bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convective Hot Air Drying of Chilli Pepper: Process Optimization and Modelling the Drying Kinetics and Quality Attributes of Dried Product
Authors: Ajuebor Felix , Aworanti Oluwafunmilayo , Agbede Oluseye , Agarry Samuel , Afolabi Tinuade , Ogunleye Oladipupo
Published: April 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of air velocity, relative humidity, drying temperature, and drying time on the cabinet hot air drying and quality attributes of chilli pepper as well as to determine the optimum process conditions using the rotatable central composite design (RCCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The drying kinetics was also modelled. Four factors with three levels of RCCD were utilized: air velocity (0.5-1.5 m/s), relative velocity (65-75%), drying temperature (50-70 o C), and drying time (180-360 min). Product moisture content (PMC), total plate count (TPC), protein content (PC), and carbohydrate content (CC) were evaluated as the quality attributes (responses). The results showed that the drying experimental data significantly ( p ≤ 0.001) and adequately fitted into second-order quadratic regression models with (>0.95) to describe and predict all the responses. Drying time and drying temperature are the most significant drying conditions that exerted more pronounced linear and interactive effects on the dried chilli pepper quality attributes. The predicted optimum process conditions for the production of dried chilli pepper with minimum PMC and TPC as well as maximum PC and CC were obtained to be: drying temperature, 69.98 o C, air velocity, 1.46 m/s, relative humidity, 66.57%, and drying time, 359.86 min. Four empirical models (Page, Newton, Logarithmic, and Henderson and Pabis) were fitted to the drying data and the Page model with (>0.95) best fitted the data to describe the drying kinetics.
Evaluation of Immune-Biomarker Expression in High Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma : Emphasis of importance of HLA-DQA1 expression as a prognostic marker
Authors: Bae Jung Yun , Choi Kyung Un , Kim Ahrong , Lee So Jung , Kim Kyungbin , Kim Jee Yeon , Lee In Sook , Chung So Hak , Kim Jeung Il
Published: April 2020

Background: High-grade soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a highly malignant neoplasm having an overall poor prognosis. Numerous prognostic factors determine tumor progression and patient outcome. Many immune-related cells identified in the tumor microenvironment play important roles in various tumor types. This study was undertaken to evaluate the expression of immune-related genes and to elucidate the correlation between these genes and prognosis in high grade STS.Methods: Twelve cases of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples of high grade STS were included for gene expression analysis using the NanoString nCounter® System and 35 cases were used for immunohistochemistry. For comparison analysis, the patients were divided into two groups, depending on the overall survival (OS). Expressions of 770 Genes were analyzed using the nCounter® PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel of the NanoString nCounter® Analysis System. Immunohistochemistry for the most significantly altered genes was additionally performed. The correlation between gene expression and prognosis of high grade STS was then evaluated.Results: Of the 770 immune-related genes analyzed by NanoString nCounter® Analysis, several genes were identified as differentially expressed between the two groups. Based on the gene expression level and fold change, representative 13 genes were identified: 7 of the 13 candidate genes (C3, CD36, DOCK9, FCER2, FOS, HLA-DRB4, and NCAM1) were found to be significantly overexpressed in the poor prognostic group. In contrast, expressions of the other 6 immune-related genes (BIRC5, DUSP4, FOXP3, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, and LAG3) were increased in the good prognostic group. Positive expressions of HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DRB4 were obtained in 74.3%, 34.3% and 48.6% tumors, respectively. The positive expression of HLA-DQA1 was associated with a significantly longer OS (p=0.028). .Conclusions: Analysis of gene expression determined that expressions of 13 immune-related genes were significantly different between two groups. HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 were significantly decreased, whereas HLA-DRB4 was significantly increased in the poor prognostic group. HLA-DQA1 expression was significantly correlated with long-term survival, and may therefore be an immune-biomarker for good prognosis of high grade STS.
Variation Trend of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in a High Prevalence Region of Birth Defects in Northern China from 2007 to 2012
Authors: Lin Shiqi , Zhang Yuan , Li Jiajia , Wu Jilei , Pei Lijun
Published: April 2020

Background Shanxi Province in northern China has been identified as an area with the highest prevalence of neural tube defects in the world; however, the constituent and prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) has changed in recent years. The aim of our study was to investigate the constituent and variation trend of the birth prevalence of APOs in rural northern China.Methods A population-based descriptive study was conducted. Data were derived from two birth surveillance systems that recorded all pregnancy outcomes from 2007 to 2012 in Pingding and Xiyang County in Shanxi Province, China.Results From 2007 to 2012, the birth prevalence of APOs in the two counties was 154.7 per 1,000 births. The birth prevalence of neonatal death, stillbirths, birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight (LBW), and macrosomia was 3.4 per 1,000 births, 12.3 per 1,000 births, 12.2 per 1,000 births, 21.9 per 1,000 births, 40.5 per 1,000 births, and 64.5 per 1,000 births, respectively. Birth prevalence of macrosomia increased from 59.6 per 1,000 births in 2007 to 74.4 per 1,000 births in 2012( {\chi }_{trend}^{2} =20.314,P < 0.001). Birth prevalence of LBW and premature birth declined, from 43.8 per 1,000 births and 19.1 per 1,000 births in 2007 to 30.1 per 1,000 births and 11.8 per 1,000 births in 2012 ( {\chi }_{trend}^{2}=21.748, P < 0.001; {\chi }_{trend}^{2} =14.342, P < 0.001). The birth prevalence of neonatal death, stillbirth and birth defects stayed at a relatively low level. The distribution of APOs birth prevalence took an obvious “U-shape” as maternal age rose from <20 year to over 40 year except for macrosomia.Conclusions More efforts should be made on finding causes and ways of interventions on APOs, especially prematurity, LBW and macrosomia which are currently under insufficient attention.
Identification of cell cycle dependent methotrexate resistance in placenta site trophoblastic tumors
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Ling , Liu Qiyu , Ren Luyao , Li Ke , Cai Baozhu , Huang Yunke , Wang Jing , Li Qin , Kang Yu , Xu Congjian
Published: April 2020

Background The purpose is to study the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in Placental site trophoblastic tumor(PSTT).Methods We established PSTT cell lines by primary culture of a surgically resected PSTT tissues and identified the expression of immune-phenotype markers(HLA-G, β-catenin, CD146, Muc4, hPL, hCG) by immunofluorescence. We measured the IC50 value of methotrexate(MTX), etoposide(VP-16), actinomycin-D(Act-D), cisplatin(DDP), fluorouracil(5-FU) and paclitaxel(TAX) in PSTTs and used a special Mini patient-derived xenograft (Mini PDX) model to evaluate effectiveness of these drugs in vivo. Given that MTX is a cell cycle-dependent chemotherapeutic, we analyzed cell cycle characteristics of PSTT and choriocarcinoma cell lines by flow cytometry and then analyzed RNA profiles and WGS data of the PSTT cell lines to identify the potential mechanism.Results We identified the expression of HLA-G, β-catenin, CD146, hPL and hCG in PSTT cell lines. The IC50 value of MTX was 4.922 mg/ml in PSTT-1, 4.525 mg/ml in PSTT-2, 5.117 mg/ml in PSTT-3, 0.0166 µg/ml in JEG-3 cells (p༜0.001), and 0.01 µg/ml in JAR cells (p༜0.001), with nearly 50,000-fold increase in PSTTs than in choriocarcinoma, indicating that PSTTs are resistant to MTX in vitro. The Mini PDX model revealed that PSTTs are also resistant to MTX in vivo. Cell cycle analysis showed dysregulation of G1/S transition and cell cycle arrest in PSTT cell lines. RNA sequencing profile also identified cell cycle-associated genes which were differentially expressed in PSTT cells than in choriocarcinoma cell.Conclusions We found PSTTs are resistant to MTX in vitro and in vivo compared to choriocarcinoma. Mechanisms could be focused on dysregulation of the G1/S transition and cell cycle arrest.
Large Eddy Simulation of Pulverized Coal Jet Combustion and Flame Propagation
Authors: Gui Ying
Published: April 2020

The characteristics of a pulverized coal jet flame ignited by a preheated gas flow are modeled with large eddy simulation (LES) method. An open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code –OpenFOAM (open field operation and manipulation) is applied to predict the instantaneous temperature, pressure, vortices and species mass fraction of the whole combustion process. The sub-grid scale (SGS) turbulence and combustion models based on the one-equation eddy-viscosity model and the kinetic-diffusion limited rate surface reaction model are used in the modeling process. Jet combustions with different inlet velocities are simulated to get an optimal value under the condition that a good combustion kinetic filed can be established. In order to prove the advantages of LES on the predictions of turbulent combustion, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation has been performed and compared with the results of LES. The results suggest that LES can predict the instantaneous values of turbulent combustion while RANS can only get average effects. The ability of LES to capture the high and low values of temperature and species concentrations is better, and it can capture the flame centre and predict the recirculation flows more accurately than RANS. Furthermore, the effect of coal particle diameters on the flame characteristics is also investigated by LES. It has been observed that the region of high temperature is wider, the flame center is closer to the nozzle exit, and the local temperature is higher for smaller particles. The results also show that the combustion is more intensive and complete for smaller particles, which are coincident with the combustion theory.
Vitamin D Toxicity in A Pediatric Toxicological Referral Center: A Cross-Sectional Study from Iran
Authors: Farnaghi Fariba , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , Gholami Narges , Gachkar Latif , Yazdi Maryam Hosseini
Published: April 2020

Background: Vitamin D is an essential element for body health whose supplements are generally administered to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Since these supplements are available at homes, vitamin D toxicity may happen in children.Methods: All children younger than 12 years who presented to the pediatric emergency department of Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran with history of ingestion ofvitamin D supplements more than 1500 IU/day were enrolled. Patients’ demographic data, on-presentation signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, treatments given, and outcome were evaluated.Result: Fifteenpatients presented during the study period. Their mean age was 46.53 ±10.14 months and 12 (80%) were girls. All of them had unintentionally ingested vitamin D. Mean ingested dose was 406700.7±227400.1 IU. In eight patients (53.3%), 25 Hydroxyvitamin D level was more than 100 ng/mL. One patient experienced hypercalcemia while all of them were asymptomatic and discharged without complications. There was no significant difference between patients with and without high levels of 25 OH vitamin D regarding lab tests, toxicity course, and outcome.Conclusion: It seems that acute vitamin D toxicity is a benign condition in our pediatric population which may be due to high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran.
Effect of Temperature on Pyrolysis Oil Using HDPE and PET Sources from Mobile Pyrolysis Plant
Authors: Prurapark Ruktai , Owjaraen Kittwat , Saengphrom Bordin , Limthongtip Inpitcha , Tongam Nopparat
Published: April 2020

This research aims to study the effect of temperature on pyrolysis oil along with analyzing viscosity, density, proportion of pyrolysis products and performance of each condenser towers of pyrolysis high density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The results showed that the main product of high density polyethylene resin is liquid and the main product of polyethylene terephthalate resin is solid. The pyrolysis of high density polyethylene resin at 400, 425 and 450ºC produce the amount of oil 22.5, 27 and 40.5 L, respectively. The study found that the temperature at 450ºC was the temperature that give the best pyrolysis oil in the experiment. The viscosity was in the range of 3.287–4.850 cSt. The density was in the range of 0.668-0.740 kg/L. The viscosity and density were increased according to 3 factors: high pyrolysis temperature, number of condensers and longer sampling time. From the distillation at temperatures below 65, 65–170, 170–250 and above 250ºC, all refined products in each temperature range shows the amount of hydrocarbon compounds according to the boiling point.
Prevalence of Refractive Error Among Early Primary School Age Children in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, Nigeria.
Authors: Ogbonna Grace Obumneke
Published: April 2020

Introduction Refractive error is one of the major causes of blurred vision. It is a common eye disorder even in children. The World Health Organization had estimated refractive error to cause visual impairment to about 153 million people around the world with over 1.4 million children affected. Eighty percent (80%) of whom live in developing countries. The right to sight, a global initiative launched by World Health Organization, has the main aim of eliminating avoidable visual impairment and blindness at a global level. In order to achieve this goal, visual screening in pre-school and school children has long been a tradition in developed nations of the world. The significance of this cannot be overemphasized, especially with the already established correlation between school performance and visual status. However, in developing countries visual screening for children is not yet well established, thereby leaving many children with undetected refractive error, which could result in visual impairment. This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of refractive error among early primary school age children at Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area(LGA) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. It employed a multi-staged sampling method to recruit 205 pupils aged 5-9 years attending schools in Ado-Odo Ota as study participants to determine the prevalence of refractive error among the pupils attending primary schools in this area. Following ocular pathology screening for the children, subjects found fit were refracted both objectively and subjectively using auto-refractor and trial lenses respectively. Result: A prevalence of 30.73% of refractive error was recorded. Myopia had the highest prevalence (24.88%), followed by astigmatism 3.42% and hyperopia with the least prevalence of 2.44%. Older children had higher frequencies of refractive error than the younger ones with the males having more refractive error than the females (19.51% and 11.22%) respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that refractive error is significantly present among this population and recommended that parents should ensure that their children are screened for refractive error, and that government should introduce school health programs to curb the growing menace of visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error.
Heat shock modulates the expression of sirtuins and var genes in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Anagu Linda , Hulse David , Chakravorty Srabasti , Horrocks Paul , Merrick Catherine Jill
Published: April 2020

Background: In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum the expression of key ‘var’ virulence genes is regulated through epigenetic mechanisms. Two deacetylase enzymes of the sirtuin family have been implicated in this epigenetic control in laboratory-adapted parasites. A previous study of var gene expression in parasites isolated directly from Gambian malaria patients found that high expression levels of severe-disease-associated var variants correlated with high expression of the PfSir2A sirtuin, and these expression patterns also correlated with patient phenotypes of fever and hyperlactataemia. Together, the observations suggest a mechanism through which stress phenotypes in the human host might be sensed via a parasite sirtuin, and virulence gene expression modulated accordingly. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted using recently-laboratory-adapted Kenyan isolates of P. falciparum to follow up the correlative findings of the field study. To investigate a potential cause-and-effect relationship between host stress factors and parasite gene expression, RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of sirtuins and var genes after cultured parasites had been exposed to 2h or 6h of heat shock at 40°C or elevated lactate at 5mM.Results: Heat shock was shown to influence the expression of both sirtuins and var genes, whereas exposure to lactate was not. Heat shock in the trophozoite stage resulted in modest upregulation of the expression of sirtuins, particularly PfSir2B, by 2-3 fold in all strains tested. Interestingly, when heat shock was applied in ring stages PfSir2A was still upregulated but PfSir2B was downregulated. This correlated with a general upregulation of ring-stage var transcription, and particularly of severe-disease-associated upsA and upsB var genes, but there was no clear pattern in the dominant var gene(s) ultimately expressed by heat-shocked parasites. Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that heat stress in recently-laboratory-adapted patient isolates of P. falciparum results in altered sirtuin expression – PfSir2B as well as PfSir2A – and also the upregulation of var gene expression. These may be strategies evolved by the parasite to survive heat stress when a human host experiences malarial fevers. By contrast, the association between hyperlactataemia and sirtuin/var gene expression that was previously observed in vivo appears to be coincidental rather than causative.
Silica nanoparticles inducing the apoptosis of spermatocyte cell through microRNA-450b-3p targeting MTCH2-mediating mitochondrial signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Guiqing , Liu Jianhui , Li Xiangyang , Sang Yujian , Zhang Yue , Gao Leqiang , Ji Wang , Yu Yang , Ge Wei , Sun Zhiwei , zhou xianqing
Published: April 2020

Background: Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are found in environmental particulate matter and are proven to have adverse effects on fertility. The relationship and underlying mechanisms between miRNAs and apoptosis induced by SiNPs during spermatogenesis is currently ambiguous. Experimental design: The present study was designed to investigate the role of miRNA-450b-3p in the reproductive toxicity caused by SiNPs. In vivo, 40 male mice were randomly divided into control and SiNPs groups, 20 per group. The mice in the SiNPs group were administrated 20 mg/kg SiNPs by tracheal perfusion once every 5 days, for 35 days, and the control group were given the equivalent of a normal luminal saline. In vitro, spermatocyte cells were divided into 0 and 5 μg/mL SiNPs groups, after passaged for 30 generations, the GC-2spd cells in 5 μg/mL SiNPs groups were transfected with miRNA-450b-3p and its mimic and inhibitor. Results: In vivo, the results showed that SiNPs damaged tissue structures of testis, decreased the quantity and quality of the sperm, reduced the expression of miR-450b-3p, and increased the protein expressions of the MTCH2, BID, BAX, Cytochrome C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 in the testis. In vitro, SiNPs obviously repressed the viability and increased the LDH level and apoptosis rate, decreased the levels of the miR-450b-3p, significantly enhanced the protein expressions of the MTCH2, BID, BAX, Cytochrome C, Caspase-9, Caspase-3; while the mimic of miR-450b-3p reversed the changes induced by SiNPs, but inhibitor further promoted the effects induced by SiNPs.Conclusion: The result suggested that SiNPs could induce the spermatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the miR-450b-3p expression to target promoting the MTCH2 resulting in activating mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathways in the spermatocyte cells.
Association Study between SNPs within MicroRNA Binding Sites and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Han Lu , Huang Yubei , Feng Ziwei , Wang Xin , Li Haixin , Song Fangfang , Liu Luyang , Li Junxian , Zheng Hong , Wang Peishan , Song Fengju , Chen Kexin
Published: April 2020

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within microRNA binding sites can affect the binding of microRNA to mRNA and regulate gene expression, thereby contributing to the prognosis of cancer. We performed this study to explore the association between SNPs within microRNA binding sites and the prognosis of breast cancer.Methods: We carried out a two-stage study including 2647 breast cancer patients. In stage I, we genotyped 192 SNPs within microRNA binding sites using the Illumina Goldengate platform. In stage II, we validated SNPs significantly associated with breast cancer prognosis in another dataset using the TaqMan platform. Survival times was calculated, and Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression model were used to analyze survival of breast cancer patients with different genotypes.Results: We identified 8 SNPs significantly associated with breast cancer prognosis in stage I (P<0.05), and only rs10878441 was statistically significant in stage II (AA vs CC: adjusted HR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.11-4.42, P=0.024). We combined the data from stage I and stage II, and found that, compared with rs10878441 AA genotype, CC genotype was significantly associated with poor survival of breast cancer (HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.18-2.42, P=0.004; adjusted HR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.30-3.70, P=0.003). Stratified analyses demonstrated that rs10878441 was related to breast cancer prognosis in grade II patients and lymph node-negative patients (P<0.05).Conclusions: The LRKK2 rs10878441 CC genotype is associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer in a Chinese population, and it could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for breast cancer. Further studies are warranted.
Altering the properties of the magnetic Co ferrite nanoparticles fabricated by modified inverse coprecipitation for high-frequency applications
Authors: Al-Kershi Rabea , Aldirham S. H.
Published: April 2020

Magnetic Co ferrite nanoparticles doped with non-magnetic ions (Zn2+) fabricated by modified inverse coprecipitation technique. X-ray calculations show that the average crystallite size (D) and the average lattice constant (a) of CoZn ferrite nanoparticles increase from 32.33 to 52.87 nm and from 8.39 to 8.41Ǻ respectively with increasing non-magnetic Zn2+ ions from 0.00 to 0.55. Morphological forms and M-O at A and B sites studied by SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. Measurements of the structural, optical, electrical and magnetic characterization of the CoZn ferrite nanoparticles strongly depend on non-magnetic Zn2+ ions content (y). Non-magnetic ions transform Co ferrite from hard and dielectric nature to soft and semiconductor nature. Values of Coercivity and the remanence decrease as non-magnetic Zn2+ ions increases to the minimum values 955 Oe and 6 emu /g for the sample with Zn = 0.55. Co0.45Zn0.55Fe2O4 is might be suitable for high-frequency applications where it has the smallest value of optical gap, the largest value of resistivity and the lowest value of dielectric loss factor.
Salidroside Attenuates Cognitive Dysfunction in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) and Modulating Inflammation on the Gut-brain Axis
Authors: Xie Zeping , Lu Hui , Yang Sixia , Zeng Yi , Li Wei , Wang Linlin , Luo Guanfeng , Fang Fang , Zeng Ting , Cheng Weidong
Published: April 2020

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as the most prime cause of dementia, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. However, A range of therapeutic approaches have shown unsatisfactory outcomes in clinical setting. Thus, it is critical to develop alternative therapies for the treatment of AD. Salidroside(SAL), a herb-derived phenylpropanoid glycoside compound, has been shown to attenuate LPS-induced cognitive impairment. However, the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects remains unclear. Here we show a therapeutic effect of SAL in a reliable and stable mouse model of AD, Senescence-Accelerated Mice Prone 8 (SAMP8).Methods SAMP8 were treated with salidroside, donepezil or saline, cognitive behavioral impairments were assessed using the Morris water maze, Y-maze, and open-field tests. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, performed on the Illumina MiSEq. Brain samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blot to detect Beta Amyloid 1–42 deposition. Activation in microglia and neuroinflammatory cytokines was detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot and qPCR. Serum was analyzed by a Mouse High Sensitivity T Cell Magnetic Bead Panel and performed on the Luminex-MAGPIX multiplex immunoassay system.Results Our results suggested that SAL effectively alleviated hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in SAMP8, and showed no significant difference compared with the donepezil-administration group. SAL significantly (1) reduced toxic beta-amyloid (Abeta) 1–42 deposition; (2) reduced activation of microglia and attenuated proinflammatory factors, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in the brain; (3) improved the gut barrier integrity and modified the gut microbiota (reversed the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, and eliminated Clostridiales and Streptococcaceae, which may have been associated with cognitive deficits); and (4) decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the peripheral circulation, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-17A and IL-12 in particular, according to a multiplex immunoassay.Conclusion In summary, SAL reversed AD-related changes in SAMP8 potentially through the regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and by modulating inflammation in both peripheral circulation and central nervous system. Our results strongly suggest a therapeutic effect of SAL on cognition-related changes in SAMP8 and highlight its value as a potential source for drug development.
Prevalence and Drivers of Tobacco use Among Young Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from 21 Nationally Representative Surveys
Authors: Darteh Eugene Kofuor Maafo , Yaya Sanni , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Seidu Abdul-Aziz
Published: April 2020

Background Tobacco consumption – including smoking, chewing tobacco and snuff has been recognized as a global public health issue and a major cause of premature mortality and morbidity. An annual estimated figure of more than 7 million people dies due to tobacco consumption with more than 6 million of those deaths attributed to direct tobacco use and about 890, 000 resulting from exposure to second-hand smoke. This paper seeks to examine the prevalence and drivers of tobacco use among young men in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods Using pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 3, 2018, in 21 countries that had data on tobacco use in SSA this paper examines tobacco use among young men in sub-Saharan Africa. A chi-square was conducted at the bivariate level to test for the significance of tobacco use across the socio-demographic characteristics. A binary logistic regression test was conducted at the multi-variate level to estimate the determinants of tobacco use among young people in SSA. The confidence interval for both the bivariate and multivariate tests was 95%.Results The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 9.34% (95% CI: 7.52–11.16) with the lowest prevalence in Ghana (1.46%) and the highest in Lesotho (39.19%). It was also found that those aged 20–24 [AOR = 3.080, CI = 2.840–3.341], engaged in unskilled labour [AOR = 2.651, CI = 2.333–3.012], who are widowed/divorced/separated [AOR = 2.747, CI= [2.301–3.279] and with no religion [AOR = 1.460, CI = 1.273–1.676] had higher odds of using tobacco. On the other hand, young, men with secondary [AOR = 0.726, CI = 0.645–0.818] and higher [AOR = 0.563, CI= [0.446–0.710] level of education, those in the richest wealth quintile[AOR = 0.758, CI = 0.660–0.871], those in rural areas [AOR = 0.869, CI = 0.795–0.950], and those who read newspaper or magazine at least once a week [AOR = 0.898, CI = 0.808–0.998] had lower odds of tobacco use.Conclusion Age, level of education, wealth status, working status, marital status, religion and place of residence were statistically significant association with tobacco use among young men in SSA. These socioeconomic factors should be considered when trying to tackle tobacco use in SSA. Specific public health interventions should take into account these socio-economic factors to reduce tobacco use among young people in SSA
Near-fatal experience due to delayed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dayal Devi , Gupta Saniya , Raithatha Dhvani , Soni Prakash , Thapa Surjeet , Baranwal Arun
Published: April 2020

The focus of national governments and the medical profession on the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in neglect of care for children with new onset illnesses. Type 1 diabetes (T1D), the most common endocrine disorder in children, is prone to rapid deterioration if not diagnosed in time. We recently encountered a child who presented in a critical condition and was later diagnosed to have diabetic ketoacidosis. We discuss the circumstances arising out of the severe lockdown restrictions for COVID-19, which resulted in difficulties in accessing the healthcare services and caused significant delay in the diagnosis of T1D and a near-death experience. It is essential to keep the non-COVID healthcare services open for children with new onset illnesses and those with chronic conditions for timely access in order to reduce morbidity and mortality due to these conditions.
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: an unusual lung ultrasound presentation.
Authors: Consoli Letizia , Bendotti Vittorio , Cicchinelli Sara , Gaioni Federico , Prandolini Paola , Bettonagli Monica , Terragnoli Paolo
Published: April 2020

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) was first reported in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread around the world, leading to an international emerging public health emergency. As reported from Chinese experiences, approximately 20% of patients had a severe course, requiring intensive care, with an overall case fatality rate of 2.3%. In diagnosis, chest computed tomography most commonly showed ground-glass opacity with or without consolidative patterns.Herein we report a case of a patient affected by COVID-19 pneumonia referred in the emergency department of our institution on 4 April 2020 with peculiar lung ultrasound findings.
Prevalence and determinants of contraceptives use among rural young women (15-24 years) in Ghana
Authors: Salifu Mohammed Gazali , Mohammed Kamaldeen , Harrison Mac-Cauley , Atimpe Aaron , Abukari Rogers Wuniwumda , Avoka Vasco Ayere , Abdul-Rahman Mubarik
Published: April 2020

Background: Contraceptives use has significant effect on controlling fertility, preventing STIs, reducing unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions. The use of contraceptives among reproductive age women (15-49 years) has been largely reported. However, what is unclear is whether the reported prevalence of, and factors that influence the usage of contraceptives is comparable in the context of young adults (aged 15-24 years) in rural areas. The purpose of this study was therefore to report the prevalence and factors that influence contraceptives use among young women (15-24 years) in rural Ghana.Methods: Data (n = 3797) collected using a questionnaire through a mutli-stage probability sampling method in the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS) was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The chi-square test was used to identify significant associations between categorical variables at a significant level of p < 0.05. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses was conducted to explore how well each independent variable predicted contraceptive use. Results: Out of the 3,797 women, only 21.49% (95% CI: 19.56, 23.55) used contraceptives. Number of living children, health insurance, knowledge of fertility period, history of abortion, ever given birth, educational level, age of participants and current union were found to influence contraceptives use. Strong significant predictors (at 95% CI, p<0.05) of contraceptives use were history of abortion, age of participants, educational level, number of living children, and knowledge of fertility period. Conclusion: Low usage of contraceptives has been identified among rural women and so there is the need for policymakers to intensify education and facilitate widespread access to modern contraceptives in rural areas and promote their effective use.
Mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for infection prevention: A systematic umbrella review of the global evidence
Authors: Hossain Md Mahbub , Sultana Abida , Purohit Neetu
Published: April 2020

Background: Transmission of infectious diseases is often prevented by quarantine and isolation of the populations at risk. These approaches restrict the mobility, social interactions, and daily activities of the affected individuals. In recent novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine and isolation are being adopted in many contexts, which necessitates an evaluation of global evidence on how such measures impact the mental health outcomes among populations. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for preventing infectious diseases.Materials and methods: We searched nine major databases and additional sources and included articles if they were systematically conducted reviews, published as peer-reviewed journal articles, and reported mental health outcomes of quarantine or isolation in any population.Results: Among 1364 citations, only eight reviews met our criteria. Most of the primary studies in those reviews were conducted in high-income nations and in hospital settings. These articles reported a high burden of mental health problems among patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare providers who experienced quarantine or isolation. Prevalent mental health problems among the affected individuals include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychological distress, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, fear, stigmatization, low self-esteem, lack of self-control, and other adverse mental health outcomes.Conclusion: This umbrella review found severe mental health problems among individuals and populations who have undergone quarantine and isolation in different contexts. This evidence necessitates multipronged interventions including policy measures for strengthening mental health services globally and promoting psychosocial wellbeing among high-risk populations.
The Association of Country-Level Factors with Outcomes of COVID-19: Analysis of the pandemic after one million cases
Authors: Aldibasi Omar S. , Alharbi Naif K. , Alkelya Mohamed , Zowawi Hosam , Alghnam Suliman
Published: April 2020

Background: Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic. Without a vaccine or an effective treatment in the near horizon, only public health measures have been effective in potentially reducing its impact. Due to the wide disparity in current response from individual countries, studying factors associated with public health measures may inform ongoing efforts. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the contributing factors across the globe with specific measures of the disease. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used publicly available data of COVID-19 cases as of April 6, 2020. We analyzed country public information on demographic and socioeconomic indicators published in different sources. The association between country-level variables and the incidence rate, the recovery rate, severity of the cases, and mortality rate were evaluated using regression techniques. Results: Multiple factors were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes. The number of tests per million, GDP per capita, a country population size of 2020, country median age, and life expectancy are associated with the incidence rate of COVID19. The yearly net change population, migrants, and tourism are associated with the recovery rate of COVID-19. The number of tests per million and male life expectancy are associated with the critical cases rate of COVID-19. Finally, the GDP per capita, land area (Km2), life expectancy, and tourism are associated with the mortality rate of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, higher GDP per capita, median age, and a higher number of lab tests were found to be associated with more incidents of COVID-19 cases, which indicates a better and maintained system for detection, reporting, and management of the pandemic. This study suggests that investing in better screening and testing may reveal more cases that can be managed and controlled; while limiting travelers would further support the pandemic control.
Forecast of COVID-19 related deaths in the USA
Authors: Middelburg Rutger A , Rosendaal Frits R
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveDifferent governments have adopted different containment strategies for SARS-CoV-2. We compared reports of COVID-19 related deaths between countries with different strategies.DesignPublicly available data on numbers of reported COVID-19 related deaths between January 1st and April 2nd 2020 were compared between countries.ResultsIn countries that implemented strict containment strategies as soon as the virus was firmly established (e.g., Italy and Spain) the epidemic developed similarly to the development in China. Extrapolation suggests the cumulative number of deaths in Italy and Spain to rise to about 22,000 and 41,000, respectively. In South Korea where containment strategies were implemented before the virus arrived, the epidemic developed much slower. In the United States, however, where measures were taken later, the epidemic is developing explosively. Cumulative numbers of deaths in the New York, New Jersey, and Michigan area are forecast to reach about 15,000. Of note, 85% of these deaths are likely to occur within the first 50 days of the epidemic (i.e. before the end of April 2020).ConclusionsAlthough the future development of the epidemic remains difficult to predict accurately, current data suggest the United States will experience an explosive increase in deaths due to COVID-19 before the end of April 2020. Drastic measures are needed immediately to prevent other parts of the country from experiencing a development of this epidemic which is as dramatic as that seen in New York, New Jersey and Michigan.
A AUDIÊNCIA DE CUSTÓDIA COMO INSTRUMENTO PARA REDUZIR O USO DAS PRISÕES PREVENTIVAS.
Authors: HALLAK Pedro Avalos
Published: April 2020

O trabalho tem como objetivo inicial introduzir ao leitor o conceito, finalidades e outras características da prisão preventiva e das audiências de custódia, as quais foram introduzidas no Brasil pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ), para, em um segundo momento, explicar como estas representam um importante instrumento no combate à indevida privação cautelar de liberdade. A metodologia utilizada será majoritariamente qualitativa, através de pesquisas bibliográficas e documentais, as quais podem explicar como e porque o sistema judiciário brasileiro banalizou a aplicação das prisões preventivas, os prejuízos que esta situação gera, tanto para o indivíduo quanto para a sociedade, e como este cenário pode ser mudado.
Resonanzstrategien im Umgang mit Beschleunigung und Digitalisierung
Authors: Wienberg Jana , Buddeberg Klaus
Published: April 2020

Die Fragestellung des Beitrags betrifft Lernen und Kompetenzentwicklung Erwachsener im Kontext von Beschleunigung und Digitalisierung. Der Beitrag diskutiert dieses Phänomen auf theoretischer und empirischer Ebene. Vor dem Hintergrund zeitgenössischer Diagnosen zeichnet sich eine zunehmende Individualisierung (Beck 1986), Modernisierung (Field, zit. n. Hösel u.a. 2017), Wettbewerbs-/Optimierungslogik (Kessl 2017; Rosa 2016a; 2016b), Beschleunigung (Rosa 2005) und Digitalisierung (Aufenanger 2018; Käpplinger 2016; Burchert und Grobe 2017; Schmid, Goetz und Behrens 2017) ab, welche u.U. zu erhöhten Bestrebungen nach (Selbst-)Optimierung führen. So lässt sich der Bedeutungszuwachs als Folge einer zunehmenden Komplexität des heutigen Lebens deuten (Ribolits 2007), gekennzeichnet durch eine Zunahme von Informationen und «informational overload», verstärkte Unkalkulierbarkeit auf den Arbeitsmärkten sowie eine bereits seit den 2000er Jahren «steigende Unsicherheit in den (berufs-)biografischen Perspektiven» (Arbeitsstab Forum Bildung 2001). Gleichzeitig – das zeigen Ergebnisse einer bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Erhebung in Deutschland – sehen sich verschiedene Bevölkerungsgruppen (z.B. formal niedrig Gebildete, gering Literalisierte, Arbeitslose, Ältere) digitalen Herausforderungen ausgesetzt, für die sie nach eigener Auffassung nur über geringe Kompetenzen verfügen. Das gilt sowohl für funktional-pragmatische Kompetenzen (Klieme und Hartig 2008) als auch für kritisch-hinterfragende Kompetenzen (Negt 1993; Zeuner 2009, 268-69; Riekmann und Grotlüschen 2011, 69). Exemplarische Ergebnisse werden im Beitrag präsentiert.
Leseförderung 4.0?
Authors: Philipp Maik
Published: April 2020

Das Lesen verlagert sich zunehmend in digitale Medien und basiert dabei auf multiplen, teils multimodalen Dokumenten. Eine zeitgemässe Leseförderung muss dies aufgreifen, da das digitale Lesen neue Herausforderungen mit sich bringt. Dies ist Anlass einer quantitativen Reanalyse 24 kriterienbasiert ausgewählter Interventionsstudien, von denen rund die Hälfte mit digitalen Medien operierte. Die leitende Frage war dabei, ob sich a) in den informatorischen Prozessen, b) den allgemeinen instruktionalen Merkmalen und c) in den verwendeten Übungsdokumenten Differenzen auftun. Für jede Studie wurden bis zu 46 Variablen kodiert, und diese Merkmale dann in Gruppenvergleichen geprüft. Die Anzahl signifikanter Unterschiede war mit nur sechs sehr gering und betraf personale Formen der Strategievermittlung sowie Art und Anzahl der Dokumente.
Zwischen traditionellem Schulbuch und hybridem Lehrmittel
Authors: Totter Alexandra , Häbig Julia , Müller-Kuhn Daniela , Zala-Mezö Enikö
Published: April 2020

Der Einsatz digitaler Medien wird auch im Schulkontext immer wichtiger. Lernen und Lehren über und mit digitalen Medien wird gefordert. Die Umsetzung beinhaltet jedoch nicht nur Chancen, sondern auch technologische und organisationale Herausforderungen. Hier setzt der Beitrag an: Am Beispiel eines hybriden Französischlehrmittels, bei dem digitale Medien integrales Element des Lehrmittels sind, werden während des ersten Jahres der Einführung die Praktiken und Erfahrungen aufgezeigt. Die Perspektive der Schulleitung, der Lehrpersonen und der Schülerinnen und Schüler wird erhoben und die damit verbundenen Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen für das Lernen und Lehren mit digitalen Medien aufgezeigt.
Disabilitas dan In(ter)karnasi: Memaknai Relasi Persahabatan dalam Pelayanan Pastoral
Authors: Verdino Timotius
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe development of incarnation theology has taken into account people with disabilities. However, the incarnation tends to be understood in a single corporeal identity, whilst disability shows the multiplicity of identities of socially constructed bodies. How do we see the incarnation in a disability perspective that embraces the multiplicity of body identity? Mayra Rivera, based on Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy, spoke of intercarnation as an alternative to the incarnation in a social perspective. This article points out that discussing the incarnation in the perspective of disability with a social model leads to the idea of intercarnation. In dealing with this case, the discourse about intercanation among feminist theologians would be helpful for the theology of disability.

AbstrakPengembangan teologi inkarnasi telah memperhitungkan faktor orang-orang dengan disabilitas. Akan tetapi, inkarnasi cenderung dipahami dalam sebuah identitas korporeal tunggal, padahal disabilitas menunjukkan adanya multiplisitas identitas tubuh yang dikonstruksi secara sosial. Bagaimana melihat inkarnasi dalam perspektif disabilitas yang merangkul multiplisitas identitas tubuh? Mayra Rivera, yang berangkatdari filsafat Maurice Merleau-Ponty, berbicara tentang interkarnasi sebagai sebuah alternatif terhadap perbincangan inkarnasi dalam perspektif sosial. Artikel ini menunjukkan bahwa membahas inkarnasi dalam perspektif disabilitas dengan model sosial akan mencapai gagasan tentang interkarnasi. Dalam mengkaji hal ini, diskursus tentang interkarnasi yang selama ini didominasi oleh teolog-teolog feminis akan bermanfaat bagi teologi disabilitas.
Políticas nacionales y agricultura en la frontera: estudio comparativo de Baja California y País Vasco
Authors: Mauleón Gómez José Ramón
Published: April 2020

Este artículo parte del hecho de que el desarrollo agrario en las regiones fronterizas de Baja California (México) y del País Vasco (España) han sido diferentes. En efecto, se constata el distinto desarrollo de los tipos de explotación agraria, aunque en ambas zonas el tipo de unidad de producción más común es la que podría definirse como "explotación familiar". En Baja California, a diferencia del País Vasco, se ha ido consolidando un tipo que podría ser calificado de "capitalista". El objetivo de este estudio es profundizar en las causas de ese diferente modelo de desarrollo agrario mediante un análisis comparativo de las características de ambas zonas. Dentro de esta comparación se analiza especialmente a Baja California, de modo que el País Vasco es empleado únicamente como punto de referencia.
El consumo de la población de Tijuana, Baja California. Aplicación de un estudio de corte transversal
Authors: Mungaray Lagarda Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Los aspectos más relevantes de esta investigación abordan el aspecto del gasto en consumo a partir de una breve discusión teórica y de una presentación empírica de los resultados agrupados y analizados a través de regresión por mínimos cuadrados, con el fin de observar el grado en que el gasto en consumo es explicado por el ingreso en los distintos estratos urbanos de la población de Tijuana, B.C. Los estudios de ingreso-gasto resultan de gran importancia para observar el estado que guarda la distribución del ingreso y la estructura social del gasto en consumo en un espacio y tiempo específico. Por tal razón, este estudio está apoyado en una encuesta socio-demográfica de ingreso-gasto mediante un muestreo aleatorio realizado a partir de la división de la población, según el estrato urbano que habita. Se puede concluir que algunos estratos de la población en Tijuana soportan los precios locales, mientras las presiones inflacionarias no disparen la diferencia surgida por el tipo de cambio, y resulte mejor volver al comercio estadounidense como una forma de proteger su ingreso.
Spór o naukowość eugeniki
Authors: Słoniowska Anna
Published: April 2020

Jak zakwalifikować eugenikę? Czy jest ona ideologią, światopoglądem czy może nauką? To pytania, które od dawna zadają sobie filozofowie i historycy. Wciąż nie ma na nie odpowiedzi. Nawet ludzie, który stworzyli tę ideę nie potrafili jednoznacznie określić czym ona jest. Zależało im na tym, żeby eugenikę zaliczyć do grona nauk. Mieli jednak duże problemy z metodologią oraz logiką. Popełniali błędy formalne i zbyt mocno zawierzyli indukcji. Problemem był również brak wiedzy na temat dziedziczności. Mimo wszystko próbowali stworzyć teorię naukową oparta na eugenice. Współcześnie większość historyków twierdzi, że próba ta się nie powiodła, jednak niektórzy są innego zdania. Wydaje się, że ta kwestia zależy od indywidualnej, emocjonalnej i subiektywnej oceny badaczy.