bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Compound Heterozygous CYP4V2 Mutations in Bietti Crystalline Corneoretinal Dystrophy
Authors: Wang Ting , Chen Qingshan , Kuang Longhao , Wang Jiantao , Yan Xiaohe
Published: June 2020

Background: Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy (BCD) is an autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy which is caused by the mutations of CYP4V2.Here we identified new CYP4V2compound heterozygous mutations in BCD.Methods:381 pathogenic genes related to retinal diseases were screened by targeted sequence capture array techniques and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.Results:Two female siblings with BCD carry two compound heterozygous mutations in CYP4V2. One was missense mutation c.1198C>T (p.R400C) and the other was frameshift mutation c.802-8_810delinsGC (p.V268_E329del).Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed that the ellipsoid zone was absent in the macular regions and electroretinogram (ERG) revealed poor cone and rod responses. Conclusions:Newcompound heterozygous mutations in CYP4V2 are related to the BCD.Our study expands our knowledge of heterogenic phenotypes and genotypes through genetic diagnosis of the BCD patients.
Effects of different pretreatment methods on microbial recovery of infected tissues
Authors: Fang Xinyu , Cai Yuanqing , Zhang Lvheng , Yang Xurong , Nie Lixiong , Huang Zida , Li Wenbo , Zhang Chaofan , Yang Bin , Zhang Wenming , Guan Zhenpeng
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different pretreatment methods on the degree of microbial recovery in infected tissues. Standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Escherichia coli (EC) and Candida albicans (CA) were used to construct single-surface, full-surface, and internal infection models in sterile pork tissue. Manual milling (MM), mechanical homogenization (MH), ultrasonic lysis (UL), dithiothreitol (DTT), and direct culture (DC) were used to pretreat infection tissues, the ability of the different pretreatment methods to achieve pathogen recovery in the different bacterial infection models was compared. At the same time, periprosthetic tissues collected from periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) were pretreated with the same methods. We showed that regardless of whether the single-surface or full-surface infection model was used in SA, EC, and CA infection, the microbial acquisition in the MH group was significantly higher than that in the MM (P <0.01) and UL groups (P <0.01). In the internal infection model, the microbial acquisition of the MH group was significantly higher than that of the MM (P <0.01), UL (P <0.01), DTT (P <0.01), and DC groups (P <0.01). In the PJI cases, the number of bacterial colonies obtained by MH was significantly higher than that obtained by other pretreatment methods (P = 0.004). The effects of MH and DTT in microbial recovery were significantly better than that of DC, UL and MM, and these methods can be used to process multiple tissue samples at the same time, which can further improve the efficiency of clinical microbial diagnosis.
Clinical Features and Lymphocyte Subsets in Recovered Covid-19 Patients With Prolonged Viral Rna Shedding Duration
Authors: Zhang Wei-yun , Wu Kai , Liu Ying-ying , Wang Chang-guo , Huang Jian-an , Jiang Jun-hong , Zeng Da-xiong
Published: June 2020

Background:The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread in many countries.Data about viral shedding duration, particularly the prolonged ones of the pathogen SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is scarce. The longest viral RNA sheddingduration reported previously was 37 days. Herein, we report the clinical and immunologic features ofrecovered COVID-19cases with a medium viral RNA shedding duration of 44 days. Cases presentation: Nine laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases from Wuhan with viral RNA shedding duration more than 30 days were included in our study,5 of them were moderate.Althoughinflammatory markers were significantlyhigher, the medium duration in severepatients was similar to that in moderate patients (44.5days vs. 43.6days). Severepatients showed higher NK cells levels, although the T cells and B cells were lower as compared with moderate patients. Contrary to previous reports in influenza, prolonged viralshedding time did not cause poor prognosis in this study.Conclusions: There could be characteristic immunological dysfunction in COVID-19 patients with prolonged viral shedding durationand interestingly, prolonged viral shedding duration seemed not to be related with poor prognosis.
Feasibility for SARS-CoV-2 Tests in the Hospital: An Exposure Analysis of Critical Control Points Approach
Authors: Feng Tingting , Leptihn Sebastian , Li Mingyue , Guo Mingquan , Gao Jing , Li Qingtian , Zeng lingbing , Zhou Yuhua , Wei Yanxia , Guo Xiaokui , Temperton Nigel , Cui Zelin
Published: June 2020

Objective Goal of this work is to assess the feasibility to perform COVID-19 RNA tests within hospitals and communities experiencing SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreaks, to ultimately provide recommendations for hospitals with so-called fever clinics. In China, these specialised clinics within a hospital, specifically receive outpatients who have fever symptoms.Methods A team with expertise in the Exposure Analysis of Critical Control Points (EACCP) framework first identified potential infection routes during the testing for SARS-CoV-2, then constructed and tested flow diagrams, which were confirmed under actual conditions, demonstrating the feasibility to be carried out in hospitals with fever clinics. The team determined critical control points to mitigate the exposure risks at each control point.Findings The sampling and inactivation steps of clinical samples in fever clinics appeared to be associated with particularly high risk levels of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Moderate levels of exposure were associated with storage and transportation of samples for inactivation; Low risk levels were associated with the transportation, storage and detection steps after inactivation.Conclusion To minimise risks of infection for personnel, optimised processes to carry out SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests in hospitals with fever clinics in China are proposed. The high risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure during procedures preceding testing are the sampling and biological inactivation, which can be reduced by using full personal protective equipment and the use of BSL2 facilities in fever clinics or mobile BSL2 platforms. The implementation of the Exposure Analysis of Critical Control Points framework could facilitate rapid responses to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.
Nuclear ING3 Expression is Correlated With a Good Prognosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Chen Chuang , Luo Bin , Yan Dandan , Yan Honglin , Chen Fangfang , Guan Feng , Wu Hao , Yuan Jingping
Published: June 2020

Background: The inhibitor of growth (ING) family is discovered as the type II tumor suppressors, which regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and invasion of tumor cells through multiple pathways.ING3, a new member of ING family, has been reported to be downregulatedin several types of tumors. However, few studies on ING3 in breast cancer have been reported. In this study, we investigated the expression of ING3 and determined its prognostic value in breast cancer.Methods: The immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of ING3 in tissue microarrays (TMA) including breast cancer tissues (n=211) andnormal breast tissues (n=50).Results: In normal breast tissues, ING3 protein was detected in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. In breast cancer tissues, ING3 protein was principally detected in the cytoplasm. Compared with benign breast tumor tissues, the expression of ING3 in nucleus was remarkably reduced in breast cancer tissues. The downregulated ING3 in nucleus was significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics including histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and the status of ER and PR. In HER2 positive-type and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, it had the lower rate of nuclear ING3 with high expression than that in luminal-type. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that the reduced expression of ING3 in nucleus was correlated with a poorer 5-DFS and 5-OS of breast cancer patients. Importantly, multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that the reduced expression of ING3 in nucleus was an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer.Conclusions: Our study comprehensively described the expression of ING3 in breast cancer for the first time and proved that it was an independent prognostic predictor of breast cancer, as well as a new idea for study of breast cancer.
High temperature slows coronavirus disease 2019 transmission rate: A within and among country analysis
Authors: Kotsiou Ourania S , Kotsios Vaios S , Lampropoulos Ioannis , Zidros Thomas , Zarogiannis Sotirios G , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I
Published: June 2020

Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global issue. The relationships between temperature and incidence, transmission, or survival of many enveloped coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) have been previously widely investigated. However, there has been a lively debate in the literature over whether higher temperatures modulate coronaviruses’ infectivity and spreading, which sets a fertile ground for research on a global scale. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between day-to-day temperature variability and daily COVID-19 incidence rate, as well as the time is taken to reach the total number of 200 confirmed COVID-19 cases within the worst-hit countries by the pandemic. Methods: A within and among countries analysis of the relationship between daily fluctuations in the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases and temperature for the period starting from 31st December 2019 to 29th March 2020, was conducted. The 46 worst-hit countries by the pandemic were included in the analysis.Results: What emerges from our results is that daily new COVID-19 cases were negatively correlated with daily temperature variation. Moreover, higher temperatures were positively correlated with a longer time to reach a standard number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within countries. Notably, countries with daily average temperatures below 20°C had a faster transmission rate than countries with higher daily average temperatures. Conclusions: Our study provides further insights into the hypothesis that there is an association between temperature and rate of COVID-19 spread within a country.
Performing Data Mining to Explain the Correlation between the BIRC5 Gene and Prognosis in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Dongsheng Hong , YanFang Zhang , Ziqi Ye , Jing Chen , Xiaoyang Lu
Published: June 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly malignant cancers in women, and BIRC5 has been found to be overexpressed in a variety of human tumors. Its expression is associated with the prognosis of many cancers. However, whether BIRC5 mRNA could be used as an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer remains inconsistent in previous studies.Methods: Altered BIRC5 expression in normal tissue relative to various tumor tissue and in breast cancer patients with different molecular subtypes, clinical outcomes and chemotherapy responses were examined using the Oncomine, GOBO and Kaplan-Meier plotter datasets.Results: We found that many breast cancers had increased BIRC5 mRNA expression, and GOBO analysis showed that triple-negative cell lines displayed highest BIRC5 mRNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell line panel. Moreover, BIRC5 high mRNA expression was significantly associated with longer relapse-free survival (RFS) in all breast cancer patients. In particular, sub analysis revealed that high mRNA expression of BIRC5 was significantly associated with better survival in ER positive (HR = 2.05, p = 1e-16), but not in ER negative breast cancer (HR = 1.24, p = 0.1), furthermore, the results also demonstrated that BIRC5 high expression was significantly associated with longer RFS in luminal A (HR = 1.51, p = 3.1e-06) and luminal B (HR = 1.28, p = 0.026).Conclusions: In conclusion, BIRC5 is involved in the development and progression of breast cancer and may be a suitable prognostic marker for human breast cancer.
Dietary patterns and smartphone use in adolescents: A large-sample, cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Lee Ilju , Kim Jun Won , Choi Jae-Won
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to examine whether the frequency of consuming specific foods was associated with smartphone usage time and the problems caused by smartphone overuse in adolescents. Methods: Both routines (food consumption and smartphone use) were investigated in a large sample of Korean adolescents using a nationwide self-report survey. Food intake was assessed using a seven-point scale (“never” to “1, 2, and 3 or more times per day”) for nine items: fruits, vegetables, milk, soda, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodles, and snacks. Smartphone usage time and problematic usage were determined using self-report items. The study took place in Korea. In total, 62,276 students aged 12–18 years participated. Results: Most respondents (66.5%) used smartphones for over two hours per day. Higher rates of consuming fruits, vegetables, and milk were associated with significantly lower smartphone usage; in contrast, higher consumption of soda, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodles, and snacks was associated with higher smartphone use. Conclusions: Our findings provide useful clinical information regarding adolescents’ mental health. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms and examine the efficacy of adopting dietary interventions for adolescents with excessive smartphone use.
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida Isolates from Women with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Ghana - A Review of Laboratory Reports.
Authors: Pesewu George Antepim , Feglo Patrick Kwame , Boateng Richard Kwaku , Fayemiwo Samuel Adetona
Published: June 2020

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection among women of childbearing age, and few of these women experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The study was aimed at determining the virulent factors, and antifungal susceptibility of the Candida species isolated from women with RVVC attending the Nkawie Government Hospital, Ashanti-Region, Ghana. Over a 6–month period (October 2016 to March 2017), a total of 288 women with RVVC were evaluated. Isolation of the yeast was performed after the inoculation of the vaginal specimens onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), and incubated for 24-48 hours at 37oC. The isolates were identified by standardized conventional methods. The enzymatic activities of esterase, phospholipase, haemolysis and biofilm production were evaluated for the identification of the yeast isolates. Susceptibility to antifungal agents was determined by using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Azole resistant isolates were further tested for ERG11 gene which encodes the enzyme (cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14-α-demethylase) by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Vaginal swabs cultures of 200 women (64.4) from 288 samples yielded Candida species. Candida albicans was the commonest isolated specie (33.0%), followed by Candida glabrata (29.5 %), Candida tropicalis (23.0%), and Candida krusei (15.5%). Hemolysin production, phospholipase enzyme activity, and biofilms formation were found in 84.5%, 83%, 77.5%.of the isolates respectively. Most phospholipase producing Candida isolates also formed biofilms. All Candida spp isolated were susceptible to itraconazole while majority of them were resistant to voriconazole. ERG11 genes were detected in 11.1% of Azole resistant Candida species. There is a significant increase in the rate of antifungal resistance among the Candida isolates to fluconazole and voriconazole. There is need for continuous surveillance as well as antifungal susceptibility testing on the Candida spp to guide therapy. A larger epidemiological study is also advocated to determining the degree of spread of ERG11 genes.
Adjusting the Morphology and Properties of SiC Nanowires by the Catalyst Control
Authors: Guo Chuchu , Cheng Laifei , Ye Fang
Published: June 2020

Herein, we report the growth of SiC nanowires on a single crystal Si substrate by pyrolysis of polycarbosilane and using two catalyst (Al2O3 and Ni) films with different thickness (2, 4, and 6 nm). The catalyst films were deposited on the Si substrate, and the SiC nanowires were grown according to two mechanisms, i.e., the oxide-assisted growth mechanism and vapor- liquid-solid mechanism. As a result, the pearl-chain-like SiC nanowires and straight SiC nanowires were obtained. The prepared nanowires exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties, the emission spectra displaying two emission peaks at 395 and 465 nm, and have good thermal stability below 1000℃.The experimental results revealed the importance of the catalyst in controlling the morphology and properties of SiC nanowires.
Structural, Magnetic, Dielectric and Energy Storage Analysis of CoFe2O4@BaTiO3 and BaTiO3@CoFe2O4 Core-Shell Nano- Composites
Authors: SHEORAN NIDHI , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Ashok
Published: June 2020

Nano size spinel ferrite CoFe2O4 (CFO), ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) and their core-shell nanocomposites BTO@CFO and CFO@BTO were synthesized using combination of chemical co-precipitation and sol-gel route respectively. The phase formation and crystallinity of bare CFO, BTO and their core-shell nanocomposites were verifiedviaX-ray diﬀraction pattern (XRD). High resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM) revealed the core-shell structure of the nanocomposites.Magnetization measurements exhibitferromagnetic behaviour of all the samples except BTO in which superposition of weak ferromagnetic and diamagnetic response occurred due to its nanostructure. Magnetization versus temperature (M-T plot) measurements show anomaly near ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition of BTO. Also,dielectric constant(ε¢) and tangent loss (tanδ) variation with respect to frequency (102 to 106 Hz) and temperature (300-700 K) were presented. ε¢-T curve of nanocomposites exhibit anomaly at the same temperature as observed in M-T plot of nanocomposites that indicate the inherent magneto-electric coupling in nanocomposites. Energy storage properties of BTO and nanocomposites have been examined via P-E loop analysis and confirmed that the sample CFO@BTO exhibit maximum energy storage efficiency.
Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Ethiopia and Its Association with Maternal Employment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, 2019
Authors: Wake Getu Engida , Mittiku Yohannes Moges
Published: June 2020

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding defined as the practice of providing only breast-milk for an infant for the first 6 months of life without the addition of any other food or water, which recommends initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of life and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or more. Maternal employment is the most important factor contributing to the low practice of exclusive breastfeeding. However; the effect of maternal employment on exclusive breastfeeding is not investigated in Ethiopia.Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases used were; PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane library were systematically searched. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of studies.Results: 36 studies were included in the final analysis after reviewing 541 studies in this meta-analysis yielding the pooled prevalence of EBF 59.79% (95% [CI] 54.58, 65.00) in Ethiopia.Those employed mothers were 57% less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to unemployed mothers in Ethiopia [OR] 0.43; 95% CI (0.3, 0.62).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in this meta-analysis is low in comparison to the global recommendation of the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal employment was significantly associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to their counterparts. Based On our review findings, we recommended that the Ethiopian government should increase legislated paid maternity leave after delivery beyond current paid maternity leave and implement policies that empower women and create a conducive environment for mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding at workplace.
Social support and quality of life among female breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia 2019:Cross-sectional study
Authors: Aberaraw Rahel , Hussien Jemal , Boka Abdisa , Teshome Roza , Yeshambel Addisu
Published: June 2020

Background Breast cancer is a major life-threatening public health problem worlwide. It is the most common form of cancer among women in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Social support could change the course of cancer and can influence the quality of life among breast cancer patients. Therefore, purpose of this study was to assess social support and quality of life among female breast cancer patients attending in Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019.Methods A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia from March to April 2019. A total of 214 female breast cancer patients were included and a systematic sampling method was used. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data entry was done using epi data manager version 4.2. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Binary and multiple logistic regression was used to show the association of social support and quality of life. Variables significantly associated were declared at P-value <0.05 and 95%CI was used.Result A total of 214 women with breast cancer were recruited. Of the total participants, 124(58%) had good social support. It was found that participants who were college graduated (AOR=3, 95%CI: 1.5, 5.9 COR=3.2) and who had high monthly income(AOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.2,8.5, COR= 5.39) were more likely to have good social support. It was also found that participants who were illiterate (AOR=3, 95%CI: 1.3,6.9, COR=4.8, p-value=0.008), who had systematic therapy side effects(AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.1,13, COR=4, p-value=0.035)and participants who had problem of appetite loss(AOR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.02,12COR=4, p-value= 0.047) were more likely to have affected QoL. Conclusion In this study finding, social support and, quality of life in breast cancer patients was low. Healthcare providers should enhance social support which may help to improve the quality of life of women with breast cancer.
Serum vitamin D deficiency in NICU hospitalized neonates and its association with neonatal outcomes
Authors: Mosayebi Ziba , Sagheb Setareh , Mirzendedel Mahsa , Movahedian Amir Hossein
Published: June 2020

Background: Neonates could be strongly affected by vitamin D deficiency-related adverse effects. In the present study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalized neonates and its possible relationship with neonatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the NICU of Children's Medical Center (Tehran-Iran; 2015). The population study was NICU hospitalized neonates. Immediately on admission, serum sample for vitamin D measurement was obtained with routine blood sampling. Demographic and clinical data including serum levels of vitamin D and calcium, the causes of hospitalization, and neonatal outcome were recorded. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with neonatal outcome were assessed. Results: One-hundred subjects entered the study. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were present in 95% of neonates. There was a significant association between vitamin D status and season of birth (p=0.014); calcium status (p=0.025) and age at NICU admission (p<0.001). The mean value of vitamin D in term neonates was significantly lower than preterm neonates (p=0.031). There were no correlations between neonatal mortality with vitamin D (p=0.876) status.Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was highly prevalent among our NICU hospitalized neonates. There was no association between vitamin D level and neonatal outcomes. Neonates' vitamin D statuses were significantly correlated with the neonate's age at hospital admission, calcium status and season of birth. The measurement of serum vitamin D along with other routine blood tests in neonates who need NICU admission was strongly recommended.
Facilitating equal access to primary care for all: work experiences of health mediators in a primary health care model program in Hungary
Authors: Katona Cintia , Gutási Éva , Papp Magor , Varga Orsolya , Kósa Karolina
Published: June 2020

Background A Primary Care Model Programme was implemented in Hungary between 2013 and 2017 in order to increase access of disadvantaged population groups to primary care and to offer new preventive services for all clients. In a country with single-handed practices, four group practices or GP clusters were created in the Program. Six GPs comprised one cluster who together employed nonmedical health professionals and nonprofessional health mediators, the latter recruited from the serviced communities, many of them of Roma ethnicity. Health mediators were tasked by improving access of the local communities – including its vulnerable Roma members – to existing and new services. Methods As part of the program evaluation, structured interviews were conducted with all 40 health mediators employed at the time in the Program. Interviews were transcribed and content analysis was carried out. Results Three themes emerged from the transcripts. The first centered on the health mediators’ personal characteristics such as motivation to join the Program, the way their job increased their self-esteem, social status and health consciousness. Domains of the second theme of their work included importance of on-the-job training and of their insider knowledge of local communities, as well as their pride to have become members of the primary care team. The third theme covered overall functioning of the Program of which they had mostly positive opinions, notwithstanding some criticism regarding procurement. Conclusions Health mediators had earlier worked in various European countries specifically to improve access of Roma ethnic groups to health services but the Hungarian Model Programme was the first in which health mediators as non-professional workers became members of the primary care team. Their contribution and overwhelmingly positive experiences, along with their useful insights for improvement call for the establishment and funding of health mediator positions in primary care especially in areas with large numbers of disadvantaged Roma populations.
Interprofessional medication assessment among home care patients: Any impact on functioning? Results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Auvinen Kati Johanna , Voutilainen Ari , Jyrkkä Johanna , Lönnroos Eija , Mäntyselkä Pekka
Published: June 2020

BackgroundMultimorbidity and polypharmacy are related to the use of potentially inappropriate medicines and negative clinical outcomes including drug-related adverse events and functional decline. Home care clients are a vulnerable patient group often exposed to these risks. The aim of this study was to examine whether interprofessional medication assessment has effects on the functioning of home care patients.MethodsThe FIMA study was a randomised controlled intervention study comparing general practitioner-led interprofessional medication assessment conducted at the baseline of the study with usual care in six-month follow-up. We used linear mixed models (LMM) with a random subject effect to detect differences in outcome measures Katz index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton and Brody scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Timed up and go-test (TUG), Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale and The 3-level version of EQ-5D between the usual care and intervention groups.ResultsHome care patients (n= 512) had major disease burden and functional limitations. Regarding TUG times, the LMM showed a statistically significant interaction between time and treatment (p=0.017) favoring the intervention. Correspondingly, ADL showed to have an interaction between time and treatment (p=0.025). The ADL score decreased in both groups, but the decline was steeper in the intervention group.ConclusionsInterprofessional medication assessment prevented worsening of mobility and balance performance in vulnerable older people.Trial registrationThe Interprofessional Medication Assessment for Older Patients, Clinical Trials.gov. NCT02398812. First registration, 26 March 2015. Retrospectively registered. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/how/NCT02398812 .
Identification of best suitable repurposed drugs considering mutational spectra at RdRp (nsp12), 3CLpro (nsp 5) and PLpro (nsp 3) of SARS-CoV-2 in Indian population
Authors: Banerjee Shuvam , Dey Riju , Seal Sohan , Mondal Kousik Kr. , Bhattacharjee Pritha
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective: COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China and expanded to different geographical location of the world with variation in its sequence due to mutation, consequent alteration in different protein structures; resulting in different interaction with the host body. The highly infectious and diverge character of the virus makes it imperative to identify the promising inhibitory compounds for RdRp, 3CLpro and PLpro as suitable antiviral drug target so that viral duplication can be prevented in the host body.Methods: RdRp, 3CLpro and PLpro sequences of Indian patients were retrieved from the database and MSA was employed to identify mutation at nsp 3, nsp 5 and nsp 12. Protein structures were modeled considering all possible combination of sequences abundant in India and docking was performed with repurposed drugs, currently under trial for COVID-19, using Autodock Vina to find out the suitable ones considering the mutational spectra of SARS-CoV-2 in India.Results: PLpro is found to be most vulnerable to mutations with four mutations found in >5% studied population whereas in 3CLpro none observed at the frequency > 5%, so far. Two mutations were reported among Indian population (>5%) at RdRp. Therefore 3CLpro and RdRp were further analysed as a suitable target for repurposed drugs. Elbasvir has come up as the most suitable drug to inhibit the activity of RdRp in Indian population, followed by Remdesivir and Methylprednisolone. TMC 310911, Lopinavir and Elbasvir again, found to be the best candidates for inhibiting 3CLpro.Interpretation and Conclusions: Remdesivir and Lopinavir(alone or in combination with Ritonavir), the most popular drugs of choice at recent times may be suitable to be used in Indian population, considering the mutational variations in Indian population. Among others, Elbasvir, TMC 310911 and Methylprednisolone are good choices for treating COVID-19.
Proposition of a new allosteric binding site for potential SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitors by utilizing molecular dynamics simulations and ensemble docking
Authors: Novak Jurica , Rimac Hrvoje , Kandagalla Shivananda , Pathak Prateek , Grishina Maria , Potemkin Vladimir
Published: June 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease shows a high similarity with 3CL proteases of other beta-coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS. It is the main enzyme involved in generating various non-structural proteins that are important for viral replication and is one of the most important proteins responsible for SARS-CoV-2 virulence. In this study, we have conducted ensemble docking of molecules from the DrugBank database using both crystallographic structure of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, as well as five conformations obtained after performing a cluster analysis of a 300 ns molecular dynamics simulation. This procedure elucidated the inappropriateness of the active site for non-covalent inhibitors, but it has also shown that there exists an additional, more favorable, allosteric binding site, which could be a better target for non-covalent inhibitors, as it could prevent dimerization and activation of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.
Dengue Reemergence: The Challenges Ahead
Authors: Watentena Amos , Okoye Ikem Chris , Onah Ikechukwu Eugene
Published: June 2020

The global expansion of competent Dengue vectors in tropical and sub-tropical areas, and the favorable conditions for disease transmission demonstrates a critical public health challenge ahead. This review provides an insight into some key underlying gaps while attempting to suggest alternatives towards the containment and hence eradication of Dengue. The non-existence of an efficient vaccine against all DENV serotypes and the rapid global emergence of COVID-19, are undermining the complexities of vaccine development and disrupting global health efforts for the management of Dengue respectively. The development of sustainable DENV control programs now requires a multifaceted approach involving the integration of the recently developed multi-platforms application in entomological surveillance, community awareness, modelling, vaccination, vector control, and also ensuring that Dengue control efforts are not hampered or neglected during COVID-19 pandemic. This approach requires active collaboration and communication of scientists from various disciplines, economic support from funding agencies and institutions as well as support from the communities, governments and public health organizations.
Diagnostic triage in patients with venous and lymphatic disorders in a COVID-19 pandemic environment. The Venous and Lymphatic Triage and Acuity Scale (VELTAS)
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: June 2020

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Legal advice. Readers’ letters. Labour rights of a surgeon in a COVID-19 pandemic environment
Authors: Zubkov D. S.
Published: June 2020

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A New Scaffold for Molecular Design: The Preparative Scale-Syntheses of Ru- Centered Arene Compounds
Authors: E Siyu , Liu Jialin , Yan Yuting , Fu Xuegang , Huang Xueyan , Zeng Fanyun , Malik Fazal , Huang Jianhui
Published: June 2020

Carbon centered molecules have been very well recognized in the past for both
academic and industrial purposes. Utilizing inert element instead of carbon atom could bring
more molecular complexity as well as potential binding in medicinal chemistry. We report,
herein, a number of strategies for the syntheses of Ru-centered molecules starting from
commercially available [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)] dimer substituted phenyl-heterocycles via
Concerted Metalation Deprotonation (CMD) processes. Halogen atom ligand exchange and
arene ligand exchange from the skeleton have been achieved. Under such procedures, a
collectively good number of (26) Ru-arene complexes have been prepared efficiently. The
Ru-complexes prepared have covered broad spectrum of functional groups on the 4 possible
positions. Moreover, the Suzuki coupling reaction on the Ru-centered complex was realized with good yield
(90%). The access of a library of these compounds would allow molecular chemists to consider the utilization of
these molecules rather than purely organometallic reagents for inorganic chemistry or catalysis.
Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Gorgonian Corals
Authors: Lei Hui , Jiang Peng , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2020

Gorgonian corals are considered as a rich source of secondary metabolites with
unique structural features and biological activities. A large number of novel metabolites
with potent pharmacological properties have been isolated from gorgonian corals. Some of
these compounds have exhibited to possess new mechanisms of action, which hold great
promises as potential lead compounds in future marine drug development. This review aims
to provide an overview of chemical constituents and biological activities of gorgonian corals
from 2015 to December, 2019. Some 145 metabolites, including 16 sesquiterpenoids, 62
diterpenoids, 62 steroids and 5 alkaloids were reported during this period and their pharmacological
activities were investigated. Moreover, the peculiar structure and potential medicinal
value of these new compounds are discussed in this review.
Promising Polymeric Drug Carriers for Local Delivery: The Case of in situ Gels
Authors: Okur Neslihan Üstündağ , Yağcılar Ayşe Pınar , Siafaka Panoraia I.
Published: June 2020

Background:

At present, the controlled local drug delivery is a very promising approach
compared to systemic administration, since it mostly targets the affected tissue. In fact, various drug
carriers for local delivery have been prepared with improved therapeutic efficacy.

Objective:

in situ polymer gels are drug delivery systems that not only present liquid characteristics
before their administration in body, but once they are administered, form gels due to gelation. Their
gelation mechanism is due to factors such as pH alteration, temperature change, ion activation or ultraviolet
irradiation. in situ gels offer various advantages compared to conventional formulations due to
their ability to release drugs in a sustainable and controllable manner. Most importantly, in situ gels can
be used in local drug delivery applications for various diseases.

Methods:

This review includes the basic knowledge and theory of in situ gels as well as their various
applications according to their administration route.

Results:

Various natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic polymers can produce in situ polymeric gels. For
example, natural polysaccharides such as alginic acid, chitosan, gellan gum, carrageenan etc. have been
utilized as in situ gels for topical delivery. Besides the polysaccharides, poloxamers, poly(Nisopropylacrylamide),
poly(ethyleneoxide)/ (lactic-co-glycolic acid), and thermosensitive liposome
systems can be applied as in situ gels. In most cases, in situ polymeric gels could be applied via various
administration routes such as oral, vaginal, ocular, intranasal and injectable.

Conclusion:

To conclude, it can be revealed that in situ gels could be a promising alternative carrier for
both chronic and immediate diseases.
Clin-mNGS: Automated Pipeline for Pathogen Detection from Clinical Metagenomic Data
Authors: Prasanna Akshatha , Niranjan Vidya
Published: June 2020

Background:

Since bacteria are the earliest known organisms, there has been significant
interest in their variety and biology, most certainly concerning human health. Recent advances in
Metagenomics sequencing (mNGS), a culture-independent sequencing technology, have facilitated
an accelerated development in clinical microbiology and our understanding of pathogens.

Objective:

For the implementation of mNGS in routine clinical practice to become feasible, a
practical and scalable strategy for the study of mNGS data is essential. This study presents a robust
automated pipeline to analyze clinical metagenomic data for pathogen identification and
classification.

Method:

The proposed Clin-mNGS pipeline is an integrated, open-source, scalable, reproducible,
and user-friendly framework scripted using the Snakemake workflow management software. The
implementation avoids the hassle of manual installation and configuration of the multiple commandline
tools and dependencies. The approach directly screens pathogens from clinical raw reads and
generates consolidated reports for each sample.

Results:

The pipeline is demonstrated using publicly available data and is tested on a desktop Linux
system and a High-performance cluster. The study compares variability in results from different
tools and versions. The versions of the tools are made user modifiable. The pipeline results in quality
check, filtered reads, host subtraction, assembled contigs, assembly metrics, relative abundances of
bacterial species, antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmid finding, and virulence factors
identification. The results obtained from the pipeline are evaluated based on sensitivity and positive
predictive value.

Conclusion:

Clin-mNGS is an automated Snakemake pipeline validated for the analysis of microbial
clinical metagenomics reads to perform taxonomic classification and antimicrobial resistance
prediction.
Facile Template Free Shape Controlled Synthesis of α-Fe2O3 Truncated Octahedral Microstructures for the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Narayanan Binitha , Haridas Vijayasree , Sugunan Sankaran
Published: June 2020

Background:

The combustion behavior of the solid rocket propellants is highly dependent
on the thermal decomposition characteristics of Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) and thus low-cost, facile
and scalable preparation of the additive metal oxide-based catalysts is highly desired for the decomposition
of AP.

Objective:

A template free one-step low-cost preparation of α-Fe2O3 for its use as a catalyst in the decomposition
of AP.

Methods:

The catalyst is prepared by the simple heating of ferric chloride at 380 °C without any
chemical treatment. The material is characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM).
The catalytic thermal decomposition of AP over α-Fe2O3 was measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
(DSC).

Results:

The material exhibited a pure α-Fe2O3 crystalline phase. Morphological investigations revealed
the uniform formation of truncated octahedral microstructures of α-Fe2O3. DSC analysis confirmed
the two-step exothermic thermal decomposition of AP with decreased decomposition temperatures
with the catalytic assistance of α-Fe2O3.

Conclusions:

With the catalytic assistance of low-cost and easily prepared α-Fe2O3, the decomposition
temperature was decreased by 30 ºC when compared to the pure ammonium perchlorate and a high
decomposition heat release of 807 Jg-1 was observed.
De Geest is geen scepticus; de hele Luther
Authors: van Vlastuin W.
Published: June 2020

The contemporary ‘turn to the subject’ also involves a ‘hermeneutical turn’, which raises the question whether Scripture can still speak for itself. Arnold Huijgen proposes a return behind this development, by way of Luther, in order to hear the viva vox Christi again in Scripture. This essay argues that Huijgen does not do justice to the centrality of justification and the moral and historical claims of Scripture. It concludes that we can indeed learn from a retrieval of the viva vox, providing that we maintain the depth of the justification of the ungodly and the breadth of the moral and historical claims of Scripture.
Reflection in a Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Teoh Sian Hoon , Singh Parmjit , Cheong Tau Han , Mohd Rasid Nor Syazwani
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted to examine students’ reflection in terms of their beliefs and abilities to go through the activities in a problem-solving classroom. Hundred and twenty diploma students were randomly selected from a list of students who had registered in a course called Mathematics Thinking course at a university in Malaysia. The findings revealed that the students encountered difficulties in dealing with the problem-solving activities in the mathematics classroom. Despite giving their best efforts, the students still found challenges in comprehending the context of the issues rendered to them calling for the much indispensable collaboration or peer assistance.   

Keywords: Written reflection; Mathematics classroom; Problem-solving.   

eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2289
Language Choice and Preferences: Mapping the linguistic landscape of Sentul, Malaysia
Authors: Omar Nur Hidayatulshima , Anuarudin Aini Andria Shirin , Husin @ Ma’mor Misyana Susanti , Ariffin Kamisah
Published: June 2020

The study attempts to map the linguistic landscape of Sentul, the new urban area of Kuala Lumpur. It aims to examine the preferred language of shop signs in the area. Data were collected primarily from visible shop signs and categorized through a sign coding scheme based on Sunwani’s (2005) model. The analysis indicates that the area preferred a mixture of English, BM, and Chinese for the shop signs. The findings show diverse factors govern the choice of language use on the shop signs attributed to identity, nature of business owners, and shop location.   Keywords: Linguistic Landscape; Shop sign; Multilingual; Language Learning.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI2.2333
Role of Agriculture in making India $5 trillion Economy under Corona Pandemic Circumstance
Authors: SINGH ANIL KUMAR , UPADHYAYA ASHUTOSH , KUMARI SONIA , SUNDARAM PREM K , JEET PAWAN
Published: June 2020

India is currently trying hard to get a status of $5.0 trillion economy. Agriculture contributes $400 billion to the Indian economy, which is 2nd after China. To achieve this mammoth national target, allsectors of economy viz., agriculture, industry and service have to outperform outstanding. To achieve this target, our total export should be of $1.0 trillion annually and share of agriculture and the allied sector should be 10 %.To achieve $100 million agri-export, smart agriculture is pivotal to sustain our products at international level. Agritech startup can play a vital role in this endeavour; however, the bottleneck should be removedwithin the least possible time. If we succeed in this endeavour, this will not only lead to enhance per capita income from the current $1800 to $3600 but also double the income from farming systematically. Unfortunately, due to worldwide attack of global pandemic of Covid- 2019 disease, every sphere of life has been severely paralysed. Agriculture sector was less affected as the food grain output was recorded highest ever (295.67MT) and sector growth 3.7 % in absolute term and 11.3% on the current price, during 2019-20. India will get rid off of such disasters relativelyfaster as compared to other nations, but this has the potential to push forward our economic dream to beam reality atleast for a year or so.Probably India would be able to achieve the tag of $5.0 trillion economy not sooner than 2026-27.