bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developments in asthma incidence and prevalence in Alberta between 1995 and 2015
Authors: Bosonea Ana-Maria , Sharpe Heather , Wang Ting , Bakal Jeffrey A , Befus Dean , Svenson Lawrence W , Vliagoftis Harissios
Published: July 2020

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by reversible bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. According to Statistics Canada in 2014, 8.1% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported having asthma diagnosed by a health care professional. Therefore, in 2014 there were an estimated 274,661 persons with asthma in Alberta. Most epidemiological studies estimate prevalence and incidence using survey-based data, which has limitations. The Ontario Asthma Surveillance Information System (OASIS) group has developed and validated an algorithm for epidemiologic asthma studies using provincial health databases. In Alberta, there are some studies using provincial databases, but most are restricted to Emergency Department visits and do not represent the entire asthma population. Using the validated asthma definition for epidemiologic studies, we performed an analysis of the Alberta Health administrative databases to investigate and report province-wide asthma prevalence, incidence and mortality in Alberta from 1995 to 2015. Methods: Data from administrative databases, provided by Alberta Health, was analyzed to determine age and sex specific prevalence, incidence and mortality of the asthma population. The population cohort was all individuals residing in the province of Alberta, ages 0 to 99 from 1995-2015. Kendall’s Tau coefficient test was used to ascertain whether the observed trends were statistically significant. Results: Between 1995 and 2015, the age-standardized incidence of asthma decreased by more than 50% in both males and females. Prevalence; however, increased 3-fold over the 20 years for both genders from 3.9% to 12.3% (Tau=1.00, p<0.0001) in females and from 3.5% to 11.6% (Tau=1.00, p<0.0001) in males. Thus, in 2015 there were 496,927 people with asthma in Alberta. All-cause mortality in the asthma population decreased over time, in both females (Tau=-0.71, p<0.0001) and males (Tau=-0.69, p=0.0001). For the last several years, all-cause mortality was higher in those with asthma. There were ~7 deaths/1000 in the population with asthma versus ~5 deaths/1000 in those without asthma. Conclusions: The incidence of asthma decreased in both females and males while prevalence continued to increase, but at a slower rate than previously. All-cause mortality in asthma patients was higher than in those without asthma, but both decreased over time.
Impact of a Diagnostic Therapeutic Educational Pathway (DTEP) Self-Management Program for Asthma Management in Preschool Children
Authors: Guarnaccia Sebastiano , Quecchia Cristina , Festa Andrea , Magoni Michele , Zenoni Giuseppe , D'Agata Emanuele , Brivio Valentina , Zanardini Elena , Scarcella Carmelo , Gretter Valeria , Facchetti Susanna , Gasparotti Cinzia , Pluda Ada , Frassine Malica , Limina Rosa Maria , Spiazzi Raffaele , Badolato Raffaele , Bender Bruce , Donato Francesco
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Preschool children with clinically-diagnosed asthma have a higher rate of emergency department visits and consume more resources for management than older children. However, no clinical trials have been performed measuring the impact of a combined diagnostic, therapeutic and educational pathway regimen for evaluation of wheezing control in children aged less than 6 years so far. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of a pediatric program developed in Italy, the Diagnostic Therapeutic Educational Pathway (DTEP), for asthma management in children less than 6 years old attending an asthma referral center.METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study performed in children with asthma aged 0-5 years, attending at “Io e l’Asma center”, Brescia, Italy between September 2007 and December 2014. The incidence rates (IRs) of hospitalization, emergency room visits, use of outpatient services and drug usage for dyspnea, wheezing, or respiratory symptoms were evaluated for time periods prior to and after DTEP intervention.RESULTS: A total of 741 patients, aged 0-5 years completed the DTEP, including 391 and 350 children aged 0-2 and 3-5 years, respectively. The percentage of children aged 0-2 and 3-5 years showing improved control of wheezing symptoms during the 1st to 3rd visit interval as a result of the DTEP intervention increased from 39.5% to 60.9% and from 25.5% to 75.5%, respectively. During these periods, the IRs showed a significant decrease for all outcomes, from-8.6% to -80.4%. Although specific IRs for drug prescriptions declined, particularly for LABA plus corticosteroids, antibiotics, and systemic corticosteroids, they increased for SABA, inhaled corticosteroid and leukotriene receptor antagonist usage.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that, an integrated DTEP program for preschool children not only can provide a real-world assessment for improved wheezing control, but also a measure for reduction of adverse therapeutic related outcomes.
Prevalence and predictors of severe metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease stage 3-5
Authors: Aledan Hayder , Rasheed Jawad
Published: July 2020

Background and objective Metabolic acidosis is a common metabolic complication of chronic kidney disease with different frequencies across stages of CKD. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and study predictors for development of severe metabolic acidosis in CKD stage 3–5.Methods It was a cross-sectional study of patients aged > 18 years with metabolic acidosis and stage 3–5 CKD for 1 year at two medical centers in Iraq. The prevalence of severe metabolic acidosis and correlation with patients’ characteristics were studied using Fisher exact test for categorical variables and nonparametric independent samples Mann-Whitney U T test. Predictors for severe metabolic acidosis was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.Results Among 117 patients with CKD stage 3–5 and metabolic acidosis, severe metabolic acidosis was reported in 14.5%. It was more frequent in stage 5 CKD compared to stage 4 CKD (64.7% vs 35.3%). Correlation of severe metabolic acidosis was statistically significant with urinary tract obstruction, glomerular diseases, reduced cortical thickness on ultrasonography, anemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. By multivariate analysis, female sex, urinary tract obstruction and glomerular diseases were predictors for development of severe metabolic acidosis.Conclusion Severe metabolic acidosis was common in stage 5 CKD. Female sex, urinary tract obstruction and glomerular diseases were predictors for development of severe metabolic acidosis.
In hospital cost assessment and prevalence of Total Hip Arthroplasty in China: A 10-years real-world study
Authors: Yuan Mingcheng , Shakya Hirose , Wang Hao-Yang , Luo Zhenyu , Xiao Ke , Zhou Zong-ke
Published: July 2020

Background: The rising costs of total hip arthroplasty (THA) have resulted in a substantial economic burden to the people of China and Chinese health-care system. The objective of this study was to assess the in-hospital costs associated with primary total hip arthroplasty and efforts to contain these costs by ascertaining factors responsible for the rise in cost.Methods: In-hospital costs of 8111 patients (3878 male and 42337female) who underwent elective primary unilateral hip arthroplasty were extracted from our institution between January 2009 and December 2018 and reviewed. The number of yearly procedures was recorded. All hospital related charges were categorized into 9 groups based on hospital-based supplies and services. The correlation between total in hospital cost and 9 groups were assessed using Pearson’s coefficient. The same method was used for correlating hospital stay and bed charge.Results: The substantial rise in yearly procedure volume was observed. The number of procedures had risen from 306 in 2009 to 1024 in 2018, an incidence increased by more than threefold. The average cost for THAs procedure was ¥53468.03 ± 4833 in 2009 that rose by approximately 10% in 2018 (¥58593.62 ± 4801). The mean cost observed over the study period was ¥62980.21 ± 6314.673. The charges analyzed in all categories expect the hospital bed cost increased during the study period. The joint implant was the most expensive supply item contributing ~ 75% of the total in-hospital cost. Labor cost covered only ~ 10% and bed charge 0.93% of the total charge. The rise in total in-hospital cost strongly correlated with increase in implant cost (Pearson’s correlation (r) = 0.908, α > 0.05). The mean total hospital stays declined from 16.11 ± 8.19 days in 2009 to 6.13 ± 2.65 days in 2018. The mean post-operative stay had also reduced from 9.12 ± 4.88 to a third (3.01 ± 1.80) during the same period. The hospital cost and bed charge also strongly correlated (r = 0.931, α > 0.05)Conclusions: The number of hip arthroplasty procedures performed annually in China is growing rapidly. An incidence rose by threefold over 10-year period in the present study and we predict an unprecedented rise in the incidence in coming years due to an aging population and improving economic conditions in China. The hospital stay was significantly reduced and early discharge within 3 days postoperatively was a noteworthy outcome. Implant cost remained the largest single expense. As a result, some patients who are medical candidates for total joint arthroplasty, may not have access to care due to relatively high financial barrier. Hence it is important to note that significant patient benefits may be realized by efforts to reduce the cost of the prosthesis in China.
MicroRNA-497-5p stimulates osteoblast differentiation through HMGA2-mediated JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Huiqing , Yang Yexiang , Wang Yang , Feng Xiaolei , Deng Adi , Ou Zhaolan , Chen Biying
Published: July 2020

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) has the characteristics of the decline in bone mineral density and worsening of bone quality, contributing to higher risk of fractures. Some microRNAs (miRNAs) have been validated as possible mediators of osteoblast differentiation. We herein aimed to clarify whether miR-497-5p regulates differentiation of osteoblasts in MC3T3-E1 cells.Methods: The expression of miR-497-5p in OP patients and controls was measured by RT-qPCR, and its expression changes during osteoblast differentiation were determined as well. The effects of miR-497-5p on differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells were studied using MTT, ALR staining and ARS staining. The target gene of miR-497-5p was predicted by TargetScan, and the effects of its target gene on differentiation and the pathway involved were investigated.Results: miR-497-5p expression expressed poorly in OP patients and its expression was upregulated during MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation. Overexpression of miR-497-5p promoted mineralized nodule formation and the expression of RUNX2 and OCN. miR-497-5p targeted high mobility group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2), while upregulation of HMGA2 inhibited osteogenesis induced by miR-497-5p mimic. miR-497-5p significantly impaired the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, whereas HMGA2 activated this pathway. Activation of the JNK pathway inhibited the stimulative role of miR-497-5p mimic in osteogenesis.Conclusions: miR-497-5p inhibits development of OP by hampering osteogenesis via targeting HMGA2. We hence conclude that targeting miR-497-5p might be an attractive therapeutic option for OP.
Isolation and characterization of the polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride-resistant fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum
Authors: Yamamoto Takako , Takahashi Hiroki , Alimu Yikelamu , Kusuya Yoko , Hosoya Kouichi , Shigemune Naofumi , Nagai Satoshi , Yaguchi Takashi
Published: July 2020

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), an antimicrobial agent, has been widely used as a disinfectant in medical industries and public facilities. However, long-term use of any antimicrobial agent increases the risk of the microorganisms developing resistance. We aimed to examine the presence of microorganisms highly resistant to PHMB to address potential medical safety and public health concerns and devise strategies to prevent resistance development. We isolated and characterized a fungus from a 20% aqueous solution of PHMB and compared its microbiological characteristics and resistance profile with those of other major antimicrobial agents. Additionally, we sequenced the genome of the isolate to predict PHMB resistance-related genes. Based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, the fungus was identified as Purpureocillium lilacinum. Although the P. lilacinum type and resistant strains showed similar morphology, the latter had extremely low PHMB susceptibility and was able to grow in the 20% aqueous solution of PHMB, which killed the type strain. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PHMB against the resistant strain was approximately four times higher than that against the type strain. In contrast, the MICs of four other antimicrobial agents and seven antifungal agents against the resistant strain were either less than or equal to those against the type strain. Furthermore, MICs of PHMB against four pathogenic filamentous fungi and two yeasts were significantly lower than those against the resistant strain. Despite its specific high resistance to PHMB, no gene homologous to fungal PHMB-resistant gene was found in the genome of the resistant strain. In summary, P. lilacinum was found to be significantly more resistant to PHMB than previously reported, suggesting an unidentified novel mechanism underlying drug resistance in the fungi.
DGCR5 is activated by PAX5 and promotes pancreatic cancer via targeting miR-3163/TOP2A and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Shilei , Wu Xiang-song , Cai Chen , Yang Zi-yi , Li Feng-nan , Yao Wen-yan , Wu Zi-you , Dong Ping , Wang Xue-feng , Gong Wei
Published: July 2020

Background Long noncoding RNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) has been shown to be highly associated with cancer development. However, the biological role and molecular mechanism of DGCR5 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains largely unknown.Methods qRT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to investigate the correlation between DGCR5 expression and prognosis and clinicopathologic characteristics of PC patients. The effects of DGCR5 on PC were studied by gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analyses, dual-luciferase assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and rescue experiments provided insights into the underlying competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism network of DGCR5 in promoting PC progression.Results DGCR5 was highly expressed in PC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in PC patients. Furthermore, DGCR5 depletion inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion by increasing apoptosis and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in vitro. Moreover, xenograft assay validated that DGCR5 promotes PC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, DGCR5 was found to act as a ceRNA by sponging miR-3163 to regulate TOP2A and inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, we found that DGCR5 downregulation could enhance the sensitivity of PC cells to gemcitabine, and ChIP assay showed that the transcription factor PAX5 could bind to the DGCR5 promoter and increase its transcription.Conclusions Our study demonstrates that DGCR5 is activated by PAX5 and promotes PC progression by sponging miR-3163 to regulate TOP2A and activating wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that DGCR5 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PC.
A sex/gender perspective on interventions to promote children’s and adolescents’ overall physical activity: Results from genEffects systematic review
Authors: Schulze Carolin , Demetriou Yolanda , Emmerling Sandra , Schlund Annegret , Phillips Susan P. , Puil Lorri , Coen Stephanie E. , Reimers Anne K.
Published: July 2020

Background To evaluate the effects of interventions on children’s and adolescents’ overall physical activity (PA) for boys and girls separately and to appraise the extent to which the studies haven taken sex/gender into account.Methods Systematic review and semi-quantitative analysis. Eleven electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. The main outcomes of the studies is a quantified measure of overall PA. Additionally, all studies had to report sex/gender disaggregated overall PA at baseline and/or follow up and/or explain how they dealt with sex/gender during outcome analysis (i.e., sex/gender adjusted analyses) and/or report that there were no differences in the outcome when looking at sex/gender. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility and assessed the risk of bias. Semi-quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate intervention effects, taking into account the extent to which studies have considered sex/gender aspects. To evaluate sex/gender considerations in primary studies, a newly developed sex/gender checklist was used. The study was registered previously (registration number CRD42018109528)Results Our review shows that overall 35% of PA outcomes had significant effects in increasing overall PA of children and adolescents. Not including single sex/gender studies, 105 out of 120 PA outcomes resulted in same intervention effects for boys and girls. These PA outcomes showed higher quality of reporting sex/gender aspects of measurement instruments, participant flow and intervention content and materials than PA outcomes with effects only in boys or only in girls. Overall, consideration of sex/gender aspects in intervention studies is low.Conclusions There is still a need to address sufficient consideration of sex/gender aspects in developing and implementing interventions in the context of PA.
IMPLEMENTATION OF RISK ASSESSMENT FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION WITH THE USE OF RISK MATRIX
Authors: Ivanenko Olena
Published: July 2020

The object of research: risk assessment for critical infrastructure protection in Ukraine.

Investigated problem: adaptation and implementation of European Union’s approach to the risk assessment for critical infrastructure for the conditions of Ukraine.

The main scientific results: The most relevant types of threats of natural and man-made origin for the security of critical infrastructure in Ukraine are investigated. The adaptation and implementation of European Union’s approach to the risk assessment for critical infrastructure for the conditions of Ukraine is realized. For this the character of changes of natural and man-made emergencies in Ukraine in the context of impact on critical infrastructure is investigated. The risk of economic losses due to emergencies in Ukraine has been evaluated with the use of risk matrix, taking into account the adapted approach applied in the European Union.

Field of practical use of research results: Critical infrastructure facility including systems and physical or virtual resources that provide functions and services, failure of which can lead to significant negative consequences for society, social and economic development of the country and ensuring national security. Among them the most important are objects of electric-power industry, especially important objects of the oil and gas industry; units of the state government and local administration; objects of possible terrorist attacks; facilities subject to protection and defense in emergencies and during special periods; facilities subject to mandatory protection by the State Protection Service under contracts.

Innovative technology product: methodology for assessing threats and risks to critical infrastructure, which can greatly contribute to the development of measures to prevent and minimize the negative consequences of emergencies possible in Ukraine at critical infrastructure objects.

Scope of the innovative technology product: state system for critical infrastructure protection in Ukraine.
Raman signatures of the distortion and stability of MgCO3 to 75 GPa
Authors: Zhao Chaoshuai , Lv Chaojia , Xu Liangxu , Liang Lin , Liu Jin
Published: July 2020

Knowledge of the stability of carbonate minerals at high pressure is essential to better understand the carbon cycle deep inside the Earth. The evolution of Raman modes of carbonates with increasing pressure can straightforwardly illustrate lattice softening and stiffening. Here, we report Raman modes of natural magnesite MgCO3 up to 75 GPa at room temperature using helium as a pressure-transmitting medium (PTM). Our Raman spectra of MgCO3 show the splitting of T and ν4 modes initiated at approximate 30 and 50 GPa, respectively, which may be associated with its lattice distortions. The MgCO3 structure was referred to as MgCO3-Ib at 30–50 GPa and as MgCO3-Ic at 50–75 GPa. Intriguingly, at 75.4 GPa some new vibrational signatures appeared around 250–350 and ~800 cm–1. The emergence of these Raman bands in MgCO3 under relatively hydrostatic conditions is consistent with the onset pressure of structural transition to MgCO3-II revealed by theoretical predictions and high-pressure and high-temperature experiments. This study suggests that hydrostatic conditions may significantly affect the structural evolution of MgCO3 with increasing pressure, which shall be considered for modeling the carbon cycle in the Earth's lower mantle.
Elucidating the natural–synthetic mismatch of Pb2+Te4+O3: The redefinition of fairbankite to Pb122+(Te4+O3)11(SO4)
Authors: Missen Owen P. , Rumsey Michael S. , Mills Stuart J. , Weil Matthias , Najorka Jens , Spratt John , Kolitsch Uwe
Published: July 2020

For four decades fairbankite was reported to have the formula Pb2+(Te4+O3), but repeated attempts to isolate fairbankite crystals for structural determination found only the visually similar cerussite and, more rarely, anglesite. The crystal-structure determination of fairbankite using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, supported by electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction on the type specimen, has shown that fairbankite contains essential S, along with Pb, Te, and O. The chemical formula of fairbankite has been revised to Pb122+(Te4+O3)11(SO4). This change has been accepted by the IMA–CNMNC, Proposal 19-I. The crystal structure of fairbankite [space group P1 (no. 1); revised cell: a = 7.0205(3) Å, b = 10.6828(6) Å, c = 14.4916(8) Å, a = 75.161(5)°, b = 81.571(4)°, g = 83.744(4)°, V = 1036.35(9) Å3, and Z = 1] is the first atomic arrangement known to contain a Te34+O96− non-cyclic, finite building unit. Fairbankite has an average structure, formed from a 3D framework of Pb2+On polyhedra, Te4+On polyhedra, and SO4 tetrahedra in a 12:11:1 ratio. The stereoactive lone pairs of the Pb2+ and Te4+ cations are oriented into void space within the structure. Fairbankite contains two mixed sites statistically occupied by Te4+ and S6+ in approximately 4:1 and 1:4 ratios. These two sites possess Te4+ in trigonal-pyramidal environment and S6+ in tetrahedral environment (with an additional O site to create tetrahedral SO4 shape for the S-dominant site). Six of the 10 fully occupied Te4+ sites have Te4+ in trigonal-pyramidal environment, while four have Te4+ at the center of highly distorted Te4+O4 disphenoids. The disphenoids allow for the creation of two dimeric Te24+O64− units in addition to the Te34+O96− trimeric unit, which contains two disphenoids. All linkage between disphenoids and trigonal pyramids is via corner-linking. Secondary connectivity is via long Te–O and Pb–O bonds.
Nacizam i umjetnost
Authors: Sadžakov Slobodan , Mlađenović Milivoje
Published: July 2020

U radu se analizira odnos totalitarizma (posebno u njegovoj nacističkoj verziji) i umjetnosti. Tematiziraju se sljedeća pitanja: mogu li totalitarizam i umjetnost uopće koegzistirati, je li njihov sukob neminovan, može li postojati umjetnost u okviru totalitarističkog poretka i kakva bi ona bila, te je li bilo značajnih umjetničkih djela u nacizmu. U radu je razmatran i odnos nacističke ideologije prema određenim oblastima umjetnosti kao što su kiparstvo, film, književnost i slikarstvo, kao i segmenti nacističke represije u pogledu umjetničkog stvaranja.
MODELAGEM COMPUTACIONAL APLICADA COMO UMA TECNOLOGIA NO CURRÍCULO DE ENGENHARIA MECÂNICA
Authors: Batista Rodrigo Costa , Gomes Mateus das Neves
Published: July 2020

O avanço de novas tecnologias tem incentivado o debate sobre sua integração no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. A formação acadêmica dos cursos de engenharia visa à obtenção de profissionais capacitados para enfrentar os desafios inerentes do mercado de trabalho, aliada a este processo temos a modelagem computacional que atua como uma estratégia de grande importância, permitindo o aprimoramento da aprendizagem dos conceitos e do desenvolvimento de novos conhecimentos. Este artigo apresenta um referencial teórico sobre a tecnologia com enfoque na Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS), as conceptualizações da modelagem computacional e o processo de integração da tecnologia nos ambientes de ensino, orientando a análise do cenário dos cursos de Engenharia Mecânica de universidades públicas no que se refere à utilização da modelagem computacional na composição dos currículos. Os resultados indicam que a modelagem computacional vem sendo empregada na composição curricular dos cursos, embora apresente um percentual reduzido comparado à carga horária total. Comparando os desempenhos das universidades através dos resultados do Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes (Enade) 2017 percebe-se que ocorreram poucas divergências entre as universidades de ensino utilizadas no presente estudo. Como reflexão tem-se até que ponto as instituições deferem as diretrizes apresentadas pelo Ministério da Educação (MEC) no que diz respeito à infraestrutura e aos conteúdos curriculares dos cursos.
Environmental and health impacts of electric service vessels in the recreational boating industry
Authors: Hemez Colin , Chiu Joy , Ryan Emma C. , Sun Jia , Dubrow Robert , Pascucilla Michael
Published: July 2020

Recreational boating is increasing in popularity worldwide, prompting challenges concerning pollution management, aquatic ecosystem preservation, and waterway access. Electric boating technology may provide a sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered boats, helping to address these challenges. In this study, the environmental and health impacts associated with using electric service vessels in the recreational boating industry were assessed. The focus was on pump-out boats, which enable the sanitary management of human waste generated onboard recreational vessels, as a tractable model of the whole recreational boating service sector. To query stakeholder attitudes about changing to electric technology, surveys were distributed to a nationwide network of pump-out boat service providers. A wide range of attitudes exists among this group towards the adoption of electric technology, and financial concerns dominate the anticipated barriers to electric technology adoption. A life-cycle assessment of electric and gasoline-powered pump-out boats revealed that electric boats have lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions than do gasoline-powered equivalents, especially when electric boats are charged using renewable resources. Our study demonstrates that already-existing electric technology is a sustainable alternative to gasoline combustion in the boating service sector, and identifies the key challenges remaining for the widespread adoption of electric service boats.
Removal of nitrate from groundwater by eggshell biowaste
Authors: Jendia Ahmed H. , Hamzah Sofiah , Abuhabib A. A. , El-Ashgar Nizam M.
Published: July 2020

This study concerns nitrate ion removal, which is one of the most dangerous issues of water contamination in the Gaza Strip. Eggshell biowaste was used as a denitrification biosorbent for water and groundwater. The results showed that the highest removal of nitrate was at pH 6.0–7.5, eggshell particle size in the range 90–710 μm, drying temperature at 45 °C, incubation temperature of adsorbent/adsorbate mixture at 37 °C and contact time of 24 hours. At the optimum conditions, the maximum amount of nitrate removed was 8.25 mg/g eggshell, when 1,500 mg/L of NO3− was applied. It was found that the eggshell biosorbent could be recovered and reused for removing the nitrate with removal capacity of 0.79–0.92 mg/g eggshell (79–92%) in the case of washed samples while the removal capacity was 0.79–0.92 mg/g eggshell (89–93%) in the case of unwashed samples when 100 mg/L of NO3− was applied. Results using the eggshell column method showed a nitrate removal efficiency of 90% at a flow rate ≤2 mL/min of the eluents. The biosorbent was applied to remove nitrates in real groundwater samples from different locations in the Gaza Strip and the efficiency of nitrate removal was in the range (77.4–93%).
Fransız Kaynaklarına Göre Osmanlı Devleti Topraklarında Kurulan Yabancı Sermayeli Bankalar Arasındaki Rekabet (1856-1914)
Authors: Ayoglu Duman Damla
Published: July 2020

Osmanlı Devleti toprakları bankacılık sektörü ile on dokuzuncu yüzyılın ikinci yarısında tanıştı. Bir yandan yabancı sermayeli yeni bankaların kurulduğu, diğer yandan da başka ülkelerdeki eski bankaların yeni şubelerinin açıldığı gerçeğiyle karşılaştı. Fransız Ekonomi ve Finans Bakanlığı arşivlerinde bu tarihsel olaylara ilişkin kayıtlar vardır. Söz konusu kayıtlar bu sektördeki rekabete ilişkin bilgileri de kapsamaktadır. İşte bu çalışmada anılan kayıtlardan yararlanılarak Osmanlı Devleti topraklarındaki bankacılık sektörüne ilişkin rekabet incelenmektedir. Aslında Osmanlı Devleti topraklarında bankacılık sektörü ilgili görüşlere ilk defa 1856 yılında ilan edilen Islahat fermanında rastlanmaktadır. Bu fermandan önce 1847 yılında, iki Galata bankerin tarafından Bank-ı Dersaadet kurulmuş olsa da ömrü çok uzun olmamıştır. Ancak uzun ömürlü bankalara giden yolda ilk kilometre taşı olma rolünü oynamıştır. Osmanlı Devleti topraklarında yabancı sermayedarlar tarafından banka kurma işi kârlı bir iş olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda, yabancı semayedarlar Osmanlı Devletine yeni öneriler getirmişlerdir. Bu öneriler doğrultusunda 1857 yılında İngiliz sermayesi ile Osmanlı Bankası kurulmuştur. Yedi yıl sonra Fransız sermayesi de bu bankaya ortak olmuştur. 1881 yılından başlayarak Alman yatırımları artmaya başlayınca Osmanlı Devleti topraklarında Deutsche Bank gibi Alman bankalarının şubeleri de pastadan pay almak için çabalamışlardır. Bu ise anılan şubelerin Osmanlı bankası şubelerine rakip olmasından başka bir anlama gelmemiştir. Rekabetin en yoğun biçimlerine ise Almanya ve Fransa bankalarının şubeleri arasında rastlanmıştır.
Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 among Healthcare Professionals in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Online Survey
Authors: Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Shehab Abdullah
Published: July 2020

Background:

During the first week of March, a large number of cases of COVID-19 were reported across the world including the UAE.

Aim:

To assess the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among HCPs in the UAE.

Methods:

During the first week of March, a cross-sectional study was conducted among EMA HCPs. A 23-item survey questionnaire on knowledge and
perceptions of COVID-19, including specific questions related to the different sources of information was used. Each correct response was scored
as “1” and wrong as “0”. The sum of the knowledge scores ≤4 out of 7 was considered as poor knowledge and the sum of the perception scores
(score >5 out of 7) as a positive perception.

Results:

A total of 353 HCPs completed the study and half of them were male (n=178; 50.4%), doctors (n=257;72.8%), and aged between 35-44 years
(n=116; 32.9%). Although most of the participants were aware of COVID-19 (n=350; 99.2%), only a limited (n=168;47.6%) proportion of them
got the opportunity to attend lectures/discussions related to COVID-19. Government websites (43.1%) and news bulletins (36%) were the primary
sources for COVID-19 information. HCPs' knowledge about COVID-19 was found to be satisfactory (58.4%) and their perceptions were positive
(78.5%).

Conclusion:

As the number of COVID-19 cases is consistently increasing in the UAE, it is important to improve the level of knowledge and perceptions among
HCPs. Educational interventions focusing on prevention and control of COVID-19 should be prioritized to empower HCPs in infectious disease
outbreaks.
Current Status and Emerging Trend of Nanoshuttle in Biological Applications
Authors: Shende Pravin , Sharma Pragya
Published: July 2020

Nanoshuttles are unique structures that resemble double-headed arrows or a nanorod with sharp tips for
better penetration into the tumor cells, reduction of toxicity and minimization of off-targeting effect. These biologically-
inspired multimetallic or bimetallic nano swimmers are capable of transporting cargoes from one end to
another via self-propulsion in an efficient manner. Encapsulation with pH- and heat-sensitive polymers allows
nanoshuttles to release cargos at the targeted site in a controlled fashion. This review article focuses on the methods
of preparation and characterization of nanoshuttles with applications in the field of antineoplastic, antibacterial,
erectile dysfunction, electrochemical biosensing, anticounterfeiting, on-demand and targeted delivery system
for imaging as well as cell ablation therapy. Magnetic nanoshuttles exhibit modified optical properties for utilization
in diagnostic imaging for sensitive and early diagnosis of diseases. Smart drug delivery is achieved when
nanoshuttles are combined with nanomotors to exhibit distinctive, rapid and unidirectional movement in the
bloodstream. Cost-effective synthesis of nanoshuttles will extend their applications in the commercial sectors by
overcoming the limitations like scale-up and regulatory approval. In the near future, nanoshuttles will diversify in
the fields of energy conversion, energy storage, 3D printing, stem cell fabrication and theranostics.
Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention and Treatment of Pandemic Corona Virus: A Review
Authors: Kebede Tinsae , Kumar Dharmendra , Sharma Pramod Kumar
Published: July 2020

Coronaviruses belong to the largest group of viruses that elicit acute respiratory, enteric and
systemic infections in an extensive range of hosts. A few coronaviruses from animals can progress into a
new human coronavirus that can spread from person to person. On February 12, 2020, WHO officially
termed the disease as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared it a pandemic on March 11,
2020. COVID-19 is a newly emerging viral disease that has an effect on the lower respiratory tract and
shows as pneumonia. Despite laborious efforts for worldwide lockdown and quarantine, the occurrence
of COVID-19 continues to increase. Proper and well-designed strategies are needed to reduce social and
economic consequences arisen due to this pandemic disease. Presently, there is no effective specific
vaccine and anti-viral drug supported by great-level confirmation, but dexamethasone is approved in the
UK for treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients (patients on ventilators and patients requiring only
oxygen) on June 16, 2020. Further research is required to clarify the factors that affect virus pathogenesis
and lethal infections.
Community-Based Screening: Reaching The Target Population
Authors: GOKDEMİR Ozden , KARTAL Mehtap
Published: July 2020

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors and the results of the community-based screening program of the women who attended the Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Center between 2005-2011. Methods: This study was planned on a descriptive design. Data of the women who attend to cancer screening center between 2005-2011 years for breast cancer and cervical cancer screening program were collected retrospectively and evaluated. Incomplete forms were excluded. Results: Research has been completed by the records of 3162 women. The age of the study group was between 25-69 years old. The majority of them has been educated for 5 years and/or less, or not educated (89%), more than one-third of patients had more than four birth (38%), the breastfeeding rate was high (93.6%), the oral contraceptive drugs and HRT medication usage ratios were low (7.2%, 7.2%), respectively), the smoking rate was low (14.9%). The number of women who consulted for cervix cancer screening was 215 in 2008 and 142 for breast cancer screening; by the end of June 2011. Those numbers increased to 1271 and 1012, respectively. Conclusion: Community-based cancer screening programs are much more successful to reach the target population although single women, LGBT individuals, “working class” are still the missing parts of the puzzle.
Technical Tours as Special Interest Tourism in the Urban Context: A case study of Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Zakariya Khalilah , Che Haron Roziha , Yusof Zeenat Begam , Ibrahim Illyani
Published: July 2020

Studies on Special Interest Tourism (SIT) have gained an increasing attention within the last decade. This article examined the potentials of attractions in Kuala Lumpur that can attract built environment professionals as a niche group of tourists. Based on analysing secondary data sourced from technical tours, tour packages and attractions promoted by different agencies, this study mapped, tabulated and examined existing buildings and sites with their unique characteristics. 58 buildings and sites showed potentials as tourism attractions for built environment professionals through technical tours. A customised experience can be high-yield as they are tailor-made to special interest tourists.
Quality of Psychoeducational Apps for Military Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Evaluation Utilizing the Mobile Application Rating Scale
Authors: Jones Chelsea , O'Toole Kaitlin , Jones Kevin , Brémault-Phillips Suzette
Published: July 2020

Background

Military personnel have an elevated risk of sustaining mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and postconcussion symptoms (PCS). Smartphone apps that provide psychoeducation may assist those with mTBI or PCS to overcome unique barriers that military personnel experience with stigma and access to health care resources.

Objective

This study aims to (1) use the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) to evaluate smartphone apps purporting to provide psychoeducation for those who have sustained an mTBI or a PCS; (2) explore the relevance, utility, and effectiveness of these apps in facilitating symptom management and overall recovery from mTBI and PCS among military personnel; and (3) discuss considerations pertinent to health care professionals and patients with mTBI when considering the use of mobile health (mHealth), including apps for mTBI psychoeducation.

Methods

A five-step systematic search for smartphone apps for military members with mTBI or PCS was conducted on January 31, 2020. Cost-free apps meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated using the MARS and compared with evidence-based best practice management protocols for mTBI and PCS.

Results

The search yielded a total of 347 smartphone apps. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 apps were subjected to evaluation. Two apps were endorsed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Defense; all the others (n=11) were developed for civilians. When compared with evidence-based best practice resources, the apps provided various levels of psychoeducational content. There are multiple considerations that health care professionals and those who sustain an mTBI or a PCS have to consider when choosing to use mHealth and selecting a specific app for mTBI psychoeducation. These may include factors such as the app platform, developer, internet requirement, cost, frequency of updates, language, additional features, acknowledgment of mental health, accessibility, military specificity, and privacy and security of data.

Conclusions

Psychoeducational interventions have a good evidence base as a treatment for mTBI and PCS. The use of apps for this purpose may be clinically effective, cost-effective, confidential, user friendly, and accessible. However, more research is needed to explore the effectiveness, usability, safety, security, and accessibility of apps designed for mTBI management.
Decentralized, Community-Based Hepatitis C Point-of-Care Testing and Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment for People Who Inject Drugs and the General Population in Myanmar: Protocol for a Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Draper Bridget Louise , Pedrana Alisa , Howell Jessica , Yee Win Lei , Htay Hla , Aung Khin Sanda , Shilton Sonjelle , Kyi Khin Pyone , Naing Win , Hellard Margaret
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and point-of-care (POC) testing platforms for hepatitis C allow for the decentralization of care to primary care settings. In many countries, access to DAAs is generally limited to tertiary hospitals, with limited published research documenting decentralized models of care in low-and middle-income settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of decentralized community-based POC testing and DAA therapy for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs and the general population in Yangon, Myanmar.

METHODS

Rapid diagnostic tests for anti-hepatitis C antibodies were carried out on-site and, if reactive, were followed by POC GeneXpert hepatitis C RNA polymerase chain reaction tests. External laboratory blood tests to exclude other major health issues were undertaken. Results were given to participants at their next appointment, with the participants commencing DAA therapy that day if a specialist review was not required. Standard clinical data were collected, and the participants completed behavioral questionnaires. The primary outcome measures are the proportion of participants receiving GeneXpert hepatitis C RNA test, the proportion of participants commencing DAA therapy, the proportion of participants completing DAA therapy, and the proportion of participants achieving sustained virological response 12 weeks after completing DAA therapy.

RESULTS

Recruitment was completed on September 30, 2019. Monitoring visits and treatment outcome visits are scheduled to continue until June 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This feasibility study in Myanmar contributes to the evidence gap for community-based hepatitis C care in low- and middle-income settings. Evidence from this study will inform the scale-up of hepatitis C treatment programs in Myanmar and globally.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/16863
Automated and Interviewer-Administered Mobile Phone Surveys in Burkina Faso: Sociodemographic Differences Among Female Mobile Phone Survey Respondents and Nonrespondents (Preprint)
Authors: Greenleaf Abigail R , Gadiaga Aliou , Choi Yoonjoung , Guiella Georges , Turke Shani , Battle Noelle , Ahmed Saifuddin , Moreau Caroline
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The remarkable growth of cell phone ownership in low- and middle-income countries has generated significant interest in using cell phones for conducting surveys through computer-assisted telephone interviews, live interviewer-administered surveys, or automated surveys (ie, interactive voice response).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare, by mode, the sociodemographic characteristics of cell phone owners who completed a follow-up phone survey with those who did not complete the survey.

METHODS

The study was based on a nationally representative sample of women aged 15 to 49 years who reported cell phone ownership during a household survey in Burkina Faso in 2016. Female cell phone owners were randomized to participate in a computer-assisted telephone interview or hybrid interactive voice response follow-up phone survey 11 months after baseline interviews. Completion of the phone survey was defined as participants responding to more than 50% of questions in the phone survey. We investigated sociodemographic characteristics associated with cell phone survey completion using multivariable logistic regression models, stratifying the analysis by survey mode and by directly comparing computer-assisted telephone interview and hybrid interactive voice response respondents.

RESULTS

A total of 1766 women were called for the phone survey between November 5 and 17, 2017. In both the computer-assisted telephone interview and hybrid interactive voice response samples, women in urban communities and women with secondary education or higher were more likely to complete the survey than their rural and less-educated counterparts. Compared directly, women who completed the hybrid interactive voice response survey had higher odds of having a secondary education than those who completed computer-assisted telephone interviews (odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In Burkina Faso, computer-assisted telephone interviews are the preferred method of conducting cell phone surveys owing to less sample distortion and a higher response rate compared with a hybrid interactive voice response survey.
What Every Reader Should Know About Studies Using Electronic Health Record Data but May Be Afraid to Ask (Preprint)
Authors: Kohane Isaac S , Aronow Bruce J , Avillach Paul , Beaulieu-Jones Brett K , Bellazzi Riccardo , Bradford Robert L , Brat Gabriel A , Cannataro Mario , Cimino James J , García-Barrio Noelia , Gehlenborg Nils , Ghassemi Marzyeh , Gutiérrez-Sacristán Alba , Hanauer David A , Holmes John H , Hong Chuan , Klann Jeffrey G , Loh Ne Hooi Will , Luo Yuan , Mandl Kenneth D , Daniar Mohamad , Moore Jason H , Murphy Shawn N , Neuraz Antoine , Ngiam Kee Yuan , Omenn Gilbert S , Palmer Nathan , Patel Lav P , Pedrera-Jiménez Miguel , Sliz Piotr , South Andrew M , Tan Amelia Li Min , Taylor Deanne M , Taylor Bradley W , Torti Carlo , Vallejos Andrew K , Wagholikar Kavishwar B ,   The Consortium For Clinical Characterization Of COVID-19 By EHR (4CE), Weber Griffin M , Cai Tianxi
Published: July 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Coincident with the tsunami of COVID-19–related publications, there has been a surge of studies using real-world data, including those obtained from the electronic health record (EHR). Unfortunately, several of these high-profile publications were retracted because of concerns regarding the soundness and quality of the studies and the EHR data they purported to analyze. These retractions highlight that although a small community of EHR informatics experts can readily identify strengths and flaws in EHR-derived studies, many medical editorial teams and otherwise sophisticated medical readers lack the framework to fully critically appraise these studies. In addition, conventional statistical analyses cannot overcome the need for an understanding of the opportunities and limitations of EHR-derived studies. We distill here from the broader informatics literature six key considerations that are crucial for appraising studies utilizing EHR data: data completeness, data collection and handling (eg, transformation), data type (ie, codified, textual), robustness of methods against EHR variability (within and across institutions, countries, and time), transparency of data and analytic code, and the multidisciplinary approach. These considerations will inform researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders as to the recommended best practices in reviewing manuscripts, grants, and other outputs from EHR-data derived studies, and thereby promote and foster rigor, quality, and reliability of this rapidly growing field.