bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Variations in Stroke Inpatient Healthcare Utilization and Hospital Expenditure Equity in China
Authors: Yang Yong , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Huang Zhengwei , Chen Xiaoping , Ma Yong , Shi Xuefeng
Published: May 2020

Background: Stroke is a devastating disease that imposes a heavy financial burden on patients and their families and a significant economic cost on a nation’s healthcare system. Under China’s fragmented health insurance system, it was unclear whether geographic variations in healthcare utilization and hospital expenditures lead to healthcare inequities for stroke inpatients. This study assesses the geographic variations in stroke patients’ healthcare utilization and hospital expenses and the potential geographical influencing factors. Methods: Covering all municipalities and provinces in mainland China, our main data were a 5% random sample of stroke claims from the Urban Employees Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) schemes from 2013 to 2016, totaling 217969 inpatients and 280804 admissions. The Theil index was employed to evaluate the (in)equity in healthcare utilization and hospital expenditures across all 31 mainland Chinese provinces. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the geographic influencing factors, comprising ability to deliver healthcare, geographical accessibility of health services, healthcare-seeking and economic factors, were explored.Results: UEBMI stroke inpatients had higher hospital costs and longer ALOS, but lower OOP expenses than those with URBMI. UEBMI insurance had a lower Theil index value than the URBMI scheme. Stroke patients’ healthcare utilization and hospital expenditures showed significant differences both within and between regions. The intra-region Theil (in)equality index value was higher than the inter-region Theil index, with the Theil index highest within eastern China, China’s richest and most developed region. The ability to deliver healthcare, the enabling factors and the provincial-level economic factors had significant effects (P<0.05) on healthcare utilization and hospital expenses.Conclusions: Our data revealed significant geographic variation in healthcare utilization and hospital expenditures for stroke patients. In addition to differences in the coverage and reimbursements of the UEBMI-URBMI schemes, disparities within regions were associated with the ability to deliver healthcare (open hospital beds per 100 patients), the enabling factors (regional reimbursement rate and regional education level) and the provincial-level economic factors (GDP per capita). China’s fragmented urban health insurance schemes require further reform to ensure better equity in healthcare utilization and hospital expenses.
Malaria Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Nigeria: A Qualitative study to explore barriers and facilitators
Authors: Mahmud Fatima Muhammad , Nedjat Saharnaz , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Parseian Mahbubeh , Majdzadeh Reza
Published: May 2020

Background : Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) used as a preventive treatment for malaria is low among pregnant women in Nigeria. However, there is limited evidence on the barriers and facilitators of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) use in pregnant women. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of IPTp use among pregnant women in Kano state, Nigeria. Methods: This qualitative study used a conventional content analysis method. Purposive sampling strategy was used to select study participants. A total of 14 key informant interviews were conducted with policy makers, malaria experts and health care providers. Three focus group discussions (FGD) were also conducted among pregnant women. Furthermore, separate three FGDs were conducted among husbands whom were selected using opportunistic maximum variation sampling method. MaxqDA 10 software was used for data analysis, i.e., to develop categories, subcategories and themes. Results: Malaria policy implementation, antenatal care attendance, accessibility of intermittent preventive treatment in the communities, strengthening IPTp service delivery were the facilitators of IPTp use while political reluctance, high population density, inadequate budget to implement IPTp related policies emerged as barriers to IPTp use. Conclusion: The political will to allocate sufficient budget could help improve service delivery and IPTp use among pregnant women and facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda to end malaria in 2030. Key words: Malaria , Intermittent preventive treatment, Equity, Pregnant women, Nigeria.
Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a newly emerging focus in Gampaha district, Western province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mallawarachchi Chandana Harendra , Chandrasena Nilmini T. G. A. N , Wijerathna Tharaka , Dalpadado Rasika C.P.D. , Mallawarachchi Maleesha S.M.N.S. , G.A Gunarathna , Gunathilaka Nayana
Published: May 2020

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) appears to be spreading to previously non-endemic regions of Sri Lanka. The aim of this study was to describe a newly emerging focus of CL in the district of Gampaha, in Western Sri Lanka. Methods A case based descriptive study was carried out from January 2018 to April 2019 in the Mirigama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area, which reported the highest number of CL cases in Gampaha District. Laboratory confirmed cases were traced and socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via a validated questionnaire and clinic records respectively. The quality of life (QOL) of study participants was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of patient residences were recorded using handheld GPS receivers. Sand-flies were collected from four selected sites, using Indoor Hand Collection (IHC) (162 units) and Cattle Baited Net Traps (CBNT) (n=3) and a battery-operated aspirator. Results Of 73 patients identified in this study, 58.9% were males, with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 20.1). The lesions included nodules (52.05%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.86%, while 30.1% had multiple. Except for one mucosal lesion, all others were on skin. Treatment varied from sodium stibogluconate (SSG) + cryotherapy (46.57%), SSG (45.2%) and cryotherapy (8.2%). Patients with multiple lesions were more likely to be treated with combined SSG + cryotherapy (p< 0.05). The mean DLQI score was 8.14 (SD=7). Most patients engaged in outdoor activities that exposed them to the risk of sand-fly bites Workplaces of 81.1% (27/33) were located within the district. Housing conditions of study participants were of moderate (59%), good (35.6%) and poor (5%) quality. Four households reported multiple cases. Spatial distribution of cases indicated notable clustering in seven adjacently located Public Health Inspector (PHI) areas. Phlebotomus argentipes was detected in all CBNTs and 35.28% of IHC units surveyed. Conclusions CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama MOH area being the epicentre of infection. The disease had a moderately negative impact on QOL of patients. Minimal migration of cases, clustering of cases within households and in the locality indicates local transmission with P. argentipes as the probable vector.
Comprehensive analyses reveal three-gene signatures in ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Chuang , Lyu Yuan , Liu Caixia
Published: May 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer is a common cancer that affects the quality of women’s life. With the limitation of the early diagnosis of the disease, ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor invasion, proliferation, and metastasis in ovarian cancer remain unclear. We aimed to identify, using bioinformatics, important genes and pathways that may serve crucial roles in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian cancer. Methods: Three microarray datasets (GSE14407, GSE36668, and GSE26712) were selected for whole-genome gene expression profiling , and differentially expressed genes were identified between normal and ovarian cancer tissues. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed to reveal possible interactions among the differently expressed genes. The prognostic values of the hub genes were investigated using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and the KM plotter database. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression analysis of the hub genes was performed using the GEPIA database. Results: We obtained 247 upregulated and 530 downregulated differently expressed genes, and 52 hub genes in the significant gene modules. Enrichment analysis revealed that the hub genes were significantly ( P < 0.05) associated with proliferation. Additionally, BIRC5, CXCL13, and PBK were revealed to be significantly associated with the clinical prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer. Immunohistochemical staining results obtained from the Human Protein Atlas revealed that BIRC5, PBK, and CXCL13 were highly expressed in ovaria cancer tissues. Conclusion Three-gene signatures ( BIRC5, CXCL13 , and PBK ) are associated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of OC, and may therefore serve as biological markers of the disease.
Multisensory cueing facilitates naming in aphasia
Authors: Grechuta Klaudia , Ballester Belén Rubio , Munné Rosa Espín , Bernal Teresa Usabiaga , Hervás Begoña Molina , Mohr Bettina , Pulvermüller Friedemann , Segundo Rosa San , Verschure Paul FMJ
Published: May 2020

Background: Impaired naming is a ubiquitous symptom in all types of aphasia, which often adversely impacts independence, quality of life, and recovery of affected individuals. Previous research has demonstrated that naming can be facilitated by phonemic and semantic cueing strategies that are largely incorporated into the treatment of anomic disturbances. Beneficial effects of cueing, whereby naming becomes faster and more accurate, are often attributed to the priming mechanisms occurring within the distributed language network. Objective: We proposed and explored two novel cueing techniques: (1) Silent Visuomotor Cues (SVC), which provided articulatory information of target words presented in the form of silent videos, and (2) Semantic Auditory Cues (SAC), which consisted of acoustic information semantically relevant to target words (ringing for “telephone”). Grounded in neurophysiological evidence, we hypothesized that both SVC and SAC might aid communicative effectiveness possibly by triggering activity in perceptual and semantic language regions, respectively. Methods: Ten participants with chronic non-fluent aphasia were recruited for a longitudinal clinical intervention. Participants were split into dyads (i.e., five pairs of two participants) and required to engage in a turn-based peer-to-peer language game using the Rehabilitation Gaming System for aphasia (RGSa). The objective of the RGSa sessions was to practice communicative acts, such as making a request. We administered SVCs and SACs in a pseudorandomized manner at the moment when the active player selected the object to be requested from the interlocutor. For the analysis, we compared the times from selection to the reception of the desired object between cued and non-cued trials. Results: Naming accuracy, as measured by a standard clinical scale, significantly improved for all stimuli at each evaluation point, including the follow-up. Moreover, the results yielded beneficial effects of both SVC and SAC cues on word naming, especially at the early intervention sessions when the exposure to the target lexicon was infrequent. Conclusions. This study supports the efficacy of the proposed cueing strategies which could be integrated into the clinic or mobile technology to aid naming even at the chronic stages of aphasia. These findings are consistent with sensorimotor accounts of language processing, suggesting a coupling between language, motor, and semantic brain regions. Trial registration: NCT02928822. Registered 30 May 2016
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Mali: Parental concerns about child developmental milestones and late diagnostic age
Authors: Sangare Modibo , Diarra Ya , Konate Djeneba , Haidara Mohamed S , Karembe Adama , Keita Boureima , Dolo Housseini , Kouyate Modibo , Doumbia Fatoumata , Sidibe Oumar , Diakite Seidina , Kayentao Kassoum , Traore Drissa , Toure Amadou , Doumbia Seydou , Diakite Mahamadou , Kim Hyung-Goo , Awandare Gordon A
Published: May 2020

Background In Mali, the health facility-based prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) was 4.5% (105/2,343) and the age of first medical visit for autistic children was around 7 years old in 2018. Parental recognition of developmental abnormalities initiates the early autism detection and diagnosis. Our aim was to investigate if parental concerns were associated with early first medical visits and subsequent ASD diagnostic in Mali. Methods We conducted a pilot study from November 2017 to July 2019. We surveyed parents of 57 autistic children aged 3-14 years old. Results Parents were concerned over verbal communication in 54.1% and reciprocal social interaction in 43.8%. Children with ASD had their first medical visit after 18 months old in 66.7%, ≥ two medical visits in 87.7%, and were identified after 36 months old in 76.8%.Conclusion: Parental concerns were not significantly associated with early first medical visit and ASD identification. A full scale study will be conducted for more consistent results.
Cluster analysis in 975 patients with current cough identifies a phenotype with several cough triggers, many background disorders, and low quality of life
Authors: Koskela Heikki Olavi , Selander Tuomas A , Lätti Anne M
Published: May 2020

Background: Recognition of disorder phenotypes may help to estimate prognosis and to guide the clinical management. Current cough management guidelines classify patients according to the duration of the cough episode. However, this classification is not based on phenotype analyses. The present study aimed to identify cough phenotypes by clustering.Methods: An email survey among employed, working-age subjects identified 975 patients with current cough. All filled in a comprehensive 80-item questionnaire including the Leicester Cough Questionnaire. Phenotypes were identified utilizing K-means partitional clustering. A subgroup filled in a follow-up questionnaire 12 months later to investigate the possible differences in the prognosis between the phenotypes.Results: Two clusters were found. The cluster A included 608 patients (62.4 % of the population) and the cluster B 367 patients (37.6 %). The three most important variables to separate the clusters were the number of the triggers of cough (mean 2.63 (SD 2.22) vs. 6.95 (2.30), respectively, p<0.001), the number of the cough background disorders (chronic rhinosinusitis, current asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, 0.29 (0.50) vs. 1.28 (0.75), respectively, p<0.001), and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire physical domain (5.33 (0.76) vs. 4.25 (0.84), respectively, p<0.001). There were significant interrelationships between these three variables (each p<0.001). Duration of the episode was not among the most important variables to separate the clusters. At 12 months, 27.0 % of the patients of the cluster A and 46.1 % of the patients of the cluster B suffered from cough that had continued without interruptions from the first survey (p<0.001).Conclusions: Two cough phenotypes could be identified. Cluster A represents phenotype A, which includes the majority of patients and has a tendency to heal by itself. The authors propose that cluster B represents phenotype TBQ (Triggers, Background disorders, Quality of life impairment). Given the poor prognosis of this phenotype, it urges a prompt and comprehensive clinical evaluation regardless of the duration of the cough episode.
Polymorphisms in the airway epithelium related genes CDHR3 and EMSY are associated with asthma susceptibility
Authors: Zhang Miao miao , Chen Guo , Wang Yu , Wu Shou quan , Sandford Andrew J , He Jian qing
Published: May 2020

Background: As a main line of defense of the respiratory tract, the airway epithelium plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. CDHR3 and EMSY were reported to be expressed in the human airway epithelium. Although previous genome-wide association studies found that the two genes were associated with asthma susceptibility, similar observations have not been made in the Chinese Han population.Methods: A total of 300 asthma patients and 418 healthy controls who were unrelated Chinese Han individuals were enrolled. Tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (Tag-SNPs) were genotyped and the associations between SNPs and asthma risk were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the A allele of rs3847076 in CDHR3 was associated with increased susceptibility to asthma (OR = 1.407, 95% CI: 1.030-1.923). For the EMSY gene, the T alleles of both rs2508746 and rs12278256 were related with decreased susceptibility to asthma (additive model: OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.536-0.961; OR = 0.558, 95% CI: 0.332-0.937, respectively). In addition, the GG genotype of rs1892953 showed an association with increased asthma risk under the recessive model (OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 1.104-2.518) and the GATCTGAGT haplotype in EMSY was associated with reduced asthma risk (P = 0.037).Conclusions: This study identified novel associations of rs3847076 in CDHR3, as well as rs1892953, rs2508746 and rs12278256 in EMSY with adult asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. Our observations suggest that CDHR3 and EMSY may play important roles in the pathogenesis of asthma in Chinese individuals. Further study with larger sample size is needed.Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Histological Study of Sheep Skin Transformation in the Course of Parchment Manufacturing Process
Authors: Fourneau Marc , Canon Caroline , Vlaender Daniel Van , Collins Matthew J. , Fiddyment Sarah , Poumay Yves , Deparis Olivier
Published: May 2020

We report a simple histological study on skin biopsies from young domestic sheep following each step in transformation from skin to parchment production. Histological analyses were conducted; before and after lime treatment, hair removal, and stretching. Sections were fixed and stained using a variety of histological stains to identify the presence of different molecular classes and the fibrous proteins, collagen and elastin. The results reveal surprisingly few histological changes in most steps in the production process. However, very visible changes in the supramolecular ordering of skin macromolecules (elastin, collagen) occur during the final stage of parchment production when stretched on the frame. Collagen fibres and hair follicles were all strongly re-oriented in the direction of strain. Surprisingly, despite the thinness of the lambskin and the exhaustive treatment in lime, not all fats were saponified and even in the final product Oil Red O stained fat bodies were detectable on the hair side of the skin.
Pressure Distribution Management System in 3D Printed Transtibial Prosthetic Socket during Static Loading: A Preliminary Assessment during Stance Phase
Authors: Subih Murad Abdullah , Arifin Nooranida , Al-Fakih Ebrahim
Published: May 2020

Background

A management system within a prosthetic socket for efficient redistribution and interface pressure reduction is highly demanded. This research article developed a new control system for interface pressure in a 3D printed transtibial prosthetic socket. This system aimed to redistribute and reduce the high interface pressure along residual limb regions in a 3D printed socket.
Methods

A 3D printed socket was built with tiny air bladders that were integrated with the liner. This 3D socket had three air bladders located on the posterior, lateral, and medial sides, and connected to three separate mini pumps and valves for inflation and deflation. The air bladders' inflation and deflation were controlled by using a pre-programed keypad. The keypad with an electronic system (electronic circuit, mini pumps, and valves) was attached to a prosthetic pylon in a small box. A universal tensile machine was employed to apply loads into the prosthetic device to resemble human body weight. The interface pressure in the 3D printed socket was evaluated by using F- socket transducers at proximal, middle, and distal regions of an artificial residual limb during inflation and deflation of the air bladders in stance phase.
Results

The pressure control system minimized the interface pressures within the 3D printed prosthetic socket during inflation. The posterior and medial sides recorded a maximum reduction in pressure during the inflation of posterior and medial air bladders, respectively. Statistically, the highest significant pressure reduction (p < 0.05) was 6.81%, which was recorded at the posterior proximal subregion and 3.44% (p > 0.05) at the medial middle, but it was not significant. There was no statistical change in the mean pressure values at the whole anterior side, but there were significant differences during lateral and medial air bladder inflation and deflation.
Conclusions

This study is intended to recognize the impact of high interface pressure around the residual limb more deeply. The new pressure distribution management system offered rearrangement with minimized interface pressure over the artificial residual limb subregions.
Can healthy checkout counters in supermarkets promote healthier food choices? Two real-life experiments in supermarkets in a disadvantaged urban area in the Netherlands
Authors: Huitink Marlijn , Poelman Maartje P. , Seidell Jacob C. , Kuijper Lothar D. J. , Hoekstra Trynke , Dijkstra S. Coosje
Published: May 2020

Background

Most foods displayed at supermarket checkouts are unhealthy and do not support healthy purchases. This study investigates the sales effects of introducing healthier alternatives at supermarket checkouts.
Methods

We performed two real-life quasi-experimental studies in supermarkets located in a disadvantaged urban area in the Netherlands. In Study 1, we examined the impact of substituting healthier options for all the unhealthy snacks at checkouts (n = 1 supermarket). In Study 2, we investigated the impact of placing healthier snacks at checkouts (placement intervention), as well as the impact of offering a discount on healthier checkout snacks (placement + price intervention), while continuing to display unhealthy snacks for sale (n = 2 supermarkets). Supermarket sales data were used to measure purchases.
Results

In Study 1, median weekly sales/1000 customers of checkout snacks were 2.3 times lower (SE: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.9–2.7) during the intervention period – when healthier options were substituted for the entire unhealthy snack assortment – (median: 10, IQR: 2.8), as compared to the control period (median: 24, IQR: 2.8). In Study 2, median daily sales/1000 customers of healthier snacks were 2.1 times higher (SE: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.3–3.3) during the placement-intervention period (median: 7.8, IQR: 4.6), as compared to the control period (median: 4.2, IQR: 4.6). Similarly, median daily sales/1000 customers of healthier snacks were 2.7 times higher (SE: 1.2, 95%CI: 2.0–3.6) during the placement + price-intervention period (median: 5.8, IQR: 2.2), as compared to the control period (median: 2.2, IQR: 4.7). There was no difference between the effect of the placement intervention and that of the placement + price intervention (ratio: 1.1, SE: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.7–1.9). Neither did we observe a decline in purchases of unhealthy snacks (ratio: 1.3, SE: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5).
Conclusions

This study showed that if we want to promote healthier food purchases at supermarket checkouts the substitution of the unhealthy snacks with healthier alternatives is an effective intervention, which is not the case if the unhealthy snacks remain in place at the checkouts, even with discounts on the healthier snacks. Future research should assess the feasibility and willingness of eliminating unhealthy checkout snacks in supermarkets.
Coronavirus Pandemic - #STAYHOME: How Are You Holding Up? Questions And Tips For 11-18 Year Olds To Make It Better
Authors: Szentiványi Dóra , Horváth Lili Olga , Kjeldsen Anne , Buist Kirsten L , Farkas Bernadett Frida , Ferenczi-Dallos Gyöngyvér , Garas Péter , Győri Dóra , Győrfi Ágnes , Győrfi Dóra , Balazs Judit
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds. Adolescents have to cope with several challenges and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of those incongruent with the typical developmental tasks of adolescent age. Some adolescent might be particularly vulnerable in this situation, including those who are deprived of psychological, social or health care services and/or are exposed to abuse or neglect in their home environment.The aims of the current international multicentre follow-up study are to: 1. collect data on the mental health and quality of life of adolescents during and after the pandemic; 2. improve their mental health by providing an online prevention program that addresses their actual needs on a weekly basis; 3. accelerate the development of culturally adapted prevention programs by involving an international team, and 4. to contribute to adequate preparation for any potentially occurring, similar situation in the future. Methods. Participants aged 11-18 years and their parents/caregivers from different parts of Europe and non-European countries are recruited online. Data are collected on a weekly basis by means of structured self-administered online questionnaires on adolescents’ mental health, quality of life and current attitudes and needs. The prevention program is developed and provided based on the continuously analysed incoming data.Discussions. Prevention based on the results of the study is expected to contribute to maintaining adolescents’ mental health, improve their quality of life, increase their and their environment’s cooperation with the necessary restrictions during the pandemic, and to make reintegration easier once the restrictions are over. Furthermore, the study has the potential to inform on the wellbeing of children and adolescents in extreme situations in general, thus contribute to future preventive measures and policymaking.
Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , Akour Amal , Alfalah Laith
Published: May 2020

Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.
Helicobacter pylori infection and its correlates among the patients of peptic perforation and gastric carcinoma
Authors: Saha Subhendu Bikas , Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Tapas
Published: May 2020

Background: Presence of H. pylori infection was found associated with peptic perforation and gastric carcinoma. Present study tried to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in those patients and to find out the correlates of H. pylori infection.Methods: After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of diagnosed peptic perforation and gastric carcinoma were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study.Results: Among the study population, gastric carcinoma was found in higher age group; whereas peptic perforation was found in lower age group; male and female ratio was 2:1 in both groups of patient. Laborer and housewives were mostly affected in both cases. Gastric carcinoma was more prevalent in urban residents, opposite was seen in peptic perforation. Most patients in two groups had no previous co-morbid condition. Use of NSAIDs was found in high frequency in both groups. Most of the patients were chronic alcoholic and chronic smoker, and most of them had history of taking spicy foods more than twice in a week.Conclusions: H. pylori infection was found in high frequency in both group of patients, and it was higher in peptic perforation. The study establishes the association of H. pylori with the gastric carcinoma and peptic perforation.
In Silico high-throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study to identify 3CLpro inhibitor of COVID-19
Authors: Parvez Amreesh , Yadav Sunita , Pandey Vivek , Qi Xianghui
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 is an ongoing coronavirus pandemic with more than 260,000 deaths worldwide so far. In the event of no targeted drug and vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of COVID-19, finding newer targets becomes indispensable. 3CLpro is a processing enzyme of viral replicase-transcriptase complex, chosen as a potential drug target. 3CLpro of COVID-19 is structurally similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV 3CLpro. Here, we built up an in-house inhibitor library for 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The library revealed 7 non-toxic compounds with 5 compounds showing significant protease and enzyme inhibition activity. Molecular docking of these compounds with 3CLpro shown lower binding energy profile of compounds 1 and 2. The compactness and flexibility analysis of compounds 1 and 2 complexes with 3CLpro showed lower stability profile as compared to unbound 3CLpro. The results cite the potential of compounds 1 and 2 as probable inhibitors of 3CLpro as a prospective therapeutic target for COVID-19.
First report of Ovomermis sinensis (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in China
Authors: Sun Bingjiao , Li Fen , He Xiaorui , Cao Fengqin , Bandason Elizabeth , Shapiro-Ilan David , Ruan Weibin , Wu Shaoying
Published: May 2020

Spodoptera frugiperda invaded China in the end of 2018 and has caused severe damage to maize and other crops. Several S. frugiperda naturally parasitized by nematodes were observed in Hainan Province, China. The morphological characteristics based on the results of scanning electron microscopy indicated that the nematode belongs to the family Mermithidae. Additionally, coding sequences for the 18 S and 28 S rDNA were amplified from the nematode genome, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nematode belongs to Ovomermis sinensis, a known entomoparasitic nematode. Our finding is the first record that S. frugiperda was naturally parasitized by O. sinensis. The results of this study are of great significance for potential biological control of S. frugiperda by indigenous natural beneficial organisms, i.e. O. sinensis within an integrated pest management system.
Sludge Thermal Hydrolysis: Application and Potential
Authors: Barber William
Published: May 2020

Thermal hydrolysis is revolutionizing wastewater treatment. Current treatment methods have evolved little since pioneering work in the late 19th and early 20th c enturies. Subsequently, most wastewater treatment plants are not designed to meet modern drivers such as energy conservation and nutrient recovery. Additionally, sludge management is expensive and often not viewed in high regard by external stakeholders.

By changing the properties of sewage sludge, thermal hydrolysis allows wastewater treatment works to become more efficient, enabling the treatment of greater flowrates to higher standards. Production of renewable energy from sludge is increased, whilst quantity of treated material reduced, which further decreases processing requirements and costs regardless of what they may be. This book, aimed at students and practitioners alike, describes the development of the technology, and highlights the design and economics by means of examples. Benefits and challenges related to thermal hydrolysis are also characterized alongside selected case-studies and ideas for future applications.

Dr William (Bill) Barber has had a k een interest in thermal hydrolysis for numerous years and was instrumental in the development of Europe's largest facility as well as advising water utilities, consultants, researchers and government organizations on its potential to modernize wastewater treatment.

ISBN: 9781789060270 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781789060287 (eBook)

ISBN: 9781789060294 (ePub)
Phytoremediation of acid mine drainage using by-product of lysine fermentation
Authors: Nagy Attila , Magyar Tamás , Juhász Csaba , Tamás János
Published: May 2020

The main point of this research is to assess the applicability of condensed molasses soluble (CMS), which is an organic by-product of lysine fermentation, as an environmentally friendly complexing agent in rhizofiltration of heavy metal contaminated acid mine drainage (AMD). First, the ecotoxicological properties (growth inhibition, seed germination) of CMS were examined with often applied indicator plant species such as duckweed (Lemna minor) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) so as to define the possible applicable CMS concentration. Then the heavy metal accumulation and translocation properties of root accumulator plant species, i.e. common reed (Phragmites australis) and sedge (Carex flacca), were studied to optimize CMS concentration for rhizofiltration. Due to the CMS application, significant increase in bioaccumulation was detected in the case of every examined heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) at the end of the experiment. Results also showed that CMS increased the heavy metal concentration in shoots, but did not affect the root accumulation characteristics of the plants. Furthermore, CMS treated plants accumulated heavy metals at higher rates in their roots compared to control. The results suggest that CMS is a viable additive and a complexing agent to aid rhizofiltration of heavy metal contaminated AMD.
Analysis of anaerobic digester mixing: comparison of long shafted paddle mixing vs gas mixing
Authors: Bergamo U. , Viccione G. , Coppola S. , Landi A. , Meda A. , Gualtieri C.
Published: May 2020

The anaerobic digestion (AD) process is influenced by a variety of operation parameters, such as sludge rheology, mixing, temperature, solid retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solids concentration. The optimum in the mixing lies somewhere between no-mixing and continuous mixing, as the lack or excessive mixing can lead to poor AD performance instead. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics steady/unsteady model, incorporating the rheological properties of the sludge, was developed and applied to quantify mixing in a full-scale anaerobic digester. Mechanical and gas mixing solutions were taken into account, keeping constant the daily energy consumption. Results, consisting of velocity magnitude and patterns, dead zone formation and turbulence levels were discussed. Compared to the mechanical mixing, gas mixing had lower percentage of dead zones (about 5% against 50%), larger maximum velocity (about 3 m/s against 1 m/s) as well as larger turbulent kinetic energy levels (0.24 m2/s2 against 0.001 m2/s2).
Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Equinus Foot Deformity in Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Fathi Mohamed , Hussein Ahmed S. , M.Elghazaly Shrouk , Al-Kinawy Asmaa M. , Abdeltawab Ahmed K. , Mansour Yasmin M. , Elbehbeh Nada A. , Sherif Ahmed , Afifi Ahmed M.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain disorder that affects the development, movement and
posture leading to limitation of Range of Movement (ROM) in the growing children. CP leads to deformities such
as equinus foot deformity. We aim to investigate the efficacy of different botulinum toxin (BTX) products with or
without serial casting in reducing the muscle spasticity in equinus foot deformity in patients with CP.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching different electronic databases. Pub-
Med, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and GHL databases were used. We analyzed the extracted data by network
meta-analysis method using the R software package (version 3.5.0).

Results:

Regarding Modified Ashworth score (MAS), BTX-A was superior compared to placebo and BTX-A
plus immediate casting (MD = −0.39, 95% CI [−0.60; −0.18]) and (MD = −0.50, 95% CI [−0.98; −0.02]), respectively.
Concerning growth motor function movement Classification System (GMFM), Neuronox ranked above at
3 months (MD = −1.60, 95% CI [−2.87; −0.33]) and at six months (MD = −1.90, 95% CI [−3.48; −0.32]) compared
to BTX-A. Regarding the Modified Tardieu scale (MTS) with knee flexion, BTX-A was superior to BTX-A
plus immediate casting (MD = 8.60, 95% CI [1.76; 15.44]). Concerning passive range of movement (PROM)
with Knee flexion or extension at 3 months, BTX-A showed a significant improvement compared to BTX-A plus
immediate casting.

Conclusion:

BTX-A ranked best on a physician rating scale (PRS), MAS, MTS with knee flexion and PROM
(Knee flexion and extension) compared to Neuronox and Botulax. BTX-A alone was also better than BTX-A plus
immediate casting.
Marine-derived Polyaromatic Butenolides - Isolation, Synthesis and Biological Evaluations
Authors: Bracegirdle Joe , Keyzers Robert A.
Published: May 2020

Marine invertebrates, especially tunicates, are a lucrative resource for the discovery of new lead compounds
for the development of clinically utilized drugs. This review describes the isolation, synthesis and biological
activities of several classes of marine-derived butenolide natural products, namely rubrolides and related
cadiolides and prunolides. All relevant studies pertaining to these compounds up to the end of 2019 are included.
Antithrombotic Therapy in Carotid Artery Disease
Authors: Papanikolaou Paraskevi , Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Mastorakou Irene , Angelopoulos Andreas , Kostoula Efthalia , Mystakidi Xara-Vasiliki , Simantiris Spyros , Galiatsatos Nikolaos , Oikonomou Evangelos , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: May 2020

:

The management of asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid artery disease and the role of antithrombotic
therapy is of increasing importance for stroke prevention. Non-invasive imaging of carotid plaques can identify
high-risk plaque features that are associated with the risk of plaque rupture. Carotid plaque necrosis, hemorrhage,
fibrous cap thinning, and the presence of foam cells have all been correlated with the risk of rupture and onset of
neurological symptoms in patients with carotid stenosis. Antiplatelets are currently recommended for patients
with a history of ischemic stroke and/or significant carotid artery stenosis, with aspirin and clopidogrel being the
most widely used and studied agents. The role of dual antiplatelet therapy remains controversial. Moreover, there
is scarce evidence on the role of newer anticoagulant agents in stable patients with carotid artery stenosis. In this
review article, we discuss the pathophysiology of carotid atherosclerosis, the use of non-invasive imaging for
detecting the vulnerable carotid plaque and summarize the existing clinical evidence on the use of antiplatelet and
antithrombotic agents in carotid artery disease.
Anti-Candida Activity of Curcumin: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cheraghipour Kourosh , Ezatpour Behrouz , Masoori Leila , Marzban Abdolrazagh , Sepahvand Asghar , Rouzbahani Arian Karimi , Moridnia Abbas , Khanizadeh Sayyad , Mahmoudvand Hossein
Published: May 2020

:

Curcumin is one of the important natural compounds that is extracted from turmeric.
This compound and its derivatives have numerous biological properties, including antioxidant,
anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing effects. Extensive research in various
fields has been conducted on turmeric as it is widely used as a food additive. The significant antifungal
activity is one of the major effects of curcumin. In this paper, recent studies on the effects
of different forms of curcumin drug on the candidiasis were systematically examined and discussed.
The data in this study were extracted from the articles and reports published in the Web
of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases. After the preliminary investigation,
relevant reports were selected and classified based on the incorporated formulation and purpose
of the study. After a systematic discussion of the data, it was found that the use of medicinal
forms based on nanoparticles can increase the absorption and target the controlled release of curcumin
with a more effective role compared to other formulations. Consequently, it can be concluded
that new methods of modern medicine can be employed to increase the efficacy of natural
pharmaceutical compounds used in the past. In this regard, the present study analyzed the effect
of curcumin against various Candida infections, using the recent data. It was found that applying
a combination of drug formulation or the formulation of curcumin and its derivatives can be an
effective strategy to overcome the medicine resistance in fungal infections, especially candidiasis.
Several Components of the Lebanese Mediterranean Diet and Particular Sociodemographic, Medical and Lifestyle Factors may be Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adults: A Cross-sectional Study in a Middle Eastern Setting
Authors: Youssef Mary-Joe , Aoun Antoine , Issa Aline , El-Osta Lana , El-Osta Nada , Daham Dany , Doumit Jacqueline
Published: May 2020

Background:

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing
worldwide and the related chronic symptoms can be associated with morbidity and poor quality of
life.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify foods and beverages consumed by the Lebanese
population, dietary habits, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, health parameters and perceived
stress, implicated in increasing GERD symptoms.

Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study was carried among Lebanese adults in 2016. A
convenient sample of 264 participants was equally divided into a GERD group and a control group.
Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health status and dietary habits including Lebanese
traditional dishes were collected. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was also used to assess the
participants’ perception of stress. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with GERD symptoms
(presence or absence) being the dependent variable.

Results:

The GERD symptoms were significantly associated with age (-p-value=0.017), family history
of GERD symptoms (-p-value<0.001), smoking (-p-value=0.003) and chronic medical conditions
(-p-value<.001). Regarding the dietary factors, participants who ate three meals or less/day, between
meals and outside homes were 2.5, 2.9 and 2.4 times at a higher risk of experiencing GERD
symptoms than others, respectively. Moreover, the logistic regression model showed that the GERD
symptoms were significantly associated with the consumption of coffee (-p-value=0.037), Lebanese
sweets (-p-value=0.027), fried foods (-p-value=0.031), ‘Labneh’ with garlic (-p-value<0.001), pomegranate
molasses (-p-value=0.011), and tomatoes (-p-value=0.007).

Conclusion:

Some specific lifestyle factors and components of the Lebanese Mediterranean diet
could be associated with GERD symptoms.
Bioactive Compounds for Effective Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Targhotra Monika , Aggarwal Rohan , Chauhan Meenakshi K.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Tuberculosis is a granulomatous irresistible bacterial sickness brought about by
mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present anti-TB antibiotics are less useful in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains.

Methods:

We underline on distinguishing phytobioactive compounds dependent on customary uses and
testing their concentrates against MDR strains. This will help in future to abbreviate the present
remedial regimens for TB and furthermore for treating HIV-TB co-disease.

Result:

In this article is an endeavor to examine the antimycobacterial and immunomodulatory activity
of the phytobioactive compounds as another option and feature them for additional examination for the
management of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Conclusion:

This review outlined the procedure for focusing on the tubercle bacilli utilizing bioactive
compounds as the therapeutic vehicle against MDR strains also the synergistic action with currently
available TB medications.
Experimental Investigation of Microstructural Effects in Sn-Pb Solder Accumulated During Ten Years of Service Life
Authors: Werner Marek , Weinberg Kerstin
Published: May 2020

Aim:

Solder joints of microelectronic devices are subjected to a wide range of loadings.
They affect the microstructural evolution of the alloy. Long term investigations are commonly performed
under thermally accelerated conditions, but are not available for real-life environmental conditions
in literature yet. Therefore, the solder bumps of ten-year-old graphic cards are inspected here.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this study was the investigation of long-term accumulated effects
in solder bumps. We classified the solder concerning its prior electrical functionality and analyzed
theproperties of the microstructure.

Methods:

The image reconstruction is based on component identification, scratch elimination, and image
stitching. Additionally, environmental scanning electron micrographs are employed to investigate
the microstructure of the lead-rich phases.

Results:

Power supplying solder has the widest circularity distribution as a result of anisotropic diffusion
and phase decomposition. On average, a bump with a cross-section of 0.12 mm2 contains 800 Pbrich
phase islands. In the central region of the solder, broad Pb-rich platelets are present. Such platelets
are typically perpendicular to the electric current flow and affected by the mechanical deformation
of the bump. Additional electron-microscopy shows several micro-porous Pb-rich phase islands,
which are induced by an uncalibrated diffusion of tin.

Conclusion:

We found the phase islands’ circularity to be the best indicator for the bulk dynamics.
We conclude that device operation at normal working conditions leads to no hints for functional limitations
at the end of the designed life span.