bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Frequency of the Available Human Coronavirus Genomes
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Majaz Sidra , Nouroz Faisal
Published: May 2020

Background. A novel, human-infecting coronavirus causing CoVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China in late December, 2019. Within a short span of time more the virus has recorded more than 1 million deaths world-wide. This study is designed to address the overall evolutionary process of the novel Coronavirus complete genomes. Addressing the complexity and huge population size, network-based approaches are used in mapping samples to their reported locations. Results. Total of 473 complete human-coronavirus genomes representing 20 different countries are studied including 17 states from the United States and samples collected from the Cruise-diamond princess. The phylodynamic network of global-scale is classified into five clusters contained two clusters U1 and U2 of the USA samples. Cluster B is a shared cluster of China and the USA while A and C are of diverse nature. We found that Chinese samples aggregated in cluster A and B which aided in retaining the homogeneous viral genomic pool. In contrast, samples from the USA and Spain were split into distinct clusters indicating multiple port entries and a possibility in implying a delay in quarantine measures. Among the samples from the USA, we found that sequences reported from Washington and Virginia are scattered indicating evolutionary diversity.Conclusion. This report provides insight into the transmission pattern of CoV2 which is complicated to evaluate exclusively through conventional surveillance means. Our data not only identify the transmission network but also suggest that the severity of the disease is linked to the spatial diversity of infection.
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein primes inflammasome-mediated interleukin-1- beta secretion in COVID-19 patient-derived macrophages
Authors: Theobald Sebastian J. , Simonis Alexander , Kreer Christoph , Zehner Matthias , Fischer Julia , Albert Marie-Christine , Malin Jakob J. , Gräb Jessica , Winter Sandra , de Silva Ute Sandaradura , Böll Boris , Köhler Philipp , Gruell Henning , Suàrez Isabelle , Hallek Michael , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Jung Norma , Cornely Oliver , Lehmann Clara , Kashkar Hamid , Klein Florian , Rybniker Jan
Published: May 2020

Innate immunity triggers responsible for viral control or hyperinflammation in COVID- 19 are largely unknown. Here we show that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein primes inflammasome activation and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) secretion in macrophages derived from COVID-19 patients but not in macrophages from healthy SARS-CoV-2 naïve controls. Chemical NLRP3 inhibition blocks spike protein-induced IL-1β secretion ex vivo. These findings can accelerate research on COVID-19 vaccine design and drug treatment.
Modeling COVID-19 infection in a confined space
Authors: Yan Zishuo , Lan Yueheng
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we construct a stochastic model of the 2019-nCoV transmission in a confined space, which gives a detailed account of the interaction between the spreading virus and mobile individuals. Different aspects of the interaction at mesoscopic level, such as the human motion, the shedding and spreading of the virus, its contamination and invasion of the human body and the response of the human immune system, are touched upon in the model, thier relative importance during the course of infection being evaluated. The model provides a bridge linking the epidemic statistics to the physiological parameters of individuals and may serve a theoretical guidance for epidemic prevention and control.
Molecular interaction and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 binding to the ACE2 receptor
Authors: Yang Jinsung , Petitjean Simon , Derclaye Sylvie , Koehler Melanie , Zhang Qingrong , Dumitru Andra C. , Soumillion Patrice , Alsteens David
Published: May 2020

Study of virus entry into cells is of critical importance for a better understanding of the interactions established between the viral glycoproteins and their receptors at the cell surface and could help to develop novel antiviral strategies. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) entry into host cells is mediated by the transmembrane spike glycoprotein (S-glycoprotein) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a cellular receptor. Here, we used atomic force microscopy to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the S- glycoprotein binds to the ACE2 receptor. We demonstrated, both on model surfaces and on living cells, that the receptor binding domain (RBD) serves as a binding interface within the S- glycoprotein with the ACE2 receptor and we extracted the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of this binding pocket. Altogether, these results give a dynamic picture of the established interaction in physiologically relevant conditions. Finally, we identified and tested several binding inhibitor peptides targeting the virus early attachment stages, offering new perspectives in the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A blood-based comprehensive and systems-level analysis of disease stages, immune regulation and symptoms in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sadanandam Anguraj , Bopp Tobias , Dixit Santosh , Knapp David JHF , Emperumal Chitra Priya , Rajalingam Krishnaraj , Melcher Alan , Kannan Nagarajan
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 patients show significant clinical heterogeneity in presentation and outcomes that makes pandemic control and strategy difficult; optimising management requires a systems biology approach of understanding the disease. Here we sought to understand and infer complex system-wide changes in patients infected with coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2; n=38 and 57 samples) at two different disease stages compared with healthy individuals (n=16) and patients with other infections (n=144). We applied inferential statistics/machine-learning approaches (the COVID-engine platform) to RNA profiles derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Compared to healthy individuals, an integrated blood-based gene signatures distinguished acute-like (mimicking coronavirus-infected patients with prolonged hospitalisation) from recovering-like patients. These signatures also hierarchically represented systems-level parameters associated with PBMC including dysregulated cytokines, genes, pathways, networks of pathways/concepts, immune status, and cell types. Proof-of-principle confirmatory observations included PBMC-associated increases in ACE2, cytokine storm-associated IL6, enhanced innate immunity (macrophages and neutrophils), and lower adaptive T and B cell immunity in patients with acute-like disease compared to those with recovery-like disease. Patients in the recovery-like stage had significantly enhanced TNF, IFN-g, anti-viral, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-F gene expression and cytolytic activity, and reduced pro-viral gene expression compared to those in the acute-like stage in PBMC. Besides, PBMC-derived surrogate-based approach revealed overlapping genes associated with comorbidities (associated diabetes), and disease-like symptoms (associated with thromboembolism, pneumonia, lung disease and septicaemia). Overall, our study involving PBMC-based RNA profiling may further help understand complex and variable systems-wide responses displayed by coronavirus-infected patients.
Real-time audio and visual display of the Coronavirus genome
Authors: Temple Mark D.
Published: May 2020

Background:This paper describes a web based tool that uses a combination of sonification and an animated display to inquire into the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The audio data is generated in real time from a variety of RNA motifs that are known to be important in the function of RNA. Additionally metadata relating to RNA translation and transcription has been used to shape the auditory and visual displays. Together these tools provide a unique approach to further understand the metabolism of the viral RNA genome. This audio provides a further means to represent the function of the RNA in addition to traditional written and visual approaches.Results:Sonification of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA sequence results in a complex auditory stream composed of up to 12 individual audio tracks. Each auditory motive is derived from the actual RNA sequence or from metadata. This approach has been used to represent transcription or translation of the viral RNA genome. The display highlights the real-time interaction of functional RNA elements. The sonification of codons derived from all three reading frames of the viral RNA sequence in combination with literature derived metadata provide the framework for this display. Functional RNA motifs such as transcription regulatory sequences and stem loop regions have also been sonified. Using the tool, audio can be generated in real-time from either genomic or sub-genomic representations of the RNA. Given the large size of the viral genome, a collection of interactive buttons have been provided to navigate to regions of interest, such as cleavage regions in the polyprotein, untranslated regions or each gene. These tools are available through an internet browser and the user can interact with the data display in real time. Conclusion:The auditory display in combination with real-time animation of the process of translation and transcription provide a unique insight into the large body of evidence describing the metabolism of the RNA genome. Furthermore the tool has been used as an algorithmic based audio generator. These audio tracks can be listened to by the general community without reference to the visual display to encourage further inquiry into the concept.
Dikkat Eksikliği Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu Olan Çocukların Anadolu-Sak Zekâ Ölçeği Profillerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: CIRIK Mevlüt , SAK Uğur , ÖPENGİN Ercan
Published: May 2020

Dikkat eksikliği hiperaktivite bozukluğunun (DEHB) tanılanmasında zekâ ölçekleri birey hakkında ek bilgi elde etmek için zaman zaman kullanılmaktadır çünkü DEHB zekaya ilişkin bazı bilişsel süreçlere ket vurabilmekte veya bu süreçlerin etkin olarak yürütülmesini engelleyebilmektedir Bu nedenle DEHB tanısı olan çocuklar zeka ölçeklerinde farklılaşan profiller sergilemektedir. Bu da zeka ölçeklerinin DEHB tanısında tutarlı profiller ortaya koymasını engellemektedir. Zeka ölçeklerinin DEHB’nin tanılanmasında yordayıcılığının belirlenmesi için önceden tanı almış bireylerin zekâ ölçeklerinde ortaya koydukları bilişsel profiller incelenmektedir. Bu araştırmada DEHB tanısı almış çocukların Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı (MEB) bünyesinde yer alan Rehberlik ve Araştırma Merkezleri’nde (RAM) 2017 yılı itibariyle kullanılmaya başlanan Anadolu Sak Zeka Ölçeği’nde (ASİS) gösterdikleri bilişsel profillerin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında önceden DEHB tanısı almış 102 çocuğa ASİS uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen bulguların ASİS norm puanları ile ayrıca grup içi karşılaştırması yapılmıştır. DEHB’li çocukların ASİS endeks ve alt testlerinin tamamında norm grubu ortalamasından anlamlı derecede düşük performans gösterdikleri ortaya çıkmıştır. Endeksler incelendiğinde grubun Bellek Kapasite Endeksi (BKE) ortalamasının, Sözel Potansiyel Endeksi (SPE) ve Görsel Potansiyel Endeksi (GPE) ortalamasından anlamlı derecede düşük olduğu görülmüştür. Alt testler incelendiğinde katılımcıların işleyen belleğinin bir bileşeni olan görsel ardıl işleyen bellek ve dil gelişiminin bir boyutu olan sözcükler anlamlar alt testinde diğer alt testlerden anlamlı derecede düşük performans gösterdikleri bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır. DEHB tanılı çocukların ASİS’te sergiledikleri profiller,  dikkat eksikliği ve hiperaktivite bozukluğu olan bireylerde işleyen belleğin zayıf olduğunu, buna bağlı olarak öğrenmenin, özellikle dil ediniminin düşük düzeyde olabileceğini göstermektedir.
Spatio-temporal analysis of maximum drought severity using Copulas in Northern Algeria
Authors: Mellak Soumia , Souag-Gamane Doudja
Published: May 2020

Drought mitigation and prevention require a broader knowledge of the spatio-temporal characteristics and return periods of droughts over several years. In this research, drought characteristics (severity, duration, frequency and areal extent) have been analysed in northern Algeria by using the Standardized Precipitation Index to identify drought events from 194 precipitation stations. For frequency analysis, three Archimedean copula families were used to find a relationship between drought duration and severity. The severity–duration–frequency (SDF) and the severity–area–frequency (SAF) curves were obtained. The SDF and SAF curves are then used to build three-dimensional surfaces of drought severity, drought duration and cumulated percentage of the affected area (SDA) for each return period. It has been shown that the return periods of maximum drought events severity vary according to their durations. To address the issue of long-term droughts, a new classification of dry events based on drought severities is proposed. The obtained results show that the western part of Algeria is the most sensitive to severe/extreme droughts of short durations and high probabilities of exceedance. For long-term durations, the study area was sensitive to mild droughts with lower probabilities.
Analysis of minimal and maximal pressures, uncertainty and spectral density of fluctuating pressures beneath classical hydraulic jumps
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Nasrollah , Farsadizadeh Davood , Salmasi Farzin , Dalir Ali Hosseinzadeh , Bocchiola Daniele
Published: May 2020

Knowledge of extreme pressures and fluctuations within stilling basins is of the utmost importance, as they may cause potential severe damages. It is complicated to measure the fluctuating pressures of hydraulic jumps in real-scale structures. Therefore, little information is available about the pressure fluctuations in the literature. In this paper, minimal and maximal pressures were analyzed on the flat bed of a stilling basin downstream of an Ogee spillway. Attention has been focused on dimensionless pressures related to the low and high cumulative probabilities of occurrence (P*0.1% and P*99.9%), respectively. The results were presented based on the laboratory-scale experiments. These parameters for the relatively high Froude numbers have not been investigated. The total standard uncertainty for the dimensionless mean pressures (P*m) was obtained around 1.87%. Spectral density analysis showed that the dominant frequency in the classical hydraulic jumps was about 4 HZ. Low-frequency of pressure fluctuations indicated the existence of large-scale vortices. In the zone near the spillway toe, P*0.1% reached negative values of around −0.3. The maximum values of pressure coefficients, namely |CP0.1%|max and CP99.9%max, were achieved around 0.19 and 0.24, respectively. New original expressions were proposed for P*0.1% and P*99.9%, which are useful for estimating extreme pressures.
The Limit Situation And The Narrative Of War (On The Material Of The Novel “My Lieutenant” By Daniil Granin)
Authors: Kuprin Anatoly S. , Danilina Galina I.
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is the analysis of limit situation in the narrative of war. The material of the study is the novel of Daniil Granin “My Lieutenant” and related texts.
In the first part of the paper, the authors explore existing approaches to the term “limit situation” and similar concepts into scientific and philosophical traditions; limits of its applicability in literary studies and its relation to the categories of “narrative instances” and “event”. Proposed a literary-theoretical definition of the limit situation, which can be used in the analysis of fiction texts. Existing approaches to the examination of the situation of war are analyzed: philosophical-existential, psychoanalytic, sociological, literary. In the second part of the paper, the authors propose their method for analyzing limit situations in texts about war, which basis on existing approaches and preserves the text-centric principle of studying the structure of the story. Two interrelated areas of research have been identified: the study of war as a continuous limit situation in the intertextual aspect (the discourse of war); the study of limit situations (death, suffering, guilt, accident) in the narrative of war as part of a specific text. In the third part of the scientific work,the analysis of war as a continuous limit situation results in the study of the concept of “limit” (border) in a fiction text. The role of “limit” (border) concept in the texts about the war is studied, the possible types of limits in the discourse of war are examined.
Limit situations in the narrative of war are analyzed on the basis of the novel “My Lieutenant” by Daniil Granin. A review of journalistic and scientific works about the novel revealed both the continuity and the differences between the novel and the “lieutenant” prose of the 20th century. An analysis of the limit situations in the novel revealed their key position in the narrative. These situations are independent of the fiction time, of the fluctuation of the point of view’; the function of the abstract author is to build the narrative as a “directive” immersion of the hero and narrator in these situations.
Tanshinones: An Update in the Medicinal Chemistry in Recent 5 Years
Authors: Lai Zhencheng , He Jixiao , Zhou Changxin , Zhao Huajun , Cui Sunliang
Published: May 2020

Tanshinones are an important type of natural products isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza
Bunge with various bioactivities. Tanshinone IIa, cryptotanshinone and tanshinone I are
three kinds of tanshinones which have been widely investigated. Particularly, sodium tanshinone
IIa sulfonate is a water-soluble derivative of tanshinone IIa and it is used in clinical in
China for treating cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, there are increasing interests in the
investigation of tanshinones derivatives in various diseases. This article presents a review of
the anti-atherosclerotic effects, cardioprotective effects, anticancer activities, antibacterial
activities and antiviral activities of tanshinones and structural modification work in recent
years.
Positive Crossmatch Kidney Transplantation: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Mustian Margaux N. , Locke Jayme E.
Published: May 2020

The organ shortage for kidney transplantation remains a challenging issue worldwide. Incompatibility
between donor-recipient pairs, commonly occurring among transplant candidates who were sensitized from prior
antigen exposure, serves as a significant barrier to kidney transplantation. In efforts to overcome this obstacle,
living and deceased donor kidney transplantation across human leukocyte antigen barriers following desensitization
has been pursued via positive crossmatch transplantation. The goal of desensitization therapy is to remove or
denigrate donor-specific alloantibodies prior to transplantation in order to permit transplantation across the human
leukocyte antigen barrier and prevent rejection. Various desensitization regimens have been utilized, including
the use of plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and or immunoadsorption. Although long-term allograft
outcomes for positive crossmatch kidney transplantation following desensitization therapy have been shown to be
inferior to compatible transplantation, particularly with increasing strength of the crossmatch, there is an established
survival benefit for positive crossmatch transplant recipients compared with remaining on the transplant
waitlist. However, positive crossmatch transplantation may confer higher risks of infection and malignancy. Despite
the fact that some of these heightened risks, positive crossmatch transplantation has also been demonstrated
to have cost-savings compared with remaining on dialysis and may, therefore, be a cost-effective treatment option
for sensitized patients who would face long waiting times and may never be able to achieve compatible transplantation.
This review highlights both the risks and benefits of positive crossmatch transplantation and its role in the
broader field of kidney transplantation.
Improved Outcomes after Reperfusion Therapies for Ischemic Stroke: A “Real-world” Study in a Developing Country
Authors: Schulz Victor C. , de Magalhaes Pedro S.C. , Carneiro Camila C. , da Silva Julia I.T. , Silva Vivian N. , Guesser Vanessa V. , Safanelli Juliana , Diegoli Henrique , Liberato Rafaela B. , Lopes Cristiane C.C. , de Souza Aline , de França Paulo H.C. , Conforto Adriana B. , Cabral Norberto L.
Published: May 2020

Background:

It is unknown if improvements in ischemic stroke (IS) outcomes reported
after cerebral reperfusion therapies (CRT) in developed countries are also applicable to the “real
world” scenario of low and middle-income countries. We aimed to measure the long-term outcomes
of severe IS treated or not with CRT in Brazil.

Methods:

Patients from a stroke center of a state-run hospital were included. We compared the
survival probability and functional status at 3 and 12 months in patients with severe IS treated or
not with CRT. From 2010 to 2011, we performed intravenous reperfusion when patients arrived
within 4.5 h time-window (IVT group) and after 2011, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) combined
or not with intravenous alteplase (IAT group). Those who arrived >4.5 h in 2010-2011 and >6 h in
2012-2017 did not undergo CRT (NCRT group).

Results:

From 2010 to 2017, we registered 917 patients: 74% (677/917) in the NCRT group, 19%
(178/917) in the IVT group and 7% (62/917) in the IAT group. Compared to the NCRT group,
IVT patients had a 28% higher (HR: 0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.96) 3-month adjusted probability of survival
and risk of functional dependence was 19% lower (adjusted RR: 0.81; 95% CI 0.73-0.91).
For those who underwent MT, the adjusted probability of survival was 59 % higher (HR: 0.41;
95% CI 0.21-0.77) and the risk of functional dependence was 21% lower (adjusted RR: 0.79; 95%
CI 0.66-094). These outcomes remained significantly better throughout the first year.

Conclusion:

CRT led to better outcomes in patients with severe IS in Brazil.
Diverse Routes for the Synthesis of Indole-Fused Complex Architecture from Simple Molecules
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Chauhan Suresh Singh , Sharma Neeraj Kumar , Dutt Sunil , Ameta Keshav Lalit
Published: May 2020

:

Several easy, efficient and convenient procedures to access indoles fused heterocyclic systems
are described in this review. These heterocyclic systems were synthesized from several cyclic or
acyclic molecules via a variety of reactions such as Diels-Alder reaction, Michael addition, Morita-
Baylis-Hillmann reaction and many other domino/Cascade approaches with high selectivity. Most of
the given protocols in this review proceed through organocatalytic pathways; however, some underwent
different catalytic and non-catalytic reactions.
The Effect of Cognitive Group Counseling on Women’s Motivation for Childbearing-an Interventional Study
Authors: Sheikhganbar Narges , Vakilian Katayon , Abbasi Zohreh , Ranjbaran Mehdi , Amoozegar Hoora
Published: May 2020

Background:

Postponing parenthood is associated with decreased number of offspring
and increased pregnancy risks.

Objectives:

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive group counseling on
childless couples' decision motivation for childbearing and preconception checkup.

Methods:

This experimental study was performed on 62 fertile women referred to health care centers
in Qom. Signing the written consent form, the participants who were selected by the convenience
sampling method entered the study. Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ) was used to collect
data. 6 cognitive group counseling sessions were conducted for the intervention group while the
control group did not receive any training except one session on the disadvantages of postponed
childbearing by the midwife under the supervision of the researcher. After the intervention, childbearing
motivation was evaluated in both groups. The samples were also evaluated in one and two
months after the intervention to see whether they have referred for pre-pregnancy checkups. The
data were analyzed by SPSS20 using chi-square, and independent t-test. P-value was considered to
be less than 0.05.

Results:

The results showed that after the intervention, the mean of Positive Childbearing Motivation
(PCM) in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group and the
mean of Negative Childbearing Motivation (NCM) was significantly lower than that of the control
group (p <0.001). The frequency of booking pre-pregnancy checkups two months after intervention
was 69.57% and 10% in the intervention and control groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Counseling could be more effective to motivate women to start booking for prepregnancy
checkups.
The Application of Nucleic Acids and Nucleic Acid Materials in Antimicrobial Research
Authors: Sun Yue , Meng Lingxian , Zhang Yuxin , Zhao Dan , Lin Yunfeng
Published: May 2020

Due to the misuse of antibiotics, multiple drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria have increasingly
emerged. This has increased the difficulty of treatment as these bacteria directly affect public health by
diminishing the potency of existing antibiotics. Developing alternative therapeutic strategies is the urgent
need to reduce the mortality and morbidity related to drug-resistant bacterial infections. In the past 10 to
20 years, nanomedicines have been widely studied and applied as an antibacterial agent. They have become
a novel tool for fighting resistant bacteria. The most common innovative substances, metal and
metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), have been widely reported. Until recently, DNA nanostructures were
used alone or functionalized with specific DNA sequences by many scholars for antimicrobial purposes
which were alternatively selected as therapy for severe bacterial infections. These are a potential candidate
for treatments and have a considerable role in killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review involves
the dimensions of multidrug resistance and the mechanism of bacteria developing drug resistance.
The importance of this article is that we summarized the current study of nano-materials based on nucleic
acids in antimicrobial use. Meanwhile, the current progress and the present obstacles for their antibacterial
and therapeutic use and special function of stem cells in this field are also discussed.
Green Synthesis of Silver, Copper and Gold Nanoparticles Using Terminalia arjuna Bark and their Effect on Seed Germination
Authors: Sharma Rama , Gupta Hariom
Published: May 2020

Background:

Terminalia arjuna has many biological applications including synthesis
of metal nanoparticles, which have no hazardous effect on the environment. We have demonstrated
that metal nanoparticles synthesized using Terminalia arjuna bark can be used to enhance the
germination of seeds.

Methods:

To evaluate the effect on germination, we treated Vigna unguiculata (black-eyed peas)
seeds with copper, silver and gold nanoparticles synthesized by Terminalia arjuna bark. The synthesized
metal nanoparticles were characterized by UV-spectroscopy and their size was confirmed
by diffraction light scattering technique.

Results:

After incubation of 48 hours, the effects were observed. It was observed that Vigna
unguiculata (black-eyed peas) seed showed 30% germination in silver nanoparticles solution and
70% in copper nanoparticles, whereas 0% germination was observed in gold nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

The results obtained in the study show that nanobiotechnology can be applied in
agriculture to boost the production of crops.
Discrete representation of terrain reflections for land clutter simulation
Authors: Oreshkina M. V. , Kiselev A. V.
Published: May 2020

The formation of a discrete terrain model is one of the tasks of simulation of land clutter simulation using digital modeling methods. The smaller the sampling step is, the fewer calculations are needed to recreate the echo signal. On the other hand, too large the step leads to significant errors in the parameters of a simulated signal. The article considers the task of determining the necessary sampling step provided that the signals are simulated with a given accuracy. The approach proposes the analysis of the dispersion and autocorrelation function of the signal at the output of the matched filter of the radar station receiver that is obtained by transmitting a simulated echo signal to receiver input. The expressions are obtained for calculating the sampling frequency depending on the distribution properties of terrain reflections and the probing signal parameters. They can be used to build terrain models for echo signal simulation.
Do Talent Management Practices Affect Organizational Culture?
Authors: Lutfi Al-Dalahmeh Maha , Dajnoki Krisztina
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the readers' understanding of the domain of talent management and organisational culture and how  talent management becomes one of the important strategic tools to improve the work environment, specifically as a tool for enhancing the organizational culture. The paper also attempts to probe and aid readers in understanding to what extent talent management affects the organizational culture. This paper is based on secondary research and articles in the areas of talent management, organizational culture and the relationship between them. The author has reviewed the existing body of work on these topics to arrive at the analysis of the relationship between talent management and organizational culture. As well as measuring its impact on the whole organization by reviewing the existing literature.
Физические и физиологические проблемы медицинского мониторинга
Authors: Лебединский К.М. , Коваленко А.Н. , Курапеев И.С. , Карелов А.Е. , Ленькин А.И. , Субботин В.В. , Волков П.А. , Мартынов Д.В.
Published: May 2020

Physiological, physical, technological, ergonomic, cognitive and financial aspects of medical monitoring – one of the fastest growing and high-tech areas of medicine and medical technology – are discussed in the review in the context of historical development. Special attention is paid to the clinical requirements for monitoring, monitors and monitored parameters, sophisticated, controversial and problematic aspects of monitoring, in particular, physiological signals interpretation, the impact of monitoring on patients’ treatment outcomes, difficulties in creating automatic control systems for physiological functions of the patient based on monitoring data and integral monitoring assessment of the whole body physiological state as a necessary complement, and sometimes – more efficient alternative to conventional “analytical” monitoring of certain physiological functions and parameters.
Использование микроструктурированных подложек, полученных методом ионной имплантации, для подсчета бактерий
Authors: Евтюгин В.Г. , Рогов А.М. , Валеева Л.Р. , Нуждин В.И. , Степанов А.Л.
Published: May 2020

A new technological approach for creating nanostructured substrates by ion implantation method for visual characterization of ultra-small biological objects and microorganisms is described. Using argon ion implantation of integumentary silicate glasses through masks in the form of copper wire meshes, periodic microstructures in the form of gratings with mesh sizes of 50x50 μm were formed on their surface. The testing of new types of substrates was carried out by the example of bacteria of the genera Bacillus and Staphylococcus deposited on them by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis, as well as atomic force microscopy.
Широкопольная флуоресцентная микроскопия в доклинических исследованиях биомедицинских материалов, скаффолдов и биомедицинских клеточных продуктов
Authors: Егорихина М.Н. , Алейник Д.Я. , Чарыкова И.Н. , Рубцова Ю.П. , Юдин В.В. , Морозов А.Г.
Published: May 2020

The results of studies representing the interaction of cells with various products provided for biomedical use are stated. It has been shown that wide-field fluorescence microscopy makes it possible to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the samples, the viability, morphology and proliferative activity of cells during the process of interaction, as well as the adhesion, migration, and distribution of cells, both on the surface of materials and in the structure of scaffolds and biomedical cell product. Methods of wide-field fluorescence microscopy make it possible to carry out intravital studies of the interaction of cells with materials without any additional processing and samples destruction.
Digital Media as a Proponent for Healthy Aging in the Older Chinese American Population: Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Shu Sara , Woo Benjamin K P
Published: May 2020

Background

Ensuring health literacy among underserved populations is essential amid an aging population. Accessible and appropriate (both culturally and linguistically) information is important when considering digital media education for older Chinese Americans.

Objective

This study aims to investigate how social media fare over time in disseminating health information and how we may most effectively educate this population.

Methods

For this study, 5 geriatric-themed educational videos about Parkinson disease, fall prevention, gastrointestinal health, oral health, and pulmonary disease were uploaded to YouTube. Data were collected over a 40-month period. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used to compare results from the first and second 20-month periods.

Results

In 40 months, the 5 videos in aggregate accrued 1171.1 hours of watch time, 7299 views, and an average view duration of 9.6 minutes. Comparing the first and second 20-month periods, there was a significant increase in mobile device usage, from 79.4% (3541/4458) to 83.3% (2367/2841). There was no significant difference in the usage of various external traffic sources and methods of sharing, with WhatsApp accounting for the majority of sharing in both 20-month periods.

Conclusions

Our study provides insight into where to focus future strategies to optimize digital media content, and how to best recruit, direct, and disseminate health education to an older adult Chinese American population. Combining the success of YouTube, social media, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp can help to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers to promote healthy aging.
Post-Hospital Syndrome (PHS) and Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations(PPH) in Adults.
MonashWatch adult cohort patient telehealth journeys (Preprint)
Authors: Martin Associate Professor , Hinckley Narelle , Stockman Keith , Campbell Donadl
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Monash Watch (MW) aims to reduce avoidable hospitalizations in a cohort above a risk ‘threshold’ identified by HealthLinks Chronic Care (HLCC) algorithms using personal, diagnostic, and service data, excluding surgical and psychiatric admissions. MW conducted regular patient monitoring through outbound phone calls using the Patient Journey Record System (PaJR). PaJR alerts are intended to act as a self-reported barometer of health perceptions with more alerts per call indicating greater risk of Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations (PPH) and Post Hospital Syndrome (PHS). Most knowledge of PPH and PHS occurs at a macro-level with little understanding of fine-grained dynamics.

OBJECTIVE

To describe patterns of self-reported concerns and self-rated health 10 days before and after acute hospital admission in the telehealth intervention cohort of MonashWatch in the context of addressing PPH and PHS.

METHODS

Participants: 173 who had an acute admission of the of the 232 HLCC cohort with predicted 3+ admissions/year, in MW service arm for >40 days. Measures: Self-reported health and health care status in 764 MW phone call records which were classified into Total Alerts (all concerns - self-reported) and Red Alerts (concerns judged to be higher risk of adverse outcomes/admissions -acute medical and illness symptoms). Acute (non-surgical) admissions from Victorian Admitted Episode database. Analysis: Descriptive Timeseries homogeneity metrics using XLSTAT.

RESULTS

Self-reported problems (Total Alerts) statistically shifted to a higher level 3 days before an acute admission and stayed at a high level for the 10 days post discharge; reported acute medical and illness symptoms (Red Alerts) increased 1 day prior to admission and but remained at a higher level than before admission. Symptoms of concern did not change before admission or after discharge. Self-rated health and feeling depressed were reported to worsen 5 days post discharge. Patients reported more medication changes up to 2 days before acute admission.

CONCLUSIONS

These descriptive findings in a cohort of high risk individuals suggest a prehospital phase of what is termed PHS, which persisted on discharge and possibly worsened 5 days after discharge with worse self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Further research is needed. The role and place of community and hospital in such a cohort needs further investigation and research into PPH and PHS.
Worldwide Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer – analysis of the past, present and the future. (Preprint)
Authors: Smith Clive , Hudson Meghan , Turner Victoria Turner , Border Craig , Thompson Allen
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Pancreatic carcinoma is being recognized to be responsible for an increasing number of cancer-related deaths, especially in the western world. A deluge of risk factors have been described in the literature. Some of the important ones include smoking, alcohol and metabolic diseases like obesity. It also poses challenges in diagnosis and treatment despite recent advances in diagnostic, surgical and other therapeutic advancements. This is a narrative review of the findings of multiple studies that were retrieved from electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. We summarize the current knowledge regarding the epidemiology and various risk factors for the development of pancreatic carcinoma.
The effectiveness of global automatic identification standards in hospitals: a narrative review (Preprint)
Authors: Langelaan Maaike , Su Xiaocui , van der Wilden-van Lier Els C.M.
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation in hospitals of Global AIDC standards, GS1 standards and to identify the variation in implementation.
Data sources: PubMed, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey were searched.
Study selection: Studies reporting effects of the introduction of GS1 standards for healthcare purposes in hospitals.
Data extraction: Data on GS1 standards implementation and quantitative outcomes were extracted by a single author and confirmed by a second author, with disagreement settled by consensus.
Results of data synthesis: of 742 titles and abstracts screened, 93 studies were retrieved in full. In 20 studies, quantitative evaluation of outcomes was examined and a primary outcome was stated. Evidence of the benefits of global AIDC standards implementation in hospitals in terms of a reduced patient risk and increased supply chain efficiency was observed.
Conclusion: Global standards implementation in hospitals is associated with higher patient safety and better supply chain management. Flexibility is required in adapting global standards to local needs and constraints. Factors conducive to global standards implementation success in achieving efficiency objectives have been identified. In order to further consolidate the implementation of GS1 standards as an accepted intervention applicable to hospitals, robust evidence from well-designed prospective studies is required.
Economic Advantages of Telehealth and Virtual Health Practitioners: Return on Investment Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Snoswell Centaine L , North John B , Caffery Liam J
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Telehealth is a disruptive modality that challenges the traditional model of having a clinician or patient physically present for an appointment. The benefit is that it offers the opportunity to redesign the way services are offered. For instance, a virtual health practitioner can provide videoconference consultations while being located anywhere in the world that has internet. A virtual health practitioner also obviates the issues of attracting a specialist medical workforce to rural areas, and allows the rural health service to control the specialist services that they offer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to evaluate the economic effects of 3 different models of care on rural and metropolitan hospital sites. The models of care examined were patient travel, telehealth using videoconferencing, and employment of a virtual health practitioner by a rural site.

METHODS

Using retrospective activity data for 3 years, a return on investment (ROI) analysis was undertaken from the perspective of a rural site and metropolitan partner site using a telehealth orthopedic fracture clinic as an example. Further analysis was conducted to calculate the number of patients that would be required to attend the clinic in each model of care for the sites to break even.

RESULTS

The only service model that resulted in a positive ROI for the rural site over the 3-year period was the virtual health practitioner model. The breakeven analysis demonstrated that the rural site required the lowest number of patients to recoup costs in the virtual health practitioner model of care. The rural site was unable to recoup its costs within the travel model due to the lack of opportunity for reimbursement for services and the requirement to cover the cost of travel for patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model demonstrated that rural health care providers can increase their ROI by employing a virtual health practitioner.
Influence of News Media and Public Health Agencies during Pre-Pandemic COVID-19: Twitter Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Grady Connor , Feliciano Josemari T. , Kwon Jiye , Fodeh Samah J.
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Health communication is crucial during public health threats. Twitter has been used extensively to produce and spread content during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study seeks to analyze the sentiment and themes of tweets from user groups assumed to be largely influential during the COVID-19 response: public health agencies (PHAs), news media organizations (NMOs), and normal users. Results show that the public’s sentiments largely resemble that of NMOs and suggest people may be more influenced by NMOs rather than PHAs.
Nitric Oxide inhibits NF-kB-mediated survival signaling: possible role for anti-TNF- family cancer therapies (Preprint)
Authors: Bauer Joseph Alan , Lupica Joseph A. , DiDonato Joseph A. , Lindner Daniel J.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

We have previously demonstrated the anti-tumor activity of a nitric oxide-donor, nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl), mediated by increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) and its receptors in human tumors.

OBJECTIVE

The specific aim of this study was to examine the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and determine whether nitric oxide could sensitize drug-resistant melanomas to Apo2L/TRAIL via inhibition of NF-kB or Inhibitor kappa B kinase (IKK).

METHODS

Antiproliferative effects of NO-Cbl and Apo2L/TRAIL were assessed in malignant melanomas and non-tumorigenic melanocyte and fibroblast cell lines. Athymic nude mice bearing human melanoma A375 xenografts were treated with NO-Cbl and Apo2L/TRAIL. Apoptosis was measured by TUNEL. The activation status of NF-kB was established by assaying luciferase reporter activity, the phosphorylation status of IkBa, and in vitro IKK activity.

RESULTS

NO-Cbl sensitized Apo2L/TRAIL-resistant melanoma cell lines to growth inhibition by Apo2L/TRAIL but had minimal effect on normal cell lines. NO-Cbl and Apo2L/TRAIL exerted synergistic anti-tumor activity against A375 xenografts. NO-Cbl suppressed Apo2L/TRAIL- and TNF-a-mediated activation of a transfected NF-kB-driven luciferase reporter. NO-Cbl inhibited IKK activation, characterized by decreased phosphorylation of IkBa.

CONCLUSIONS

NO-Cbl treatment rendered Apo2L/TRAIL-resistant malignancies sensitive to the anti-tumor effects of Apo2L/TRAIL in vitro and in vivo. The use of NO-Cbl and Apo2L/TRAIL capitalizes on the tumor-specific properties of both agents and represents a promising anti-cancer combination based on current anti-TNF-super family clinical strategies.

CLINICALTRIAL

n/a

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1074/jbc.W119.011721
COVID-19 on Tuberculosis and Human Immune Deficiency Virus in Nigeria: A Menace Combination
Intervention in Disease (Preprint)
Authors: Aborode Abdullahi
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

There has been much awareness during the past week about the catastrophe that awaits once coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) establishes itself especially in the poorest communities of Nigeria and, importantly, in informal settlements. Evidence to date suggests that COVID-19 is efficiently and have great health impacts which are dangerous to patient with HIV and Tuberculosis in Nigeria. This expose the nonchalant the health system show towards the care for patients with tuberculosis and HIV while facing COVID-19 not giving of the menace on this patients health and Well-being.

OBJECTIVE

To explain the effect of Covid-19 on tuberculosis and HIV patients.

METHODS

It involves research on how coronavirus affect vulnerable people

RESULTS

I get the link between TB, HIV and Tuberculosis

CONCLUSIONS

Concluded on necessary solurion to implement on this effects
New Checklist for the Heuristic Evaluation of mHealth Apps (HE4EH): Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Khowaja Kamran , Al-Thani Dena
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in developing countries. Existing mobile health (mHealth) app design guidelines lack a description of the support of continuous self-monitoring of health status, behavior change to improve and adopt a healthy lifestyle, and communication with health educators and health care professionals in case of any need.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the development of a specialized set of heuristics called heuristic evaluation for mHealth apps (HE4EH) as an all-in-one tool and its applicability by performing a heuristic evaluation of an mHealth app.

METHODS

An extensive review of heuristics and checklists was used to develop the HE4EH. The HE4EH was evaluated by domain experts for heuristics, checklist items, severity ratings, and overall satisfaction. The OneTouch app, which helps individuals with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels, was evaluated using HE4EH to identify usability problems that need to be fixed in the app.

RESULTS

The expert evaluation of HE4EH revealed that the heuristics were important, relevant, and clear. The checklist items across the heuristics were clear, relevant, and acceptably grouped. In terms of evaluating the OneTouch app using the HE4EH, the most frequently violated heuristics included Content, Visibility, Match, and Self-monitoring. Most of the usability problems found were minor. The system usability scale score indicated that the OneTouch app is marginally acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

This heuristic evaluation using the OneTouch app shows that the HE4EH can play a vital role for designers, researchers, and practitioners to use HE4EH heuristics and checklist items as a tool to design a new or evaluate and improve an existing mHealth app.