bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security Assurance Modelling of Security Incident in Healthcare using the Generic Security Template (GST)
Authors: He Ying , Luo Cunjin
Published: April 2020

Background: The recent industry reports show that the number of security incidents in healthcare sector is still increasing, especially the high severity incident, such as data leakage incident and ransomware, which can lead to significant impact on healthcare services. It is imperative for the organizations to learn lessons from those incidents. Traditional ways to disseminate lessons learned are based on text approach, the linear format of which can obscure relationships among concepts and discourage readers from integrating information across ideas. Graphical diagrams can serve this purpose, as it can communicate both individual elements of information and relationships between them. Methods: The Generic Security Template (GST) has been proposed to support the exchange of lessons learned from security incidents. It utilises graphical notations to communicate both individual elements of information and relationships between them. This paper conducts a case study by adopting the GST to capture and structure the incident information of a data leakage incident in a UK healthcare organization in order to facilitate incident exchange. Results: The results show that, the GST was able to visualise and depict the key elements, including lessons learned, the associated security requirements and organizational contextual information identified from the selected data leakage incident case study from NHS. GST provides a unified way to communicate incident information. Conclusions: This research has significance for the healthcare organizations to improve their incident learning practices. It fosters an environment where different stakeholders can speak the same language while exchanging the lessons learned from the security incidents. Future work will consider apply the GST to analyse other complex security incidents such as the advanced persistent threats (APTs) in healthcare organizations and extend the use of the GST in other industries. Keywords: Security Assurance Modelling, Generic Security Template (GST), Security Incident, Healthcare Organization.
Anti-oxidant activity of methanolic extract of aquatic flowering plant Nymphaea capensis leaf
Authors: Alam Mohammad , Biozid Md. Shahrear , Faruk Md. , Abeden Md. Jainul , Ferdous Khandoker Usran , Nitul Iffat Ara , Islam Md. Rafikul
Published: April 2020

Background: Nymphaea capensis is an aquatic flowering plant which is included in the family of Nymphaeaceae. Literature review on the plants of Nymphaeaceae family exhibited significant medicinal activities. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate possible anti-oxidant activity of crude methanol extract of N. capensis leaf.Method: In antioxidant study, methanolic plant extract was evaluated for 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power capacity. Moreover, total phenolic and total flavonoid content of plant extracts were determined and expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry sample (mg GAE/g dry weight).Result: In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, methanol extract showed concentration dependent inhibition of the free radicals. IC50 of Ascorbic acid was 14.84 µg/ml whereas N. capensis was 130.94 µg/ml. In case of reducing capacity, at conc. 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000 ug/ml, the absorbances of Ascorbic acid were 0.65, 1.12, 1.45, 1.78 and 1.89 respectively. In case of N. capensis, the absorbances were 0.46, 0.75, 1.04, 1.27 and 1.50 respectively. The extract displayed a concentration dependent increase in reducing power. In the case of total phenolic content, the methanol extract of N. capensis contained a considerable amount of phenolic contents which was 215±7 of GAE mg/g. In the case of total flavonoid content, methanol extract of N. capensis contained significant amount of flavonoid contents which was 184.75±6.78 of GAE mg/g.Conclusion: These results suggested that the methanol extract of N. capensis possess considerable anti-oxidant activity.
Validation of a point-of-care capillary lactate measuring device (Lactate Pro 2).
Authors: Raa Anette , Sunde Geir Arne , Bolann Bjørn , Kvåle Reidar , Bjerkvig Christopher , Eliassen Håkon Skogrand , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Heltne Jon-Kenneth
Published: April 2020

Background: The measurement of lactate in emergency medical services has the potential for earlier detection of shock and can be performed with a point-of-care handheld device. Validation of a point-of-care handheld device is required for prehospital implementation. Aim: The primary aim was to validate the accuracy of Lactate Pro 2 in healthy volunteers and in haemodynamically compromised intensive care patients. The secondary aim was to evaluate which sample site, fingertip or earlobe, is most accurate compared to arterial lactate.Methods: Arterial, venous and capillary blood samples from fingertips and earlobes were collected from intensive care patients and healthy volunteers. Arterial and venous blood lactate samples were analysed on a stationary hospital blood gas analyser (ABL800 Flex) as the reference device and compared to the Lactate Pro 2. We used the Bland-Altman method to calculate the limits of agreement and used mixed effect models to compare instruments and sample sites. Results: A total of 49 intensive care patients with elevated lactate and 11 healthy volunteers who performed a maximal oxygen consumption test to obtain elevated blood lactate levels were included. There was no significant difference in measured lactate between Lactate Pro 2 and the reference method using arterial blood in either the healthy volunteers or the intensive care patients. Capillary lactate measurement in the fingertip and earlobe of intensive care patients was 47% (95% CI (29% to 68%), p<0.001) and 27% (95%CI (11% to45%), p<0.001) higher, respectively, than the corresponding arterial blood lactate. Conclusion: Our results showed that the handheld Lactate Pro 2 had good agreement with the reference method using arterial blood in both intensive care patients and healthy volunteers. However, we found that the agreement was poorer using venous blood in both groups. Furthermore, the earlobe may be a better sample site than the fingertip in intensive care patients.
Intervention effect of fucoxanthin supplementation on cadmium-induced thyroid injury in mice
Authors: Yan Haoyue , Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Li Pengcheng
Published: April 2020

Background: The Intervention effect of fucoxanthin, which is reportedly a powerful antioxidant, on cadmium-induced thyroid damage in mice was evaluated.Methods: Animals (N = 120) were divided into control group (given pure water, N=20) and CdCl-exposed group (given CdCl orally at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day for 30 days, N=100). Besides, the CdCl-exposed group were divided into following 5 groups (N=20) to evaluate the intervention effect of fucoxanthin: 1) negative control group (NCG, animals were supplied with pure water); 2) positive control group (PCG, animals were supplied with 50 mg/kg bw/day thyroid tablets); 3) low fucoxanthin concentration group (F1, animals were supplied with 10 mg/kg bw/day fucoxanthin); 4)medium fucoxanthin concentration group (F2, animals were supplied with 25 mg/kg bw/day fucoxanthin); 5) high fucoxanthin concentration groups (F3, animals were supplied with 50 mg/kg bw/day fucoxanthin). A 14-day treatment was conducted for these animals. The levels of T4, T3, MDA, APX and CAT were measured, and the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, ERK1, ERK2, MEK1, eIf2α, p-eIf2α, GRP78 and GRP94 genes were determined using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). In addition, tissue histopathology and ultrastructure were recorded and analyzed.Results: We found that injection of cadmium chloride (CdCl) decreased blood T4 and T3 levels to 27.10 ng/ml and 837.74 pg/ml, respectively. In addition, CdCl intoxication induced oxidative stress, structural abnormalities and apoptosis in thyroid follicles. Our results showed that treatment of CaCl-exposed mice with 25-50 mg/kg bw/day fucoxanthin appreciably decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by CdCl, and restored the microstructural and ultrastructural organisation of the thyroid gland towards normalcy. Compared with the negative control group, fucoxanthin treatment groups showed significantly upregulated T4 and T3 levels (52.17 ng/ml and 1669.18 ng/ml, respectively; P ＜ 0.05), relieved oxidative stress by decreasing Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increasing Catalase (CAT) and Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) levels, and increased apoptosis inhibition through inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway and preventing endoplasmic reticulum stress in thyroid follicular epithelial cells.Conclusion: Herein, our study provides evidence of the protective effects of fucoxanthin supplementation against thyroid damage, and suggests therapeutic potential of this pigment in cases of Cd intoxication and hypothyroidism.
Immediate Effects of First-line Thrombectomy Devices for Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Occlusion: Stent Retriever versus Contact Aspiration
Authors: Yoo Joonsang , Lee Seong-Joon , Hong Jeong-Ho , Kim Yong-Won , Hong Ji Man , Kim Chang-Hyun , Kang Dong-Hun , Choi Jin Wook , Kim Yong-Sun , Sohn Sung-Il , Hwang Yang-Ha , Lee Jin Soo
Published: April 2020

Background: Although stent retriever (SR) is recommended as a frontline device of endovascular treatment (EVT) for embolic large artery occlusion causing acute ischemic stroke, contact aspiration (CA) device showed similar efficacy in the recent trials. However, the efficacy of the both devices as first-line therapy for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion has not yet been established. Therefore, we compared the immediate effects and final outcomes of SR and CA as first-line devices for treating ICAS-related occlusions.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke from the registry of three Korean hospitals. Patients with ICAS-related occlusion who were treated within 24 hours of onset of the symptoms were included. We investigated immediate reperfusion performance, immediate safety outcomes, and 3-month clinical outcomes for the two first-line devices.Results: Of the 720 registered patients, 111 were eligible for this study. Forty-nine patients (44.1%) used SR and 62 (55.9%) used CA as the first-line device. Achieving successful reperfusion immediately after first-line thrombectomy was more frequent in the SR group than that in the CA group (77.6% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.001), with fewer additional rescue treatments (12.2% vs. 59.7%, p < 0.001). The incidence of iatrogenic dissection or rupture was lower in the SR group than that in the CA group (8.2% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.012). After additional rescue treatments, however, the final successful reperfusion rate did not differ between the two groups (SR 87.8% vs. CA 77.4%, p = 0.247), and there was no significant difference in the 3-month good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, p = 0.524).Conclusions: First-line SR thrombectomy showed higher immediate reperfusion and less vessel injury for ICAS-related occlusions than CA. However, there was no significant difference in the final reperfusion status or 3-month outcomes from additional rescue treatments.
Global DNA 5hmC and CK19 with 5hmC positives cell contents represent a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis in small hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Jinhua , Yan Tinghua , Cui Dan , Wang Jun , Guo Fang , Shen Jialin
Published: April 2020

Background: 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) exists dynamically and exhibits various regulatory functions. It’s possibly associated with tumor occurrence and malignant transformation. Nevertheless, the part of 5hmC in small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) is still elusive. The study was directed toward characterizing 5hmC content in SHCC and assessing if global genomic 5hmC content was able to serve as a promising factor for predicting clinical results.Methods: The expression contens of 5mC, 5hmC and 5fC were assesed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS). 5hmC contens and CK19 expression were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC) .Results: The findings in the study displayed that global genomic 5mC, 5hmC, and 5fC contents in SHCC specimens were globally reduced relative to para-tumor tissues (P<0.001), Lymph node metastasis may be found in the small HCC, the non-metastasis group exhibited higher 5mC and 5hmc contents relative to those in metastasis group (P<0.001). HBV DNA was relevant to the decrease in 5mC, 5hmC and 5fC, as evidenced by the measurements in cell lines carrying or not carrying HBV DNA. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed the negative correlation of the content of 5hmC with CK19 expression in SHCC. The decreases of both 5hmC and CK19 with 5hmC positives cell contents in genomic DNA were related to SHCC patients’ unfavorable prognosis. Compared with para-tumor tissues, the 5hmC content in SHCC specimems was dramatically reduced.Conclusions: 5hmC and CK19 with 5hmC positives cell contents in genomic DNA possibly serve as a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis in small hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quantitative analysis of proteomic profiling in constipation colon biopsies
Authors: Ye Chen , Chen Qiyi , Zhao Di , Tian Hongliang , Zhang Xueying , Lin Zhiliang , Yang Bo , Li Ning
Published: April 2020

Background Chronic constipation is a common disease and between 2% and 27% of people are suffering from it in the world. Rare studies explore the diversity of genetic polymorphisms and cell metabolisms in constipation. This study provided a first analysis of constipation-related proteomic data. Methods To help elucidate the potential mechanisms responsible for constipation, proteomic profiling of human colon biopsy specimens was performed. Dysregulated proteins in disease tissues compared with normal tissues were characterized from the expression profiles by Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and Tandem Mass Tag proteomic methodology and further subjected to pathway analysis to identify altered biological processes and signaling pathways. Results A total of 5,208 proteins were identified, of which 4,522 had quantitative information. All the differentially expressed proteins displayed fold change greater than 1.3 were considered as dysregulated. Specifically, 42 proteins were up-regulated and 23 proteins were down-regulated in constipation samples. Bioinformatics analysis showed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were involved in the cellular process, single-organism process, metabolic process, biological regulation and response to stimulus. Pathway analysis of dysregulated proteins in constipation showed that the up-regulated proteins mainly participated in drug metabolism-cytochrome P450. Conclusions The TMT method followed by mass spectrometric analysis was applied to study the biopsy proteomic profiling alterations in constipation patients. Our results clearly proved that different protein profiles and signaling pathways were involved in constipation patients.
One Year of African Swine Fever Outbreak in China
Authors: Tao Dapeng , Sun Daipeng , Wei Shu , An Tongqing , Shen Guoshun , Chen Zeliang , Liu Jinling
Published: April 2020

Background: African swine fever (ASF) is a major threat to domestic pigs and wild boars. Since 2018, ASF outbreak has been ongoing in China. As of August 3, 2019, a total of 151 ASF outbreaks reported in China have caused severe economic losses for many pig farmers and pork producers. The present study is to analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of ASF outbreak that occurred in several regions across China during the period August 2018- August 2019. Particularly focusing on the epidemic distribution, main transmission routes, incidence/fatality, impact on pig production capacity, and the main preventive measures adopting to mitigate the risk of ASF spread in pig farming systems by Chinese government. Results: The data show that the importance of seasonality effect, spatial distribution and the anthropogenic factors on the transmission of ASF, and further suggest that effective ASF risk management in China will require a comprehensive and integrated approach linking science and policy and will need to involve all relevant stakeholders to develop realistic policies. Conclusions: This provides an improved scientific basis to optimize current interventions as well as develop new tools and strategies to reduce the risk of African swine fever virus (ASFV) transmission to domestic pigs and wild boars.
Predicting Age in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Females to Monitor Changes in Transmission Potential
Authors: Gutiérrez Eileen Jeffrey , Riehle Michael , Walker Kathleen , Ernst Kacey , Davidowitz Goggy
Published: April 2020

Background: The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of several viruses including dengue, chikungunya, zika, and yellow fever. Vector surveillance and control are the primary methods used for the control and prevention of disease transmission, however, there is an overreliance on measures of population abundance in surveillance programs as a trigger for initiating control activities. At the northern edge of Ae. aegypti’s geographic range, survival seems to be the factor limiting disease transmission. In this study, we sought to test the utility of using body size as an entomological index to surveil changes in the age structure of field collected, female Aedes aegypti. Methods: We collected female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes using BG sentinel traps in three cities at the northern edge of their geographic range. Collections took place during their active season over the course of three years. Female wing size was measured as an estimate of body size and reproductive status was characterized by examining ovary tracheation. Chronological age was determined by measuring transcript abundance of an age-dependent gene. These data were then combined with weather data from the estimated larval development period and adulthood (one week prior to capture). Two sources of weather data were tested to see which was more appropriate for evaluating impacts on mosquito physiology. All variables were then used to test models for predicting age via structural equation modeling. Results: We found that there was a bias in the body size of mosquitoes collected alive from the BG sentinel traps that favored large females. In comparing city-specific NOAA weather data and site-specific data from HOBO remote temperature and humidity loggers, we found that HOBO data was more tightly associated with body size. We found that body size itself was not associated with age. Of all the variables measured, we found that temperature during development, body size, and relative humidity in the one week prior to capture produced the strongest model for predicting age. The strength of models improved drastically when testing one city at a time, with Hermosillo having the strongest model for predicting age.Conclusions: Body size increased the strength of weather-based models for predicting variation in age. Importantly, we found that variability of the factors measured was greater within cities than between cities, meaning that age predictions must be made on a city by city basis. These results contribute to efforts to use weather forecasts to predict changes in the probability of disease transmission by mosquito vectors.
Changes in bowel sounds of inpatients undergo general anesthesia
Authors: Wang Guojing , Wang Mingjun , Liu Hongyun , Zhao Suping , Liu Lu , Wang Weidong
Published: April 2020

Background: General anesthesia can affect intestinal function, but there is no objective and effective indicator to evaluate the inhibition and recovery of intestinal function. The main objective of this study is to assess whether bowel sounds (BSs) change before and after general anesthesia, then it can be explained that the BS can be an effective indicator of intestinal function. Methods: We randomly selected 26 inpatients and collected three sets of 5-minute continuous BSs before operation (Pre-op), after operation (Pro-op) and three hours after operation(3h-Pro-op) separately for each patient. The data were de-noised with adaptive filtering and wavelet threshold denoising, and processed with fractal dimension to identify the effective bowel sounds (EBSs). Then the linear and nonlinear characteristic values (CVs) of each EBS were extracted and paired t -test and rank-sum test were used to evaluate the changes of the BSs after general anesthesia. Results: For the difference between Pre-op and Pro-op, as well as between Pro-op and 3h-Pro-op, there are statistical differences ( p <0.05). Specifically, the linear CVs that can reflect the occurrence frequency, overall energy and overall duration of EBSs and the nonlinear CVs that can reflect the dispersion degree of stability and complexity of EBSs were statistically significant. However, there is no statistical difference in the CVs reflecting the energy and duration, as well as the stability and complexity of locally EBSs ( p >0.05). Also, there is no statistically significant difference between all the characteristic values between Pre-op and 3h-Pro-op ( p >0.05). Conclusion: The BSs change after general anesthesia. Furthermore, the BSs are weakened after general anesthesia and recovered to the state before general anesthesia three hours later. Therefore, the BS can be an indicator of intestinal function under general anesthesia, so as to provide guidance for postoperative feeding , which is of great clinical significance.
Notch signaling in mouse blastocyst development and hatching
Authors: Batista Mariana , Diniz Patrícia , Torres Ana , Murta Daniel , Lopes-da-Costa Luís , Silva Elisabete
Published: April 2020

Background Mammalian early embryo development requires a well-orchestrated interplay of cell signaling pathways. Notch is a major regulatory pathway involved in cell-fate determination in embryonic and adult scenarios. However, the role of Notch in embryonic pre-implantation development is controversial. In particular, Notch role on blastocyst development and hatching remains elusive, and a complete picture of the transcription and expression patterns of Notch components during this time-period is not available.Results This study provided a comprehensive view on the dynamics of individual embryo gene transcription and protein expression patterns of Notch components (receptors Notch1-4; ligands Dll1 and Dll4, Jagged1-2; and effectors Hes1-2), and their relationship with transcription of gene markers of pluripotency and differentiation (Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, Cdx2) during mouse blastocyst development and hatching. Transcription of Notch1-2, Jagged1-2 and Hes1 was highly prevalent and dynamic along stages of development, whereas transcription of Notch3-4, Dll4 and Hes2 had a low prevalence among embryos. Transcription levels of Notch1, Notch2, Jagged2 and Hes1 correlated with each other and with those of pluripotency and differentiation genes. Gene transcription was associated to protein expression, except for Jagged2, where high transcription levels in all embryos were not translated into protein. Presence of Notch signaling activity was confirmed through nuclear NICD and Hes1 detection, and downregulation of Hes1 transcription following canonical signaling blockade with DAPT. In vitro embryo culture supplementation with Jagged1 had no effect on embryo developmental kinetics. In contrast, supplementation with Jagged2 abolished Jagged1 transcription, downregulated Cdx2 transcription and inhibited blastocyst hatching. Notch signaling blockade by DAPT downregulated transcription of Sox2, and retarded embryo hatching.Conclusion Transcription of Notch genes showed a dynamic pattern along blastocyst development and hatching. Data confirmed Notch signaling activity, and lead to the suggestion that Notch canonical signaling may be operating through Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1 and Hes1. Embryo culture supplementation with Jagged1 and Jagged2 unveiled a possible regulatory effect between Jagged1, Cdx2 and blastocyst hatching. Overall, results indicate that a deregulation in Notch signaling, either by its over or under-activation, affects blastocyst development and hatching.
The effect of renal replacement therapy on the concentration of selected arachidonic acid derivatives
Authors: Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Heryć Rafał , Wiśniewska Magda , Serwin Natalia , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: April 2020

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most frequently occurring diseases. A side effect of dialysis is, among other things, platelet activation. Arachidonic acid (AA) derivatives are released from activated platelets. In addition to being involved in many physical processes, they are also involved in the development of inflammation, asthma, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and the pathogenesis of kidney disease. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA) derivatives (TXB 2 ,5-HETE, 12-HETE, 15-HETE), in patients with CKD.Methods:117 patients were qualified to the study group. Based on the type of renal replacement therapy, patients are divided into the following groups: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplant patients and conservative treatment (30; 30; 27; 30 patients). The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. The concentrations of TXB 2 , 5-HETE, 12-HETE, 15-HETE, in the blood serum was measured by ELISA methods.Results: It was shown that renal replacement therapy significantly influences the concentration of TXB 2 p=0,010 5-HETE p<0,001 and 15-HETE p<0,001). There was a relationship between the type of renal replacement therapy and the duration of dialysis, and the concentration of TXB 2 , 12-HETE acid, and 15-HETE (p<0,001; p<0,001;p<0,001).Conclusions: The type of renal replacement therapy used had an effect on the concentration of arachidonic acid derivatives (TXB2, 5-HETE and 15-HETE). Apart from the type of therapy used in CKD patients, the factors significantly affecting the release of arachidonic acid derivatives were the age of patients, the duration of dialysis, the cause of CKD, and the stage of its advancement.
Predictive factors for disease recurrence in patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with curative surgery
Authors: Chang Te-Wei , Cheng Wei-Ming , Fan Yu-Hua , Lin Chih-Chieh , Lin Tzu-Ping , Huang Eric Yi-Hsiu , Chung Hsiao-Jen , Huang William J.S. , Chang Yen-Hwa , Lin Alex T.L.
Published: April 2020

Background Few prognostic factors have been proposed for patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aimed to investigate the possible predictive factors for disease-free survival (DFS) after curative surgery for RCC stage T3 or higher. Methods Patients with locally advanced RCC who underwent cure-intended partial or radical nephrectomy, with or without tumor thrombectomy, at our institution from April 1 st , 2005 to October 31 st , 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Those undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy were excluded. Preoperative data, including surgical and pathologic characteristics, were assessed for correlation with DFS. Chi-squared tests, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analyses were performed to determine potential predictive factors. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 159 patients were included for analysis. One hundred and nineteen (74.8%) patients remained disease-free during follow-up. Disease recurrence was found in 40 (25.2%) patients, and pathological T stage, capsule penetration, Fuhrman grade, thrombocytosis, and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly associated with disease recurrence on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, capsule penetration (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.25, p = 0.038, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–4.85) and Fuhrman grade 3 or 4 (HR = 8.06, p = 0.003, 95% CI = 2.59–25.02) showed significant associations with DFS. Conclusions In patients with locally advanced RCC, capsule penetration and Fuhrman grade were associated with worse DFS after curative surgery. Urologists should closely monitor patients with capsule penetration and high Fuhrman grades, and adjuvant systemic treatments, other than targeted agents, should be considered.
Removal of Hg2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions from Contaminated Water Using Caladium bicolor (Wild Cocoyam)
Authors: Ayim Emmanuel , Agongo Julius , Sakyi Patrick Opare , Asamoah Benjamin Darko , Bienibuor Alfred K , Aidoo Philip , Emahi Ismaila
Published: April 2020

Heavy metal persistence in the environment is a global threat and researchers continue to explore low-cost effective technologies for removing these contaminants from the environment. In this study, the ability of Caladium bicolor (biosorbent) to remove lead, zinc, copper and mercury ions from the contaminated water was explored. At 2 ppm metal ion concentration, the biosorbent was able to remove all four metal ions with a low removal efficiency of 79.5% for Hg2+ and a high of 99.5% for Pb2+. The effectiveness of the biosorbent, however, decreased when the metal ion concentration was increased beyond 2 ppm. Specifically, the biosorbent’s effectiveness was studied at 5, 10, 25, and 50 ppm metal ion concentrations. Interestingly, the decrease in effectiveness with regards to Pb2+ was relatively marginal, suggesting a stronger preference of Caladium bicolor for lead. In order to determine optimal conditions required for effective adsorption or high metal removal efficiencies, the effect of biosorbent mass and contact time for equilibration of the biosorbent with the metals were also investigated. While 30 min contact time was found to be adequate for effective metal removal, there was no significant difference in the results obtained when 0.5 g vs 2.0 g of the biosorbent was used. FT-IR analyses also revealed that similar functional groups were responsible for the removal of all the four metals studied.
Insight from a noticeable difference between two families infected with COVID-19
Authors: Cao Shugang , Li Yuancheng , Yue Hong , Li Chenchen , Xia Mingwu , Liu Fang , Wu Juncang
Published: April 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 shows a high potent of person-to-person transmission and thus contributes to a large spread of infection sweeping the world. The family cluster of infection has been paid much more attention. We reported two different families infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the context of family clustering, one of which is a typical family cluster of infection with the transmission chain being an asymptomatic patient in the incubation period. However, the outcome of another family was exactly the opposite, in which the index patient was the only individual infected and complicated with fatal ischemic stroke. These two families highlight that more attention should be paid to the distinctions underlying the family cluster of infections and the possibility of COVID-19-related stroke.
The first Jordanian newborn delivered to COVID-19 infected mother with no evidence of vertical transmission: A case report.
Authors: Khassawneh Mohammad , Khasawneh Wasim , Zaghal Laila Al , Hayajneh Wail , Abdelal Fadel
Published: April 2020

Background: COVID-19 has been recently declared by WHO a global health pandemic. Theoretically, it might affect all age groups but it is not known if vertical transmission during pregnancy occurs. We hereby report a case about the first Jordanian newborn delivered to COVID-19 infected mother. Case presentation: A late preterm female was delivered by Cesarean section to COVID-19 mother who was diagnosed after presenting with a dry cough, nasal congestion, headache, and sore throat in the context of direct contact with other confirmed patients. The infant’s clinical examination was reassuring throughout the hospital stay. COVID-19 was not detected by RT-PCR tests performed on the amniotic fluid and on two samples of the newborn’s nasopharyngeal swabs indicating no vertical transmission of the virus. After 10 days of hospital stay and following two negative consecutive RT-PCR assays on the mother’s nasopharyngeal swabs, both the mother and the infant were discharged home in stable clinical conditions. Conclusion: Vertical transmission is not likely among the routes of COVID-19 transmission. However, data about more number of deliveries to COVID-19 infected mothers is needed to support this conclusion.
Factors Influencing Home Lawn Fertilizer Choice in the United States
Authors: Campbell Julie , Rihn Alicia , Khachatryan Hayk
Published: April 2020

Home lawn fertilizer use throughout the United States is coming under increased scrutiny due to potential negative environmental impacts. A better understanding of how consumer perceptions and socio-demographics impact their choices of types of lawn fertilizers can aid industry stakeholders when marketing products. This research uses a nationwide survey to evaluate factors that impact respondents’ choice of lawn fertilizer brands. Respondents with home lawns selected the lawn fertilizer brands they purchased the most frequently and rated the importance of various fertilizer attributes (e.g., nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium ratio, brand, price, etc.) when selecting lawn fertilizers. Given many lawn fertilizer brands share commonalities, respondents’ answers were grouped into five categories: most popular brand, primarily turf brands, sustainable/organic brands, other brands, and “I don’t remember the brand.” The most popular brand of fertilizer was chosen by 69% of respondents, with the primarily turf brands and other fertilizers being chosen by 25% and 23% of respondents, respectively. This study finds that brand selection is impacted by important fertilizer features, frequented retail outlets, geographical region of residence, and demographic variables. For example, brand importance and purchasing from mass merchandisers or wholesale clubs increased respondents’ selection likelihood of the most popular brand by 6.9% and 20.5% points, respectively. Marketing implications are discussed.
Examining the Quality of a Compost Product Derived from Sargassum
Authors: Walsh Kevin T. , Waliczek Tina M.
Published: April 2020

The free-floating algae known as sargassum (Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans) drifts onto coastlines throughout the Atlantic Ocean during spring and summer months. Beach communities seek to maintain tourist appeal and, therefore, remove or relocate the sargassum drifts once it collects on shore. Maintenance efforts have attempted to incorporate the sargassum into dunes and beach sand. However, not all communities have the resources to manage the biomass and must dispose of it in a landfill. The utility of the seaweed biomass as a fertilizer for plant growth has been renowned for centuries. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the appropriate proportion of sargassum for other compost ingredients used in a large-scale composting system to create a quality product for utilization in horticultural and/or agricultural products. This study used ≈32 yard3 of sargassum as part of 96 yard3 of compost material that also included food waste, fish waste, and wood chips. Four protocols were prepared and included either 25% or 41.5% sargassum and various proportions of food or fish waste and wood chips, which are ingredients that would be readily available in coastline communities, to determine the ideal ratios of materials to create a quality compost. Piles were turned regularly and monitored for pH, moisture, and temperatures according to compost industry standards and approximately every 5 to 7 days. Piles cured for 4 to 8 weeks and the entire composting process lasted 5 months. Samples of compost were collected and tested through the Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory’s U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Approval Program at Pennsylvania State University. All final compost products and protocols had reasonable quality similar to those required by current compost standards. However, the protocol incorporating equal parts sargassum (41.5%) and wood chips (41.5%), fish waste (4%), and food waste (13%) had the best results in terms of organic matter content and overall nutrient levels. Therefore, this study determined that waste management industries can use sargassum as a feedstock through a large-scale composting system to create a desirable compost product that could be used in the horticulture industries. Sargassum could also be composted and then returned to the shoreline, where it would help build soils and vegetation.
Reduced Rates of Glyphosate in Combination with 2,4-D and Dicamba Impact Sweetpotato Yield
Authors: Miller Donnie K. , Batts Thomas M. , Copes Josh T. , Blouin David C.
Published: April 2020

Commercialization of crops tolerant to application of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and dicamba is a cause of major concern for sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) producers regarding potential negative impacts due to herbicide drift or sprayer contamination events. A field study was initiated in 2016 and repeated in 2017 to assess impacts of reduced rates of combinations of glyphosate with 2,4-D or dicamba on sweetpotato growth and production. Reduced rates of 1/10x, 1/33x, 1/66x, and 1/100x of a 1x rate of glyphosate at 1 lb/acre plus 2,4-D choline at 0.94 lb/acre and glyphosate at 1 lb/acre plus diglycolamine salt of dicamba at 0.5 lb/acre were applied to ‘Beauregard’ sweetpotato at 10 or 30 days after transplanting. With respect to visual injury, in general glyphosate plus dicamba proved to be more injurious than glyphosate plus 2,4-D, especially within the lower rate range. In most cases injury was greater at the later application timing. In either case, typical hormonal herbicide symptomology was quite evident 35 days after application. With respect to U.S. No. 1 and total (U.S. No. 1, canner, and jumbo grade) sweetpotato yield, greatest negative impact was observed with herbicide application at the upper rate range, particularly the 1/10 and 1/33x rates, and at the later application timing regardless of herbicide applied.
El fenómeno de frontera y sus variables. Notas para una tipología
Authors: Jiménez Alfredo
Published: April 2020

Las fronteras han sido y son tan diversas que resulta conveniente la elaboración de tipologías que permitan la formación de conjuntos o clusters relativamente homogéneos. Estas tipologías favorecen el análisis comparativo y el mejor entendimiento de los casos particulares y del fenómeno en general. Se señalan algunas de las variables más significativas que intervienen en estos procesos, con especialreferencia a la América de habla hispana.
Fronteras y espacios fronterizos en África central
Authors: Bennafla Karine
Published: April 2020

Los espacios fronterizos en África central experimentan desde hace quince años una efervescencia de actividades comerciales, en un contexto general de un callejón sin salida económico y político. Esas zonas transfronterizas emergentes se ven atravesadas a escalas inferiores o superiores por otras fronteras (monetarias, culturales, políticas) que se superponen con los límites Estatales, lo que hace complejo el funcionamiento de esos espacios. Dichos espacios son estructurados en función de mercados y de ejes de comunicación que los ponen en contacto con las ciudades interiores, consumidoras y proveedores de mercancías. Los problemas de seguridad, de control policiaco, el mantenimiento desigual de las carreteras explican el carácter movedizo de los itinerarios hacia la frontera, la duración efímera de los mercados fronterizos y la ausencia de inversiones inmobiliarias sobre los confines. Los espacios transfronterizos son, al fin, construcciones fugaces, pero estrechamente conectadas con los centros urbanos del interior, consolidando el marco existente de los territorios nacionales.
La frontera colombo-panameña: Una frontera selvática, cerrada al progreso, pero abierta a las migraciones más disímiles
Authors: Pujol G. Acela
Published: April 2020

Este artículo se enfoca al estudio de la geografía y las poblaciones indígenas y latinas que habitan la frontera este de Panamá, misma que marca el límite político de América Central y Sudamérica. La región fronteriza Panamá-Colombia es una región marginada y olvidada por el desarrollo; por largo tiempo ha sido refugio de las poblaciones que huyen de los conflictos políticos centroamericanos. Esta zona además de su aislamiento físico, representa una frontera social, un área separada de la economia nacional.
Sentido, contenido y mutaciones de la frontera norte de Grecia
Authors: Lafazani Dora
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se realiza un breve repaso de las implicaciones étnico culturales, económicas y políticas que definieron la frontera norte de Grecia, creada en 1913. Se pretende resaltar los rasgos determinantes de esta frontera, así como las mutaciones que ha sufrido desde su creación. Se profundiza, sobre todo, en la parte macedónica, es decir, la línea de separación entre Grecia, la ex Yugoslavia y Bulgaria.
Tau Protein Aggregation in Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Advances in the Development of Novel Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Monteiro Kadja L.C. , Alcântara Marcone G. dos S. , de Aquino Thiago M. , da Silva-Júnior Edeildo F.
Published: April 2020

:

Major research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related to disease-modifying agents is concentrated on
pharmacological approaches related to diagnostic markers, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Although
most studies focus on anti-amyloid strategies, investigations on tau protein have produced significant advances in
the modulation of the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Since the discovery of phenothiazines
as tau protein aggregation inhibitors (TAGIs), many additional small molecule inhibitors have been discovered
and characterized in biological model systems, which exert their interaction effects by covalent and noncovalent
means. In this paper, we summarize the latest advances in the discovery and development of tau aggregation
inhibitors using a specialized approach in their chemical classes. The design of new TAGIs and their encouraging
use in in vivo and clinical trials support their potential therapeutic use in AD.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences in China and Implications for its Prevention and Treatment Worldwide
Authors: Liu Ning-Ning , Tan Jing-Cong , Li Jingquan , Li Shenghui , Cai Yong , Wang Hui
Published: April 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 originally emerged in Wuhan in
December 2019. As of March 22, 2020, the disease spread to 186 countries, with at least 305,275
confirmed cases. Although there has been a decline in the spread of the disease in China, the prevalence
of COVID-19 around the world remains serious despite containment efforts undertaken by national
authorities and the international community. In this article, we systematically review the brief
history of COVID-19 and its epidemic and clinical characteristics, highlighting the strategies used to
control and prevent the disease in China, which may help other countries respond to the outbreak.
This pandemic emphasizes the need to be constantly alert to shifts in both the global dynamics and
the contexts of individual countries, making sure that all are aware of which approaches are successful
for the prevention, containment and treatment of new diseases, and being flexible enough to
adapt the responses accordingly.
Erectile Dysfunction as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: Time to Step Up?
Authors: Imprialos Konstantinos , Koutsampasopoulos Konstantinos , Manolis Athanasios , Doumas Michael
Published: April 2020

Background:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major health problem that affects a significant proportion of the general population, and its prevalence is even higher in patients with CV risk factors and/or disease. ED and cardiovascular (CV) disease share several common pathophysiological mechanisms, and thus, the potential role of ED as a predictor of CV events has emerged as a significant research aspect.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to present and critically discuss data assessing the relation between ED and CV disease and the potential predictive value of ED for CV events.

Method:

A comprehensive review of the literature has been performed to identify studies evaluating the association between ED and CV disease.

Results:

Several cross-sectional and prospective studies have examined the association between ED and CV disease and found an increased prevalence of ED in patients with CV disease. ED was shown to independently predict future CV events. Importantly, ED was found to precede the development of overt coronary artery disease (CAD) by 3 to 5 years, offering a “time window” to properly manage these patients before the clinical manifestation of CAD. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are the first-line treatment option for ED and were shown to be safe in terms of CV events in patients with and without CV disease.

Conclusion:

Accumulating evidence supports a strong predictive role of ED for CV events. Early identification of ED could allow for the optimal management of these patients to reduce the risk for a CV event to occur.
A Multi-Method and Structure-Based In Silico Vaccine Designing Against Helicobacter pylori Employing Immuno-Informatics Approach
Authors: Naz Anam , Zaheer Tahreem , Dar Hamza Arshad , Awan Faryal Mehwish , Obaid Ayesha , Ashraf Shifa Tariq , Paracha Rehan Zafar , Malik Arif , Ali Amjad
Published: April 2020

Background:

Helicobacter pylori infection and its treatment still remain a challenge for
human health worldwide. A variety of antibiotics and combination therapies are currently used to
treat H. pylori induced ulcers and carcinoma; however, no effective treatment is available to eliminate
the pathogen from the body. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is also one of the main reasons
for prolonged and persistent infection.

Aims:

Until new drugs are available for this infection, vaccinology seems the only alternative opportunity
to exploit against H. pylori induced diseases.

Methods:

Multiple epitopes prioritized in our previous study have been tested for their possible
antigenic combinations, resulting in 169-mer and 183-mer peptide vaccines containing the amino
acid sequences of 3 and 4 epitopes respectively, along with adjuvant (Cholera Toxin Subunit B adjuvant
at 5’ end) and linkers (GPGPG and EAAAK).

Results:

Poly-epitope proteins proposed as potential vaccine candidates against H. pylori include
SabA-HP0289-Omp16-VacA (SHOV), VacA-Omp16-HP0289-FecA (VOHF), VacA-Omp16-HP0289-
SabA (VOHS), VacA-Omp16-HP0289-BabA (VOHB), VacA-Omp16-HP0289-SabA-FecA
(VOHSF), VacA-Omp16-HP0289-SabA-BabA (VOHSB) and VacA-Omp16-HP0289-BabA-SabA
(VOHBS). Structures of these poly-epitope peptide vaccines have been modeled and checked for
their affinity with HLA alleles and receptors. These proposed poly-epitope vaccine candidates bind
efficiently with A2, A3, B7 and DR1 superfamilies of HLA alleles. They can also form stable and
significant interactions with Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that these multi-epitopic vaccines can elicit a significant immune response
against H. pylori and can be tested further for efficient vaccine development.