bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and bibliometric analysis of African anesthesia and critical care medicine research Part I: Hierarchy of evidence and scholarly productivity 
Authors: Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Mbonda Aimé Noula , Wafo Cynthia Kévine , Daya Leonid , Atem Thompson Hope , Nyalundja Arsène Daniel , Eyaman Daniel Cheryl
Published: September 2020

BackgroundResearch is an essential component of Anesthesia, and the contributions of researchers and institutions can be appreciated from the analysis of scholarly outputs. Such analyses help identify major contributors and trends in publication. Little is known about the state of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine (A.C.C.M.) research in Africa. We aimed to describe African A.C.C.M. research's current landscape by determining its productivity per country and point towards possible ideas for improvement. MethodsThe authors searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) from inception to May 4, 2020, for articles on or about A.C.C.M. in Africa. Studies were selected based on their titles and abstracts. Rayyan software was later on used for data management in the review selection process. Then, the full-text of eligible articles were screened. Data were extracted, and the number of articles per physician anesthesia providers and provider density were calculated. Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman's correlation were used, and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 4690 articles, only 886 (18.9%) were included in the analysis. The articles were published between 1946 and 2020 in 278 target journals. 55 (6.2%) articles were published in the South African Journal of Surgery, 51 (5.8%) in Anesthesia and Analgesia, and 46 (5.2%) in Anaesthesia. 291 (32.8%) studies were cross-sectional. 195 (22.0%) first authors were from Nigeria, 118 (13.3%) from South Africa, and 88 (9.9%) from the U.S.A. Malawi (1.67), Togo (1.06), and Sierra Leone (1.00) had the highest number of articles per provider. Whereas Ethiopia (580.00), Nigeria (336.21), and Malawi (333.33) had the highest number of articles per provider density. ConclusionWe identified the most and least productive African countries in A.C.C.M. research and a low-quality hierarchy of evidence in these publications. Hence, the study's findings may aid in driving the A.C.C.M. research agenda and capacity building in Africa.
Lacrimal Sac Bacteriology and Susceptibility Pattern in Infants with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in the 1st Year of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Zhou Mingming , Shi Caiping , Zhao Zhengyan
Published: September 2020

Background: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is one of the main causes of epiphora in infants, and antibiotics are usually used as a conservative therapy in the first year. Yet, little is known about the bacteriology of the occluded lacrimal drainage system in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiology of lacrimal sac (LS) in Chinese children with CNLDO in their first year of life.Methods: Patients with CNLDO between May 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 at a tertiary care children’s hospital were enrolled. The study recruited infants who received lacrimal probing under 1 year old, and refluxed discharge from LS was collected. Samples were cultured and susceptibility test was performed for positive culture.Results: Thirty-two patients with CNLDO were included. The ratio of male to female was 23:9. The mean age was 6.7 ± 2.4 (1.7-12) months. Positive cultures was identified in 87.5% of the sample, and presented 38 strains of bacteria. Mixed infection was identified in 10 (31.3%) children. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 60.5% of all the strains, with Streptococcus (50%) being the most frequent species, whereas Haemophilus (21.1%) and Neisseriae (13.2%) were most common isolates for Gram-negative organisms. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 2 infants whose symptoms resolved by a routine probing. No difference of bacteriology pattern was detected between patients under 6 months old and those beyond. The pathogens were highly sensitive to chloramphenicol (88%) and levofloxacin (84%), but resistant to erythromycin (40%) and sulfamethoxazole (32%).Conclusions: Infants with CNLDO under 1 year of age presented predominance of Streptococcus as Gram-positive organism, and Haemophilus as Gram-negative organism. Levofloxacin was an active topical antibiotic agent with few chance of resistance especially for Chinese children. These findings could help clinicians choose optimal medicine for CNLDO as the conservative treatments.
Non-target screening for detecting the occurrence of plant metabolites in river waters
Authors: Nanusha Mulatu Yohannes , Krauss Martin , Brack Werner
Published: September 2020

Background: In surface waters, using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), typically large numbers of chemical signals often with high peak intensity remain unidentified. These chemical signals may represent natural compounds released from plants, animals and microorganisms, which may contribute to the cumulative toxic risk. Thus, attempts were made to identify natural compounds in significant concentrations in surface waters by identifying overlapping LC-HRMS peaks between extracts of plants abundant in the catchment and river waters using a non-target screening (NTS) work flow. Results: The result revealed the presence of several thousands of overlapping peaks between water – and plants from local vegetation. Taking this overlap as a basis, 12 SPMs from different compound classes were identified to occur in river waters with flavonoids as a dominant group. The concentrations of the identified compounds ranged from 0.02 to 5 µg/L with apiin, hyperoside and guanosine with highest concentrations. Most of the identified compounds exceeded the threshold for toxicological concern (TTC) (0.1 µg/L) for non-genotoxic and non-endocrine disrupting chemicals in drinking water often by more than one order of magnitude. Conclusion: Our results revealed the contribution of chemicals eluted from the vegetation in the catchment to the chemical load in surface waters and help to reduce the number of unknowns among NTS high-intensity peaks detected in rivers. Since secondary plant metabolites (SPMs) are often produced for defence against other organisms and since concentrations ranges are clearly above TTC a contribution to toxic risks on aquatic organisms and impacts on drinking water safety cannot be excluded. This demands for including these compounds into monitoring and assessment of water quality.
Frailty, delirium and hospital mortality of older adults admitted to intensive care: the Delirium (Deli) in ICU study.
Authors: Sanchez David , Brennan Kathleen , Safye Masar El , Shunker Sharon-Ann , Bogdanoski Tony , Hedges Sonja , Hou Yu Chin , Lynch Joan M , Hunt Leanne , Alexandrou Evan , Saxena Manoj , Abel Simon , Lakshmanan Ramanathan , Bhonagiri Deepak , Parr Michael J. , Aneman Anders , Chroinin Danielle Ni , Hillman Kenneth M. , Frost Steven Alfred
Published: September 2020

Background: As the population ages clinical frailty among older adults admitted to intensive care has been proposed as an important determinant of patient outcomes. Among this group of patients an acute episode of delirium is also common, but its relationship to frailty and increased risk of mortality has not been extensively explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between clinical frailty, delirium and hospital mortality of older adults admitted to intensive care.Methods: This study is part of a Delirium in Intensive Care (Deli) study that is being conducted across the SWSLHD between May 1st 2019 and the end of April 2020. During the initial 6-month baseline period, clinical frailty status on admission to intensive care, among adults aged 50-years or more, acute episodes of delirium, and the outcomes of intensive care and hospital stay will be described.Results: During the 6-month baseline period 997 patients, aged 50-years or more, were included in this study. The average age was 71-years (IQR, 63-79), 55% were male (n = 537). Among these patients 39.2% (95% CI 36.1 – 42.3%, n = 396) had a Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) of 5 or more, and 13.0% (n=127) had at least one acute episode of delirium. Frail patients were at greater risk of an episode of delirium (17% versus 10%, adjusted Rate Ratio (adjRR) = 1.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.20 – 2.43, p = 0.003), had a longer hospital stay (2.6 days, 95% CI 1-7 days, p = 0.009), and higher risk of hospital mortality (19% versus 7%, adjRR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.72 – 3.75, p < 0.001), when compared to non-frail patients. Patients who were frail and experienced an acute episode of delirium in the intensive care had a 35% rate of hospital mortality, versus 10% among non-frail patients who also experienced delirium in the ICU.Conclusion: This study among adults, aged 50-years or more, admitted to intensive care has been able to show that clinical frailty on admission increases the risk of delirium by approximately 60%, and both increase the risk of hospital mortality. One in three frail patients who experienced an acute episode of delirium during their stay in the intensive care did not survive to hospital discharge. These results suggest the importance of recognising clinical frailty in the intensive care setting, not just to improve the prediction of outcomes from critical illness, but to identify patients at the greatest risk of adverse events such as delirium, and institute measures to reduce risk, and, importantly to discuss these issues in an open and empathetic way with the patient and their families.
Influence of MIF polymorphisms on CpG island hyper-methylation of CDKN2A in the patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sakurai Naoko , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nakamura Masakatsu , Takano Hikaru , Hayashi Tasuku , Ota Masafumi , Nomura-Horita Tomoe , Hayashi Ranji , Shimasaki Takeo , Otsuka Toshimi , Tahara Tomomitsu , Arisawa Tomiyasu
Published: September 2020

Background: CDKN2A hypermethylation is among the major events associated with carcinogenesis and is also observed in non-neoplastic colonic mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a crucial role in promoting gastrointestinal inflammation characteristic of UC. The aim of this study is to explore associations between CDKN2A methylation status and MIF polymorphisms (rs755622 and rs5844572). Methods: One hundred and fifty-nine patients diagnosed with UC were enrolled in this study. The methylation status of p14ARF and p16INK4a was determined by MSP; MIF genotypes were identified by PCR-SSCP. Results: We found no differences with respect to mean age, gender, clinical type (chronic continuous or relapse/remitting), or extent of disease among the patients with methylated and unmethylated p14ARF or p16INK4a. Carrying the rs755622 C allele indicated a significantly higher risk for p14ARF methylation (odds ratio (OR), 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-4.32; p=0.030); similarly, carrying the rs5844572 7-repeat allele indicated a significantly higher risk for p16INK4a methylation (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.26–5.24; p=0.0094) after an adjusted regression analysis. The carriers of the rs755662 C allele or the rs5844572 7-repeat allele were both at a significantly higher risk for methylation of both p14ARF and p16INK4a when compared to the cohort in which neither of the genes were methylated (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.22–6.01; p=0.015 and OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.25–6.62; p=0.013, respectively). Additionally, carrying rs755622 C allele was significantly associated with CIHM in chronic continuous of clinical type and total colitis (OR, 25.9; 95% CI, 2.55-262.6; p=0.0059 and OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.12-17.2; p=0.034, respectively), and carrying 7-repeat allele of rs5844572 was significantly associated in chronic continuous type (OR, 14.5; 95%CI, 1.46-144.3; p=0.022).Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that MIF genotypes associated with inflammation may also be involved in promoting carcinogenesis via CDKN2A hypermethylation in patients diagnosed with UC.
The magnitude and associated Factors of Postoperative Trichiasis among adults who underwent Trachomatous Trichiasis Surgery in Ambassel District, North-East Ethiopia
Authors: Yimam Abdu Tabor , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse , Alene Getu Degu
Published: September 2020

Background

In Trachoma endemic countries, many people who underwent Trichiasis surgery faced a recurrence of the disease. Postoperative Trichiasis is a significant problem for patients and health care providers because it puts the eye at renewed risk of sight loss. Despite the low utilization of Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) surgery and high recurrence rate, evidences that elucidate why TT recurs after surgery are limited. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of postoperative Trichiasis among 18 years and above individuals who underwent Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery between 2006 and 2011 Ethiopian Fiscal year in Ambassel District, North-East Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods

The community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 10 to March 23/2020 in selected kebeles of Ambassel District. The required sample size was calculated using EPI-INFO Version 7. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to employ a total of 506 individuals. Data were collected through the interviewer-administered structured pre-tested questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of Trachomatous Trichiasis recurrence.
Results

Four hundred ninety two individuals participated in this study with response rate of 97.2%. In Ambassel district the prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis was 23.8% (95%CI = 19.9–27.8). Among associated factors of postoperative Trichiasis age 50–59 AOR = 3.34 (CI = 1.38–8.1), 60–69 AOR = 3.24(CI = 1.38–7.61), ≥ 70 years AOR = 6.04 (CI = 2.23–16.41), duration since surgery AOR = 1.7(CI = 1.35–2.14), complication AOR = 2.98(CI = 1.24–7.2), washing the face two times AOR = 0.25(CI = 0.13–0.47), washing the face three and more times AOR = 0.1(CI = 0.41 − 0.25), taking Azithromycin following surgery AOR = 0.19(CI = 0.09–0.41), pre-operative epilation history AOR = 2.11, (CI = 1.14, 3.9)and having a knowledge about TrachomaTtrichiasis AOR = 0.21(CI = 0.08–0.58) showed a statistical significant association.
Conclusions

The prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis in Ambassel District was higher than most Ethiopian studies. Age, frequency of face washing, medication following surgery, duration since the last surgery, knowledge about trachoma, pre-operative epilation history and complication after surgery were identified to be independent factors. To minimize postoperative Trichiasis stakeholders need to consider health education for patients, provision of Azithromycin after surgery and proper training for IECWs.
VDAC1 and RhoA in Plasma Exosomes Influence the Severity of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Li Huizhen , Shen Nan , Mao Lin , Chen Meijia , Zhou Xuan , Chen Nan , Li Xin , Liang Juping , Yang Yuqi , Du Qing
Published: September 2020

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spine deformity, but biomarkers for its condition are lacking. Rhodopsin A (RhoA) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC1) in plasma exosomes were defined as differentially expressed proteins between AIS patients and healthy controls. The purpose of this study was to assess exosomes as biomarkers for the occurrence and progression of AIS. Methods：We recruited 10 AIS patients and 8 healthy controls to detect expressed proteins from plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Pathway analysis identified that the VDAC1 and RhoA proteins were alterations expressed in the AIS patients, with the most different alteration was found in extracellular exosomes. Ultracentrifugation was carried out to isolate exosomes from plasma. Verification of the most differentially expressed protein was accessed by Western blot analysis and bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the pathway of it.Results: 42 of significantly differentially expressed proteins were found in all subjects, and 17 proteins had significant difference. The differentially expressed proteins were enriched in plasma exosomes, and some proteins, such as FN1, were upregulated and others, such as VDAC1, RhoA and AHNAK, were downregulated in the AIS patients. Furthermore, ultracentrifugation was carried out to isolate exosomes from plasma, and RhoA and VDAC1 proteins in plasma exosomes were verified to downregulate by western blot. KEGG signaling pathways were used to predict potential pathways involved in the RhoA and VDAC1 proteins in the AIS patients. We found that the RhoA protein influences AIS probably through the chemokine signaling pathway, platelet activation and cAMP signaling pathway, and the VDAC1 protein is a key factor that participates in the necroptosis pathway, acting on the development of AIS.Conclusions: Consequently, this study mapped a profile of plasma protein, found the differentially expressed protein in AIS, which indicating that plasma exosomes, as a novel biomarker with high specificity, could be associated with the severity of AIS.
Policy Assessments for the Carbon Emission Flows and Sustainability of Bitcoin Blockchain Operation in China
Authors: Jiang Shangrong , Li Yuze , Lu Quanying , Hong Yongmiao , Guan Dabo , Xiong Yu , Wang Shouyang
Published: September 2020

The large energy consumption and the associated carbon emission of the Bitcoin blockchain operations are growing to a non-negligible problem that could potentially undermine the sustainable efforts of many countries around the world. In this paper, we make the first and original attempt to investigate the carbon emission flows of the Bitcoin blockchain operations in China under different carbon policies with a Bitcoin blockchain carbon emission (BBCE) model. We find that without any policy interventions, the annual energy consumption of the Bitcoin blockchain in China is expected to maximize in 2024 at 296.59 Twh and generate 130.50 million metric tons of carbon emission flows correspondingly, which would exceed the annualized greenhouse gas emission level of the Czech Republic and Portugal in 2016. Moreover, the maximum carbon emission per GDP of the Bitcoin industry is estimated to reach 10.77 kg/USD in June 2026 based on benchmark assessments. In addition, policies that induce changes in the energy consumption structure of the mining activities may be more effective than intuitive punitive measures in limiting the total amount of carbon emission in the Bitcoin blockchain operation. In particular, we find that market access policy has an incentive effect on the emission reduction of the Bitcoin industry. After evaluating the policy effectiveness, we provide some novel insights for the sustainable operations of the disruptive blockchain technology by analyzing the carbon emissions pattern of the Bitcoin blockchain.
National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic
Authors: Bavel Jay Van , Boggio Paulo
Published: September 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating global health crisis. Without a vaccine or effective medication, the best hope for mitigating virus transmission is collective behavior change and support for public health interventions (e.g., physical distancing, physical hygiene, and endorsement of health policies). In a large-scale international collaboration (N = 46,650 across 67 countries), we investigated why people adopted public health behaviors and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stages of the pandemic (April-May, 2020). Results revealed that respondents who identified more strongly with their nation consistently reported engagement in public health behaviors and greater support for public health policies. We also found a small effect of political orientation, indicating that left-wing respondents were more likely to report public health behaviors and support for public health measures than right-wing respondents. We discuss the implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing the COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Seeking social support through Religion, Psychological wellbeing and Social capital: A Global Survey on Coronavirus situational stress and coping strategies 
Authors: Saud Muhammad , Ashfaq Asia , Abbas Ansar , Mahmood Qaisar Khalid
Published: September 2020

The novel of Coronavirus (COVID-19) which emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has quickly spread in China and exported to around the world including economically developed countries and it has hit Indonesia as well. It is changing social life, practices, everyday habits, and government policies toward all walks of life. The main cause of COVID-19 is to be primarily transmitted by the respiratory droplets with similar incubation time (1). The present study aimed to highlight the relationship of religiosity, social capital and psychological wellbeing of the general public with a pandemic, particularly during COVID-19 days. There are various social and religious factors which lead to a cure and give the presence of religious and social function of the society. The purpose of this study is to give socialization and to give awareness, on social distancing, religious coping strategies, and how to live a healthy lifestyle. It is also to mention that, author (s) ensured the ethical consideration from the respondents and to use this survey for the academic purpose and scientific publications. This COVID-19 awareness survey started in Indonesia and its surrounding areas to access maximum respondents. This campaign can also suggest a recommendation for safety and ensure public health precautions from such pandemics.
Applicability of Commercial Clinical Chemistry Test Kits For Horse Serum
Authors: Megerssa Yoseph Cherinet , Gari Fikru Regassa , Woldemariyam Fanos Tadesse
Published: September 2020

Background: Validation of a test method to determine its fitness for a particular use is critical for conﬁrming that the test can generate accurate and precise data. Although several commercial biochemical test kits exist and validated for humans there is no specific and validated commercial clinical chemistry test kits designed for horse Objective: The aim of this study was to validate commercial clinical chemistry test kits designed for human serum for use in horses to accurately measure total cholesterol urea and total protein in serumMethods: This study used 25 apparently healthy adult horses. Blood samples were collected and pooled serum was prepared. Analytical validation comprises replication and recovery experiments. Total observable error (TEo%), Sigma metrics and quality goal index (QGI) was used to support the analytical validation studies.Result: Intra- and inter-assay variability was 2.05% and 2.08%, 2.26% and 1.89%, 2.4% and 1.63%, for total cholesterol urea and total protein for respectively; recovery was 99.46%, 97.32% and 100.1% for total cholesterol urea and total protein for respectively. TEo% for the specified analytes were within the allowable error indicated ASVCP guidelines. All the three anaytes satisfied the recommended requirement (>3 sigma values). The QGI for urea, as it had below 6σ was 0.95 indicating imprecision and inaccuracy.Conclusion: The results of the research endorse the suitability of the studied commercial clinical chemistry test kits and illustrated the acceptance criteria for serum collected from horse.
A Retrospective Review of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Functional Outcome and the Incidence of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear in Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee
Authors: WU PO-JU , Lin TsungYu , Lu Yung Chang
Published: September 2020

Background: Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) can lead to severe knee osteoarthritis predominantly localized to the medial compartment. We aimed to determine whether unicompartmental knee arthroplasty was an effective treatment for primary SONK.Methods: We analyzed the functional outcomes in 23 patients with SONK (with a magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]-confirmed diagnosis) who underwent UKA at a single center. The mean follow-up time was 67 months post-UKA.Results: Significant improvements in function were indicated by reduced Oxford Knee and Visual Analogue Scale scores after UKA, and there were no specific complications after the procedures. The incidence of MRI-identified medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) was 69.6% (16/23). Conclusion: Unicompartmental arthroplasty for SONK is less destructive to the native knee structure than total knee arthroplasty, but can achieve comparable prognosis with strict patient selection. While the precise etiology of SONK is unknown, one theory posits that a MMPRT may change the biomechanical circumstances of the knee joint, leading to osteonecrosis. Although not confirmatory, the high prevalence rate suggests that MMPRT may have a key role in the development of SONK. UKA is an effective treatment option for SONK, resulting in significant functional improvement. Long-term (>10 years) outcomes should be investigated.
Understand the interaction modes and reactivity of trimedoxime toward MmAChE inhibited by nerve agents: theoretical and experimental Aspects
Authors: Castro Alexandre A. de , Polisel Daniel A. , Pereira Bruna T. L. , Cunha Elaine Fontes Ferreira da , Kuca Kamil , Nepovimova Eugenie , Ramalho Teodorico Castro
Published: September 2020

The organophosphorus compounds (OP) are used as both chemical weapons and pesticides. However, these agents are very dangerous and toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. Thus, investigations with reactivators have been deeply developed in order to design new antidotes with better efficiency, as well as greater spectrum of action in the AChE reactivation process. With that in mind, in this work, we investigated the behavior of trimedoxime toward the Mus musculus Acetylcholinesterase (MmAChE) inhibited by a range of nerve agents, such as chemical weapons. From experimental essays, reactivation percentages were obtained for the reactivation of different AChE-OP complexes. On the other hand, theoretical calculations were performed to assess the differences of interaction modes and reactivity of trimedoxime within AChE active site. Comparing theoretical and experimental data, it is possible to notice that the oxime, in most case, showed better reactivation percentages at higher concentrations, with the best result for the reactivation of the AChE-VX adduct. From this work, it was revealed that the mechanistic process contributes most to the oxime efficiency than the interaction in the site. In this way, this study was important to better understand the reactivation process through trimedoxime, contributing to the proposal of novel antidotes.
Statistical Analysis of Covid-19(SARS-Cov-2) Patients Data of Karnataka, India 
Authors: Sharma Ravi , Sharma Nonita
Published: September 2020

Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in India is increasing day by day. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) is a new virus of coronavirus family therefore not much information available, thus making it very difficult task to make medicine or vaccine for this virus as early as possible. So, it is very important to analyse the data and find meaningful insight in data so graph of cases that is increasing day by day can be flatten out. For current study, Karnataka state data has taken and Chi square test is performed to find relationship between gender (male and female), age group (less than 18, 19 to 40, 41 to 65 and greater than 65) and current status (recovered, hospitalized and deceased). Our results show that gender is independent of current status and age group is dependent upon current status and age group and gender relationship is also dependent.
Finding Prediction of Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Human Protein: A Data Driven Approach
Authors: Ghosh Moumita , Sil Pritam , Roy Anirban , Fajriyah Rohmatul , Mondal Kartick Chandra
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 pandemic defined a worldwide health crisis into a humanitarian crisis. Amid this global emergency, human civilization is under enormous strain since no proper therapeutic method is discovered yet. A wave of research effort has been put towards the invention of therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. Contrarily, the spread of this fatal virus has already infected millions of people and claimed many lives all over the world. Computational biology can attempt to understand the protein-protein interactions between the viral protein and host protein. Therefore potential viral-host protein interactions can be identified which is known as crucial information towards the discovery of drugs. In this paper, we have presented an approach for predicting novel interactions from maximal biclusters. Additionally, the predicted interactions are verified from biological perspectives. For this, we conduct a study on the gene ontology and KEGG pathway in relation to the newly predicted interactions.
Statics and Dynamics of Malaria Transmission: The Relationship between Prevalence in Humans and Mosquitoes.
Authors: Blanco Santiago Movilla
Published: September 2020

The present paper explores a simple dynamic model from which we review the classic formulae in malaria epidemiology that relate entomological parameters to malaria transmission. In addition, we document the dynamics of malaria, illustrating the impact of control strategies and how the bites per mosquito have a larger effect on transmission intensity than the mosquito mortality, the ratio of mosquitoes to humans, or the transmission efficiency.

The model has been built following the System Dynamics methodology, explicitly representing the variables, the feedbacks and the nonlinearities, i.e. the structure that governs the dynamics of the disease. In this sense, the paper offers a new way to obtain the most representative malaria indicators derived from stock-and-flow diagrams that encompass the causal relationships that exist between the attributes of such a system.

Based on the obtained formulae from the human and mosquito sectors, we are able to eliminate three degrees of freedom, allowing us to calculate the temporal steady state relationship between Plasmodium falciparum prevalence in humans and mosquitoes.

The model is generic in nature and may be parameterized to portray a wide variety of locations, different malaria parasites, vector species, and to cater for seasonality.

Given that the model includes the principle mechanisms of malaria transmission, it acts as a foundation for simulations that represent the dynamics between humans and mosquitoes. Such model has been developed based on a number of simplifying assumptions. To the extent possible, the validity of the model under these assumptions has been analyzed by way of mathematic equations.
Enzymatic Degradation of Maize Shoots: Monitoring of Chemical and Physical Changes Reveals Different Saccharification Behaviors
Authors: Barron Cécile , Devaux Marie-Françoise , Foucat Loïc , Falourd Xavier , Looten Rachelle , Joseph-Aimé Maud , Durand Sylvie , Bonnin Estelle , Lapierre Catherine , Saulnier Luc , Rouau Xavier , Guillon Fabienne
Published: September 2020

Background The recalcitrance of lignocellulosics to enzymatic saccharification has been related to many factors, including the tissue and molecular heterogeneity of the plant particles. The role of tissue heterogeneity generally assessed from plant sections is not easy to study on a large scale. In the present work, dry fractionation of ground maize shoot was performed to obtain particle fractions enriched in specific tissue or molecules. The degradation profiles of the fractions were compared considering physical changes in addition to chemical conversion.Results Coarse, medium and fine fractions were produced using a dry process followed by an electrostatic separation. The physical and chemical characteristics of the fractions varied, suggesting enrichment in tissue from leaves, pith or rind. The fractions were subjected to seven hours of enzymatic hydrolysis in a torus reactor designed for real-time monitoring of the number and size of the particles. Saccharification efficiency was monitored by analyzing the sugar content of hydrolysate samples collected at different times. The lowest and highest saccharification yields were measured in the coarse and fine fractions, respectively, and these yields paralleled the reduction in the size and number of particles. The behavior of the positively- and negatively-charged particles of medium-size fractions was contrasted. Although the amount of sugar release was similar, the changes in particle size and number differed during enzymatic degradation. The reduction in the number of particles proceeded faster than that of particle size, suggesting that degradable particles were degraded to the point of disappearance with no significant erosion or fragmentation. Considering all fractions, the saccharification yield was positively correlated with the amount of water associated with [5-15 nm] pore size range at 67% moisture content while the reduction in the number of particles was inversely correlated with the amount of lignin. Lignin could act in maintaining the macroscopic structure of particles without necessarily prohibitive effects on the accessibility of enzymes to their substrates.Conclusion Real-time monitoring of sugar release and changes in the number and size of the particles clearly evidenced different degradation patterns for fractions of maize shoot that could be related to tissue heterogeneity in the plant.
Architectural Ruins: A geoheritage of the anatomy of buildings as illustrated by Casa Ippolito, Malta
Authors: Bianco Lino
Published: September 2020

Ruins are a statement on the building materials used and the construction method employed. Casa Ippolito, now in ruins, is typical of seventeenth-century Maltese aristocratic country residences. This paper scrutinises these ruins as a primary source in reconstructing the building’s architecture. The methodology involved on-site geographical surveying, including visual inspection and non-invasive tests, a geological survey of the local lithostratigraphy, and examination of notarial deeds and secondary sources to support findings about building’s history as read from its ruins. The results are expressed from three perspectives. The anatomy of Casa Ippolito is revealed in its ruins, which provide a cross-section of its construction history and show two distinct phases in its construction. The tissue of Casa Ippolita – the building elements and materials – addresses the knowledge of raw materials and their properties among the builders who worked on both phases. Finally, the geoheritage of Casa Ippolito – how it met its inhabitants’ needs for shelter, water and food – is examined. The case study aims to show that such ruins are not just geocultural remains of historical built fabric. They are open wounds in the built structure; they underpin the anatomy of the building and support insights into its former dynamics. Ruins are an essay in the geoheritage of material culture and building physics. Architectural ruins of masonry structures are geoheritage rendered in stone which facilitate not only the reconstruction of spaces but also places for its users; they are a statement on the well-being of humanity throughout history.
Machine learning of genomic features in organotropic metastases stratifies progression risk of primary tumors
Authors: Wang Jiguang , Jiang Biaobin , Mu Quanhua , Qiu Fufang , Xu Weiqi
Published: September 2020

Metastasis leads to most cancer deaths, but its spatiotemporal behavior remains unpredictable at early stage. Here, we developed MetaNet, a computational framework that integrates clinical and sequencing data from 32,176 primary and metastatic cancer cases, to assess metastatic risks of primary tumors. MetaNet achieved high accuracy in distinguishing the metastasis from the primary in breast and prostate cancers. From the prediction, we identified Metastasis-Featuring Primary (MFP) tumors, a subset of primary tumors with genomic features enriched in metastasis, and demonstrated their high metastatic risks with significantly shorter disease-free survivals and higher migratory potential. In addition, we identified genomic alterations associated with organ-specific metastases, and employed them to stratify patients into the risk groups with propensities toward different metastatic organs. Remarkably, this organotropic stratification achieved better prognostic value than standard histological grading system in prostate cancer, especially between Bone-MFP and Liver-MFP subtypes, with organotropic insights to inform organ-specific examinations in follow-ups.
Emergence and Clonal Spread of KPC-2 Producing Clinical Klebsiella Aerogenes Isolates From a Teaching Hospital in Tucuman, Argentina.
Authors: Vargas Juan Martín , Mochi María Paula Moreno , Nuñez Juan Manuel , Mochi Silvana , Cáceres Mariel , Campo Rosa , Jure María Angela
Published: September 2020

IntroductionKlebsiella aerogenes is a nosocomial pathogen associated with drug resistance and healthcare-associated infections. We pursued this study to investigate an outbreak of clinical carbapenem-resistant K. aerogenes(CRKA) in an argentinian tertiary hospital which persisted for 4 months despite aggressive infection control measures. The primary goals aimed to evaluate the molecular characteristics and the clonal relationships among the CRKA isolates.MethodsWe characterized CRKA isolates by multiplex PCR and PFGE. The information was integrated with clinical and epidemiologic data.ResultsThe 14 CRKA strains were disseminated in an adult intensive care unit (50%) and five different wards. In patients who received antimicrobial treatment, 8 staggered to directed treatment, mainly with amikacin(6/8) and/or carbapenemes(5/8). The overall mortality was 42.8%, and the attributed mortality to CRKA infection was 21.4%, strains showed high rates of resistance to most of the antimicrobials without resistance to Amikacin and Tigecycline, and carried the blaKPC-2, blaSHV-2 and blaCTXM-15 genes. The PFGE indicated 2 distinct groups; 12/14 CRKA isolatesassociated with the dominant subgroup A and likely to be primarily responsible for the ﬁrst isolation and subsequent dissemination in the hospital.ConclusionThe outbreak characteristics data showed prolonged hospitalization and previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics as potential risk factors for the acquisition of CRKA.
Analysis and validation of a highly sensitive one-step nested quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for specific detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Zhang Yang , Dai Chunyang , Wang Huiyan , Gao Yong , Li Tuantuan , Fang Yan , Shen Zuojun , Chen Lichang , Chen Zhaowu , Ma Xuejun , Li Ming
Published: September 2020

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is posing a serious threat to global public health. Reverse transcriptase real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is widely used as the gold standard for clinical detection of SARS-CoV-2. Due to technical limitations, the reported positive rates of qRT-PCR assay of throat swab samples vary from 30–60%. Therefore, the evaluation of alternative strategies to overcome the limitations of qRT-PCR is required. A previous study reported that one-step nested (OSN)-qRT-PCR revealed better suitability for detecting SARS-CoV-2. However, information on the analytical performance of OSN-qRT-PCR is insufficient.
Method:
In this study, we aimed to analyze OSN-qRT-PCR by comparing it with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and qRT-PCR by using a dilution series of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral RNA and a quality assessment panel. The clinical performance of OSN-qRT-PCR was also validated and compared with ddPCR and qRT-PCR using specimens from COVID-19 patients.
Result
The LoD (copies/ml) of qRT-PCR, ddPCR, and OSN-qRT-PCR were 520.1 (95% CI): 363.23–1145.69) for ORF1ab and 528.1 (95% CI: 347.7–1248.7) for N, 401.8 (95% CI: 284.8–938.3) for ORF1ab and 336.8 (95% CI: 244.6–792.5) for N, and 194.74 (95% CI: 139.7–430.9) for ORF1ab and 189.1 (95% CI: 130.9–433.9) for N, respectively. Of the 34 clinical samples from COVID-19 patients, the positive rates of OSN-qRT-PCR, ddPCR, and qRT-PCR were 82.35% (28/34), 67.65% (23/34), and 58.82% (20/34), respectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the highly sensitive and specific OSN-qRT-PCR assay is superior to ddPCR and qRT-PCR assays, showing great potential as a technique for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with low viral loads.
Modulation of Neuroinflammation by Low-dose Radiation Therapy in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease 
Authors: Yang Eun-Jeong , Kim Hak Jae , Kim Jin Ho , Yoon Jeongmin , Seo Young-Seok , KIM HYE-SUN
Published: September 2020

Background Recently, several studies have reported that low dose radiation therapy (RT) reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflammatory-degenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the most common cause of dementia, and neuroinflammation is one of the major contributing factors in AD pathogenesis. Thus, low dose RT is expected to be used clinically for treating AD. However, the proper doses, effects, and underlying mechanisms of RT in AD have not been determined. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the appropriate RT dose and schedule for AD treatment, and to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of low-dose RT in AD. MethodsWe first determined the proper dose and schedule of RT in late stage AD using 8–9-month old 5x familial AD(5xFAD) mice, a well-known animal model of AD, by comparing the effects of a low total dose with a low dose per fraction (LD-LDRT, 5 × 0.6 Gy) and a low-moderate total dose with a conventional dose per fraction (LMD-CDRT, 5 × 2 Gy). ResultsLD-LDRT and LMD-CDRT were found to reduce the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. CD54, IL-3, CXCL9/10, and CCL2/4 in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice. Further, increased microgliosis assessed with Iba-1 was significantly reduced by LD-LDRT in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice. Moreover, LD-LDRT and LMD-CDRT decreased the amyloid plaque burden in 5xFAD mice and attenuated their cognitive impairment; these effects persisted for nearly one month. ConclusionsThe present study showed that LD-LDRT rescues cognitive impairment and prevents accumulation of amyloid plaques by regulating neuroinflammation in the late stage of AD, with an efficacy equivalent to that of LMD-CDRT. Furthermore, it suggests that LD-LDRT may facilitate accessible and convenient treatment in clinical trials compared to LMD-CDRT.
Intramedullary Nailing Combined With Adjunct Plate or Blocking Screw for Proximal Tibial Fractures
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Qian , Lu Yao , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2020

Objective: To compare the traditional approach of intramedullary nail with an extra plate versus the nail combined with blocking screws for proximal tibia fractures without the knee involved.Methods: From January 2013 to January 2017, a total of 36 patients who suffered from proximal tibial fractures unaffecting the knee were enrolled into this prospective study, and divided into two groups by random number table method. Of them, 19 patients received an interlocking intramedullary nail combined with an extra plate for internal fixation of the fractures (the plate group), while the remaining 17 patients had fractures fixed with the nail combined with blocking screws (the screw group). The perioperative, follow-up and radiographic data were compared between the two groups.Results: All the 36 patients underwent operation smoothly without iatrogenic neurovascular injuries. The plate group proved superior the screw group regarding to operation time and intraoperative X-ray exposure (P＜0.05) , nevertheless the former was inferior to the latter in implant cost and hospital stay (P＜0.05) . The follow-up period lasted for 12～24 months with a mean of (15.62±4.71) months. There were no statistically significant differences in the time to return ambulation and the time to full weight-bearing activity between the two groups (P＞0.05) . At the latest follow up, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding knee range of motion and Johner-Wruhs grades for clinical consequences (P＞0.05) . In terms of anterior knee pain, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P＞0.05) . In respect of radiographic assessment, the plate group had significantly less residual malalignment than the screw group, including anteroposterior and lateral displacements, as well as angulations in coronal and sagittal planes (P＜0.05) . To the latest follow up, all patients in both group got bony healing of the fractures without a statistical difference in fracture healing time between them (P＞0.05) , and no loosening or breaking of the implants were showed on images in anyone of them.Conclusion: Both the nail plus plate and nail plus blocking screw do achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes for proximal tibial fractures unaffecting the knee. By comparison, the nail combined with plate facilitates to regain and maintain better alignment of the leg regardless of higher implant cost.
Soil organic carbon stock and retention rate among land uses along Didessa toposequence in humid Western Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Abdenna , Yli-Halla Markku , Mohammed Muktar
Published: September 2020

Background
There is scarcity of scientific information on stocks and retention rate of soil organic carbon (SOC) among mixed farming systems in humid Western Ethiopia. The objectives of study were to determine the SOC stocks and retention rates along a 53-km long toposequence of Didessa watershed. The study was conducted in mixed farming systems (annual arable cropping, grazing, fallow, grassland, coffee agroforestry, Eucalyptus agroforestry and mechanized irrigated sugarcane production) within an elevation range of 1273 to 2543 meter above sea level.
Results
The results revealed that land use types greatly affected SOC stocks and retention rates in the upper 20 cm soil depth. The SOC stocks ranged from 9.27 to 13.5 Mg C ha− 1 (0-20cm) while the retention rates were 0.11, 0.2, 0.28, 0.31 and 1.14 Mg C ha− 1 yr− 1 for coffee agroforestry, fallow, grazing, Eucalyptus agroforestry and irrigated sugarcane production systems, respectively.
Conclusion
The retention rates demonstrated that the different farming systems are potential source of C sinks. The study indicated that the farming systems are efficient in sequestering SOC and their benefits can be further adopted for their economic values, social significance, restoration of degraded land and sequestration of C in humid tropical Western Ethiopia.