bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotransformation in Combination of Traditional Medicinal Plants: The Effect of Wickerhamomyces Anomalus on the Antidiabetic Potential and Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Gaur Praveen Kumar , Shanmugam Sadish Kumar
Published: July 2020

Background: Biochemical transformation is a green and efficient strategy that can be of help in case of potentiation of herbal treatments. Diabetes requires daily therapeutic interventions and the use of herbals can be safe and effective alternatives however higher doses of herbs can cause much inconvenience. The potentiation of traditional medicinal plants based polyherbal combinations to reduce the dosage can be an attractive approach. Methods: The present study explored the biochemical transformation of a polyherbal extract derived from Syzygium cumini seed, Mangifera indica seed kernel, Momordica charantia fruit and Gymnema sylvestre leaf using W.anomalus. The polyherbal extract was chromatographed and evaluated for antidiabetic potential, Pre and Post fermentation. Also, the fermentation kinetics was assessed as W. anomalus can produce ethanol which can be self-limiting. Results: The extract produced no behavioral or physical changes in animals, confirming the safety in acute toxic exposure. The chromatographic analysis showed good presence of Hesperidin, Mangiferin and Corilagin in non-fermented extract which was significantly reduced and content of Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin, kaempferol and Isorhamnetin were increased after fermentation. Conclusions: The polyherbal extract showed good antidiabetic activity however fermented polyherbal extract showed a similar effect at half the dosage. The effects are also corroborated by histological studies.
Impact Of Fibrinogen Level On The Prognosis Of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single-Center Analysis Of 2570 Patients
Authors: Lv Ke , Yuan Qiang , Fu Pengfei , Wu Gang , Wu Xing , Du Zhuoying , Yu Jian , Li Zhiqi , Hu Jin
Published: July 2020

Background: Fibrinogen may play an important role in the survival of trauma patients; however, its role in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its correlation with disease prognosis remain poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of TBI-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with TBI and to evaluate the prognostic value of fibrinogen level with respect to mortality and clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 2570 consecutive TBI patients were retrospectively studied. Prognostic evaluations were determined using the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) assessment 3 months after injury. The shape of the relationship between fibrinogen level and mortality or outcome was examined using cubic spline functions. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the association between fibrinogen level and 3-month functional outcomes.Results: Fibrinogen concentrations < 2 g/L were observed in 992 (38.6%) patients at the time of admission. Multivariate analyses showed that for patients with fibrinogen levels < 2.0 g/L, those levels were an independent prognostic factor for 3-month mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–0.93; P < .001). By contrast, for patients with fibrinogen levels < 2.5 g/L, the levels were an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcomes at 3 months (OR, 1.654; 95% CI, 1.186–2.306; P = .003). Similar results were also seen for patients with fibrinogen levels > 3.0 g/L, with the levels being an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcomes at 3 months (OR, 0.771; 95% CI, 0.607–0.979; P = .033). Conclusions: Fibrinogen is an independent prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in TBI patients. Maintaining the level of fibrinogen between 2.5 and 3 g/L may improve clinical outcomes in patients with TBI.
Bibliometric Analysis of Chemotherapy of Canine Leishmaniasis (2000-2017)
Authors: Olías-Molero Ana Isabel , Fontán-Matilla Erica , Alunda José María
Published: July 2020

Background

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first order pathology in veterinary clinics of dogs in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections (CanL) are considered the main reservoir for human disease. Despite the importance of CanL in the control of the diseases within a One Health approach no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included the impact of CanL on scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000-2017 and efficacy criteria employed.

Methods

A Web of Science (WOS) based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000-2017 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups and drugs and efficacy criteria.

Results

Reports on CanL represented a 20% of all publications on leishmaniasis and from these ca. 14% were related to chemotherapy. Publications records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection in endemic areas although an overrepresentation of Mediterranean countries was evident. Published reports on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Sb V , alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented over 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on Sb V and combinations. Reports on chemotherapy are scarce, mostly publicly funded and the variability of experimental conditions make extraordinarily difficult the comparison of efficacy. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the experiments if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports of the treatments (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the assays performed.
Etiology and Antimicrobial Resistance of Secondary Bacterial Infections in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Junwei , Yang Yi , Cai Peishan , Cao Jingchao , Cai Xuefeng , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2020

Background: A considerable proportion of patients hospitalized with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have acquired secondary bacterial infections (SBIs). We report the etiology and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria to provide theoretical basis for appropriate infection therapy.Methods: In the retrospective study, we reviewed electronic medical records of all the patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Wuhan Union hospital from January 27 to March 17, 2020. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients who acquired SBIs were enrolled. Demographic, clinical course, etiology and antimicrobial resistance data of the SBIs were collected. Outcomes were also compared between patients who were classified as severe on admission and those who were classified as critical.Results: 6.8% (102/1495) of the patients with COVID-19 had acquired SBIs and almost half of them (50, 49.0%) died during hospitalization. Compared with the severe patients, the critical patients had a higher chance of SBIs. 159 strains of bacteria were isolated, 85.5% of which were Gram-negative bacteria. The top three bacteria of SBIs were A. baumannii (35.8%), K. pneumoniae (30.8%) and Staphylococcus (8.8%). The isolation rate of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae were 91.2% and 75.5%, respectively. Meticillin resistance was in 100% of Staphylococcus, and vancomycin resistance was not found. Conclusions: SBIs may occur in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and lead to high mortality. The incidence of SBIs was associated with the grade on admission. Gram-negative bacteria, especially A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, were the main bacteria and the resistance rates of the major isolated bacteria were generally high.
CTLA4 had a profound impact in the landscape of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with a high prognosis value in ccRCC
Authors: Liu Shiyi , Wang Feiyan , Tan Wei , Zhang Li , Dai Fangfang , Wang Yanqing , Fan Yaqi , Yuan Mengqin , Yang Dongyong , Zheng Yajing , Deng Zhimin , Cheng Yanxiang , Liu Yeqiang
Published: July 2020

Background Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) inhibitors have been shown to significantly prolong the overall survival (OS) in a wide range of cancers, however, its application is limited due to the therapy response and the prognostic value of CTLA4 in Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), which is the most common and fatal histological subtype in renal cell carcinoma, have not been investigated in detail. Methods In this study, we comprehensively and systematically studied the prognostic value of CTLA4 in ccRCC and its impact on the landscape of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) infiltration and genetic mutation through in vitro experiment and data mining. Results Our results showed that the CTLA4 was up-regulated in both ccRCC tissues and cell lines, and closely related to the disease progression as well as a poor prognosis. Deeper researches demonstrated that CTLA4 regulated the T cell activation and significantly linked to TIL-abundant tumor microenvironment (TME), but companies with an immunosuppressed phenotype, and CTLA4 was associated with more frequent BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) mutation. Furthermore, given the current concerns caused by combined immunotherapy, we also found that CTLA4 was markedly correlated with multiple immune checkpoints, which suggested that ccRCC patients with high expressed CTLA4 may benefit more from immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) combined therapy.Conclusion CTLA4 had a profound impact on the landscape of TILs and genetic mutation, as well as can be used as the biomarker with high prognosis value.
The Relationship between QT Interval Indices with Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients
Authors: vasheghani maryam , Sarvghadi Farzaneh , Beyranvand Mohammad Reza , Emami Habib
Published: July 2020

IntroductionLong QT interval (QT) and abnormal QT dispersion (QTd) are associated with sudden death. The relationship between cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and QT indices in diabetic patients were investigated.MethodsTotally 130 diabetic subjects (mean age 50.87 ± 13.9 years) were included (70 individuals with and 60 individuals without CAN). All participants had sinus cardiac rhythm. The patients who had diseases or take drugs that cause orthostatic hypotension (OH), cardiac arrhythmia and QT prolongation were excluded. After interview and examination, standard and continuous ECG was taken in supine position with deep breathing and standing up position. CAN diagnosis was based on Ewing’s tests. QT, QT corrected (QTc), minimum QT (QT min), maximum QT (QT max) and mean ± SD of QT (QT mean) and QTd were assessed from standard ECG. QTc was calculated by Bazett’s formula. QTc > 440 msec in men and QTc > 0.46 msec in women and QTd > 80 msec were considered abnormal.ResultsIn patients with CAN, 13.7% were symptomatic and 51.2% were asymptomatic. The prevalence of abnormal QTc and QTd was 11.3% and 28.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the patients with or without CAN in terms of long QTc and abnormal QTd. However, the mean ± SD of QT max, QT mean and QTd was higher in the patients with CAN (P_Vlue = 0.008, 0.03, 0.02, respectively).ConclusionThe prevalence of asymptomatic CAN was twice that of symptomatic CAN. In patients with CAN the QT max, QT mean and QTd were higher than those without CAN.
Economic burden of Eating disorders in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Hong Minha , Park Saengryeol , Kang Won Sub , Oh In-Hwan
Published: July 2020

Objective Few studies have investigated the epidemiology of eating disorders using national representative data. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and economic burden of eating disorders in South Korea.Method The aim of this study was to estimate the disease burden of diagnosed eating disorders (ICD F50.x) over a six-year period between 2010 and 2015, in South Korea. The direct medical cost, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs resulting from eating disorders were estimated in order to calculate the economic burden of such disorders.Results The total prevalence was 12.02 people (per 100,000) in 2010, and 13.28 in 2015. The economic cost of eating disorders was estimated to be USD5,727,843 in 2010 and USD5,338,752 in 2015. The economic cost and prevalence of eating disorders was the highest in the 20–29 age group.Conclusion The results showed the eating disorders are insufficiently managed in the medical insurance system. The further research is warranted to better understand the economic burdens of each eating disorders.
Generation of UCiPSCs-Derived Neurospheres for Cell Therapy and its Application in Cell Shipment at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhao Huifang , Han Xiaobo , He Lang , Mukama Omar , Lin Zuoxian , Huang Rongqi , Huang Hualin , Tian Chao , Tang Feng , Li Zhiyuan
Published: July 2020

BackgroundNeural stem cells（NSCs）therapy remains one of the most potential approaches for neurological disorders treatment. The discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and the establishment of hiPSC-derived human neural stem cells (hiNSCs) have revolutionized our technique to cell therapy. Meanwhile, it is often required that NSCs are stored and transported long distances for research or treatment. Although high survival rates could be maintained, conventional methods of cell transport (dry ice or liquid nitrogen) are inconvenient and expensive. Therefore，the establishment of a safe, affordable, and frequent obtained hiPSCs and hiNSCs, with characteristics that match fetal hNSCs and a simple, low-cost way to store and transport, are incredibly urgent. MethodsWe reprogrammed human urinary cells to iPSCs using a virus-free technique and differentiated the iPSCs toward iNSCs/neurospheres and neurons, under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compatible conditions. The pluripotency of iPSCs and iNSCs was characterized by a series of classical methods (surface markers, karyotype analysis and in vitro and in vivo differentiation capabilities, etc).ResultsHere, our results showed that we successfully generated hiNSCs/neurospheres from more available, non-invasive, and more acceptable urinary cells by a virus-free technique and their differentiation into neural networks. Moreover，hiNSCs survived longer as neurospheres at ambient temperature than those cultured in a monolayer. Approximately 7 days, the neural viability remained at > 80%, while hiNSCs cultured in a monolayer died almost immediately. Neurospheres exposed to ambient temperature that were placed under standard culture conditions (37 ℃, 5% CO2) recovered their typical morphology, and retained their ability to proliferate and differentiate. ConclusionsIn this study, we provided a simple method for the storage of NSCs as neurospheres at ambient temperature as an alternative to more costly and inconvenient traditional methods of cryopreservation. This will enable hiNSCs to be transported over long distances at ambient temperature and facilitate the therapeutic application of NSCs as neurospheres without any further treatment.
C-C chemokine receptor type 5 links COVID-19, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Hachim Mahmood Yaseen , Hachim Ibrahim , Naeem Kashif , Hannawi Haifa , Salmi Issa Al , Hannawi Suad
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represent one of the fragile patient groups that might be susceptible to coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19) and its severe form. On the other side, RA patients have been found not to have an increased risk of COVID19 infection. Moreover, some of the Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) commonly used to treat rheumatic diseases like Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were proposed as a potential therapy for COVID19 with a lack of full understanding of their molecular mechanisms. This highlights the need for the discovery of common pathways that may link both diseases at the molecular side Methods: We used the in silico approach to investigate the transcriptomic profile of RA synovium compared to osteoarthritis and healthy controls to identify RA specific molecular pathways shared with that of severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-COV-2) infected lung tissue. Results: Our results showed upregulation of chemotactic factors, including CCL4, CCL8, and CCL11, that all shared CCR5 as their receptor, as a common derangement observed in both diseases; RA and COVID-19. Moreover, our results also highlighted that HCQ might interfere with the COVID-19 infection through its ability to upregulate specific immune cell populations like activated natural killer (NK) cells, besides blocking CCR5 rich immune cell recruitment to the SARS-COV-2 infected lungs Conclusion: Our results might explain some of the reports that showed beneficial effects and indicate the need for proper patients stratification on their immune profile before selecting the therapeutic protocol or clinical trial enrollment. Keyword COVID-19, SARS-COV-2, Hydroxychloroquine, rheumatoid arthritis
Protein Signature of Human Skin Fibroblasts Allows the Study of the Molecular Etiology of Rare Neurological Diseases
Authors: Hentschel Andreas , Czech Artur , Münchberg Ute , Freier Erik , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Sickmann Albert , Reimann Jens , Roos Andreas
Published: July 2020

Background: The elucidation of pathomechanisms leading to the manifestation of rare (genetically caused) neurological diseases including neuromuscular diseases (NMD) represents an important step toward the understanding of the genesis of the respective disease and might help to define starting points for (new) therapeutic intervention concepts. However, these “discovery studies” are often limited by the availability of human biomaterial. Moreover, given that results of next-generation-sequencing approaches frequently result in the identification of ambiguous variants, testing of their pathogenicity is crucial but also depending on patient-derived material. Results: To systematically address the question if human skin fibroblasts might serve as valuable biomaterial for (molecular) studies of NMD, using proteomic profiling, we generated a protein library by decreasing protein complexity via pH8-based sample fractionation: cataloguing of 8280 proteins revealed the expression of a variety of such linked to genetic forms of motoneuron diseases, congenital myasthenic syndromes, neuropathies and muscle disorders. In silico-based pathway analyses revealed expression of a variety of proteins involved in muscle contraction and such decisive for neuronal function and maintenance suggesting the suitability of human skin fibroblasts to study the etiology of NMD. Based on these findings, next we aimed to further demonstrate the suitability of this in vitro model to study NMD by a use case: utilizing a data independent acquisition approach, the proteomic signature of whole protein extracts of fibroblasts derived from an Allgrove-patient was studied. Paradigmatic dysregulated proteins were confirmed in muscle biopsy of the patient and protein-functions could be linked to neurological symptoms known for this disease. Moreover, protoemic investigation of nuclear protein composition allowed the identification of protein-dysregulations according with structural perturbations observed in the muscle biopsy. As proteomic data suggested a perturbed lipid homeostasis, BODIPY-staining was performed on fibroblasts and coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering microscopy on muscle biopsy. Results of both investigations suggest altered lipid storage as part of the underlying disease-etiology. Conclusions: our combined data reveal that human fibroblasts may serve as an in vitro system to study the molecular etiology of rare neurological diseases exemplified on Allgrove syndrome in an unbiased fashion.
Prevalence and Risk factors of Infertility in a Mongolian Population
Authors: Negdel Tuvshinbayar , Ulziisaikhan Khishigjargal , Sengebaljir Davaakhuu , Enkhbat Arigbukh , Munkhbayar Badrakh , Bilegsuren Khantushig , Ganbold Ariunaa , Nanjid Khuderchuluun , Readhead Carol W , Erkhembaatar Lkhagva-Ochir , Tuduvdorj Erkhembaatar , Malchinkhuu Munkhzol , Enkhtaivan Odkhuu
Published: July 2020

Background

Worldwide, the median prevalence of infertility is 9%, but rates in different countries vary from 3.5–16.7%. Infertility, which is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse, is not considered a medical condition but carries a social stigma and can greatly impact a couple’s self-esteem and wellbeing. There are a number of risk factors associated with infertility such as: genetic background, age, socio-economic factors, and health care including treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. We have achieved the first population-based study on the prevalence of infertility in reproductive aged women in Mongolia, and the factors that influence it.
Method:

We conducted a population-based, cross sectional study in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar: East, West, Central Khangai, Central, and Ulaanbaatar. Our questionnaire consisted of categories that influenced infertility such as: socio-economic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status and sexual function. Trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants.
Results

A total of 1,920 couples residing in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar were studied. The median prevalence rate was 7.2%, which is similar to the worldwide infertility rate of 9%. Primary and secondary infertility was 2.5% and 5% respectively. Sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) contributed to secondary infertility. Our study showed that the most important risk factors for infertility were rural living and low levels of education. Only 14.8% of infertile patients received hormone therapy, and even fewer infertile patients (0.8%) received in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Conclusions

Our study shows that two most significant risk factors for infertility were: reliving in rural communities and having a low level of education. Occupational conditions, and monthly household income were not significant risk factors for infertility. Since this is the first population-based study in Mongolia we were not able to measure trends in infertility prevalence but intend to do so in the future.
A Comparison of the Bridge-type ROI-C Interbody Fusion Cage System and Titanium Mesh Graft With Titanium Plate Fixation in 2-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Plating and Cage System: A Retrospective Study
Authors: He Shuangjun , Zhou Zhangzhe , Shao Xiaofeng , Zhang Changhao , Zhou Xinfeng , Wu Shuhua , Chen Kangwu , Wang Yaowei , Qian Zhonglai
Published: July 2020

Objective

To explore the clinical efficacy and radioactive results of the bridge-type ROI-C interbody fusion cage (ROI-C) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating and cage system (ACDF) for cervical spondylopathy.
Methods

From January 2014 to January 2018, 45 patients undergoing ACDF were retrospectively analyzed, including 24 cases of ROI-C (group A) and 21 cases of ACDF (group B). The operation time, blood loss, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), postoperative complications, imaging results including cervical Cobb angle and fusion were compared between groups.
Results

All patients were successfully treated with surgery, and no cerebrospinal fluid leakage, esophageal fistula, or hoarseness occurred after surgery. The operation time and blood loss in group A were lower than those in group B (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, JOA score increased and NDI score decreased after operation (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of dysphagia in group A was lower than that in group B at 1 month and 3 months after operation (P < 0.05), but the final follow-up results showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups (P > 0.05). In group A, the fusion rate was 83.3% 3 months after surgery and 100% at the last follow-up. The rate of adjacent level ossification development was 12.5%. In group B, the fusion rate was 85.7% 3 months after surgery and 100% at the last follow-up. The rate of adjacent level ossification development was 23.8%.
Conclusion

Both ROI-C and ACDF can achieve satisfactory results, but ROI-C has shorter operation time, less bleeding and lower incidence of dysphagia in the short term.
Mir-608 Overexpression in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is Related to Acetylcholinesterase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)
Authors: Shochet Gali Epstein , Israeli-Shani Lilach , Kains Isabelle , Wand Ori , Shitrit David
Published: July 2020

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease that causes scarring of the lungs. The disease is associated with the Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) pattern, which was not yet fully recapitulated by an animal model. Therefore, the disease is considered ‘human specific’. miRNA-608 is a primate specific miRNA with many potential targets, such CdC42 and Interlukin-6 (IL-6) that were previously implicated in IPF pathology. Objective: To test miR-608 expression and its targets in IPF patient samples.Methods: RNA was extracted from Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections (N=18). miRNA-608 expression and Cdc42 and IL-6 levels were analyzed by qPCR. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is another target of miRNA-608. Its' rs17228616 allele has a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) causing weakened miR-608 interaction (C2098A). Thus, DNA was extracted from whole blood samples from 56 subjects with fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) and this region was sequenced for assessment of rs17228616 allele polymorphism.Results: MiR-608 is significantly overexpressed in IPF samples, in comparison with controls (p<0.05). Cdc42 and IL-6 levels were lower in the IPF patient samples compared with control samples (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). The frequency of the rs17228616 minor A-allele was 17/56 (30.4%) with all patients being heterozygous. This result is significant vs. the published Israeli cohort of healthy individuals, which reported 17% prevalence of this allele in healthy control volunteers (p=0.01, OR = 2.1, CI 95% [1.19-3.9]).Conclusion: MiR-608 is overexpressed in IPF patients. While the exact mechanism remains to be discovered, it could potentially promote fibrotic disease.
Factors Associated with COVID-Related Mortality: The Case of Texas
Authors: Adepoju Omolola , Ojinnaka Chinedum , Woodard LeChauncy , Burgess Anh V
Published: July 2020

Background. Texas ranks 3rd in the count of COVID cases. Pre-existing disparities in healthcare may be intersecting with COVID-19 outcomes. Objectives. To explore the relationship between county-level race/ethnic composition and COVID-19 mortality in the state of Texas and determine whether county-level health factors, healthcare access measures, and other demographic characteristics explain this relationship.Methods. This retrospective study uses county-level case and fatality data obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services and merged with the 2020 Robert Wood Johnson foundation (RWJF) county health rankings data. The outcome variables were fatalities per 100,000 population. A two-part/hurdle model examined 1) the probability of having a COVID-19 fatality and 2) fatalities per 100,000 population in counties with 1+ fatalities. For both parts of the hurdle model, we examined the impacts of racial and ethnic composition, adjusting for county characteristics and health factors.Results. The odds of having a COVID-19 fatality increased with a unit percent increase in the proportion of adults with diabetes (OR: 1.10, CI=1.00-1.21) and adults with fair or poor health (OR: 2.39, CI=1.28-4.48). In the second part of the model, there was a statistically significant increase in COVID-19 fatalities/100,000 population with every one percent increase in the proportion of Asians (β= 81.29; p=0.001) and African Americans (β=74.73; p-value=0.027).Conclusion. Counties with higher rates of minorities, specifically Asian and African Americans, have a higher fatality burden. Targeted interventions are needed to raise awareness of preventive measures in these communities.
Ocular findings and retinal involvement in COVID-19 pneumonia patients: A cross-sectional study in an Italian referral centre
Authors: Pirraglia Maria Pia , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Cerini Alberto , Visioli Giacomo , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Pugliese Francesco , Lambiase Alessandro , Gharbiya Magda
Published: July 2020

Background: changes in immune and coagulation systems and possible viral spread through blood-brain barrier have been described in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we evaluate the possible retinal involvement and ocular findings in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted on 46 patients affected by severe COVID-19 who were hospitalized in one Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in two Infectious Diseases wards, including a bedside eye screening, corneal sensitivity assessment and retinography. Results: a total of 43 SARS-CoV-2 positive pneumonia patients affected with COVID-19 pneumonia were included, 25 males and 18 females, with a median age of 70 [IQR 59-78]. Except for one patient with unilateral posterior chorioretinitis of opportunistic origin, of whom aqueous tap was negative for SARS-CoV-2, no further retinal manifestation related to COVID-19 infection was found in our cohort. We found 3 patients (7%) with bilateral conjunctivitis in whom PCR analysis on conjunctival swab provided negative results for SARS-CoV-2. No alterations of corneal sensitivity were found.Conclusion: we demonstrated the absence of retinal involvement in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients. Ophthalmologic evaluation in COVID-19, particularly in patients hospitalized in an ICU setting, may be useful to reveal systemic co-infections by opportunistic pathogens.
Bioconversion of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) from fulvic acid powder produced from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation
Authors: Li Yazhou , Wang Jianghan , Ke Luxin , Zhao Xiuyun , Qi Gaofu
Published: July 2020

Background: Molasses is a wildly used feedstock for fermentation, but it poses a severe wastewater-disposal problem worldwide. Recently, the wastewater produced by yeast during molasses fermentation is being processed into fulvic acid (FA) powder as a fertilizer for crops, but it consequently induces a problem of soil acidification after being directly applied in soil. In this study, the low-cost FA powder was bioconverted into a value-added product, γ-PGA, by a glutamate independent producer, Bacillus velezensis GJ11. Results: With FA powder, the substrates of sodium glutamate and citrate sodium used in medium were decreased around one third. Moreover, FA powder could completely substitute Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ and Fe3+ in the fermentation medium. In the optimized FA powder fermentation medium, the γ-PGA was produced with its maximum concentration at 42.55 g/L and a productivity of 1.15 g/(L·h), while only 2.87 g/L was produced in the medium without FA powder. Hydrolyzed γ-PGA could trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR), e.g. H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition, against the pathogen infection in plants. Further investigations found that the ISR triggered by γ-PGA hydrolyzates was dependent on the ethylene signalling and NPR1. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of using the industry waste, FA powder, as a sustainable substrate for the microbial synthesis of γ-PGA. This bioprocess can not only develop a new way of FA powder as a cheap feedstock for producing γ-PGA, but also help to reduce pollution from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation.
Prevalence of Extramammary Paget's Disease in Urban China: A Population-based Study
Authors: Yin Shilu , Xu Lu , Wang Shengfeng , Feng Jingnan , Liu Lili , Liu Guozhen , Wang Jinxi , Zhan Siyan , Zhao Zhenmin , Gao Pei
Published: July 2020

Background
Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is an intraepithelial adenocarcinoma. The chronic relapsing clinical course and unbearable clinical symptoms of EMPD usually result in a markedly diminished quality of life. No national data are available on descriptive epidemiology of EMPD in China, the most populous country over the world. This population-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated sex and age patterns of EMPD in China.
Methods
This study was conducted using data from China’s Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, covering approximately 0.43 billion Chinese urban residents in 2016. Patients with EMPD were identified based on the diagnostic names and codes in claim data.
Results
A total of 53 males and 31 females with EMPD were found. The crude prevalence in 2016 was 0.04 per 100 000 population [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02 to 0.06], ranging from 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.02) in North or Northeast China to 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.16) in Southwest China. The rates were higher in males (0.05, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.08) compared with females (0.03, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.05). The mean age of patients was 65.87 (standard deviation: 14.21) years, with the peak prevalence appeared in patients aged 70–79 (0.28, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.42).
Conclusions
The prevalence of EMPD was markedly lower than those in the United States and Europe, and varied across regions in China. Chinese patients were much younger, with significant male predominance. Further study is warranted to examine potential pathophysiologic mechanism.
Characterization of polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network hydrogel utilized for the cleaning of works of art
Authors: Al-Emam Ehab Awad , Soenen Hilde , Caen Joost , Janssens Koen
Published: July 2020

Since cleaning of artworks is a nonreversible procedure, it is mandatory to adopt the proper cleaning technique which has the ability to remove undesired materials whilst preserving the original surface and, if present, the original ‘patina’ of the surface layer. In this regard, numerous gels have been developed and exploited for the cleaning of various artwork surfaces. Lately, agarose (AG) and polyvinyl alcohol-borax (PVA-B) hydrogels have been widely employed as cleaning tools by conservators-restorers. Both hydrogels show some limitations in specific cleaning practices. In this work, we investigated the influence of including increased levels of agarose into PVA-B systems. For this reason, we performed a detailed characterization on the double network (DN) hydrogel including the chemical structure, the liquid phase retention, the rheological behaviour, and the self-healing behaviour of various PVA-B/AG double network hydrogels. These new hydrogels revealed better properties than PVA-B hydrogels and obviated their limitations. The inclusion of AG into PVA-B systems enhanced the liquid retention capacity, shape-stability, and mechanical strength of the blend. Furthermore, AG minimized the expelling/syneresis issue that occurs when loading PVA-B systems with non-polar solvents or chelating agents. The resultant double network hydrogel exhibits relevant self-healing properties. The PVA-B/AG double network is a new and useful cleaning tool that can be added to the conservators-restorers’ tool-kit. It is ideal for cleaning procedures dealing with porous and complex structured surfaces, vertical surfaces and for long time applications.
Use of Intravenous Sodium Bicarbonate in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Italy: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Massenzi Luca , Aufieri Roberto , Donno Silvia , Agostino Rocco , Dotta Andrea
Published: July 2020

Background
Metabolic Acidosis (MA) is a disturbance of the acid-base balance that can occur in preterm and critically ill term neonates due to different etiologies. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate (SB) has been traditionally used to correct such unbalance, despite the lack of evidence about its safety and efficacy. In literature, reported undesirable effects of treatment with SB in neonates include worsening of intracellular acidosis, impairment of myocardial function, cerebral blood flow fluctuations and intracranial hemorrhage. A national survey was conducted by the Neonatal Pharmacotherapy Study Group of the Italian Society of Neonatology with the aim to assess and describe attitudes and practices concerning the use of SB, particularly for the treatment of MA in Italian NICUs.
Methods
A questionnaire regarding treatment of MA and SB prescription habits was sent to the directors of 120 Italian NICUs from June 2017 to March 2018.
Results
The survey response rate was 97.5% (117/120 centers). Findings showed that in 55% of the surveyed NICUs (64/117 units) it is common practice to correct MA with intravenous SB. On the other hand, the remaining 45% of the units try to solve the metabolic disturbances adopting different approaches (improving perfusion, adjusting ventilation parameters or increasing blood volume). Moreover, to prevent the occurrence of MA, 37.6% of the NICUs (44/117) include buffer salts (lactate, acetate or both) in parenteral nutrition prescriptions. SB is also used as a treatment for other conditions, mainly pathologies with bicarbonate loss and tubular acidosis (respectively in 53.8% and 32.5% of the NICUs).
Conclusion
This survey showed how SB is a commonly used treatment for MA in more than half of Italian NICUs, with indications and prescription criteria that significantly vary across centers. Based on current knowledge, it is reasonable to suggest that the management of neonatal MA should be firstly directed to identify the underlying disorders. Thus, the use of SB should be reserved only for selected cases, also considering the severity of SB adverse effects and the lack of evidence about its efficacy. Guidance for the management of MA is required to harmonize practices and reduce the use of potentially inappropriate and unsafe treatments.
Hydrochemical Interaction of Major ions in Groundwater: A Case Study
Authors: Satheeshkumar S. , Venkateswaran S.
Published: July 2020

Water is most important resource to sustain to progress life on the earth. Most of communities obtain their water recover from groundwater. Aquifer that can capable of holding fresh water. Nearly 80% of water resource used for human purposes. So water drain into the watershed of the study. The chemical composition of river eater is mainly depending upon many interrelated factor including geology, soil, topography and biological process. The continuous runoff of water may causes land use changes, therefore, hydro geochemistry of groundwater is sum of the total character. Water resource quality character is one of pollution problem comes when the concentration of the ions exceeds the acceptable limit. In this study area now a day the problem of environmental pollution increase day-to-day and anthropogenic influence paly concern role in groundwater. The aim of the present study explore the appraisal of physico-chemical characterization of groundwater water samples and their major ion interaction in hard rock of this study area. In this area that is quality character of water resource especially for drinking and domestic purposes it is depend on the constituent of water. Once, the concentration exceeds the permissible limit it causes health effect. Gibbs and missing plot were used to identify the source of major ions. The contribution of water pollution scenario can be confirmed by field studies by focusing on land use change, agriculture and settlement activities. The relationship between consider variable of ions were determined through correlation analysis. A better understanding of hard rock aquifer for water quality changes as development progress by geochemical studies of groundwater deliver is necessary.
Binding of Human Serum Proteins to P. Falciparum Infected Erythrocytes and Its Association With Malaria Clinical Presentation
Authors: Lopez-Perez Mary , Puije William van der , Castberg Filip C. , Ofori Michael F. , Hviid Lars
Published: July 2020

Background The pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is related to the ability of parasite‑infected erythrocytes (IEs) to adhere to the vascular endothelium (cytoadhesion/sequestration) or to surrounding uninfected erythrocytes (rosetting). Both processes are mediated by the expression of members of the clonally variant PfEMP1 parasite protein family on the surface of the IEs. Recent evidence obtained with laboratory-adapted clones indicates that P. falciparum can exploit human serum factors, such as IgM and α 2 ‑macroglobulin (α 2 M), to increase the avidity of PfEMP1-mediated binding to host receptors, as well as to evade host PfEMP1-specific immune responses. It has remained unclear whether PfEMP1 variants present in field isolates share these characteristics, and whether they are associated with clinical malaria severity. These issues were investigated here. Methods Children between 1-12 years reporting with P. falciparum malaria to Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana were enrolled in the study. Parasites from children with uncomplicated (UM) and severe malaria (SM) were collected. Binding of α 2 M and IgM from non-immune individuals to erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum isolates from 34 children (UM and SM) were analysed by flow cytometry. Rosetting in the presence of IgM or α 2 M was also evaluated. Experimental results were related to the clinical presentation of the patients. Results Clinical data from 108 children classified as UM (n=54) and SM cases (n=54) were analysed. Prostration, severe malaria anaemia, and hyperparasitaemia were the most frequent complications. Three children were diagnosed with cerebral malaria, and one child died. Parasite isolates from 34 children were analysed. Most of the field isolates bound non‑immune IgM (33/34), whereas the α 2 M-binding was less common (23/34) and mostly low. Binding of both non-immune IgM and α 2 M was higher in IEs from children with SM than from UM. In combination, IgM and α 2 M supported rosette formation at levels similar to that observed in the presence of 10% human serum. Conclusions The results support the hypothesis that binding of non-immune IgM and/or α 2 M to IEs facilitates rosette formation and contributes to P. falciparum malaria severity.
Has Fiscal Decentralization Influenced the Quality of Life in Sub-Saharan Africa? Empirical Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Rufai Rufai Mistura , Ogunniyi Adebayo Isaiah , Salman Kabir Kayode , Salawu Mutiat Bukola , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Ashagidigbi Waheed
Published: July 2020

Sub-Sahara Africa countries has the highest proportion of people with the lowest access to basic amenities required to live well. Nigeria contributes significantly to the low quality of life in the region. Many governments particularly in Africa adopted government decentralization as a major policy reform to improve the distribution of public goods and services. The overall outcome of government decentralization is believed to be more dependent on the extent of fiscal decentralization. This study examined the influence of fiscal decentralization on indicators of health, education, household wealth and living environment.The estimation technique used in this study is based on Vector autoregression (VAR) model.Besides, an impulse response function (orf) function and a Granger causality test was also generated as post-estimation to confirm the results. The results revealed that though the growth in the previous revenue of states and local governments had an inverse relationship with improvements in the indicators. The expenditure of sub national governments had a weak effect but it had an increasing influence on all the indicators except child mortality. The results of the Granger causality test revealed that variations in child mortality rates and access to improved water cannot be explained by both revenue and expenditure of the sub national governments in Nigeria. The quality of life people live can be improved if the issue of financial constraints and accountability at the sub national level of governments is addressed.
NOTA EDITORIAL
Authors: (es) Editor
Published: July 2020

Sociedade e Território - Natal Vol. 32, N. 1. Jan./Jun. de 2020.
INTERSECÇÕES ENTRE MATERIALIDADES E SONORIDADES NA CONSTRUÇÃO DA CATEGORIA IYAMAKA PARESI-HALITI
Authors: Aroni Bruno Oliveira
Published: July 2020

Entre o grupo indígena Paresi-Haliti, o termo iyamaka se refere ao conjunto de ﬂautas secretas associadas a poderosos espíritos, para os quais são dedicados oferendas e rituais. Partindo de uma investigação das condições que possibilitam a presença-viva destes artefatos e dos saberes e técnicas implicados na sua condição sonora, busca-se, sobretudo demonstrar como a fabricação material e a produção musical constituem tecnologias rituais relevantes naquele contexto etnográﬁco, capazes de garantir relações harmônicas entre os haliti e outras entidades não-humanas concebidas em sua cosmologia.
PLANTAS EM MÃOS HABILIDOSAS E EM MODOS ESPECÍFICOS DE VER: UMA ETNOGRAFIA EM CENÁRIOS BOTÂNICOS
Authors: Cruz Elizeu Pinheiro da
Published: July 2020

Ancorado nos estudos sobre as relações entre humanos e não humanos, este artigo aborda o trabalho de cortar dos biólogos relacionado à descrição da biodiversidade vegetal de territórios da Bahia, Brasil, a ﬁm de produzir apontamentos que possam contribuir com as circularidades dos discursos ambientais contemporâneos, atentos à superação das dicotomias humanidade-natureza e indivíduo-ambiente. Ele é um desdobramento das notas de campo elaboradas em uma etnograﬁa desenvolvida entre os anos 2011 e 2016 que acompanhou, em laboratórios, matas e outros cenários das ciências biológicas da Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, movimentos de coletivos de plantas, animais, biólogos e outros entes em pesquisas voltadas para descrições da biodiversidade da Bahia como excepcionalidade. Cortar plantas é uma ação assumida pelos biólogos como possibilidade de composição, por multiplicação de formas, de descrições dos mundos habitados pelas plantas em traçados das ciências biológicas.
A PRÁXIS XAMÂNICA KAINGANG NA MODERNIDADE/COLONIALIDADE: UMA POLÍTICA DA FLORESTA
Authors: Maréchal Clémentine
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo busca apresentar diferentes expressões da práxis xamânica Kaingang como testemunho da intencionalidade dos kujà (xamãs) de afirmar seu protagonismo tanto dentro quanto fora das suas comunidades. Preocupados com sua (re)existência, os kujà usam e se apropriam de diversos conceitos e premissas imaginárias da modernidade/colonialidade e as transformam em ferramentas que visam por um lado a recuperação do seu poder enquanto liderança política e político-espiritual e por outro a continuidade das suas práticas repassando seus poderes para as futuras gerações. Desafiam, assim, os impasses que a política, em seus termos modernos/coloniais, coloca, intencionalmente ou não, nos seus caminhos.