang Zuo-zhen , Ge Qi-wei , Zhang Zhen , Liu Fang-zhou , Yang Luo-jia , Gong Hang-di , Shi Chengyu , Qu Lei , Chen Hui , Wu Min-jie , Chen Hao , Li Rui-hua , Zhuang Qian-qian , Piao Hai-long , Yan Qingfeng , Yu Weishi , Wang Liang-jing , Shao Jianzhong , Liu Jian , Wang Wenqi , Zhou Tianhua , Lin Aifu
Published: September 2020

Organelles entail specialized molecules to regulate their essential cellular processes. However, systematically elucidating the subcellular distribution of functional molecules such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tissue homeostasis and diseases has not been fully achieved. Here, we characterized the organelle-associated lncRNAs from mitochondria, lysosome, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), respectively, and revealed the diverse and abundant distribution of lncRNAs. Among them, we identified mitochondrial lncRNA Growth-Arrest-Specific 5 (GAS5) as a tumor suppressor in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. Mechanistically, energy stress-induced GAS5 modulated mitochondria TCA flux by declining metabolic tandem association of FH-MDH2-CS, the canonical members of the TCA cycle. Remarkably, the expression of GAS5 negatively related with levels of its associated mitochondrial metabolic enzymes and breast cancer development. Together with the detailed functional annotations, this subcellular lncRNA identification revealed the human cell’s inquisitively complex architecture, aiding in the development of new strategies for the clinical application of organelle-associated lncRNAs.
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF DIFFERENT UMBEL ORDER CARROT SEEDS
Authors: Marinke Luana de Souza , Catão Hugo César Rodrigues Moreira , Francisco Gabrielly Fernanda , Castilho Ítala Menegon , Oliveira Letícia Rodrigues de , Claudino Talis Melo
Published: September 2020

Carrot seeds exhibit irregular vigor due to the wide blooming period of the crop. Results from germination tests are insufficient to evaluate the physiological potential. Thus, vigor tests are used in combination with germination tests. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of carrot seeds from different umbel order and the electrical conductivity under different temperatures and imbibing periods. Carrot seeds from cultivar Brasilia were used to perform the experiments. Content of water, the first and the final score of the germination test, index of germination rate, and length of roots and of the aerial portion were determined in the initial characterization. The electrical conductivity test was completed with replicates containing 50 seeds, in 25 mL deionized water at 20, 25 and 30oC. Evaluations were performed with 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours of imbibing period. The experiment was accomplished under a completely random statistical design. The quality of carrot seeds varied according to the umbel order. Seeds of secondary umbels showed better physiological quality. The electrical conductivity test is efficient to evaluate the vigor of carrot seeds with 8 hours of imbibing period at 25°C.
ADUBAÇÃO BIOLÓGICA ASSOCIADA A ADUBAÇÃO QUÍMICA NOS PARÂMETROS DE SOLO, NUTRICIONAL E PRODUTIVO DO MILHO
Authors: Pinheiro Rodrigo Caixeta , Pereira Jéssica de Lima , Rezende Cláudia Fabiana Alves
Published: September 2020

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a possibilidade de redução da adubação com o uso de biofertilizante e sua influência nas características químicas do solo, na nutrição foliar e na produtividade na cultura do milho. O estudo foi desenvolvido na Unidade Experimental da UniEvangélica, no município de Anápolis, GO. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram T1: sem adubação química (testemunha); T2: 50% da adubação; T3: 75% da adubação e T4: 100% da adubação NPK (400 kg ha-1 05-25-15 + 222 kg ha-1 uréia em cobertura).  Todos os tratamentos receberam a aplicação de 150 L ha-1 de fertilizante biológico. Procedeu-se à análise de variância, comparando-se as médias dos parâmetros de fertilidade do solo, nutricionais da planta e produção pelo teste de Tukey e as doses de NPK por análise de regressão. A aplicação do biofertilizante permite melhorar o estado nutricional e produtivo da cultura do milho com reflexos positivos na melhora da fertilidade do solo. A adubação biológica com utilização do biofertilizante apresenta-se como uma alternativa a redução no uso de adubação química a partir do segundo ano de uso em áreas de plantio direto. Novos estudos devem ser realizados a fim de verificar se o uso contínuo promove melhoras gradativas na fertilidade dos solos do Cerrado.
CRESCIMENTO, ACÚMULO DE NUTRIENTE E PROSPECÇÃO FITOQUÍMICA DA JUSTICIA PECTORALIS JACQ EM FUNÇÃO DO TIPO DE ADUBAÇÃO
Authors: Vieira Rafaela Miguel , Vieira Angélica Siqueira , Rezende Cláudia Fabiana Alves , Peixoto Josana de Castro
Published: September 2020

O presente estudo propôs verificar o efeito de diferentes tipos de adubação no crescimento vegetal, absorção de nutrientes e presença de metabólitos secundários nas folhas de Justicia pectoralis Jacq cultivadas. Os tratamentos consistiram de três diferentes adubações, orgânica, química e sem adubação, dispostos num delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis repetições por tratamento. Avaliou-se a biomassa da parte aérea, realizou-se a prospecção fitoquímica e os teores de nutrientes foliares. Houve influência (p<0,05) das diferentes adubações sobre o crescimento da planta em altura, diâmetro e massa seca, sendo que a adubação química proporcionou maior desenvolvimento da planta. A adubação orgânica disponibiliza maiores concentrações dos elementos N, P, K e Ca. E a mineral maiores teores de Mg. A prospecção fitoquímica realizada apresentou metabólicos como heterosídeos antraquinônicos, taninos e cumarinas. As folhas de J. pectoralis apresentaram rendimento de óleos essenciais de 0,05% sem adubação; 0,03% em sistema orgânico e 0,09% em adubação química. Houve influência positiva das diferentes adubações sobre o crescimento da planta. A adubação orgânica disponibilizou maior acúmulo de nutrientes. A prospecção fitoquímica realizada apresentou metabólicos como heterosídeos antraquinônicos, taninos e cumarinas, sendo que o rendimento de óleos essenciais foi maior nas plantas com adubação orgânica.
EFEITO ALELOPÁTICO DE CAPIM-ASSAPÊ (CIPERACEAE) NO CRESCIMENTO INICIAL DE PLÂNTULAS DE MILHO
Authors: Dos Santos Wanderson Gonçalves , Parreira Mariana Casari , Martins Jefferson dos Santos , Carvalho Isabela de Oliveira , Morais da Silva Evaldo
Published: September 2020

O capim-assapê (Rhynchosphora cephalotes) é uma planta daninha perene de difícil controle, podendo produz substâncias químicas (compostos alelopáticos) que ao ser liberadas no meio ambiente, prejudicam ou beneficiam o desenvolvimento de outros organismos. Desta maneira, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o potencial alelopático da espécie R. cephalotes sobre o crescimento inicial de plântulas de milho. Foram testados setes tratamentos contendo extratos aquosos da planta adulta de R. cephalotes, em esquema fatorial (3 x 3 + 1), sendo três tipos de extratos oriundos das partes vegetativa da planta (folhas, caules e raízes) em três concentrações (100%, 50% e 25%) de cada, mais uma testemunha apenas com água destilada. O experimento foi avaliado durante 7 dias em câmara de germinação (CDG), observando os seguintes parâmetros: porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento do sistema radicular, comprimento da parte aérea, peso da parte aérea comprimento da raiz e peso da raiz. Foi verificado potencial desta espécie, no qual influenciou positivamente o comprimento de parte área e comprimento das raízes das plântulas de milho. Entre os extratos, todos com o caule e raiz na concentração de 25% proporcionaram maiores porcentagem na germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e comprimento de raízes, sendo que o extrato de folha a 50% proporcionou os menores valores nestes parâmetros.
Hydroxylpyromorphite, a mineral important to lead remediation: Modern description and characterization
Authors: Olds Travis A. , Kampf Anthony R. , Rakovan John F. , Burns Peter C. , Mills Owen P. , Laughlin-Yurs Cullen
Published: September 2020

Hydroxylpyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3(OH), has been documented in the literature as a synthetic and naturally occurring phase for some time but has not previously been formally described as a mineral. It is fully described here for the first time using crystals collected underground in the Copps mine, Gogebic County, Michigan. Hydroxylpyromorphite occurs as aggregates of randomly oriented hexagonal prisms, primarily between about 20–35 μm in length and 6–10 μm in diameter. The mineral is colorless and translucent with vitreous luster and white streak. The Mohs hardness is ~3½–4; the tenacity is brittle, the fracture is irregular, and indistinct cleavage was observed on {001}. Electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula Pb4.97(PO4)3(OH0.69F0.33Cl0.06)Σ1.08. The calculated density using the measured composition is 7.32 g/cm3. Powder X-ray diffraction data for the type material is compared to data previously reported for hydroxylpyromorphite from the talc mine at Rabenwald, Austria, and from Whytes Cleuch, Wanlockhead, Scotland. Hydroxylpyromorphite is hexagonal, P63/m, at 100 K, a = 9.7872(14), c = 7.3070(10) Å, V = 606.16(19) Å3, and Z = 2. The structure [R1 = 0.0181 for 494 F>4σ(F) reflections] reveals that hydroxylpyromorphite adopts a column anion arrangement distinct from other members of the apatite supergroup due to the presence of fluorine and steric constraints imposed by stereoactive lone-pair electrons of Pb2+ cations. The F– anion sites are displaced slightly from hydroxyl oxygen anions, which allows for stronger hydrogen-bonding interactions that may in turn stabilize the observed column-anion arrangement and overall structure. Our modern characterization of hydroxylpyromorphite provides deeper understanding to a mineral useful for remediation of lead-contaminated water.
Investment policy of the state as a tool for economic growth of the country
Authors: Makohon Valentyna , Radionov Yurii , Adamenko Iryna
Published: September 2020

The investment policy of the state is an important tool for diversifying the economy. This paper analyzes the share of capital investment in GDP, the index of fixed capital investment for 2015–2019, and assesses the investment policy determinants of the state of developed countries and emerging countries. Correlation-regression analysis methods were used to determine the relationship between real GDP, the share of industrial output in GDP, and the index of fixed capital investment in countries with economies in transformation. As a result, it was determined that in the vast majority of countries studied, the increase in investment in fixed assets contributes to the acceleration of economic growth, and the level of economic growth determines the investment potential of countries; that the heterogeneity of the impact of investment on the level of economic growth in countries with transformational economies is due to their raw material orientation, insufficient level of validity and predictability of the implemented investment policy of the state; the state’s investment policy is an important tool for ensuring macroeconomic stability and stimulating economic growth in a recession. Using the data of the panels for the period from 2015 to 2019, it is substantiated that the creation of conditions for macroeconomic balance will increase business activity of enterprises, which is the result of purposeful influence of state investment policy on economic processes by ensuring quality transformation and innovation of the national economy. The obtained results show that the level of influence of the state investment policy on the level of economic growth varies significantly depending on the level of development of financial institutions in the country and the infrastructure of the financial market.
Kurds and their mountain homeland in the book Takvimu’l-Buldan (The Almanac of Countries) by eighth century geographer Abu al-Fida
Authors: İBRAHİM İbrahim
Published: September 2020

İslam coğrafyacısı Ebu’l-Fida’nın Kürtler üzerine araştırması, İslami kaynakların “dağların toprakları (cibâl)” olarak adlandırdığı bu tanım; hem bir yeri hem de onun kültürel özelliklerini belirten bölgeyi irdelemektedir. Ebu’l-Fida olarak bilinen Ebu’l-Fida İmadüddin el-Melikü'l-Müeyyed İsmail b. ‘Alī b. Maḥmūd el-Eyyûbi (ö. 732 HS / 1331 MS), bu bölgenin İslam medeniyetinin gelişmesinde önemli olduğunu iddia etmiştir. Bu çalışma, Kürtlerin İslam uygarlığına yaptıkları katkılarının gösterildiği kısa bir girişle başlamaktadır. Yaşamı boyunca hüküm süren siyasi koşulları belirlemenin yanı sıra, Ebu’l-Fida’nın yaşamı, yetiştirilme tarzı, yazıları ve İslam kültürüne yaptığı katkıların kısa bir özeti bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca Takvîmu’l-Buldân kitabındaki konular incelendiğinde; kitabın yazılmasına yol açan koşullar, kitabın yaklaşımı ve yazarın Kürtleri nasıl gördüğü ile onların "dağların topraklarında" dağılımı veya çeşitli "dağ ülkeleri" gibi ifadelere yer verildiği görülmektedir. Çalışmanın konusu, Kürtlerin yaşadıkları önemli şehirlerden, köylerdeki yaşam alanlarından, çorak arazilerinden ve kırsal yaşamlarından bahsetmeyi gerek kılmıştır. Kürtlerin ekonomik, sosyal ve dinsel yaşamının yönleri tek tek incelenmiştir.
Personalized Medicine Using Cutting Edge Technologies for Genetic Epilepsies
Authors: Garcia-Rosa Sheila , de Freitas Brenha Bianca , da Rocha Vinicius Felipe , Goulart Ernesto , Silva Araujo Bruno Henrique
Published: September 2020

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic disorder in the world, affecting 1-2%
of the population. Besides, 30% of epilepsy patients are drug-resistant. Genomic mutations seem to
play a key role in its etiology and knowledge of strong effect mutations in protein structures might
improve prediction and the development of efficacious drugs to treat epilepsy. Several genetic association
studies have been undertaken to examine the effect of a range of candidate genes for resistance.
Although, few studies have explored the effect of the mutations into protein structure and
biophysics in the epilepsy field. Much work remains to be done, but the plans made for exciting developments
will hold therapeutic potential for patients with drug-resistance. In summary, we provide
a critical review of the perspectives for the development of individualized medicine for epilepsy
based on genetic polymorphisms/mutations in light of core elements such as transcriptomics,
structural biology, disease model, pharmacogenomics and pharmacokinetics in a manner to improve
the success of trial designs of antiepileptic drugs.
Indian Pharmaceutical Industries Current Status and Togetherness to Overcome Speed Breakers in Term of Quality Issues to make India as a Global Pharma Destination
Authors: Rathee Vikas , Pihwal Kapil , Pawar Neelam , Aamir Sheikh , Alam Mohammad S. , Bahmani Kavita
Published: September 2020

Regulatory is the heart of the pharmaceutical industries which acts as an interface between
the industries and government authorities for the growth and development of the pharmaceutical
industry of any country. In 2017, India was a pharmaceutical country valued at USD(United
States Dollar)13 billion and accounting for 20 percent of worldwide exports, making the country
the main supplier of generic drugs worldwide. Ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, and the Department
of Pharmaceutical Products said that the national pharmaceutical market's gross revenue
reached approximately US $ 18.12 billion in 2018 (Rs 129,015), growing 9.4% year-on-year and
export retention in 2018 was US $ 17.88 billion and 19.14 billion US$ in 2019.The Union Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare has increased by 13.1 percent to Rs 61,398 crore (US $ 8.98 billion)
in the Union Budget 2019-20.The Indian pharmaceutical market is facing many difficulties such as
central and state regulatory compliance, data integrity, ethics committee in clinical trials, governmental
control over the price of medicine, lack of research and so on. We are discussing in our article
top 10 pharmaceutical companies in business, their turnover in 2020 and challenge in today's
era. We discuss future plans and solutions to problems, so that they can be ranked first in the
world.
Prediction of Infection and Death Ratio of COVID-19 Virus in Turkey by Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
Authors: Çolak Andaç Batur
Published: September 2020

Background:

For the first time in December 2019, as reported in the Wuhan city of China,
COVID-19 deadly virus spread rapidly around the world and the first cases were seen in Turkey on
March 11, 2020. On the same day, a pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization due to
the rapid spread of the disease throughout the world.

Methods:

In this study, a multilayered perception feed-forward back propagation neural network has
been designed for predicting the spread and mortality rate of the COVID-19 virus in Turkey. COVID-19
data from six different countries were used in the design of the artificial neural network, which has 15
neurons in its hidden layer. 70% of these optimized data were used for training, 20% for validation, and
10% for testing.

Results:

The simulation results showed that the COVID-19 virus in Turkey, between day 20 and 37, was
the fastest to rise. The number of cases for the 20th day was predicted to be 13.845.

Conclusion:

As for the death rate, it was predicted that a rapid rise would start on the 20th day and a
slowdown around the 43rd day and progress towards the zero case point. The death rate for the 20th day
was predicted to be 170 and for the 43rd day it was 1,960s.
Insights into the Positive Role of a Higher Education Institution in the Prevention of Misinformation During Pandemics: The Health Committee Model During COVID-19
Authors: Halat Dalal Hammoudi , Akel Marwan , Hajj Fatima , HajjHussein Hassan , Kansoun Rawad , Sharif-Askari Ehsan , Siblani Lama , Faraj Ahmad
Published: September 2020

In Lebanon, with COVID-19 cases escalating and national efforts exhausted in the containment
of the pandemic, calls were made for increased awareness, scientific literacy, and the debunking of
false information. This article sheds light on the positive role that a private University can play in
spreading scientifically-authenticated, health-related, awareness through the community. The Lebanese
International University (LIU) has 9 campuses distributed across all Lebanese Governorates with an extensive
communications platform that takes advantage of LIU’s website, University Management System,
several Facebook pages with thousands of followers, and many WhatsApp groups. LIU has over
34,000 undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to a little over a thousand faculty and staff
members. The University capitalized on this extensive network to play a positive role in delivering
authenticated health-related information to the University’s greater community. A health committee
comprised of multidisciplinary educators, mostly from the fields of medicine and health sciences, was
established to act as a health advisory panel to the University Council and to raise awareness among the
University’s larger community. An extensive health awareness campaign was launched through activities
and the sharing of the material of different formats aimed at providing accurate information on infection
prevention, and disseminating authentic and accurate health-related guidelines and recommendations
during the pandemic. This compendium aims to summarize the role of the health committee in
meeting the various challenges created by the emergence of COVID-19 in our community, and highlights
its influence and future perspectives.
Artificial Intelligence for COVID-19: Rapid Review
Authors: Chen Jiayang , See Kay Choong
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID-19 was first discovered in December 2019 and has since evolved into a pandemic.

Objective

To address this global health crisis, artificial intelligence (AI) has been deployed at various levels of the health care system. However, AI has both potential benefits and limitations. We therefore conducted a review of AI applications for COVID-19.

Methods

We performed an extensive search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases for COVID-19–related English-language studies published between December 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020. We supplemented the database search with reference list checks. A thematic analysis and narrative review of AI applications for COVID-19 was conducted.

Results

In total, 11 papers were included for review. AI was applied to COVID-19 in four areas: diagnosis, public health, clinical decision making, and therapeutics. We identified several limitations including insufficient data, omission of multimodal methods of AI-based assessment, delay in realization of benefits, poor internal/external validation, inability to be used by laypersons, inability to be used in resource-poor settings, presence of ethical pitfalls, and presence of legal barriers. AI could potentially be explored in four other areas: surveillance, combination with big data, operation of other core clinical services, and management of patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

In view of the continuing increase in the number of cases, and given that multiple waves of infections may occur, there is a need for effective methods to help control the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its shortcomings, AI holds the potential to greatly augment existing human efforts, which may otherwise be overwhelmed by high patient numbers.
Role of a Digital Return-To-Work Solution for Individuals With Common Mental Disorders: Qualitative Study of the Perspectives of Three Stakeholder Groups (Preprint)
Authors: Engdahl Patrik , Svedberg Petra , Lexén Annika , Bejerholm Ulrika
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Although effective return-to-work (RTW) interventions are not widely available for individuals with common mental disorders on sick leave, there is potential for transforming such interventions into a digital solution in an effort to make them more widely available. However, little is currently known about the viewpoints of different stakeholder groups, which are critical for successful development and implementation of a digital RTW intervention in health care services.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine stakeholder groups’ perspectives on the role and legitimacy of a digital RTW solution called mWorks for individuals with common mental disorders who are on sick leave.

METHODS

A purposeful snowball sampling method was utilized to recruit respondents. Semistructured individual and focus group interviews were conducted for stakeholder groups of service users, RTW professionals, and influential managers regarding their experiences, needs, and preferences for mWorks. Content analysis generated themes and categories that constituted the main findings.

RESULTS

The legitimacy of a digital RTW solution was high among all stakeholder groups since such a tool was perceived to enable service users to take control over their RTW process. This was mainly a product of accessible support and promotion of service user decision making, which had the potential to empower service users. All respondents stressed the importance of fostering a positive user experience with usability and emphasis on service user resources and strengths, as opposed to various limitations and shortcomings. Stakeholder groups highlighted critical content to facilitate RTW, such as the need to clarify a back-to-work plan, accompanied by an accessible RTW network and strategies for handling mental health problems. Implementation challenges primarily involved influential managers’ concern of legislation incompatibility with innovative technology, and RTW professionals’ concern of the possibility that digital solutions may replace them to a certain extent.

CONCLUSIONS

This formative research emphasizes the importance of shifting power from RTW professionals to service users. mWorks can play a role in mediating service user control over the RTW process, and thereby increase their empowerment. A digital RTW solution may facilitate the circumvention of implementation barriers associated with introducing evidence-based RTW interventions in a traditional RTW context.
Mental Health Professional Consultations and the Prevalence of Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Immigrants: Multilevel Analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Nwoke Chinenye Nmanma , Okpalauwaekwe Udoka , Bwala Hauwa
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

There is a significant body of evidence on the link between migration and mental health stressors. However, there has been very little research on the use of mental health services by immigrants in Canada. The prevalence of mental health professional consultations among immigrants, as well as its correlations, are not well understood and remain largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine how specialist mental health visits (to a psychiatrist) differ from general mental health visits (to a family doctor or general practitioner) from immigrants, when compared to visits from those born in Canada, in a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults. This study also examines which group—immigrant or Canadian-born—suffers more from depression or anxiety, 2 of the more common mental health conditions.

METHODS

We used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) between the years 2015 and 2016. The outcome variables included consultation with any mental health professional, consultation with a specialist (psychiatrist), and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders. The independent variable was immigrant status. Other variables of interest were adjusted for in the analyses. Multilevel regression models were developed, and all analyses were performed with Stata IC statistical software (version 13.0, StataCorp).

RESULTS

The prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders was significantly lower among immigrants compared with individuals born in Canada; the prevalence of mood disorders was 5.24% (389,164/7,422,773) for immigrants vs. 9.15% (2,001,829/21,885,625) for individuals born in Canada, and the prevalence of anxiety disorders was 4.47% (330,937/7,410,437) for immigrants vs. 9.51% (2,083,155/21,898,839) for individuals born in Canada. It is expected that individuals with a lower prevalence of mood or anxiety disorders would use mental health services less frequently. However, results show that immigrants, while less likely to consult with any mental health professional (OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.88, P<.001), were more likely to consult with a psychiatrist (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48, P=.02) for their mental health visits when compared to individuals born in Canada.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study reveal an unusual discord between the likelihood of mental health professional consultations with any mental health professional and mental health visits with psychiatrists among immigrants compared to nonimmigrants in Canada. Mental health initiatives need to be cognizant of the differences in the associated characteristics of consultations for immigrants to better tailor mental health services to be responsive to the unique needs of immigrant populations in Canada.
Artificial Intelligence for the Prediction of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Endoscopic Images: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Of Diagnostic Test Accuracy (Preprint)
Authors: Bang Chang Seok , Lee Jae Jun , Baik Gwang Ho
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori plays a central role in the development of gastric cancer, and prediction of H pylori infection by visual inspection of the gastric mucosa is an important function of endoscopy. However, there are currently no established methods of optical diagnosis of H pylori infection using endoscopic images. Definitive diagnosis requires endoscopic biopsy. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly adopted in clinical practice, especially for image recognition and classification.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy of AI for the prediction of H pylori infection using endoscopic images.

METHODS

Two independent evaluators searched core databases. The inclusion criteria included studies with endoscopic images of H pylori infection and with application of AI for the prediction of H pylori infection presenting diagnostic performance. Systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 8 studies were identified. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve of AI for the prediction of H pylori infection were 0.87 (95% CI 0.72-0.94), 0.86 (95% CI 0.77-0.92), 40 (95% CI 15-112), and 0.92 (95% CI 0.90-0.94), respectively, in the 1719 patients (385 patients with H pylori infection vs 1334 controls). Meta-regression showed methodological quality and included the number of patients in each study for the purpose of heterogeneity. There was no evidence of publication bias. The accuracy of the AI algorithm reached 82% for discrimination between noninfected images and posteradication images.

CONCLUSIONS

An AI algorithm is a reliable tool for endoscopic diagnosis of H pylori infection. The limitations of lacking external validation performance and being conducted only in Asia should be overcome.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42020175957; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=175957