bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of misdiagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis
Authors: Du Kuifang , Huang Xiaojie , Chen Chao , Wenjun Kong , Xie Lianyong , Wei WenBin
Published: January 2020

Background Initial misdiagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) may lead to irreversible loss of vision and systemic deterioration. We retrospectively reported some misdiagnosis related to CMVR. Methods The medical records of 92 consecutive patients diagnosed or misdiagnosed as CMVR were reviewed retrospectively at the ophthalmology department of Beijing youan hospital from July 2017 to October 2019. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate cases with CMVR who were initially misdiagnosed or who were misdiagnosed as CMVR. Results In 8 (8.7%) out of the 92 patients, the initial diagnosis was incorrect. The median age of the eight patients was 37.5 years (range 20-46 yeas). All (7/7, 100%) patients were male. Patients with CMVR were initially misdiagnosed as diabetic retinopathy (1/92,1.1%), branch retinal vein occlusion (1/92,1.1%), ischemic optic neuropathy (1/92,1.1%), Behcet′s disease (1/92,1.1%), iridocyclitis (2/92, 2.3%), and progressive outer retinal necrosis (1/92,1.1%). One patient with binocular renal retinopathy and chronic renal insufficiency was misdiagnosed as CMVR (1/92,1.1%). All patients presented binocular involvement (sixteen eyes), and two patients (four eyes) presented pan-retinal involvement. Fourteen eyes (14/16, 87.5%) had optic disc or macular area involved. One patient is blind, and two patients had a low vision when the diagnosis is finally clear. Five patients had systemic symptoms. Seven patients were finally diagnosed with AIDS showing an extremely low level of CD4 + T lymphocyte: median of 5 cells/ul (range 1-9 cells/ul). Conclusion The misdiagnosis of CMVR can occur in young male patients. The ophthalmologist should pay more attention to CMVR and systemic symptoms insulting to avoid deterioration of vision and delaying in the management of systemic conditions.
Spatial Distribution and factors associated with childhood anemia in Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Erkihun , Ayele Tiruneh
Published: January 2020

Introduction The magnitude of childhood anemia has increased from 44% in 2011 to 56% in 2016. Thus, even if the Ethiopian government tried remarkable solutions, anemia among under-five children still continues as a serious health issue. So, exploring spatial distribution and identifying factors associated with childhood anemia helps to design appropriate strategies for control and prevention.Methods For this study data from the recent 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey were employed. The sample size was 8602 children aged 6–59 months. They were selected by stratified two-stage cluster sampling techniques. Sat Scan version 9.4 was also used to identify childhood anemia by geographic clusters and ArcGIS version10.1 was used to show anemia cases through Regions of Ethiopia. Thus to declare factors that are statistically related with anemia among under-five children a Mixed effect logistic regression model was utilized.Result This study showed there is spatial clustering of childhood anemia throughout Ethiopia (Moran’s I: 0.65, p<0.001). Statistically significant clusters were detected in Somali, Afar, Harari and southern part of Oromia regions (P<0.001). Age of child, wealth index, mother’s current working status, maternal anemic status, number of living children in the family, history of fever, and stunting were significant factors associated with anemia among under-five children.Conclusion In the country childhood anemia showed spatial clustering. Regions high risk of childhood anemia should be emphasized by allocating additional resources and providing appropriate interventions which have public health implications.
Evaluating the Impact of Ventilator-Associated Parameters on Ventilation Free Days of non-ARDS Patients in ICU.
Authors: Liu Na , Ren Jingxuan , Yu Lina , Xie Junran
Published: January 2020

Background: Critically ill patients are not only mechanically ventilated because of ARDS, what kind of ventilation parameter setting is the optimal ventilation strategy for non-ARDS ICU patients?Methods: A retrospective cohort study for non-ARDS patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV), performed univariate, multivariate regression analysis, covariate balancing propensity score and inverse–probability–of–treatment weighting, and machines learning models to predict different outcomes. The included predicted factors are four parameters of mechanical ventilation (Driving pressure (DP) and its mediation of tidal volumes (VT) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), mechanical power (MP)), and the primary outcome was the ventilator-free days (VFD) at day 28.Results: The study included 2932 patients, low DP, low PEEP and low MP for non-ARDS patients could prolong VFD at day 28, reduce in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay. However, the VT has no prognostic significance for the population. Among machine learning models with VFD, the randomforest had the best prediction.Conclusions: For non-ARDS patients who receive invasive ventilation for at least 48 hours, low DP, low PEEP and low MP are beneficial to the population. However, the effect of VT is inconclusive.
Potential drug-drug interactions among patients with chronic kidney disease admitted at National Hospital: a retrospective study in Tanzania
Authors: Mikomangwa Wigilya , Malifa Jephter E. , Mlyuka Hamu , Mutagonda Ritah , Kilonzi Manase , Kibanga Wema , Marealle Alphonce Ignace , Bwire George Msema
Published: January 2020

Background: Drug related problems such as drug-drug interactions (DDI) are likely to occur in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients due to polypharmacy practice. The DDI increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital and cost of treatment. In most cases, the potential drug-drug interactions (pDDI) are not checked during prescribing or dispensing of polypharmacy for CKD patients in developing countries like Tanzania. Therefore, we documented the pattern and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) among CKD patients admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed 198 files for CKD patients admitted at MNH between January 2017 and December 2018. The social-demographic characteristics and comorbidities were documented using a checklist. Prescriptions with polypharmacy were reviewed and prescribed medicines were documented. Medscape drug interaction checker was used for pDDIs. The SPSS version 23.0 was used to carry out statistical analysis. Results: The study involved a total of 306 prescriptions with polypharmacy with a mean(±SD) of 6.21(±1.22) medicines per prescription. Majority of patients (77.2%) were in stage 5 of chronic kidney disease. Frequently prescribed medicines were pantoprazole 135(44.1%), furosemide 133(43.5%), ferrotone 101(33.0%), calcium carbonate 91(29.7%), amlodipine 121(39.5%), nifedipine 83(27.1%), bisoprolol 46(15.0%) and clonidine 38(12.4). The prevalence of pDDIs was 94.1%. The total of 1743 potential drug-drug interactions was observed with a mean of 6.03(±2.12) interactions per prescription. Majority of the pDDIs were moderate (67.5%) whereas, 29.5%, 2.6% and 0.3 were minor, serious and contraindicated respectively. The occurrence of pDDIs was associated with stroke (P-value=0.038), diabetes mellitus (p-value=0.049) and hypertension with diabetes mellitus (p-value=0.047).Conclusion: The prevalence of pDDIs was high among the CKD patients. The determinants of pDDIs among CKD patients were hypertension, diabetes mellitus and stroke. Interaction checkers should be incorporated in health system to guide the prescribing and dispensing of medicine for CKD patients.
Simultaneous detection of multiple fly-borne bacterial pathogenic microorganisms by the reverse line blot hybridization assay
Authors: Ma Yonghua , Gou Huitian , Sun Xiaolin , Wang Zexiang , Li Mei , Teng Yuxiao
Published: January 2020

Background: As a widespread health pest, flies can carry more than 100 kinds of pathogenic microbes to threat human health, resulting in a wide range of disease infection and transmission. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive, reliable and rapid method for the simultaneous detection of multiple fly-borne bacterial pathogenic microorganisms, in order to effectively prevent and control fly-borne bacterial diseases.Results: PCR-RLB method could directly and accurately detect fly-borne bacteria species corresponding of 7 species-specific probes. At the same time, the membrane binding oligonucleotide species-specific probes prepared in RLB detection technology can be reused for detection of bacteria after washing with 0.5 M EDTA, which greatly improves the detection efficiency. In 106 groups of samples, the numbers of samples carrying seven different bacterial strains were 2 (S. aureus), 52 (S. flexneri), 0 (A. caviae), 3% (V. vulnificus), 56 (S. enterica), 1 (P. vulgaris) and 33 (Y. enterocolitica), respectively. Their proportions of 7 bacterial strains carried by houseflies were 1.23% (S. aureus), 32.1% (S. flexneri), 0% (A. caviae), 1.85% (V. vulnificus), 34.57% (S. enterica), 0.62% (P. vulgaris) and 20.37% (Y. enterocolitica), respectively. It was found that the worse the hygienic condition, the higher the bacteria carrying rate of houseflies was. S. enterica, S. flexneri and Y. enterocolitica accounted for the overwhelming majority of the seven pathogenic strains carried by houseflies from four different environments in Lanzhou. This indicated that houseflies played an important role in the transmission of intestinal diseases, which was mainly related to the breeding and reproduction of houseflies in feces, carrion and food. S. aureus was carried by houseflies in the hospital area indicates that hospitals should do well in killing and controlling flies and further strengthen the prevention and control of fly-borne bacterial diseases. Conclusion: The RLB assay appeared to have potential clinical application in the simultaneous detection of fly-borne bacterial species.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance amongst pathogens isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures in Pakistan (2011-2015): a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Javaid Nida , Sultana Qamar , Rasool Karam , Gandra Sumanth , Ahmad Fayyaz , Chaudhary Safee Ullah , Mirza Shaper
Published: January 2020

Background: Only a few studies have presented long-term trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at a nationwide level in Pakistan. This study presents a comprehensive situational analysis of AMR trends among pathogens isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures, between 2011 and 2015, in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective analysis of AMR data on pathogens isolated from Blood and CSF over a five year period was carried out. Susceptibility data on these pathogens was obtained from Chughtai Laboratory (CL). Then, proportion of the resistant pathogens were calculated and analyzed. Results: Our results show that highest resistance rates against all tested antimicrobials were observed in Acinetobacter species. We observed a steep rise in carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter species from 50 to 95.5% between 2011 and 2015. Our results also highlight the emergence of third and fourth generation cephalosporins resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in Pakistan. While we observed a rise in AMR in other major pathogens, we unexpectedly found decreasing resistance trends in Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Taken together, our results show an overall increase in AMR in pathogens isolated from blood and CSF cultures in Pakistan between 2011 and 2015.
Public knowledge of chronic kidney disease among Ethiopians: a cross sectional study.
Authors: yabeyu abdella birhan , belay yared belete , haile kaleab taye
Published: January 2020

Background : awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes general knowledge of CKD, its risk factors. Early identification and management of CKD can reduce undesired outcomes related to the disease. However, nearly all CKD conditions were not clinically familiar primarily because of the poor public awareness about the disease. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted. The target population of this study was lay public and health professionals were excluded from the study. Proportional numbers of study participants were included from each sub-city based on their total population size. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Frequencies, table’s percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the response of participants. Independent T test and one way ANOVA statics were used identify factors associated public knowledge of CKD. Results: A total of 350 individuals were approached, 301 of whom completed and returned the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 86%. In this study, the mean (SD) knowledge score of participants was 11.12 (±4.21) with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum of 22. With respect to distribution of CKD knowledge score, half of the respondents score 11 and less. One way ANOVA revealed that educational level had significant effect on knowledge of CKD. Respondents who had a qualification of degree had relatively higher knowledge scores than the other category participants ( P-value = 0.015). Independent t-test was also performed but failed to reveal any association between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge score. Conclusions : The general knowledge level of the Ethiopian population about CKD and its risk factors is low. Currently, non-communicable disease such as diabetes and hypertension becomes public concern those are one of the significant risk factors for CKD. As our study indicated even these groups of populations are not adequately informed regarding their increased risk for developing CKD. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, public knowledge, Ethiopia
Different predictors after stroke depending on functional dependency at discharge: a 5-year follow up study
Authors: Westerlind Emma , Hörsell Daniel , Persson Hanna C
Published: January 2020

Background Level of dependency after a stroke is important for long-term outcome in several aspects, but less is known about important predictors for outcome depending on functional dependency. The aim of the current study was to investigate self-perceived outcome and identify possible predictors of strength, participation, and emotional outcome five years after stroke based on functional dependency at discharge from hospital.Methods This observational cohort study included participants living in Gothenburg that were diagnosed with first ever stroke in 2009 and 2010. Baseline data were gathered from medical charts and the outcome was based on the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) questionnaire mailed out five years post-stroke. Logistic regression identified potential predictors of better strength, participation, and emotional outcome.Results A total of 266 participants responded to the SIS. The functionally independent participants at hospital discharge reported significantly better scores in all SIS domains compared to the functionally dependent. For those who were functionally independent, only non-modifiable factors (age, sex, stroke type) were significant predictors of a better outcome. However, for the functionally dependent participants, modifiable factors such as feeling depressed, cardiovascular risk factors, and recurrent stroke were significant predictors of unfavourable outcome.ConclusionsImportant factors for predicting a favourable outcome differed due to the level of functional dependency, and modifiable factors were only present in participants that were functionally dependent at discharge. Prevention, detection, and treatment of modifiable factors give an opportunity to reduce the burden of stroke for those who are most vulnerable.
Der Flipped Classroom als Motor für Open Educational Resources?
Authors: Buchner Josef , Höfler Elke
Published: January 2020

Open Educational Resources und Flipped Classroom sind zwei in der aktuellen Bildungsforschung diskutierte Konzepte, die verstärkt auch den Weg ins Klassenzimmer finden. In sozialen Netzwerken, wie bei der Twitter-Community der Bildungspunks, werden Ideen mehr oder weniger offen getauscht und geteilt. In einer quantitativen Untersuchung wurde untersucht, inwieweit sich Flipped Classroom Anwenderinnen und Anwender von Nicht-Anwenderinnen und -Anwendern hinsichtlich der Einstellung zu OER unterscheiden. Es zeigt sich, dass Flipped Classroom Nutzerinnen und Nutzer eher bereit sind, freie und offene Bildungsressourcen zu produzieren und dann auch zu teilen.
THE ESSENCE OF SOCIOLINGUISTIC CONCERNS IN TRANSLATION STUDIES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
Authors: Aleksenko S.
Published: January 2020

Translation as a complex dual process incorporating linguistic and cultural transfer of the source text meaning and intention in the target text has come to be frequently recognized by researchers as inevitably bound up with a socially regulated practice and tradition. The article deals with those sociolinguistic concerns which came into the limelight with the development of a new disciplinary approach to translation studies – translation sociology. This interdisciplinary science focuses on delivering the impact of certain social factors (social status, social roles, gender, age, the place of origin, ethnicity) on language variation in different communicative situations. There have been outlined the following major sociolinguistic concerns related to translation practice: the representation of social stratification of the source culture in the target text; the preservation of a source language set of socio-semiotic parameters of field, tenor and mode in the target language; adherence to certain social norms of translation as to society-generated stereotypical approaches to the allowed degree of adaptation of source texts. The demonstration of social realia of the source language is hindered by the discrepancy in the segmentation / hierarchy of the social order immanent in both cultures, the fact inducing dynamic (or communicative) translation as the most efficient tactic of a translator and drawing in functional analogues – as a translation technique. Sociolinguistic facet of translation as a communicative process embedded in a social situation presupposes interpreting a communicative act as an interplay of socio-semiotic parameters so as to keep up the tonality of the source text, the latter ensuing from the actants’ roles balance and their being geared towards the addressee’s expectations. The solution to the problem of social norms of translation is deemed arbitrary regarding an aesthetic translation tradition of a culture. Keywords: translation sociology, sociolinguistic concerns, social factors, sociosemiotic parameters, social norm of translation.
THE SPECIFICITY OF THE CROSS-DRESSING MOTIF IN THE WORKS BY LESIA UKRAINKA (IN COMPARISON TO THE EUROPEAN TRADITION)
Authors: Nikolova O. , Kravchenko Y.
Published: January 2020

The objective of the article is to consider the travesty motif in the works by Lesia Ukrainka in comparison with the corresponding European tradition, to define the specificity of its transformation and functionality. The research analyzes typological convergences and differentiates travesty-related cliché plots inherent in the European culture in Lesia Ukrainka’s literary works, such as “Osinnia Kazka” (“The Autumn Fairy Tale”), “Kaminnyi Hospodar” (“The Stone Host”), “Lisova Pisnia” (“The Forest Song”), and “Vila-Posestra” (“Vila Sister”). It has been proved that the abovementioned motif in the writer’s works is significative and serves to convey the author’s message while its interpretation enables deeper understanding of the ideas implied: cross-dressing points out the changes that take place in the characters’ inner world, their symbolic death (rejection of their own Self) or rebirth. The female cross-dressing is connected with self-sacrifice for the man’s sake and spiritualizes the heroine whereas the male one indicates weakness and “submissiveness”.
Keywords: motif, travesty, transformation, literary tradition.
NARCISSISTIC PERVERSION IN RELIANCE ON THE CHARACTERS IN THE SELECTED WORKS OF CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE: PSYCHOANALYTIC ASPECT
Authors: Smolnytska Olga
Published: January 2020

Narcissism as a multifaceted problem is studied in contemporary Ukrainian literary
studies, including in psychoanalytic works devoted to philology. In particular, it is a project of the psychohistory of the Ukrainian literature proposed by Nila Zborovska. But the problem of narcissistic perversion, which is becoming more and more relevant in modern times, has not yet been isolated in literary criticism. Instead, fiction is an example of a clear depiction of such a problem in the images of imitators, egocentric manipulators, the display of unhealthy (sick) relationships etc. The main features of the perverse narcissist are singled out in the article. At the same time, manifolds and greater breadth of this type were found in the example of fiction (as opposed to the regularities in accessible psychoanalytic studies). The examples of hysteria and hysteroidism in reliance on the heroines of Lessya Ukrainka are considered, compared with the image of Lisa Khokhlakova in the novel by F. Dostoevsky “The Brothers Karamazov”. The paralyzed Ukrainianity and paralyzed Christianity in the feminine version are singled out. It is found that the absence of sublimation (in relation on Nerisa) leads to loss of moral qualities. The research emphasizes on the national identity (Nerisa vs Euphrosyne and Antaeus). The characters of Nerisa (“Orgy” by Lessya Ukrainka) and Salome (O. Wilde) are compared.
The Lady Macbeth syndrome was identified as one of the signs of perverse narcissus. On the basis of the analyzed texts, there are extracted some binary oppositions, such as: sacred/profane, introvert/extravert, spiritual/fleshly, up(top)/low, creativity/imitation,
Eros/Thanatos. Methods of research: comparative, Jungian (analytical psychology),
translation studies, mythological, intermedial. For a clearer understanding of the clinical
picture of feminine characters, the historical context is presented. The material of the analysis is artistic literature and opinion journalism (epistolary texts). Attention is paid to the texts of the Ukrainian, British, American, Austrian, Russian literatures, as well as folklore and mythology of different nations.
Keywords: text, work, archetype, character, narcissistic perversion, narcissist, manipulation, aggressor, victim.
THE ROLE OF IRONY AND BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE IN CONTEXT DECODING OF THE ESSAY “EXCAVATING RACHEL’S ROOM” BY R. J. WALLER
Authors: Diadechko A.
Published: January 2020

The article deals with the phenomenon of irony, so typical for modern literary pieces
and interpersonal communication in general. It is focused on the tools used for constructing, realizing, and decoding of irony in modern American non-fiction prose,
namely in the essay, written by Robert James Waller. Extra-linguistic nature of irony and
its contextual predetermination are stated. Two types of irony are distinguished: situational and associative. Associative irony which deals with mega-contexts is specified. Its context decoding with reference to basic categories and principles of contextual semantics, coherence, cohesion, retrospection, intertextuality among them, is practiced and described. Its multi-levelled complicated structure is outlined and detailed through a logical, stylistic, and component analysis of the text, and detection of implicitly presented meanings and senses. Typical examples of contextual decoding of irony are also given. The cases of using repetition, citation, and parody are exemplified.
The role of background knowledge in reconstructing true senses initially meant by the author of the essay is investigated. Particular specific and additional information needed by non-native readers to understand the intentions, considerations, and emotions of R.J.Waller, and to decode ironical senses built by him, is defined and supplemented. Temporal features of background knowledge are noted.
Keywords: irony, situational irony, associative irony, context decoding, subjective
and evaluative modality, background knowledge.
HERO SEARCHING FOR IDENTITY IN THE ENGLISH LITERATURE OF THE SECOND HALF OF THE XIX CENTURY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE WORKS BY J. S. LE FANU AND R. L. STEVENSON)
Authors: Kyrpyta T.
Published: January 2020

In this article, we aim to examine how English writers of the second half of the
nineteenth century attempted to answer the question of the identity of their representative, the way they saw human nature, and the nature of good and evil in a person, in what they saw the integrity of personality, from which the ideals were repelled in search of a hero of his time. Using cultural, historical, and comparative methods, we contrasted the momentous events that influenced nineteenth-century English society with such a literary phenomenon as the revival of interest in the techniques characteristic of the Gothic novel, in particular, characters' doubles, the split personality, expressed through physicality. We have considered the reasons why the idea of the dualism of human nature became relevant in this era.
The political, economic and social shifts in the life of England in the second half of the nineteenth century caused the writers to rethink their own identities as representative of nation and humanity. Scientific discoveries, above all, the work of Darwin, forced a new look at the nature of man, his inner world. As a projection of Darwinism as well as the search for self-determination of the colonized peoples, there is a fear of degradation, which is reflected in the appearance of animal characters (the monkey-like ghost in Le Fanu's novel Green Tea, Hyde in the novel by R. L. Stevenson "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde").
The literary hero of the late nineteenth century is a multifaceted combination of archetypal images such as Prometheus, Satan, Pygmalion, and the embodiment of the idea of the dualism of human soul, in which the divine and animal principles are combined.
Such a split personality is also associated with the destruction of the image of the good patriarch as the embodiment of the English nation.
Keywords: Victorian literature, double, duality, rebel hero, identity, Prometheus
myth, English "Gothic" tradition.
Soil-biodegradable Mulches for Growth, Yield, and Quality of Sweet Corn in a Mediterranean-type Climate
Authors: Ghimire Shuresh , Scheenstra Edward , Miles Carol A.
Published: January 2020

Plastic mulch is commonly used to produce many vegetable crops because of its potential to decrease days to harvest, control weeds, and improve soil moisture conservation. However, use of plastic mulch is relatively new for sweet corn (Zea mays L.) in North America. We compared five plastic soil-biodegradable mulches [BDMs; Bio360, Organix AG, Clear Organix AG, Naturecycle, and Experimental polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoates (Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, MA)] and a paper mulch (WeedGuardPlus) against standard black polyethylene (PE; nonbiodegradable) mulch and bare ground cultivation for growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn cultivar Xtra Tender 2171. This field experiment was carried out in Mount Vernon, WA, which has a Mediterranean-type climate with an average air temperature of 16.1 °C during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The experiment was drip irrigated; and in both years, preemergence herbicides were applied to the entire experimental area 1 to 2 days after seeding, and post-emergence herbicides were applied to alleys. While most mulches remained intact until the end of the growing season, Clear Organix AG started to split shortly after laying, resulting in significant weed pressure by midseason in both 2017 and 2018. Plant height toward the end of the season was lowest for plants grown on bare ground, intermediate for Clear Organix AG and WeedGuardPlus, and highest for the black plastic BDM and PE mulch treatments both years, except for Bio360 in 2018 where plant height was intermediate. Days to 50% tasseling and 50% silking were delayed 9 and 13 days, respectively, for bare ground and WeedGuardPlus compared with all other treatments in both years. Marketable ear yield was highest with the black plastic BDMs and PE mulch and lowest with bare ground, WeedGuardPlus, and Clear Organix AG treatments in both years. Total soluble solid content of kernels, and length and diameter of ears grown on the plastic BDM and PE mulch treatments were equal to or greater than, but never lower than, bare ground and WeedGuardPlus. These results indicate that growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn grown with black plastic BDMs are comparable to PE mulch, making black plastic BDMs an effective alternative to black PE mulch for sweet corn production in a Mediterranean-type climate.
Blackout Reduces Height of Easter Lily but End-of-day Red Light Treatment Using Light-emitting Diodes Does Not
Authors: Mah Jasmine Jenji , Llewellyn David , Zheng Youbin
Published: January 2020

One principle for reducing undesirable stem extension in greenhouse production is to counteract the decrease in red-to-far red ratio that occurs naturally during twilight periods. This study evaluated three lighting treatments on the morphology of easter lily (Lilium longiflorum): 1) a 1-hour end-of-day treatment providing 20 μmol·m−2·s−1 of monochromatic red light (EOD R), 2) blackout curtains closed 45 to 75 minutes before sunset and kept closed until 0 to 60 minutes after sunrise (BO), and 3) a control with natural twilight (CTRL). Plants under the BO treatment were 11% shorter than CTRL, while plants exposed to EOD R did not differ in height compared with BO or CTRL. There were no treatment effects on any other measured parameters, including aspects of flowering.
Toward Understanding Molecular Recognition between PRMTs and their Substrates
Authors: Price Owen M. , Hevel Joan M.
Published: January 2020

Protein arginine methylation is a widespread eukaryotic posttranslational modification that
occurs with as much frequency as ubiquitinylation. Yet, how the nine different human protein arginine
methyltransferases (PRMTs) recognize their respective protein targets is not well understood. This
review summarizes the progress that has been made over the last decade or more to resolve this significant
biochemical question. A multipronged approach involving structural biology, substrate profiling,
bioorthogonal chemistry and proteomics is discussed.
Assembly of Benzothiazine and Triazole in a Single Molecular Entity: Synthesis of -Oxicam Derived Novel Molecules as Potential Antibacterial/ Anti-cancer Agents
Authors: Neeraja Papigani , Srinivas Suryapeta , Banothu Venkanna , Sridhar B. , Mukkanti Khagga , Dubey Pramod Kumar , Pal Sarbani
Published: January 2020

Background:

Benzothiazine derivatives, because of their various biological activities have
attracted particular attention in Med Chem and drug discovery efforts. The synthetic modifications of
1,2-benzothiazine 1,1-dioxides have been undertaken in order to explore and identify novel compounds
or new analogues possessing promising biological activities. In our effort we have designed -oxicam
derived bezothiazine-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as potential antibacterial agents.

Methods:

These compounds were synthesized via a multi-step sequence involving the Cu catalyzed azide-
alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) as a key step. The CuAAC proceeded at room temperature in DMF
to afford 26 novel molecules in good (70-90%) yields.

Results:

All these compounds were tested for their antibacterial properties against four strains of bacterial
microorganisms and subsequently cytotoxic properties against lung and colon cancer cell lines.
The compound 4e showed activities against majority of the bacterial species used (nearly comparable
to amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin against P. vulgaris) whereas 4d and 4f showed cytotoxicities
selective towards cancer cells.

Conclusion:

The present bezothiazine-1,2,3-triazole framework represents a new template for the
identification of novel and potent antibacterial/anticancer agents.
A New Vision of Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response to the Sirtuin Family
Authors: Weng Huidan , Ma Yihong , Chen Lina , Cai Guoen , Chen Zhiting , Zhang Shaochuan , Ye Qinyong
Published: January 2020

Mitochondrial damage is involved in many pathophysiological processes, such as tumor
development, metabolism, and neurodegenerative diseases. The mitochondrial unfolded protein
response (mtUPR) is the first stress-protective response initiated by mitochondrial damage, and it
repairs or clears misfolded proteins to alleviate this damage. Studies have confirmed that the sirtuin
family is essential for the mitochondrial stress response; in particular, SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT7
participate in the mtUPR in different axes. This article summarizes the associations of sirtuins with
the mtUPR as well as specific molecular targets related to the mtUPR in different disease models,
which will provide new inspiration for studies on mitochondrial stress, mitochondrial function
protection, and mitochondria-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases.
Use of Three-dimensional Printing in the Development of Optimal Cardiac CT Scanning Protocols
Authors: Sun Zhonghua
Published: January 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used in medical applications with most
of the studies focusing on its applications in medical education and training, pre-surgical planning
and simulation, and doctor-patient communication. An emerging area of utilising 3D printed models
lies in the development of cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocols for visualisation and
detection of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, 3D printed heart and cardiovascular models have
shown potential value in the evaluation of coronary plaques and coronary stents, aortic diseases
and detection of pulmonary embolism. This review article provides an overview of the clinical
value of 3D printed models in these areas with regard to the development of optimal CT scanning
protocols for both diagnostic evaluation of cardiovascular disease and reduction of radiation dose.
The expected outcomes are to encourage further research towards this direction.
Colored Video Analysis in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy: A Survey of State-of-the-Art
Authors: Ashour Amira S. , Dey Nilanjan , Mohamed Waleed S. , Tromp Jolanda G. , Sherratt R. Simon , Shi Fuqian , Moraru Luminița
Published: January 2020

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) is a highly promising technology for gastrointestinal
(GI) tract abnormality diagnosis. However, low image resolution and low frame rates are challenging
issues in WCE. In addition, the relevant frames containing the features of interest for accurate
diagnosis only constitute 1% of the complete video information. For these reasons, analyzing
the WCE videos is still a time consuming and laborious examination for the gastroenterologists,
which reduces WCE system usability. This leads to the emergent need to speed-up and automates
the WCE video process for GI tract examinations. Consequently, the present work introduced the
concept of WCE technology, including the structure of WCE systems, with a focus on the medical
endoscopy video capturing process using image sensors. It discussed also the significant characteristics
of the different GI tract for effective feature extraction. Furthermore, video approaches for
bleeding and lesion detection in the WCE video were reported with computer-aided diagnosis systems
in different applications to support the gastroenterologist in the WCE video analysis. In image
enhancement, WCE video review time reduction is also discussed, while reporting the challenges
and future perspectives, including the new trend to employ the deep learning models for feature
Learning, polyp recognition, and classification, as a new opportunity for researchers to develop
future WCE video analysis techniques.
Improving Multi-type Gram-negative Bacterial Secreted Protein Prediction via Protein Evolutionary Information and Feature Ranking
Authors: Kong Liang , Zhang Lichao , He Shiqian
Published: January 2020

Background:

Gram-negative bacteria interact with their environment by secreting a
wide range of particular substrates (such as proteins) across two lipid bilayers from the cytoplasm
to the extracellular space. Determining the types of secreted proteins is beneficial for further
research on secreted proteins and secretion systems.

Objective:

As an essential alternative for experimental methods, an accurate machine learningbased
multi-type Gram-negative bacterial secreted protein prediction method was proposed in this
study.

Methods:

The main contribution is combining auto-cross-correlation analysis and feature ranking
technology to build an effective support vector machine-based multi-type Gram-negative bacterial
secreted protein predictor. The specifically designed auto-cross-correlation descriptor can capture
evolutionary correlation information between amino acid pairs along protein sequence from
position specific scoring matrices. Feature ranking technique was used to analyze and select the
most informative features for building prediction model.

Results:

Several kinds of prediction accuracies obtained by independent dataset test are reported
on two benchmark datasets. Compared with the state-of-the-art prediction methods, the proposed
method improves overall accuracies by 2.91% and 2.25%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study will provide an important guide to utilize protein evolutionary information
for further research on bacterial secreted proteins.
Betulinic Acid and Brosimine B Hybrid Derivatives as Potential Agents against Female Cancers
Authors: Garcês de Couto Nádia M. , Willig Júlia B. , Ruaro Thaís C. , de Oliveira Diogo Losch , Buffon Andréia , Pilger Diogo A. , Arruda Mara S.P. , Miron Diogo , Zimmer Aline R. , Gnoatto Simone C.B.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Cancer is a multifactorial disease, representing one of the leading causes of death
worldwide. On a global estimate, breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women and cervical
cancer, the fourth most common. Both types of cancer remain the major cause of cancer-related mortality in
developing countries. A strategy for rational drug design is hybridization, which aims to bring together in one
molecule, two or more pharmacophores in order to reach several biological targets.

Objective:

The objective of this work was to develop new hybrids based on natural pharmacophores: Betulinic
acid (1) and brosimine b (2), active in female cancer cell lines.

Methods:

The coupling reactions were carried out by Steglich esterification. Different compounds were designed
for the complete and simplified structural hybridization of molecules. The anticancer activities of the
compounds were evaluated in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human cervical metastatic epidermoid
carcinoma (ME-180), and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines.

Results:

Hybrid 3 presented higher potency (IC50 = 9.2 ± 0.5μM) and SI (43.5) selectively in MCF-7 cells (in
relation to Vero cells) with its cytotoxic effect occurring via apoptosis. In addition, compound 6 showed activity
in MCF-7 and HeLa cells with intermediate potency, but with high efficacy, acting via apoptosis as well.

Conclusion:

In this context, we showed that the combination of two complex structures generated the development
of hybrids with differing inhibitory profiles and apoptotic modes of action, thus representing potential
alternatives in female cancer treatment.
Antidiabetic Properties of Medicinal Mushrooms with Special Reference to Phellinus Species: A Review
Authors: Ajith Thekkuttuparambil A. , Janardhanan Kainoor K.
Published: January 2020

Diabetes remains the major public health challenge to the 21st century. It is strongly related
to lifestyle changes. Most chronic complications of diabetes are macrovascular and microvascular
diseases resulting from the existing hyperglycemic status. After the failure of first-line therapy,
which is based on diet modifications and exercise, conventional treatment using antihyperglycemic
agents with different mechanisms of action will be implemented for type II diabetes in modern medicine.
Higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms are highly praised for their nutritional value and pharmacological
properties. They have long been used traditionally for the maintenance of health, prevention
and treatment of various human ailments. Reports indicate the beneficial effects of medicinal
mushrooms in diabetes treatments. However, scientific evidence are insufficient to make definitive
conclusions on the efficacy of individual medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms belong to the genera
Phellinus such as Phellinus linteus, Phellinus ribis, Phellinus rimosus and Phellinus igniarius. They
possess a significant hypoglycemic effect in experimental diabetic models. However, well-designed
controlled clinical trials are needed to establish their safety and bioactivity.
Importance of Photography Education to Improve Image Quality for Accurate Remote Diagnoses in Dental Trauma Patients: Observational Study
Authors: Jeong Jin-Sun , Pang Nan-Sim , Choi Yiseul , Park Kyeong-Mee , Kim Taekbin , Xu Xin , Park Wonse
Published: January 2020

Background

High-quality photos are critical for the remote diagnosis of dental trauma and thus are beneficial to the prognosis. The quality of the images obtained using a cell phone depends on the level of dental and photography knowledge of the person who is taking the photos.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of photography education in improving images used for the remote diagnosis of dental trauma.

Methods

The subjects comprised 30 laypeople and 30 dentists who were randomly assigned to 15 subgroups with 2 subjects in each. Each subject was asked to take photos of their own anterior teeth and those of their partner on the assumption that an accident occurred using both an iPhone 4s and iPhone 6. Education about how to take an appropriate photo of the anterior teeth for teleconsultation purposes was then provided, after which photos were taken again. Photos were assessed by a dentist for their usefulness in diagnosis.

Results

This study analyzed 965 photos: 441 taken by laypeople and 524 taken by dentists. Photos taken after providing education had significantly higher scores for all assessment items than those taken before education (P<.05). The scores were also significantly higher for photos taken using the rear camera than those taken using the front camera (P<.02). The iPhone 6 did not have overwhelming advantages. The photos taken by dentists had significantly higher scores than those taken by laypeople for most of the evaluated items.

Conclusions

Both laypeople and dentists might find photography education useful for when they are taking photos to be used in teleconsultations. The type of cell phone does not significantly affect the usefulness of such photos.
The Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation for People With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fatoye Francis , Gebrye Tadesse , Fatoye Clara , Mbada Chidozie E , Olaoye Mistura I , Odole Adesola C , Dada Olumide
Published: January 2020

Background

Telerehabilitation can facilitate multidisciplinary management for people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). It provides health care access to individuals who are physically and economically disadvantaged.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of telerehabilitation compared with a clinic-based intervention for people with NCLBP in Nigeria.

Methods

A cost-utility analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial from a health care perspective was conducted. Patients with NCLBP were assigned to either telerehabilitation-based McKenzie therapy (TBMT) or clinic-based McKenzie therapy (CBMT). Interventions were carried out 3 times weekly for a period of 8 weeks. Patients’ level of disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, week 4, and week 8. To estimate the health-related quality of life of the patients, the ODI was mapped to the short-form six dimensions instrument to generate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Health care resource use and costs were assessed based on the McKenzie extension protocol in Nigeria in 2019. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were also performed to assess the clinical effectiveness of the interventions. Bootstrapping was conducted to generate the point estimate of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

A total of 47 patients (TBMT, n=21 and CBMT, n=26), with a mean age of 47 (SD 11.6) years for telerehabilitation and 50 (SD 10.7) years for the clinic-based intervention, participated in this study. The mean cost estimates of TBMT and CBMT interventions per person were 22,200 naira (US $61.7) and 38,200 naira (US $106), respectively. QALY gained was 0.085 for TBMT and 0.084 for CBMT. The TBMT arm was associated with an additional 0.001 QALY (95% CI 0.001 to 0.002) per participant compared with the CBMT arm. Thus, the ICER showed that the TBMT arm was less costly and more effective than the CBMT arm.

Conclusions

The findings of the study suggested that telerehabilitation for people with NCLBP was cost saving. Given the small number of participants in this study, further examination of effects and costs of the interventions is needed within a larger sample size. In addition, future studies are required to assess the cost-effectiveness of this intervention in the long term from the patient and societal perspective.
Exploring an Innovative Care Model and Telemonitoring for the Management of Patients With Complex Chronic Needs: Qualitative Description Study
Authors: Gordon Kayleigh , Steele Gray Carolyn , Dainty Katie N , DeLacy Jane , Ware Patrick , Seto Emily
Published: January 2020

Background

The growing number of patients with complex chronic conditions presents an urgent challenge across the Canadian health care system. Current care delivery models are overburdened, struggling to monitor and stabilize the complex needs of this growing patient population.

Objective

This qualitative study aimed to explore the needs and perspectives of patients and members of the care team to inform the development of an innovative integrated model of care and the needs of telemonitoring (TM) for patients with complex chronic conditions. Furthermore, we explored how these needs could be successfully embedded to support this novel model of complex chronic care.

Methods

A qualitative description design was utilized to conduct and analyze 29 semistructured interviews with patients (n=16) and care team members (CTM) (n=13) involved in developing the model of care in an ambulatory care facility in Southern Ontario. Participants were identified through purposive sampling. Two researchers performed an iterative thematic analysis using NVivo 12 (QSR International; Melbourne, Australia) to gain insights from examining multiple perspectives of different participants on complex chronic care needs.

Results

The analysis revealed 3 themes and 13 subthemes, including the following: (1) adequate health care delivery remains challenging for patients with complex care needs, (2) insights into how to structure an integrated care model, and (3) opportunities for TM in an integrated model of care. Participants not only identified continued challenges in accessing and navigating care in a fragmented and disconnected delivery system but also identified the need for more self-management support. Patients and CTM described the structure of an integrated model of care, including the need for a clear referral and triage processes and composing a tight-knit circle of collaborating interdisciplinary providers led by a nurse practitioner (NP). Finally, opportunities for TM in an integrated model of care were identified, including increasing access and communication, the ability to monitor specific signs and symptoms, and building a clinical workflow around TM-enabled care.

Conclusions

Despite entrenched health care service delivery models, a new model of care is acutely needed to care for patients with complex chronic needs (CCN). NPs are in a unique position to lead TM-enabled integrated models of care. TM can facilitate frequent and necessary monitoring of patients with CCN with more than one condition in integrated models of care.