bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moonlighting protein prediction using physico-chemical and evolutional properties via machine learning methods
Authors: Shirafkan Farshid , Gharaghani Sajjad , Rahimian Karim , Sajedi Reza , Zahiri Javad
Published: December 2020

Background: Moonlighting proteins (MPs) are a subclass of multifunctional proteins in which more than one independent or usually distinct function occurs in a single polypeptide chain. Identification of unknown cellular processes, understanding novel protein mechanisms, improving the prediction of protein functions, and gaining information about protein evolution are the main reasons to study MPs. They also play an important role in disease pathways and drug-target discovery. Since detecting MPs experimentally is quite a challenge, most of them were detected randomly. Therefore, introducing an appropriate computational approach seems to be rational. Results: In this study, we would like to represent a competent model for detecting moonlighting and non-moonlighting proteins by extracted features from protein sequences. Then, we will represent a scheme for detecting outlier proteins. To do so, 15 distinct feature vectors were used to study each one's effect on detecting MPs. Furthermore, 8 different classification methods were assessed to find the best performance. To detect outliers, each one of the classifications was implemented 100 times by 10 fold cross-validation on feature vectors, then proteins which miss classified 80 times or more, were grouped. This process was applied to every single feature vector and in the end, the intersection of these groups was determined as the outlier proteins. The results of 10 fold cross-validation on a dataset of 351 samples (containing 215 moonlighting and 136 non-moonlighting proteins) show that the decision tree method on all feature vectors has the highest performance among all methods in this research and also in other available methods. Besides, the study of outliers shows that 57 of 351 proteins in the dataset could be an appropriate candidate for the outlier. Among the outlier proteins, there are non-moonlighting proteins (such as P69797) that have been misclassified by 8 different classification methods with 16 different feature types. Because these moonlighting proteins have been obtained by computational methods, the results of this study could reduce the likelihood of hypothesizing that, these proteins are non-moonlighting. Conclusions: Moonlighting proteins are difficult to identify by experiments. Our method enables identification of novel moonlighting proteins using distinct feature vectors. It also indicates that a number of non-moonlight proteins are likely to be moonlight.
Room-temperature Diffusion of Metal Clusters on Graphene
Authors: Zarshenas Mohammad , Gervilla Víctor , Sangiovanni Davide , Sarakinos Kostas
Published: December 2020

We study the diffusion dynamics, the diffusion mechanisms, and the adsorption energetics of Ag, Au, Cu, and Pd, dimers, as well as of Ag trimers on single-layer graphene (SLG) by means of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The simulations show that Ag, Cu, and Au clusters exhibit a super-diffusive pattern characterized by long jumps, which can be explained by the flat potential energy landscape (PEL) (corrugation of a few tens of meV) encountered by those clusters on SLG. Pd dimers, instead, diffuse in a pattern that is reminiscent of conventional random walk, which is consistent with a significantly rougher PEL of the order of 100 meV. Moreover, our data show that all clusters exhibit diffusion mechanisms that include both concerted translation and rotation. The overall results of the present study provide key insights for modeling the growth of metal layers and nanostructures on graphene and other van der Waals materials, which is a prerequisite for the directed growth of multifunctional metal contacts in a broad range of enabling devices.
Thymol-based Chitosan Nanogels Have Strong Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Effects on Multidrug-resistant Pathogens
Authors: Gharaghie Tohid Piri , Biranvand Sheida , Shirin Neda Jegargoshe , Elahianfar Yalda , Ghahari Somayeh , Ghahari Sajjad
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The discovery of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections was one of the most important advances in medical history, but unfortunately bacteria are highly adaptable, and overuse of antibiotics has made many bacteria resistant to antibiotics. In the present study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels were investigated.Materials & Methods:After clinical screening of MDR strains from the hospital environment, the morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were identified using SEM, DLS, XRD and FTIR and the efficiency of encapsulation, stability and drug release were evaluated. After determining the MIC concentration of nanoparticles, the expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes were determined by q-Real-Time PCR and the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the nanoparticles were determined by well diffusion and MTT methods, respectively.Results:Three bacteria Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus were identified as MDR strains and the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of nanoparticles with a size of 82.71 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 76.54% and stability up to 60 days at 4 °C were evaluated. The results of the biological study showed strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanoparticles by reducing the expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05 and reducing antibiotic resistance compared to the free drug thymol and chitosan nanogels. Thymol-based chitosan nanogels at concentrations of 0.125 to 256μg/mL showed the lowest cytotoxicity against HEK-293 compared to chitosan and free Thymol nanogels.Discussion and Conclusion: The results of the study showed the very strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels against MDR strains such as Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas as the challenging bacteria of the century. Therefore, the use of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels can be reported as a new application strategy with high potential in the pharmaceutical industry.
Analysis of Cytokines in Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Pneumonitis: a Parallel Cohort Study
Authors: Kowalski Benedikt , Valaperti Alan , Steiner Urs C , Scholtze Dieter , Wieser Stephan , Vonow-Eisenring Maya , Widmer Andrea , Bezel Pascal , Kohler Malcolm , Franzen Daniel
Published: December 2020

BackgroundImmune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) present a new treatment for malignancies by boosting the immune system. This has led to a variety of immune-related adverse events, including ICI-associated pneumonitis (ICIaP). Diagnosis thereof is often challenging, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully understood. The aim of this parallel cohort study was to investigate cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) expressed in patients with ICI-associated pneumonitis compared to healthy individuals.MethodsFrom January 2018 until June 2019, 401 adult patients with various lung diseases were prospectively enrolled in a BALF- and serum biobank, called BALOTHEK. Of these, 12 patients were diagnosed with ICIaP (Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab, or both, and Durvalumab) and included in this parallel cohort study. Additionally, 12 healthy subjects from the biobank served as matched control group. The following 11 cytokines were simultaneously analyzed in BALF and serum of each study participant: interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL) 1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13 and IL-17A. This study was approved by the local ethic review committee (BASEC-ID 2017-02307 and 2018-01724).ResultsAbsolute number and percentage of lymphocytes in BALF of patients with ICIaP were significantly higher compared to control group. For the investigated cytokines in serum and BALF, a significant increase of IL-6 levels was shown for patients with ICIaP (p=0.044, adjusted for multiple comparisons). ConclusionCytokine profile assessed in BALF shows promising potential for facilitating diagnosis and understanding of pathophysiology of ICIaP. IL-6 may not only contribute to better understanding of pathophysiology but also herald therapeutic implications for Tocilizumab.
Mining peptides against SARS-CoV-2 entry from constructed RBMs-hACE2 isomer libraries using machine learning and molecular docking
Authors: He Xiaotong
Published: December 2020

Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 initiates from the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between viral surface protein S and human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Peptide-based drugs have the advantage of small molecule compounds to block such viral-host PPIs. Thus the viral targetregions on hACE2 have been believed as promising templates for designing specific inhibitory peptides against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, starting from a few potential templates, in silico design and prediction between binding affinity and bioactivities in vivo are very challenging, herein a novel design strategy was implemented by mining constructed template isomer libraries using feature filters, supervised classifier and peptide protein docking.Applying these methods and the isomer libraries, 4 peptides were identified from 12 millions candidates owing to their distinct stability, interaction activity, inhibitory specificity, binding affinity, transmembrane potentials and effective conformation. These results have supplied a panel of specific anti-COVID19 leads for further drug development, supporting a new feasible antiviral strategy for targeting both intracellular and extracellular SARS-CoV-2 S proteins simultaneously. The methods have provided a useful tool for mining antiviral-peptides against viral diseases.
Role of Social Network in Decision Making for Increasing Uptake and Continuing Use of Long Acting Reversible (LARC) Methods in Pakistan
Authors: Sarfraz Mariyam , Hamid Saima , Rawstorne Patrick , Ali Moazzam , Jayasuriya Rohan
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite evidence from recent Demographic Health Surveys that show 98% of the adult Pakistani population have an awareness of at least one modern contraceptive method, only 25% of married couples in Pakistan used a modern method of contraception. Of the modern contraceptive methods, LARC usage has increased only, from 2.1% to 3%. This low uptake is puzzling in the context of high awareness of LARC methods and its availability through public sector facilities at subsidized costs. This study aimed to understand the social influences in initiating and continuing use of an LARC methods for contraception in a rural setting in Pakistan.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 women who were using a LARC method for contraception. Data was managed using NVivo 12 and themes were identified using a comparative content analysis approach to analyze the transcripts.Results: Four key themes, supported by sub-themes relating to a temporal model, was identified to explain women’s experiences with initiating and continuing use of a LARC. The themes were (i) Use of trusted networks for information on LARCs; (ii) Personal motivation and family support in decision to use LARC; (iii) Choice of LARC methods and access to providers; and (iv) Social and professional support instrumental in long term use of LARC. Results highlight the significant role of immediate social network of female family members in supporting the women in initiating LARCs and maintaining their use.Conclusion: This study contributes to an in depth understanding of the decision-making process of women who adopted LARC and maintained its use. Women who proceeded to use an LARC and who persisted with its use despite the experience of side effects and social pressures, were able to do so with support from other female family members and spouse.
Delimiting cryptic species in a shark with a low dispersal capability
Authors: Fahmi Fahmi , Tibbetts Ian , Bennett Mike , Dudgeon Chris
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDelimiting cryptic species in elasmobranchs is a major challenge in modern taxonomy due the lack of available phenotypic features. Employing stand-alone genetics in splitting a cryptic species may prove problematic for further studies and for implementing conservation management. In this study, we examined mitochondrial DNA and genome-wide nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the brown-banded bambooshark, Chiloscyllium punctatum to evaluate potential cryptic species and the species-population boundary in the group.ResultsOur results found four operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within C. punctatum from the Indo-Australian region. Each OTU can be interpreted differently depending on available supporting information. Similarly, we confirmed that comprehensive sampling over the species' geographic distribution was essential to determine the boundary between population and cryptic species.ConclusionWe provide suggestions about what should be considered prior to split cryptic species and the designation of new species.
Depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis: risk factors and associations with joint symptoms
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Tu Liudan , Cicuttini Flavia , Zhu Zhaohua , Han Weiyu , Antony Benny , Wluka Anita E. , Winzenberg Tania , Aitken Dawn , Blizzard Leigh , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai
Published: December 2020

Background: To describe demographic and clinical factors associated with the presence and incidence of depression and explore the temporal relationship between depression and joint symptoms in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: 397 participants were selected from a randomized controlled trial in people with symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency (age 63.3 ± 7.1 year, 48.6% female). Depression severity and knee joint symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively, at baseline and 24 months. Results: The presence and incidence of depression was 25.4% and 11.2%, respectively. At baseline, having younger age, a higher body mass index (BMI), greater scores of WOMAC pain (PR: 1.05, 95%CI:1.03, 1.07), dysfunction (PR: 1.02, 95%CI:1.01, 1.02) and stiffness (PR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09), lower education level, having more than one comorbidity and having two or more painful body sites were significantly associated with a higher presence of depression. Over 24 months, being female, having a higher WOMAC pain (RR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09) and dysfunction score (RR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.03) at baseline and having two or more painful sites were significantly associated with a higher incidence of depression. In contrast, baseline depression was not associated with changes in knee joint symptoms over 24 months. Conclusion: Knee OA risk factors and joint symptoms, along with co-existing multi-site pain are associated with the presence and development of depression. This suggests that managing common OA risk factors and joint symptoms may be important for prevention and treatment depression in patients with knee OA.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01176344Anzctr.org.au identifier: ACTRN12610000495022
Comparative study on lesions of reproductive disorders of cows and female dromedary camels slaughtered at Addis Ababa, Adama and Akaki abbatoirs with bacterial isolation and characterization
Authors: Mandefro Aynalem , Ayana Tilaye Demissie , Hunderra Gemechu Chala , Gebrezihar Tadesse Gidey , Boru Bulto Giro , Desta Natnael Teshager
Published: December 2020

Background: Reproduction is a basic prerequisite to efficient livestock production. Reproductive performance depends upon the normal structure and function of genital organs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to May 2017 to identify and compare the frequency of pathological lesions in the reproductive tract and to isolate bacteria associated to uterine lesions in female dromedary camels and cows slaughtered at Akaki camel slaughter house and Addis Ababa and Adama municipal abattoirs. Abattoirs were visited once per week for 28 weeks during which three to seven animals on average were slaughtered per day. A purposive sampling technique was employed to examine reproductive tracts of all slaughtered animals (280; 140 cows and 140 camels). Following gross inspection at abattoirs, tissue samples with lesion were collected for histopathological and bacteriological investigation. Result: Various pathological lesions with different degrees of severity were observed in 48 (34.2%) and 51 (36.4%) of dromedary camels and cows, respectively. Uterine lesions were the most prevalent 21.4% lesions observed in dromedary camels followed by ovarian lesions 7.14%; while in cows, ovarian lesions were the major prevalent 16.4% lesions followed by uterine lesion 14.2%. The result showed that there were 56 bacteria isolated from cows uterine lesion with Staphylococcus species 28.5%, Streptococci species 19.6%, Coynebacterium species 8.9%, Escherichia coli 26.78%, Salmonella species 10.7% and Klebsiella species 5.35% being the prominent isolates; while in camels, there were 45 bacteria isolated with Escherichia coli 35.5%, Staphylococcus species 26.6%, Streptococcus species 13.3%, Pseudomonas species 6.6 %, Proteus species 4.4%, Salmonella species 8.8% and Klebsiella species 4.4% being the most frequently isolated. The result showed that the major isolates were similar with slightly higher in cows. Histopathologically, endometrial glands degeneration, sloughing of epithelium, peri-glandular cuffing and infiltrations of inflammatory cell were some of characteristic changes observed in uterus. Conclusions: Pathological lesions in reproductive organs in female dromedary camels and cows showed great prevalence, with similarity in bacterial isolates between the two species. The role of each reproductive lesions and bacterial isolates incriminated as causes of reproductive failures in this livestock species needs further investigation.
A systematic review assessing the under-representation of elderly adults in COVID-19 trials
Authors: Prendki Virginie , Tau Noam , Avni Tomer , Falcone Marco , Huttner Angela , Kaiser Laurent , Paul Mical , Leibovici-Weissmann Yaara , Yahav Dafna
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic threatening millions of people worldwide. Yet studies specifically assessing the geriatric population are scarce. We aimed to examine the participation of elderly patients in therapeutic or prophylactic trials on COVID-19.MethodsIn this review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n=12) comparing therapeutic or prophylactic interventions registered on preprint repositories and/or published since December 2019 were analyzed. We searched in PubMed, leading journals websites, and preprint repositories for RCTs and large observational studies. We aimed to describe the age of included patients, the presence of an upper age limit and of adjusted analyses on age, any exclusion criteria that could limit participation of elderly adults such as comorbidities, cognitive impairment, limitation of life expectancy; and the assessment of long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization. Mean participant ages were reported and compared with observational studies.ResultsTwelve RCTs assessing drug therapy for COVID-19 were included. Mean age of patients included in RCTs was 56.3 years. An upper age limit was applied in three published trials (25%) and in 200/650 (31%) trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov. One trial reported a subgroup analysis in patients ≥65. Patients were excluded for liver-function abnormalities in eight trials, renal disease in six, cardiac disease or risk of torsade de pointes in five, and four for cognitive or mental criteria, which are frequent comorbidities in the oldest patients. Only three trials allowed a family member to provide consent. Patients enrolled in RCTs were on average 20 years younger than those included in large (n≥1000) observational studies. Seven studies had as their primary outcome a clinical endpoint, but none reported cognitive, functional or quality of life outcomes or need for rehabilitation or long-term care facility placement.ConclusionsElderly patients are clearly underrepresented in RCTs, although they comprise the population hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization were not reported. Future investigations should target specifically this vulnerable population.
IFI27 may predict and evaluate the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in preterm infants
Authors: Gao Junyan , Zhu Xueping , Wu Mingfu , Jiang Lijun , Wang Fudong , He Shan
Published: December 2020

Background: Preterm infants are a special population that vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and the lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by RSV could be severe and even life-threating. The purpose of the present study was to identify candidate genes of preterm infants who are susceptible to RSV infection and provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of RSV infection.Methods: Three datasets (GSE77087, GSE69606 and GSE41374) containing 183 blood samples of RSV infected patients and 33 blood samples of healthy controls from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out. The function and pathway enrichments were analyzed through Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) website. The protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network for DEGs was constructed through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). The module analysis was performed by Cytoscape software and hub genes were identified. Clinical verification was employed to verify the expression level of top five hub genes among 72 infants including 50 RSV infected patients and 22 non-RSV-infected patients hospitalized in our center. Further, the RSV infected infants with high-expression IFI27 and those with low-expression IFI27 were compared (defined as higher or lower than the median mRNA level). Finally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) focusing on IFI27 was carried out.Results: Totally, 4028 DEGs were screened out and among which, 131 most significant DEGs were selected. Subsequently, 13 hub genes were identified, and function and pathway enrichments of hub genes mainly were: response to virus, defense response to virus, regulation of viral genome replication and regulation of viral life cycle. Furthermore, IFI27 was confirmed to be the most significantly expressed in clinical verification. Gene sets associated with calcium signaling pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism, extracellular matrix receptor interaction and so on were significantly enriched when IFI27 was highly expressed. Moreover, high-expression IFI27 was associated with more severe cases (p=0.041), more requirements of mechanical ventilation (p=0.034), more frequent hospitalization (p<0.001) and longer cumulative hospital stay (p=0.012).Conclusion: IFI27 might serve to predict RSV infection and evaluate the severity of RSV infection in preterm infants.
The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block Combined With Oral Multimodal Analgesia In Comparison With Oral Multimodal Analgesia After Caesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yu Yang , Gao Shenshan , Yuen Vivian Manying , Choi Wai Siu , Xu Xuebing
Published: December 2020

Background: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is used increasingly in parturients after caesarean delivery. This is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral single-shot of TAP blocks in patients who received multimodal oral analgesia for postoperative pain relief.Methods: Parturients who were scheduled for elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were recruited and randomized to receive bilateral single-shot of TAP blocks or placebo in addition to multimodal oral analgesia which consisted of regular tramadol, celecoxib and paracetamol, with oral oxycodone used as a rescue for breakthrough pain. Only parturients in the TAP group would receive the TAP blocks with an injection of 15ml (0.25%) ropivacaine on each side under aseptic techniques. All the parturients were evaluated for pain or related complications in the first 24 hours after surgery. The primary outcome is the percentage of parturients who required oxycodone as a rescue analgesia. Results: 80 and 79 parturients were allocated to the TAP and placebo group respectively. 9 out of 79 (11.4%) parturients in the TAP group and 15 out of 73 (20.5%) parturients in the placebo group required oxycodone for breakthrough pain, P = 0.122. Conclusions: Bilateral single-shot of TAP blocks confer little additional benefit when a multimodal oral analgesic regimen is used for pain control after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.Trial registration:Clinical Trial Registry of China (http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-INR-16010130). Retrospective registered on Dec 12, 2016
Riverbank Erosion and Migration, Inter-Linkage: with special focus on Assam, India
Authors: Dekaraja Dimpal , Mahanta Ratul
Published: December 2020

Background: Riverbank erosion becomes a vulnerable phenomenon in the bank of the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries. Around 17 riverine districts of Assam are affected by riverbank erosion and lost a large plot of land. Due to riverbank erosion the victims’ loss their homestead and crop land as well as their survival strategy in the eroded areas. Moreover, farmers largely affected due to riverbank erosion as they loss their sources of income. This forces the farmer to migrate to another place for their survival. The paper examines the linkage between river bank erosion and migration based on secondary information. Method: To examine the linkage, information collected from government published sources ‘Census of India’ and ‘Statistical handbook of Assam’. On the basis of the information, 10 indicators constructed from 26 variables and then factor analysis method applied to examine the linkage between riverbank erosion and migration. Results: Four variables that are agricultural worker, industrial worker, cropped area and livestock population are loaded into the first factor, for which the first factor is labeled as the socio-economic indicator. In case of second factor the two variables i.e. Migrational Growth Index(MGI) and urban population are loaded. On the basis of the loaded variables this factor labeled as demographic indicator. In case of third factor also two variables are loaded that is, Natural Growth Index(NGI) and Literacy rate. The loaded variables indicate that both NGI and Literacy rate are positively related. Two variables are loaded in this fourth factor i.e. river bank eroded area and the district population growth. This factor labeled as environmental indicator on the basis of the variables loaded in this factor. The factor correlation matrix indicates the opposite relation between first and fourth factor.Conclusion: The results obtained from Factor component analysis reveals that the first and fourth factor component mainly established the linkage between riverbank erosion and migration. Besides this the component correlation matrix also reveals the inter-linkage between the variables. Thus we can say that there is positive relation between riverbank erosion and migration. However, it can be interpret that farmers mostly affected due to riverbank erosion and migrate more, because most of the inhabitants of the floodplain areas are the farmers.
Asthma and COVID-19 - A systematic review
Authors: Mendes Natália F. , Jara Carlos P. , Mansour Eli , Araújo Eliana P. , Velloso Licio
Published: December 2020

Background. Severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) presents with progressive dyspnea, which results from acute lung inflammatory edema leading to hypoxia. As with other infectious diseases that affect the respiratory tract, asthma has been cited as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19. However, conflicting results have been published over the last few months and the putative association between these two diseases is still unproven. Methods. Here, we systematically reviewed all reports on COVID-19 published since its emergence in December 2019 to June 30, 2020, looking into the description of asthma as a premorbid condition, which could indicate its potential involvement in disease progression. Results. We found 372 articles describing the underlying diseases of 161,271 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Asthma was reported as a premorbid condition in only 2,623 patients accounting for 1.6% of all patients. Conclusions. As the global prevalence of asthma is 4.4%, we conclude that either asthma is not a premorbid condition that contributes to the development of COVID-19 or clinicians and researchers are not accurately describing the premorbidities in COVID-19 patients.
Cultural Competence of Australian Dental Students
Authors: Marino Rodrigo , Satur Julie , Tuncer Eren , Tran Megan , Milford Elizabeth , Tran Vivien , Tran Phuong , Tsai Richard
Published: December 2020

Background: Australia possesses a highly multicultural demographic, and thus dental practitioners are likely to encounter culturally and linguistically diverse individuals regularly. It is important for dental practitioners to be culturally competent, however, cultural competency education is highly variable in the curricula of dentistry and oral health courses in Australia, and research is largely limited to dentistry students. This study aims to investigate and compare perceived attitudes, beliefs and practices of cultural competence amongst first and final year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) students at the University of Melbourne Dental School.Methods: Following ethics approval, anonymous questionnaires were completed by 213 participants. The questionnaire was adapted from Schwarz’s Healthcare Provider Cultural Competence Instrument (HPCCI) and consisted of five scales. Data was analysed using SPSS V 24.0 software.Results: A total of 213 students participated in this study (response rate = 88%) The majority of participants were female (n=114, 53.5%) and the mean age of 23.5 years (range 18 - 40). The majority of participants were Australian born (n=110) with 74.6 percent (n=159) first generation Australians. Participants who identified as Australian represented 35.7 percent (n=76) with 66.1 percent (n=141) identified as partly Australian. Multivariate analysis indicated that, after controlling for other independent variables in the model, those who had the highest cultural competence score were female, who self-identify as “Australian”, who were in the final year. Furthermore, those who were in the final BOH year scored significatively higher than final year DDS students.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that there is a significant difference in students self-reported cultural competence at different stages of their education. This may be attributed to differences in cultural competence education, scope of practice and the type of patient encounters and role modelling that students may experience. Future research should involve follow up to create longitudinal data, as well as research at other dental schools in Australia and overseas.
Study of performance on a novel paediatric examination to investigate disparity between what undergraduate medical students are taught and what is felt to be essential knowledge in the postgraduate paediatric domain?
Authors: McCrossan Patrick , Nicholson Alf , O'Donoghue Dara , McCallion Naomi
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIt is recognised that newly qualified doctors feel unprepared in many areas of their daily practice and that there is a gap between what students learn during medical school and their clinical responsibilities early in their postgraduate career. This study aimed to assess if undergraduate students and junior paediatric doctors met a Minimum Accepted Competency (MAC) of knowledge.MethodsThe knowledge of undergraduates and junior paediatric doctors was quantitatively assessed by their performance on a 30-item examination. The items within this examination were designed by non-academic consultants to test ‘must-know’ knowledge for starting work in paediatrics. The performance of the students was compared with their official university examination results and with the performance of the junior doctors.ResultsThere were a total of 478 participants. Mean examination score was 45.9% for students and 64.2% for doctors (significantly higher [p<0.01]). A significantly reduced number of students passed the examination compared with their official university examinations (68% V 97%). A Spearman’s rank co-efficient showed a moderate but statistically significant positive correlation between students results in their official university examinations and their score in this investigative examination.ConclusionThis work demonstrates a disparity between both student and junior doctor levels of knowledge with consultant expectations from an examination based on what front-line paediatricians determined as “must-know” standards. This study demonstrates the importance of involvement of end-users and future supervisors in undergraduate teaching.
Lay persons’ perception of the requirements for research in emergency obstetric and newborn care
Authors: Kaye Daniel Kabonge
Published: December 2020

Background: Factors that could potentially act as facilitators and barriers to successful recruitment strategies in perinatal clinical trials are not well documented. The objective was to assess lay persons’ understanding of the informed consent for randomized clinical trial in emergency obstetric and newborn care.Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted among survivors of severe obstetric complications who were attending the post-natal clinic of Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Uganda, 6-8 weeks after surviving severe obstetric complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The study that involved 18 in-depth interviews was conducted from June 1, 2019 to July 6, 2019. The issues explored included perceptions of the purpose and necessity to conduct such research how research-related information would be disclosed, and what could be the potential benefits and risks of participation. The data was analyzed by thematic analysis.Results: Respondents felt that research was necessary to investigate the cause, prevention or complications of an illness, especially as much was known about some pregnancy and newborn complications. Most believed that the emergency contexts affects whether and what prospective participants may understand if information about research was disclosed. Whereas they did not see the value of procedures like randomization, they felt that if these and any other procedures necessary should be done transparently and fairly. The decisions to participate would significantly be influenced by possibility of risk to the unborn baby or the newborn. Solidarity was an important influence on decision-making.Conclusions: Respondents valued participation in RCTs in emergency obstetric and newborn care. However, they expressed concerns and valued openness, transparency and accountability with regard to how clinical trials information is disclosed and the decision-making process for clinical trial participation. While autonomy and solidarity are contradictory values, they complement each other during decision-making for informed consent.
Total Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Multifocal Infection in Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: a retrospective observational Study
Authors: Henkelmann Jeanette , Denecke Timm , Pieroh Philipp , Einhorn Stephanie , Hoeh Nicolas H. von der , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Voelker Anna
Published: December 2020

Background: Due to the unspecific symptoms of spondylodiscitis (SpD), an early radiological examination is necessary. However, controversially discussed is the need for magnetic resonance imaging of the entire spine to exclude multisegmental infections and to determine the required surgical interventions. The aims of this study were to assess the incidence of multilevel non-contiguous pyogenic SpD and compare comorbidities, pain symptoms, and subsequent surgical strategies between unifocal (uSpD) and multifocal (mSpD) SpD.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients with confirmed, surgically treated, pyogenic SpD who had received a total spine MRI in a single spine center between 2016 and 2018. MRI findings were classified according to Pola-classification and demographics, duration of clinical symptoms (pain and neurology) and Charlson Comorbidity-Index (CCI) results were compared between uSpD und mSpD groups. Surgical therapy was evaluated in patients with mSpD. Results: uSpD was detected by MRI in 69 of 79 patients (87 %). Of these, mSpD was detected in 10 patients (13%) with 21 infected segments (cervical and/ or thoracic and/ or lumbar region). Age and CCI were similar between uSpD and mSpD and 24 of all SpD regions were clinically unapparent. All patients with uSpD were treated operatively. In seven patients with mSpD, all infected levels of the spine were treated surgically in a one-stage procedure; one patient had a two-stage procedure and one patient had surgery at the lumbar spine, and an additional infected segment of the upper thoracic spine was treated conservatively. One patient died before a planned two-stage procedure was performed.Conclusions: Due to mSpD being found in approximately 13% of SpD cases, and considering the risk of overlooking an mSpD case, MRI imaging of the total spine is recommended. The detection of multiple infection levels can have an impact on the therapeutic strategy chosen.
A Dynamical Modelling of the Epidemic Diseases to Assessing the Rates of Spread of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: SEIQR Model
Authors: Youssef Hamdy , Alghamdi Najat , Ezzat Magdy , El-Bary Alaa , Shawky Ahmed
Published: December 2020

A model of critical epidemic dynamics for the emergence of the new coronavirus COVID-19 is being established in this paper. A new approach to the assessment and control of the COVID-19 epidemic is given with the SEIQR pandemic model. This paper uses real knowledge on the distribution of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia for mathematical modeling and dynamic analyses. The reproductive number and detailed stability analysis are provided in the SEIQR model dynamics. In a Jacobian method of linearization, we will address the domain of the solution and the equilibrium situation based on the SEIQR model. The equilibrium and its importance have been proven, and a study of the stability of the equilibrium free from diseases has been implemented. The reproduction number was evaluated in accordance with its internal parameters. The Lyapunov theorem of stability has proven the global stability of the current model's equilibrium. The SEIQR model was contrasted by comparing the results based on the SEIQR model with the real COVID-19 spread data in Saudi Arabia. Numerical evaluation and predictions were given. The results indicate that the SEIQR model is a strong model for the study of the spread of epidemics, such as COVID-19. At the end of this work, we implemented an optimum protocol that can quickly stop the spread of COVID-19 among the Saudi populations. The key solution to slowing COVID-19 transmission is to stay home and bring sick persons as far as possible in a remote location or in a safe place. Ultimately, it is vital to offer safe and adequate treatment to ill people, and to avoid them, medications, tones, and nutrients should be provided to non-infected persons.
Genetic Variation and Genotype by Environment Interaction for Heat Tolerance in Crisphead Lettuce
Authors: Lafta Abbas , Sandoya Germán , Mou Beiquan
Published: December 2020

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a cool season crop that is vulnerable to high temperature stress, which promotes bolting and decreases yield and quality. It is anticipated that climate change may lead to higher temperatures in current lettuce growing areas in the United States, thereby negatively affecting lettuce production and possibly resulting in adverse impacts on global food production. Therefore, it is important to identify lettuce germplasm with tolerance to temperatures higher than those that have occurred over the past century. We evaluated 25 crisphead lettuce cultivars for tolerance to high temperature stress in the San Joaquin, Imperial, and Salinas Valleys, CA. Genetic variation was identified for yield and horticultural traits, such as core length, head diameter, tipburn, bolting, and market maturity, of crisphead lettuce grown in warmer conditions. Significant genotype × environment interaction did not account for most of the variation; the main differences were found for environments and only a small proportion of the variation was due to genotypes. Cultivar Primetime is a good source of heat tolerance for crisphead lettuce, as it presented the best yield and exhibited other desirable characteristics across warmer conditions. These results provide insight into the cultivars that respond well to hot environments. Moreover, the data can be used by breeders to develop new heat-tolerant lettuce cultivars.
»Obrazovanje za proturječnost i otpor«
Authors: Krstić Predrag
Published: December 2020

Rad nastoji integrirati zapažanja Theodora W. Adorna o odgoju i obrazovanju, koja su rasuta gotovo po čitavome njegovom opusu. Namjera međutim nije doktrinarna: izdala bi se lojalnost autoru i podbacilo ispod njegove kritike kada bi takva integracija nastojala rekonstruirati neku neokupljenu ili neizrečenu Adornovu »prosvjetnu doktrinu«. Kod zakletog antisistematičara ni vizije prosvjetne teorije i prakse ne smiju prerasti u sistem. Riječ je prije o stavu ili držanju koje insistira na pokušaju da se antinomija obrazovanja – neslobodnim sredstvima do cilja slobode, manipulacijom do nemogućnosti da se bude izmanipuliran – unese u školske, i ne samo školske, zadatke, kao cilj koji će onemogućiti ponavljanje Auschwitza, omogućiti autonomiju i osposobiti za autorefleksiju.
SARS-CoV-2 sewage surveillance in low-income countries: potential and challenges
Authors: Calabria de Araujo Juliana , Gavazza Savia , Leao Thiago Lima , Florencio Lourdinha , da Silva Hernande Pereira , Albuquerque Jones de Oliveira , de Lira Borges Maria Alice , de Oliveira Alves Rayanna Barroso , Rodrigues Rosner Henrique Alves , dos Santos Eric Bem
Published: December 2020

This paper reviews the recent findings in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage samples. We discuss how wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) can be used as a complementary tool to help the fight against COVID-19 spread, particularly in low-income countries with low sewage coverage and where the testing coverage is deficient, such as Brazil. One of the major challenges on WBS is the use of different protocols to estimate the number of infected people in a community from the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Therefore, we assembled and reviewed all the relevant data available to date about this topic. Virus concentration and detection methods were reviewed as well, and some of them can be performed in most of the microbiology and environmental engineering laboratories in low-income countries, as discussed. Moreover, the monitoring and sampling plan should represent the local reality. Thus, we suggest unique strategies for sewage sampling and monitoring in different sewerage network points and the slums, despite the possible logistics difficulties involved. Considering the low levels of sanitation in most urban agglomerates in Brazil, WBS can potentially assume a crucial role as a cost-effective strategy to monitor the circulation of the virus and assess the real prevalence of COVID-19.
A comparative dynamic study of seawater pretreatment using experimental and pilot bubble tower
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Jin Hui , Li Jiale , Dou Guosheng , Ji Zhiyong , Liu Jie , Yuan Junsheng , Guo Xiaofu
Published: December 2020

In the previous study, greenhouse gas CO2 was successfully used as the precipitator to realize its carbonation by calcium ions in seawater with the help of magnesium oxide. In this study, the reaction process was firstly analyzed by a proposed reaction mechanism, and then the dynamic simulation of the gas–liquid–solid system was carried out via kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. Based on the reaction mechanism, the continuous experimental study was realized in a bubble column. The effects of air flow rate, carbon dioxide flow rate and temperature on the effectiveness evaluation indexes of decalcification efficiency, total mass transfer coefficient and carbon sequestration rate were studied. Finally, a bonnet tower with a diameter of 1 m and a height of 8 m was built to carry out the pilot test. In the laboratory experiments, the calcium removal rate reached 94%, the carbon sequestration rate reached 63.6%, and pure micron calcium carbonate products were obtained. The decalcification rate reached 95% in the pilot test, which is consistent with the results of the laboratory experiment.
Regulamento da Escola Normal de Goiás de 1926
Authors: Paula dos Santos Tarsio , Aires de Abreu Sandra Elaine
Published: December 2020

Em 1925, através do Decreto Federal n. 16. 782 – A, os ensinos primários e secundários ganharam novas diretrizes. Essas diretrizes previam, dentre outras coisas, maior articulação entre os grupos escolares e o ensino normal, bem como a criação da cadeira de Instrução Moral e Cívica. Em Goiás, através da Lei n. 782 de 21 de junho de 1925, tanto o Lyceu como a Escola Normal de Goiás tiveram seus currículos mudados com a nova exigência. A reorganização em coerência com o decreto primeiramente citado, efetivou-se na Escola Normal goiana com o Decreto n. 829 de 25 de fevereiro de 1926.
JOINT RUSSIAN-USA FIELD TEST: IMPLICATIONS FOR DECONDITIONED CREW FOLLOWING LONG DURATION SPACEFLIGHT
Authors:   National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, USA, Reschke M.F. , Kozlovskaya I.B. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Lysova N. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Kitov V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Rukavishnikov I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Kofman I.S. ,   KBR, Houston, USA, Tomilovskaya E.S. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Rosenberg M.J. ,   KBR, Houston, USA, Osetsky N. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Fomina E. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Grishin A. ,   Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC), Star City, Russia, Wood S.J. ,   National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, USA
Published: December 2020

A joint NASA and Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) study, designated as the Field Test, was designed to investigate how the immediate post-flight effects of long duration spaceflight impact performance on vestibular and sensorimotor-related functional tasks. One unique feature of this study was the use of functional tests typically associated with everyday living to track recovery. These tasks are also expected of crewmembers during recovery operations and include sit-to-stand and prone-to-stand transitions, translating objects, and jumping down from a platform. This paper provides an overview of the methodology used for the Field Test. As an example of the functional deficits observed, we present results for a seat egress and walking task that involved turning 180 degrees and stepping over obstacles. We observed significant increases in the time-to-complete this task on landing day. We recommend this task being incorporated into Standard Measures to evaluate the efficacy of countermeasures. The decrements observed at landing day have implications for the deconditioned crew during exploration missions where crewmembers will be unassisted after landing on a planetary surface.