bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An In Silico Analysis of Potential SARS-CoV-2 Interactions with Proteins Involved in Placental Functions
Authors: Seethy Ashikh A. , Singh Sunil , Mukherjee Indrani , Pethusamy Karthikeyan , Purkayastha Kakali , Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Dhar Ruby , Karmakar Subhradip
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving medical emergency that has drawn global attention, unprecedented in any disease of its kind in recent times. The magnitude of the health crisis emerging from this pandemic has overwhelmed health care workers worldwide and called in for extraordinary measures to contain this virus. A simple Pubmed query on “COVID-19” returned with 12214 articles (as on May 17th, 2020), published just within a few months. A detailed survey revealed around 250 clinical reports, 8 clinical trials, 9 meta-analyses, and 906 reviews that were published during this time span. Combining the strings “COVID-19 and Pregnancy” yielded a total of 132 reports while querying “COVID-19 and Placenta” returned with just 11 articles Even taking into considerations that few materials are in the PrePrint Server, we still have a gross under-representation of studies addressing the effect of this disease on pregnancy outcome and maternal & child health. An essential aspect of a successful pregnancy is proper placentation, where transiently invasive placental trophoblast cells invade the maternal endometrium to establish a functional feto-maternal communication. Based on the elegant study by David. E. Gordon, et al. published in Nature (April 30, 2020), which identified 332 human host proteins interacting with SARS-nCoV2 using an affinity-based purification, we interrogated several gene expression data sets available at NCBI-GEO related to trophoblast invasion and differentiation. Both of these processes are indispensable for placentation and fetal survival. Our analysis showed several overlaps with the interactome proteins implying that SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect several proteins, which are crucial for trophoblasts function. GeneMANIA and STRING based functional analysis further revealed that several of that SARS-CoV-2 interacting trophoblast proteins as a hub for the protein-protein interaction network. Our study thus elucidates the possible effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on placenta formation and pregnancy outcome.
Islamic Retirement Planning Among Indonesian Bankers
Authors: Syamlan Yaser Taufik , Easti Reti Rahma
Published: May 2020

This study aims to analyze differences in demographic factors towards retirement planning behavior according to Islamic perspective. This research wants to analyze the influence of clarity of purpose, retirement attitude and potential conflict towards retirement planning behavior according to among the Muslim who is working in a conventional bank and the Islamic Bank. The sample used in this study as many as 270 respondents of both conventional & Islamic Banker in Indonesia.   There are two methods that are used in this research which are ANOVA and Multiple Linear Regression. The results identified several demographic variables that were significant such employment status (either working in the conventional bank or Islamic Bank) and income level. Furthermore, some demographic variables do not significant including age, number of dependents and level of education. This research also shows that non-demographic variables such as clarity of purpose, retirement attitudes and potential conflicts affect significantly to influence the behavior of bankers in retirement planning according to Islamic perspective.  In conclusion, the conventional Muslim bankers know that they should manage their retirement according to the Shariah value. However, some of them didn’t believe that the Shariah investment instrument can fulfill their desired retirement goals.
Federal, State, and Local Nutrition Policies for Cancer Prevention: Perceived Impact and Feasibility, United States, 2018
Authors: Lizewski Lauren , Flaherty Grace , Wilde Parke , Brownson Ross , Wang Claire , Maitin-Shepard Melissa , Li Yan , Mozaffarian Dariush , Zhang Fang Fang
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To assess stakeholder perceptions of the impact and feasibility of 21 national, state, and local nutrition policies for cancer prevention across 5 domains in the United States.

Methods. We conducted an online survey from October through December 2018. Participants were invited to take the survey via direct e-mail contact or an organizational e-newsletter.

Results. Federal or state Medicare/Medicaid coverage of nutrition counseling and federal or state subsidies on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were the policies rated as having the highest perceived impact and feasibility. Overall, the 170 respondents rated policy impact higher than policy feasibility. Polices at the federal or state level had a higher perceived impact, whereas local policies had higher perceived feasibility.

Conclusions. Our findings might guide future research and advocacy that can ultimately motivate and target policy actions to reduce cancer burdens and disparities in the United States.
Structural Racism, Historical Redlining, and Risk of Preterm Birth in New York City, 2013–2017
Authors: Krieger Nancy , Van Wye Gretchen , Huynh Mary , Waterman Pamela D. , Maduro Gil , Li Wenhui , Gwynn R. Charon , Barbot Oxiris , Bassett Mary T.
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To assess if historical redlining, the US government’s 1930s racially discriminatory grading of neighborhoods’ mortgage credit-worthiness, implemented via the federally sponsored Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) color-coded maps, is associated with contemporary risk of preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation).

Methods. We analyzed 2013–2017 birth certificate data for all singleton births in New York City (n = 528 096) linked by maternal residence at time of birth to (1) HOLC grade and (2) current census tract social characteristics.

Results. The proportion of preterm births ranged from 5.0% in grade A (“best”—green) to 7.3% in grade D (“hazardous”—red). The odds ratio for HOLC grade D versus A equaled 1.6 and remained significant (1.2; P < .05) in multilevel models adjusted for maternal sociodemographic characteristics and current census tract poverty, but was 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.92, 1.20) after adjustment for current census tract racialized economic segregation.

Conclusions. Historical redlining may be a structural determinant of present-day risk of preterm birth.

Public Health Implications. Policies for fair housing, economic development, and health equity should consider historical redlining’s impacts on present-day residential segregation and health outcomes.
Food Advertising on Television Before and After a National Unhealthy Food Marketing Regulation in Chile, 2016–2017
Authors: Correa Teresa , Reyes Marcela , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Corvalán Camila , Dillman Carpentier Francesca R.
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To study changes in food advertising on television after Chile’s food marketing restriction was implemented in June 2016.

Methods. Food advertisements shown between 6 am and 12 am on the 4 primary broadcast and 4 cable channels with the largest Chilean youth audiences during 2 random weeks in April and May 2016 and 2017 were analyzed for product nutrition and child-directed marketing.

Results. The percentage of ads for foods high in energy, saturated fats, sugars, or sodium (HEFSS) decreased from 41.9% before the regulation to 14.8% after the regulation (P < .001). This decrease occurred in programs intended for children (from 49.7% to 12.7%; P < .001) as well as general audiences (from 38.5% to 15.7%; P < .001). The largest declines were seen for sodas, desserts, breakfast cereals and industrialized fruit- and vegetable-flavored drinks. Fewer HEFSS ads featured child-directed content (a decrease from 44.0% to 12.0%; P < .001), and the remaining child-directed HEFSS ads primarily aired on internationally owned cable channels.

Conclusions. The significant postregulation decrease in the prevalence of HEFSS television ads suggests that children in Chile are now less exposed to unhealthy food advertising. However, television originating from national and international outlets should still be monitored for compliance.
Perceived Access to Abortion Among Women in the United States in 2018: Variation by State Abortion Policy Context
Authors: Perreira Krista M. , Johnston Emily M. , Shartzer Adele , Yin Sophia
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To describe perceptions of access to abortion among women of reproductive age and their associations with state abortion policy contexts.

Methods. We used data from the 2018 Survey of Family Planning and Women’s Lives, a probability-based sample of 2115 adult women aged 18 to 44 years in US households.

Results. We found that 27.6% of women (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.3%, 32.7%) believed that access to medical abortion was difficult and 30.1% of women (95% CI = 25.6%, 35.1%) believed that access to surgical abortion was difficult. Adjusted for covariates, women were significantly more likely to perceive access to both surgical and medical abortions as difficult when they lived in states with 4 or more restrictive abortion policies compared with states with fewer restrictions (surgical adjusted odds ratio [AORsurgical] = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.15, 2.21; AORmedical = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.95). Specific restrictive abortion policies (e.g., public funding restrictions, mandatory counseling or waiting periods, and targeted regulation of abortion providers) were also associated with greater perceived difficulty accessing both surgical and medical abortions.

Conclusions. State policies restricting abortion access are associated with perceptions of reduced access to both medical and surgical abortions among women of reproductive age.
Abortion Access in Ohio’s Changing Legislative Context, 2010–2018
Authors: Norris Alison H. , Chakraborty Payal , Lang Kaiting , Hood Robert B. , Hayford Sarah R. , Keder Lisa , Bessett Danielle , Smith Mikaela H. , Hill B. Jessie , Broscoe Molly , Norwood Carolette , McGowan Michelle L.
Published: May 2020

Objectives. To examine abortion utilization in Ohio from 2010 to 2018, a period when more than 15 abortion-related laws became effective.

Methods. We evaluated changes in abortion rates and ratios examining gestation, geographic distribution, and abortion method in Ohio from 2010 to 2018. We used data from Ohio’s Office of Vital Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Abortion Surveillance Reports, the American Community Survey, and Ohio’s Public Health Data Warehouse.

Results. During 2010 through 2018, abortion rates declined similarly in Ohio, the Midwest, and the United States. In Ohio, the proportion of early first trimester abortions decreased; the proportion of abortions increased in nearly every later gestation category. Abortion ratios decreased sharply in most rural counties. When clinics closed, abortion ratios dropped in nearby counties.

Conclusions. More Ohioans had abortions later in the first trimester, compared with national patterns, suggesting delays to care. Steeper decreases in abortion ratios in rural versus urban counties suggest geographic inequity in abortion access.

Public Health Implications. Policies restricting abortion access in Ohio co-occur with delays to care and increasing geographic inequities. Restrictive policies do not improve reproductive health.
Application of MIKE 21 in a multi-purpose floodway zoning along the lower Hungarian Drava section
Authors: CZIGÁNI Szabolcs , PIRKHOFFER Ervin , HALMAI Ákos , LÓCZY Dénes
Published: May 2020

Floodway delineation, zoning and hydrodynamic modelling for a section of the Drava River was carried out with  MIKE 21 software at a one-time input flood pulse of 3000 m3s-1 discharge. The objective of the current study was the delineation and mapping of floodway zones in the form of a set of georeferenced GIS data for the section between Őrtilos (river kilometer 236 km) and Drávaszabolcs (70.2 km). Zonation was based on water velocities. Four zones were delineated upstream Barcs, and three between Barcs and Drávaszabolcs, where, due to the confined floodplain downstream Barcs, no stagnant water area was identified. Specific velocities ranged between 0.089 and 3.476 m2s-1 and 0.075 and 2.01 m2s-1 upstream and downstream Barcs, respectively, markedly lower than stated in the Government Decree (0.2 to 6.0 m2s-1). The primary and secondary conveyance zones covered a combined area of about 40% of the entire floodplain, while the remaining 60% included both the transitional and stagnant water zones upstream Barcs and solely the transitional zone downstream Barcs. Our analyses help to mitigate the effects of flood peaks and provide information for decision makers and local stakeholders on flood management tasks.
The Expression of Ptch1 and Ptch2 in the Stenotic Tissue of Congenital Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children
Authors: Yang Yanfang , han wenwen , Zhang Weiping , Sun Ning
Published: May 2020

Background: Ptch1 and Ptch2 are expressed in tubular epithelium and stromal cells adjacent to the UPJ. They mediate inhibition of Smoothened, a transmembrane protein expressed on the cell surface. If the pathway is disturbed, UPJOcan occur. This aim study aimed to determine the expression of Ptch1 (P1) and Ptch2 (P2) in stenotic segments in children with congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) compared with normal control subjects. Methods: Stenotic segments of ureter tissues were obtained from 20 UPJO patients.UPJO caused by other pathogenies, such as vessel and ureteral polyps, were excluded. The control ureter specimens were obtained from 10 patients with Wilm’s tumor, and the tissues were confirmed histologically to be unaffected. Immunofluorescence, western blot and real-time PCR were used to investigate the expression of P1 and P2. Statistical methods were used to find the differences between the two groupsResults: P1 and P2 were identified in the cytoplasm of smooth muscle in two groups through immunohistochemistry. However, there were no statistical differences between the two groups in P1 and P2 with immunohistochemistry (P=0.31 and P=0.3, respectively). There were also no statistical differences with western blot (P=0.75 and P=0.9, respectively) and real-time PCR (P=0.52 and P=0.45, respectively). However, with the immunofluorescence it was found that red-stained P1 were diffused in the controls group, but were mainly located in the intracellular perinuclear compartment of smooth muscle cells in UPJO. Conclusions: The expression of P1 and P2 between the two groups had no statistical significant. P1 were mainly located in the intracellular perinuclear compartment of smooth muscle cells in UPJO. The P1 pathway might be disturbed by the abnormal distribution rather than the quantity, which might be one probable pathogenesis of UPJO.
Virtual reality training improves accommodative facility and accommodative range
Authors: Guo Dongyu , Zhan Yangyang , Wang Xiawei , Xia Jianhua , Gu Yangshun , Long Yan
Published: May 2020

Background

To evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) training on different parameters of vision.
Methods

Individuals with healthy eyes admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University or Shulan Hospital from November 2018 to June 2019 were randomly divided into short-term (n = 40) and long-term (n = 20) treatment groups. They were given a specially designed VR training device only once for 15 minutes or 3–4 times a day for 15 minutes each time for one month. The visual acuity, spherical equivalent, accommodative range, accommodative facility, pupil size, and visual fatigue were evaluated before (control) and after VR training.
Results

The visual acuity, accommodative range, and accommodative facility increased in subjects of the short-term treatment group, whereas the pupil size contracted significantly. No significant changes in spherical equivalent and visual fatigue were observed. The changes in distant vision and corrected visual acuity were positively correlated with those in pupil size, but not with spherical equivalent. The accommodative range and accommodative facility improved significantly in subjects of the long-term treatment group. No significant changes in visual acuity, spherical equivalent, pupil size, and visual fatigue were noted.
Conclusions

VR training can improve the accommodative range and accommodative facility of human eyes. Although short-term VR training can transiently improve vision, which was probably due to bright light adaptation, there is no evidence that it can improve myopia.
Trial registration:

Retrospective registration ChiCTR2000029793. Date of Registration: 2020-02-14.
Dynamic distribution of angle kappa and its biomechanical relationships in population who are suitable for excimer laser refractive surgery
Authors: Deng Wen-Qing , Cui Hong , Li Zheng-Ri , Jin Hua , Jin Hai-yan , Li Cheng-lin , Ru Xin-yu , Lin Shu-Hua , Jia Yu-Jie , Li Ying-jun
Published: May 2020

Background To explore the dynamic distribution of pupil size and center,the eccentricity distribution of angle kappa, and its correlation with other biomechanics about suitable for excimer laser refractive surgery. Methods Randomly selected 225 patients (407 eyes) who underwent femtosecond laser combined with excimer laser in situkeratomileusis,preoperative use of Wavelight Allegro Topolyzer Corneal Topography ( Wavelight Laser Technologies AG, Erlangen, Germany ) to measure the pupil size and center position, the German Wavelight EX500 excimer Laser (500Hz) records the deviation between the pupil center and the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex when the patient is supine. Results The average displacement distribution of P-Dist (the eccentricity between the pupil center and the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex point) is 0.225 ± 0.102 mm, and 80% of the eyes are ≤ 0.30 mm.The coaxially sighted corneal light reflex point is mainly deviated to the superior temporal side of the corneal center (34%).Under the dark light condition, the x-axis of the left eye was: -0.046 ± 0.091 mm, the x-axis of the right eye was: -0.152 ± 0.084 mm, with statistical difference ( P = 0.015) (the right eye shifted to the temporal side), the y-axis direction had no statistical change ( P = 0.062). The WTW was positively correlated with changes of pupil diameter (dark pupil diameter-bright pupil diameter) ( r = 0.270, P <0.001).The SE and measured centroid shift was negative correlated ( r = - 0.214, P = 0.002). Conclusion The pupil of the left eye becomes smaller, the anterior chamber becomes shallower, and the angle kappa increases relative to the right eye.In patients with large WTW, a darker light environment is maintained during the operation to improve the efficiency of pupil matching.The dynamic change of angle kappa in high myopia population is small.
The effects of cancer beliefs and sociodemographic factors on colorectal cancer screening behavior in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Kong Yujia , Shaver Lance Garrett , Shi Fuyan , Etchegary Holly , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Asghari Shabnam , Yi Yanqing , Wang Peizhong Peter
Published: May 2020

Background

This study investigated the beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening among older adults ages 50–74 in Newfoundland and Labrador and whether these beliefs or sociodemographic factors were associated with differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening behavior.
Methods

This analysis uses data collected online survey of adults on cancer awareness and prevention in NL. Chi-square tests were used to assess whether there were differences in distributions of beliefs based on CRC screening behaviour. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic factors independently associated with CRC screening behavior.
Results

Most people held positive beliefs about cancer outcomes and treatment, though only 57.36% ever had CRC screening. Interestingly, 56.5% of participants believed that cancer treatment is worse than cancer itself. However, no beliefs about cancer treatment and outcomes were associated with CRC screening behavior. People who never had CRC screening were more likely to believe that: their worries about what might be found would prevent them from screening (χ2 = 9.380, P = .009); screening is only necessary if they have symptoms (χ2 = 15.680, P < .001); screening has a high risk of leading to unnecessary surgery (χ2 = 6.824, P = .032). Similarly, people who never had CRC screening were less likely to believe that regular screening would give them a feeling of control over their health (χ2 = 12.255, P = .002). Logistic regression identified that men had higher odds of having had CRC screening than women in our study (OR(95% CI):1.689(1.135–2.515)), as did all other age groups compared to people ages 50–54. No differences were found in CRC screening behaviour based on ethnicity, BMI classification, geography, education, income, or history of cancer in self, or history of cancer in a first-degree relative.
Conclusion

Although the majority NL residents in our sample held positive beliefs towards cancer screening, treatment and outcomes, only just over half of participants have ever had CRC screening. This discordance should be investigated further. Participants with more negative beliefs about screening were more likely to have never participated in CRC screening. Our findings further suggest that NL’s CRC screening program is equitably reaching people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, though we observed a disparity in participation among genders in our sample.
WITHDRAWN: Deep Ensemble Learning Method to Forecast COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Yahia Nesrine Ben , Kandara Mohamed Dhiaeddine , Saoud Narjes Bellamine Ben
Published: May 2020

Due to the continuous spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide, it is urgent to develop accurate decision-aided methods to support healthcare policymakers to control and early detect COVID-19 outbreak especially in the data science era. In this context, our main goal is to build a generic and accurate method that can predict daily conrmed cases which helps stake-holders to make and review their epidemic response plans. This method takes advantage of the complementarity of DNN (Deep Neuronal Networks), LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) and CNN (Convolutional Neuronal Networks) where their forecasted values represent the inputs of stacked ensemble meta-learners that will generate the nal outbreak predictions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the rst time that deep ensemble learning is used to deal with this issue. The proposed method is validated on three experimental scenarios, Tunisia case study, China case study and the third one is based on China data and models to predict Tunisia COVID-19 outbreak. Experiment results indicate that, compared with individual learners, the stacked-DNN meta-learner, whose input are forecasted values of DNN, LSTM and CNN, achieved the best accurate results in terms of accuracy as well as RMSE for the three scenarios. In conclusion, our ndings demonstrate that i) deep ensemble learning may be used as an accurate decision support tool for improving COVID-19 outbreak forecasting, ii) it is possible to reuse China learners and meat-learners to make prediction of the epidemic trend for other countries when preventive and control measures are comparable.
Influence of Storage Conditions on the Quality of Cotton Seeds in Benin Republic
Authors: IDOSSOU Roger , ABOUDOU Razack
Published: May 2020

Background The availability of good quality seeds is synonymous with improved farming, especially cash crops such as cotton. However, serious problems with seed germination have been reported recently by cotton farmers in Benin Republic. The assumptions formulated at the base with regard to this situation remain to be verified technically. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the influence of storage conditions on the quality of cotton seeds in Northern Benin. Temperature and relative humidity were assessed followed by a seed sampling sequence in seven (07) cotton seeds stores according to three main periods, ranging from the establishment in conservation to the following seasonal production. Germination tests were then carried out on each sample followed by data analysis using R and Minitab17 software.Results There is a large variation in the germination rate of cotton seed during their storage period. The probabilities values ​​(Pvalue1 = 0.023, Pvalue2 = 0.001 and Pvalue3 = 0.038) respectively associated with the three samples and the various coefficient of variation (CV) between stores (CV1 = 2.42%, CV2 = 7.1% and CV3 = 8.88%) explain a significant difference not only between the stores but also from one sample to another with regard to sampling periods. There is a strong progressive decrease in seed germination (Germination rate 1 > Germination rate2 > Germination rate3), which is responsible for the failure observed by the growers during sowing. Thus, seeds lose an average of 15% of their initial germination capacity already at one month of storage. This is generally negative due to all the storage conditions and system in the stores.Conclusions The excessive increase in temperature and the considerable decrease in relative humidity in stores are the main factors of significant loss of germination capacity of cotton seeds. In view of this situation, it is desirable that technical measures be taken in this direction in order to better preserve the quality of the seeds made available to producers for an optimization of the cotton sector in Benin.
Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions In 100 Patients Hospitalized For Covid-19: Sex Differences and Recovery Time In Real-Life
Authors: Meini Simone , Suardi Lorenzo Roberto , Busoni Michele , Roberts Anna Teresa , Fortini Alberto
Published: May 2020

Purpose. COVID-19 displays a variety of clinical manifestations; in pauci-symptomatic patients olfactory (OD) and gustatory dysfunctions (GD) may represent the first or only symptom. To date, literature addressing these disorders is scarce. Aim of this study is to investigate the timing of recovery from OD and GD in a real-life COVID-19 population.Methods. We followed up by a phone interview the first 100 patients discharged a month earlier from three Italian non-intensive care wards.Results. All patients were Caucasian, mean age was 65 years, 60% were males. OD and GD were early symptoms reported by 29% and 41% of patients, respectively. Among the 42 symptomatic patients, the male/female ratio was 2:1; 83% reported an almost resolved dysfunction at follow-up. The recovery rate was not significantly different between males and females. The mean duration of OD and GD was 18 and 16 days, respectively. The mean recovery time from OD or GD resulted significantly longer for females than for males (26 vs 14 days, p=0.009). Among the 42 symptomatic, the mean age of males was significantly higher than that of females (66 vs 57 years, p=0.04), while the opposite was observed in the 58 asymptomatic patients (60 vs 73 years, p=0.0018).Conclusions. Recovery from OD or GD was rapid, occurring within 4 weeks in most patients. Chemosensory dysfunctions in women was less frequent, but longer lasting. The value of our study is its focus on a significantly older population than those previously described, and to add further data on gender differences.
Regional Income Disparities and Convergence Clubs in Indonesia: New District-Level Evidence 2000-2017
Authors: Aginta Harry , Gunawan Anang Budi , Mendez Carlos
Published: May 2020

Reducing regional income disparities is a central challenge for promoting sustainable development in Indonesia. In particular, the prospect for these disparities to be reduced in the post-decentralization period has become a major concern for policymakers. Motivated by this background, this paper aims to re-examine the regional convergence hypothesis at the district level in Indonesia over the 2000-2017 period. By using non-linear dynamic factor model, this study analyzes novel data set to investigate the formation of multiple convergence clubs. The results indicate that Indonesian districts form five convergence clubs, implying that the growth of income per capita in Indonesian 514 districts can be clustered into five common trends. From the lens of spatial distribution, two common occasions can be observed. First, districts belonging to the same province tend be in the same club and second, the highest club is dominated by districts with specific characteristic (i.e., big cities or natural resources rich regions). From a policy standpoint, this findings of multiple convergence clubs at significantly different levels of income allows regional policy makers to identify districts facing similar challenges. It may have meaningful implications for regional development policies, including the call of inter-provincial development policy.
Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate pharmacological mechanisms of Qiaoshao formula for treatment of premature ejaculation
Authors: Wang Ming , Wang Qi , Du Yongqiang , Zhang Xiansheng
Published: May 2020

Background Qiaoshao (QS) formula, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprising seven herbs, has been clinically proven to have a favorable treatment effect on premature ejaculation (PE). However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms in the treatment of PE need to be further clarified. Methods In the present study, a network pharmacology-based strategy was adopted. The active compounds of QS formula were obtained from the Chinese medicine database, and the potential targets of these compounds were collected from the DrugBank database to construct compound-compound targets network. PE-related targets were identified from human disease databases and used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Compound-disease target PPI network was constructed by merging the PPI network of disease-targets and compound-targets. Cluster and enrichment analyses were performed on the PPI network of disease targets and compound-disease targets. Results Four primary pharmacological network of QS formula were constructed, including the compound-compound targets network, PPI network of PE-related targets and compounds-disease targets, and the QS-PE mechanism network. The module and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the QS formula had the potential to affect varieties of biological process and pathways, such as nitric oxide biosynthetic process, oxytocin, thyroid hormone, TNF, PI3K-Akt, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway, that play an important role in the pathogenesis of PE. Conclusion This study preliminarily discovered the potential targets and pathways of QS formula in the treatment of PE, which laid a good foundation for further experimental research.
Chatuphalatika, a Thai herbal formula, ameliorate obesity and dyslipidemia in high-fat diet fed mice
Authors: Mingmalairak Salin , Tantisira Mayuree H , Rinthong Prasoborn
Published: May 2020

Background

Chatuphalatika is a Thai traditional health tonic composing of four different herbs namely Terminalia bellerica Linn., T. chebula Retz., T. arjuna Roxb. and Phyllanthus emblica Linn. The fact that phytoconstituents of Terminalia species have been reported to ameliorate obesity and symptoms of metabolic syndrome prompt us to investigate acute toxicity as well as a lipid lowering activity of orally given chatuphalatika aqueous extract (CPT) in animal models.
Methods

CPT was prepared by decoction method and the phytochemical contents were quantified by HPLC analysis. The acute oral toxicity study of CPT was performed in Wistar rats following the protocol of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines No. 420. The assessment of lipid-lowering effect of CPT was carried out in high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6 mice model.
Results

Gallic acid was the highest content (137.10 ± 5.42 mg/g) found in CPT followed by chebulinic acid (73.60 ± 2.35 mg/g), chebulagic acid (62.60 ± 4.17 mg/g) and ellagic acid (5.2 ± 0.40 mg/g). No lethality and no signs of toxicity were observed in either male or female rats orally treated with CPT at a single dose of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg. Daily oral administration of 250, 500 or 1,000 mg/kg of CPT for 6 weeks to the HFD-induced dyslipidemia mice markedly reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, whereas the significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC) levels was observed only in the high doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of CPT. Moreover, dyslipidemia mice received 1,000 mg/kg CPT exclusively showed the decrease in body weight gain.
Conclusions

The CPT was safe and effective for relieving dyslipidemia and reducing weight gain in animal model supporting further development as functional food for dyslipidemia or overweight population.
Combination with cooling-heat Chinese medicine Qing-kai-ling, not warming-yang Shen-fu, enhances the antitumor effect of gefitinib in resistant non-small cell lung cancer models in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Qu Yan-chun , Zou Ying , Shi Shuai , Zhu Yanjuan , Liu Yi-hong , Liu Li-rong , Zheng Xiao-hua , Chen Hui-hui , Zhang Hai-bo
Published: May 2020

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions should be decided according to the TCM treatment principle, and the warming-yang or cooling-heat should be the guide of treatment principle outline. Methods: In order to identify which treatment principle, warming-yang or cooling-heat should be combined with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we combined the typical warming-yang drug, Shen-fu (SF), and the typical cooling-heat drug, Qing-kai-ling (QKL) with gefitinib in resistant NSCLC models. Results: The results demonstrated that QKL combined with gefitinib induced significantly increased cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in A549 cell line and significantly smaller tumor volume and lower tumor weight in H1975 xenograft transplanted nude mice. On the contrary, SF combined with gefitinib had significant antagonism effect on both cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in vitro , and on tumor weight in vivo . EGFR phosphorylation inhibition and the downstream PI3K/AKT and RAS/RAF/ERK pathway inhibition served an important role in the synergism effect between QKL and gefitinib in H1975 xenograft transplanted nude mice. Conclusions: The present study indicated that cooling-heat TCM treatment principle may reverse or delay NSCLC resistance to EGFR-TKIs, and combination of them warrants further study.
Risk Analysis of 2-year Mortality in Elderly Male Patients with Non-Thyroidal Illness Syndrome
Authors: Liu Hongzhou , Miao Xinyu , wei Meng , Guo Xiaomei , Liu Lin , Gu Zhaoyan , Li Chunlin , Yan Shuangtong , Lv Zhaohui
Published: May 2020

Background Currently, the elderly population is rapidly increasing, and elderly patients with non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in intensive care units (ICUs) have relatively severe symptoms and a poor prognosis. However, there are few studies on the correlation between NTIS and patient mortality among hospitalised elderly patients in the general ward.Methods In the present study, 931 male inpatients ≥ 60 years of age who visited our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 were selected and divided into the NTIS group and normal thyroid function (non-NTIS) group. Propensity score matching was used to match the two groups according to age and body mass index. Thyroid function, serum proteins, metabolic indicators, liver and kidney function and mortality were collected.Results Serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), prealbumin (PA), haemoglobin (Hb), uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels were significantly lower in the NTIS group than in the non-NTIS group. The urea nitrogen (UN) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were higher in the NTIS group than in the non-NTIS group. Total T3, TP, Alb, and PA levels were positively correlated with the Hb level and negatively correlated with FBG, UN, and creatinine (Cr) levels. The free T3 level was positively correlated with TP, Alb, PA, Hb, and UA levels and negatively correlated with FBG, UN, and Cr levels. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models indicated that a lower free T3 level was associated with increased all-cause mortality after adjusting for covariates. The patients in the NTIS group had a lower survival rate at 2 years based on Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that a cut-off free T3 level of 3.445 pmol/L yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years.Conclusion Among elderly male inpatients, the survival rate was lower in the NTIS group than non-NTIS group. Serum protein levels and renal function decreased and the FBG level increased with decreasing total T3 and free T3 levels. A decreased free T3 level in hospitalized elderly male patients was a predictor of poor prognosis.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 132 cases of infantile hepatoblastoma — A 14-year retrospective study from a single center
Authors: Zhi Tian , Zhang Weiling , Zhang Yi , Hu Huimin , Huang Dongsheng
Published: May 2020

Background The study aimed to summarize the clinical data of hepatoblastoma (HB) in infants under 1 year of age, analyze their treatment effects and factors that affect the prognosis. Methods Clinical data of 132 pathologically confirmed children under the age of 1 year old with hepatoblastoma who were admitted to the pediatric single center of Beijing Tongren Hospital,Capital Medical University from May 2005 to May 2019 were collected. The clinical efficacy and prognosis of combined treatment were summarized through retrospective analysis. Results 1. Of the 132 children enrolled, 74 were male and 58 were female; median age was 8.40 months; the onset of disease was the most common (75.0%) of abdominal distension; infant HB had high AFP at the initial diagnosis, with an average level of (127406.5 ± 7232.5) ng/ml, the platelet value was (405 ± 166) × 109/L; the pathological type was mainly epithelial (57.6%), and most of the epithelial types were fetal (67.1%); the PRETEXT stage was mainly stage III (54.5%), followed by stage II (34.1%); 45 cases had distant metastases, most of which were lung metastases (86.7%); 24 patients (18.2%) had portal vein or hepatic vein or vena cava invasion, 5 (3.8%) had tumor rupture, and 26 (19.7%) had multiple intrahepatic lesions. 2. The patients were followed up to May 2020, with a median follow-up time of 58 months. Among them, 84 cases had complete remission and 18 cases had partial remission. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the 5-year overall survival rates (OS) were 80.1%; the event-free survival rates (EFS) were 77.5%. Log-rank test showed that HB patients with AFP> 1210ng/ml at first diagnosis had a good prognosis; the EFS of the patients at PRETEXT IV stage was only 28.6%;children with distant tumor metastasis and multiple primary tumor lesions had poor prognosis, which were risk factors affecting the prognosis of infant HB (P < 0.05). Conclusions Infant HB has its own characteristics. Through comprehensive treatment, the prognosis is relatively good, but it is still susceptible to multiple factors such as AFP level, PRETEXT stage, the presence of distant metastasis and multiple intrahepatic lesions.
Recuperation of economy after volcanic eruption in Mt. Merapi, Indonesia: a multiregional input-output analysis
Authors: Subiyanti Heni , Islam Moinul , Ichihashi Masaru
Published: May 2020

Indonesia is in one of the disaster-prone points, the ring of fire, which frequently suffer from natural disasters. Mt. Merapi volcanic eruption in 2010 was one of the catastrophic natural disasters, which caused the approximate economic damages of 3,628 trillion Indonesian rupiah. To recover the loss of different sectors of the economy, the central and regional governments allocates special budget for recovery and reconstruction. We assess the induced economic effects of Mt. Merapi eruption recovery fiscal support by using a multiregional input-output (MRIO) model. We utilize the state level data of the 2005 Indonesian interregional input-output table (IRIO) and the 2011–2013 volcano eruption restoration. Our results indicate that the effect of 2010 recovery budget for Mt. Merapi eruption contributed to the economy of the hazard-affected Yogyakarta Special Region. In addition, the forestry sector, other services sector, and construction sectors have a significantly benefited from the induced output by fiscal support.
Vitamin D Deficiency Among Patients with COVID-19 : Case Series and Recent Literature Review 
Authors: Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim , Angela Angela , Pradana Andryawan Wahyu
Published: May 2020

Background The world is now challenging the pandemic of COVID-19 infection. Previous studies showed the plausibility of Vitamin D prophylaxis and therapy for COVID-19, particularly in settings where hypovitaminosis D is frequent. Recent study from Indonesian showed that prevalence of vitamin D deficiency were 23.0%. The examination of Vitamin D status is not a routine in Indonesian clinical setting. Methods This study is a Case Series from confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bethesda hospital Yogyakarta Indonesia. The data of clinical symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory examination were obtained from electronic medical record. The vitamin D status was measured by standardized laboratory method. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies that included terms for Vitamin D and COVID-19. Results The data was obtained from 10 participants consist of 50% male and 50% female. The mean of age was 49.6 years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this case was 90% and 10% of insufficiency. Patients in this case had various symptom and also had various chronic disease as comorbidity. Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this case series in Bethesda hospital Yogyakarta, Indonesia is 90% and 10% vitamin D insufficiency. We found no clinical evidence that vitamin D supplements are beneficial in preventing or treating COVID-19. Randomized controlled trials need to determine and evaluated this recommendation.
Association between clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes in adult male COVID-19 patients with mild clinical symptoms: a single-center observational study
Authors: Yan Bailing , Song Lei , Guo Jia , Wang Yangyang , Peng Liping , Li Dan
Published: May 2020

Background: Majority of patients with 2019 novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) exhibit mild symptoms. Identification of COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms who might develop into severe or critical illness is essential to save lives.Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational study in a dedicated make-shift hospital for adult male COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms between February and March 2020. Baseline characteristics, medical history, and clinical presentation were recorded. Laboratory tests and chest computed tomography were performed. Patients were observed until they were either transferred to a hospital for advanced care owing to disease exacerbation or were discharged after improvement. Patients were grouped based on their chest imaging findings or short-term outcomes.Results: A total of 125 COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms were enrolled. Of these, 7 patients were transferred for advanced care while 118 patients were discharged after improvement and showed no disease recurrence during an additional 28-day follow-up period. Eighty-five patients (68.0%) had abnormal chest imaging findings. Patients with abnormal chest imaging findings were more likely to have disease deterioration and require advanced care as compared to those with normal chest imaging findings. Patients with deteriorated outcomes were more likely to have low peripheral blood oxygen saturation and moderately-elevated body temperature. There were no significant differences between patients with deteriorated or improved outcomes with respect to age, clinical presentation, or comorbidities.Conclusions: Abnormal chest imaging findings, low peripheral blood oxygen saturation, and elevated temperature were associated with disease deterioration in adult male COVID-19 patients with mild clinical symptoms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04346602. Registered 12 April 2020- Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009RA3&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0003F4L&ts=2&cx=-ajpsbw
Comparison of initial HRCT features of COVID-19 pneumonia and other viral pneumonias
Authors: Huang Yilong , Jiang Yuanming , Wu Li , Yi Wenfang , Ma Jiyao , Wang Peng , Xie Ying , Li Zhipeng , Li Xiang , Hong Minchang , Zhou Jialong , Duan Chuwei , Yang Yunhui , Zhao Wei , Yuan Feng , Han Dan , He Bo
Published: May 2020

Background: Multicenter retrospective comparison of the first high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral pneumonias.Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical and imaging data from 254 cases of confirmed viral pneumonia in 20 hospitals in Yunnan Province, China, from March 1, 2015, to March 15, 2020. According to the virus responsible for the pneumonia, the pneumonias were divided into non-COVID-19 (133 cases) and COVID-19 (121 cases). The non-COVID-19 pneumonias included 3 types: cytomegalovirus (CMV) (31 cases), influenza A virus (82 cases), and influenza B virus (20 cases). The differences in the basic clinical characteristics, lesion distribution, location and imaging signs among the four viral pneumonias were analyzed and compared.Results: Fever and cough were the most common clinical symptoms of the four viral pneumonias. Compared with the COVID-19 patients, the non-COVID-19 patients had higher proportions of fatigue, sore throat, expectorant and chest tightness (all p<0.000). In addition, in the CMV pneumonia patients, the proportion of patients with combined acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and leukopenia were high (all p<0.000). Comparisons of the imaging findings of the four viral pneumonias showed that pulmonary lesions of COVID-19 were more likely to occur in the peripheral and lower lobes of both lungs, while those of CMV pneumonia were diffusely distributed. Compared with the non-COVID-19 pneumonias, COVID-19 pneumonia was more likely to present as ground-glass opacity (GGO), intralobular interstitial thickening, vascular thickening and halo sign (all p<0.05). In addition, in the early stage of COVID-19, extensive consolidation, fibrous stripes, subpleural lines, crazy-paving pattern, tree-in-bud, mediastinal lymphadenectasis, pleural thickening and pleural effusion were rare (all p<0.05).Conclusion: The HRCT findings of COVID-19 pneumonia and other viral pneumonias overlapped significantly, but many important differential imaging features could still be observed.