bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Pharmacology-based Strategy for Studying the Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction for the Treatment of Acute Colitis
Authors: Wang Tingting , Xu Yanwen , Ji Wanli , An Rui
Published: August 2020

Background: Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GQD) has been used to treat acute colitis (AC) for several years in China and it has shown good efficacy. However, the active components and target proteins of its anti-AC effects remains to be deciphered. Methods: In this study, serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology strategy were integrated to identify the constituents in blood and the mechanism of GQD for the treatment of AC. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) was used to identify the absorbed components of GQD in rat serum; molecular docking and compound-target network analysis were used to predict candidate targets and critical components in GQD responsible for efficacy; In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis were used to predict the related pathways and biological process respectively; Finally, the model rats with acute colitis were induced by DSS(Dextran Sulfact Sodium) in order to verify the effects and potential mechanism of baicalein, which is an important component of GQD. Results: Based on our comprehensive systematic approach, 23 components were successfully identified in rat serum after oral administration of GQD. The predicted results of molecular docking indicated that these 23 active components closely interacted with 41 protein targets associated with inflammation, immunity and enteric mucos. Among the 23 compounds identified, baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside , liquiritin and daidzin may be the most important components of GQD. Futhermore, according to GO enrichment analysis, the 41 candidate targets identified were mainly involved in two biological process, immune system process and inflammatory response. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 41 candidate targets were associated with 62 biological pathways, including HIF-1 signaling pathway and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments found that baicalein could inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1 signaling pathway and significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α to alleviate intestinal mucosal damage and achieve a therapeutic effect on AC. Conclusion: This research not only provides a novel and scientific strategy to better understand the complex mechanism of GQD, but also offers a new perspective to identify and/or discover novel active ingredients of TCM drugs.
Clinical Educator and Student Perceptions of a Weekly Observed Practice Activity Evaluation Tool
Authors: Fedoriw Kelly Bossenbroek , Shaheen Amy W. , Birch Michele , Colford Cristin , Golding Julie , Dallaghan Gary Beck
Published: August 2020

Background: Clinical teachers (or preceptors) have expressed uncertainties about medical student expectations and how to assess them. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created a list of core skills that graduating medical student should be able to perform. Using this framework, this innovation was designed to provide medical students specific, progressive clinical skills training that could be observed. Methods: The AAMC skills were used to develop observable events, called Observed Practice Activities (OPAs), that students could accomplish with their outpatient preceptors. Preceptors and students were trained to use the OPA cards and students turned in the cards at the end of the rotation. Results: 79 of 115 preceptors and 80 of 149 students completed evaluations on the OPA. Both students (60%) and preceptors (70%) indicated the OPA cards were helpful for knowing expectations for a third year medical student, although preceptors found the cards to be of greater value than the students. Discussion: The OPAs enable our outpatient preceptors to document student progress toward graduated skill acquisition. In addition, the OPAs provide preceptors and students with specific tasks, expectations, and a template for directly observed, competency-based feedback. The majority of preceptors found the OPA cards easy to use and did not disrupt their clinical work. In addition, both students and preceptors found the cards to be helpful to understand expectations of a third year medical student in our course. The OPA could be adapted by other schools to evaluate progressive skill development throughout the year.
Ribosomal RNA methylation induced by MYC regulates translation
Authors: Jansson Martin , Hafner Sophia , Altinel Kübra , Tehler Disa , Krogh Nicolai , Jakobsen Emil , Andersen Jens , Andersen Kasper , Schoof Erwin , Ménard Patrice , Nielsen Henrik , Lund Anders
Published: August 2020

Ribosomes are complex ribozymes that interpret genetic information by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Natural variation in ribosome composition has been documented in several organisms, and can stem from several different sources. A key question is whether specific control over ribosome heterogeneity represents a mechanism by which translation can be regulated. We used RiboMeth-seq to demonstrate that differential 2’-O-methylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) represents a considerable source of ribosome heterogeneity in human cells, and that modification levels at distinct sites can change dynamically in response to upstream signalling pathways. Ablation of one prominent methylation, induced by MYC oncogene expression, resulted in altered translation of select mRNAs and corresponding changes in cellular phenotypes. Thus, differential rRNA 2’-O-methylation can give rise to ribosomes with specialized function. This constitutes a broader mechanism where the specific regulation of rRNA modification patterns fine-tune translation.
A hybrid procedure for the closure of a large muscular ventricular septal defect in a 6-month-old infant
Authors: Popevski Dijana , Milev Ivan , Rosalia Rodney Alexander , Bibevski Steven , Mitrev Zan
Published: August 2020

Background: Transthoracic device closure (TTDC), also known as a Hybrid procedure, has been proposed as an alternative, less invasive approach compared to open-heart surgery for the treatment of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Case Presentation: We present our first national case of TTDC in a 6-month-old female baby with a muscular 8mm ventricular septal defect, 3 mm atrial defect, enlarged right and left ventricle and a dilated pulmonary artery complicated by severe pulmonary hypertension.Treatment consisted of two pulmonary artery banding attempts at the age of 2 months to control pulmonary hypertension – the interventions were combined with diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors. Yet, the initial approach was suboptimal as we noticed a failure to thrive continuous sweating and tachypnea. Because of the worsening condition at the age of 6 months, and a weight of 6.6 kg, we performed TTDC. After median sternotomy, a 10mm muscular VSD occluder was implanted under trans-oesophagal echocardiography guidance on the beating heart. The procedure lasted 90 min and was performed without incident; the hemodynamics were stable with only a minor residual VSD. The child was extubated after 2 hours and discharged after five days from the hospital.Conclusions: Transthoracic device closure (TTDC) is a promising treatment modality for large muscular VSD in small infants with low weight. TTDC is feasible in cases with heavy myocardial right ventricle trabeculae and who previously underwent open-heart surgery.
Treatment Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Peripartum Depression: Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Hyunejune , Kim Sungmin , Kwon Ji Yean
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPeripartum depression is a common disorder; it has very high potential hazards for both patients and their babies. Although peripartum depression therapy have typical options, antidepressant and electroconvulsive, these are not ensured concerning safe of fetus. Recently, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(rTMS) have been emerging as promising treatment for neuropathies including type of depression. Using magnetic field is expected to minimize effect on fetuses when used to treat peripartum depression. In this study, we are considering that whether the rTMS treatment is safe and effective for the mother and fetus in the treatment of peripartum depression.PurposePerforming systematical review, we confirm whether repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is suitable treatment option for peripartum depression. MethodsA systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis was performed by CMA3 software. We investigated literature prior to July 2020 using databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries, and conducted bias evaluation for suitable literature. ResultsrTMS have an effect on mitigating depression with SMD = 1.394, 95% CI: 0.944 – 1.843 and. 37% of participants showed remission of the depression and 66% showed responded to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. A few side effect was reported and case of unusual side effect was two. However, we confirmed these are not related to TMS. There were no life-threatening side effects.ConclusionsrTMS might be an attractive alternative treatment for pregnant women who are afraid of chemical effect to their child and life threatening side effect of ECT. Furthermore, rTMS could reduce socioeconomic costs of peripartum depression However, much research is needed to determine standardized protocol and evaluate effectiveness.Systematic review registrationThis systematic review was not registered.
Implementation Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Blunt Chest Injury Care Bundle (ChIP): Fidelity of Delivery
Authors: Kourouche Sarah , Curtis Kate , Munroe Belinda , Lyons Jack , Carey Ian , Buckley Tom
Published: August 2020

Background: Ineffective or delayed treatment of patients with blunt chest wall injury results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. A blunt chest injury care bundle protocol (ChIP) was developed and implemented to improve evidence-based care for these patients at two regional hospitals in Australia. ChIP is an early notification system to notify specialist clinician ‘responders’ to prescribe and commence treatment for patients with blunt chest injury in the emergency department (ED). A multi-pronged implementation strategy developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), including seven intervention functions and 15 behaviour change techniques, guided implementation. Fidelity to the implementation strategy was high, with 97.5% fully or partially implemented. Implementation fidelity is the extent to which an intervention has been implemented as intended; it affects the internal and external validity of implementation. This study evaluates the fidelity of intervention delivery (fidelity, dose and reach) at two hospitals. Methods: Pre-post implementation evaluation study. The characteristics of patients, rate of ChIP activations and components of ChIP received by eligible patients were compared pre (1 July 2015 to 21 November 2017) and post (22 November 2017 to 30 June 2019) intervention. Sample medians were compared using the non-parametric median test, with the 95% confidence of the difference estimated using the Hodges-Lehmann estimate. Differences in proportions for categorical data were compared with two-sample z-test. Logistic regression was used to adjust for group differences. Results: Overall, 97.1% of eligible patients received ChIP over the 19-month post-implementation period. Compared to the pre-implementation group the post-implementation group, were more likely to receive evidence-based treatments including high flow nasal cannula (OR=6.8 (4.8,9.6)), incentive spirometry in ED (OR=7.5 (3.2,17.6)), regular analgesia (OR=2.4 (1.5,3.8)), regional analgesia (OR=2.8 (1.5, 5.3)), Patient controlled analgesia (OR=1.8 (1.3,2.4)), and multiple specialist team reviews e.g. ICU liaison (OR=10.7 (6.9,16.7)). Conclusions: High fidelity of delivery was achieved and sustained for ChIP for the implementation of a complex intervention in the emergency context with a robust implementation plan based on theoretical frameworks. Findings from this evaluation can inform future implementation of ChIP and other multidisciplinary interventions in an emergency or acute care context. Trial registration: ANZCTR: ACTRN12618001548224, approved 17/09/2018
Comparative Effectiveness of Direct Admission & Admission through Emergency Departments for Children: A Randomized Stepped Wedge Study Protocol
Authors: Leyenaar JoAnna K. , McDaniel Corrie E , Acquilano Stephanie , Schaefer Andrew , Bruce Martha L. , O’Malley A. James
Published: August 2020

Background: Approximately 2 million children are hospitalized each year in the United States, with more than three-quarters of non-elective hospitalizations admitted through emergency departments (EDs). Direct admission, defined as admission to hospital without first receiving care in the hospital’s ED, may offer benefits for patients and healthcare systems in quality, timeliness, and experience of care. While ED utilization patterns are well studied, there is a paucity of research comparing the effectiveness of direct and ED admissions. The overall aim of this project is to compare the effectiveness of a standardized direct admission approach to admission beginning in the ED for hospitalized children.Methods/Design: We will conduct a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial at 3 structurally and geographically diverse hospitals. A total of 70 primary and urgent care practice sites in the hospitals’ catchment areas will be randomized to a time point when they will begin participation in the multi-stakeholder informed direct admission program. This crossover will be unidirectional and occur at 4 time points, six months apart, over a 24-month implementation period. Our primary outcome will be the timeliness of clinical care provision. Secondary outcomes include: (i) parent-reported experience of care; (ii) unanticipated transfer to the intensive care unit within 6 hours of hospital admission; and (iii) rapid response calls within 6 hours of hospital admission. We anticipate that 190 children and adolescents will be directly admitted, with 1506 admitted through EDs. Analyses will compare the effectiveness of direct admission to admission through the ED, and will evaluate the causal effect of implementing a direct admission program using linear regression with random effects for referring practice clusters and time period fixed effects. We will further examine heterogeneity of treatment effects based on hypotheses specified a priori. In addition, we will conduct a mixed-methods process evaluation to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of our direct admission intervention.Discussion: Our study represents the first randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of direct admission to admission through the ED for pediatric patients. Our scientific approach, pairing a stepped-wedge design with a multi-level assessment of barriers to and facilitators of implementation, will generate valuable data about how positive findings can be reproduced across other healthcare systems.Trial registration: This trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04192799, registered December 10, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04192799)
A unique and reliable fecal DNA extraction method for 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing in the analysis of the human gut microbiome
Authors: Elie Céline , Perret Magali , Louis Karen , Fritah-Lafont Asmaà , Leissner Philippe , Vachon Carole , Rostaing Hervé , Reynier Frédéric , Gervasi Gaspard , Saliou Adrien
Published: August 2020

Background: The gut microbiome is widely analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, such as 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing (SMS). DNA extraction is known to have a large impact on the metagenomic analyses. The aim of this study was to select a unique and best performing DNA extraction protocol for both metagenomic sequencing methods. In that context, four commonly used DNA extraction methods were compared for the analysis of the gut microbiota. Commercial versions were evaluated against modified protocols using a stool preprocessing device (SPD, bioMérieux) in order to facilitate DNA extraction. Stool samples from nine healthy volunteers and nine patients with a Clostridium difficile infection were extracted with all protocols and sequenced with both metagenomic methods. Protocols were ranked using wet- and dry-lab criteria, including quality controls of the extracted genomic DNA, alpha-diversity, accuracy using a mock community of known composition and repeatability across technical replicates.Results: Independently of the sequencing methods used, SPD significantly improved efficiency of the four tested protocols compared with their commercial version, in terms of extracted DNA quality, accuracy of the predicted composition of the microbiota (notably for Gram-positive bacteria), sample alpha-diversity, and experimental repeatability. The best overall performance was obtained for the S-DQ protocol, SPD combined to the DNeasy PowerLyser PowerSoil protocol from QIAGEN.Conclusion: Based on this evaluation, we recommend to use the S-DQ protocol, to obtain standardized and high quality extracted DNA in the human gut microbiome studies.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Contribution of Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Paul Marine , Benghanem sarah , Merceron sybille , bellut hugo , roche anne , Giabicani Mikhael , dumas florence , henry amandine , jaubert paul , bruneel fabrice , bedos jean pierre , cariou alain , legriel stephane
Published: August 2020

Background: Lumbar puncture is among the investigations used to determine the aetiology and prognosis of cardiac arrest, despite a dearth of data on its performance. We aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic performance of lumbar puncture after cardiac arrest. Methods: We retrospectively studied data from prospectively established databases of consecutive patients who were admitted to two French ICUs in 2007-2016 with sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest and who underwent lumbar puncture as an aetiological investigation. Results: Of 1984 patients with sustained ROSC, 65 (3.3%) underwent lumbar puncture and were included. Lumbar puncture identified a neurological cause of cardiac arrest in 6/65 (9%) patients, including 5 with neurologic prodromal symptoms before cardiac arrest and 4 with the lumbar puncture done post-mortem. Lumbar puncture performed before death showed nonspecific cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in 37/53 (69.8%) patients. By univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities were shorter no-flow time (0 min [0-3] versus 4 min [2-10], p=0.004) and post-resuscitation shock (26 [70%] versus 5 [31%], p<0.01). Presence of cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities was non significantly associated with poorer outcomes (CPC 3-4-5) (p=0.06). Conclusions: Lumbar puncture, although rarely performed, can contribute to the aetiological diagnosis of cardiac arrest. As a second-line investigation, it identified the cause in 9% of our patients. Nonspecific cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities are common after cardiac arrest, perhaps due to blood-brain barrier disruption, and may carry prognostic significance.
Providers' Definitions of Quality and Barriers to Providing Care: a Qualitative Study in Rural Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: West Rebecca L , Lippman Sheri A , Twine Rhian , Maritze Meriam , Kahn Kathleen , Leslie Hannah H
Published: August 2020

Background: Facing a quadruple burden of disease (infectious disease, non-communicable disease, maternal and child mortality, high levels of violence and injury), South Africa requires high-quality primary health care to retain patients and optimize outcomes. National health policy is focused on strengthening primary care. While prior research has identified implementation challenges within the primary health care system, there is less understanding of how providers define quality, their perceptions of barriers to providing quality care, and how they overcome these barriers. This study assesses provider views on quality at primary care clinics in a rural region of Mpumalanga Province. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with providers in Bushbuckridge sub-district in early 2019 on the value of quality metrics for providers and patients, what indicators they would use to assess clinic performance, and barriers and facilitators of delivering care. Interviews were conducted in Shangaan, audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed into English. A deductive approach was used to develop a provisional coding schema based on study questions, which was refined using an inductive approach in response to patterns and themes emerging from the data.Results: 23 providers were interviewed (83% female, 65% professional nurses). Definitions of quality were focused on clinic structure and resources. Few providers identified patient outcomes as indicators of quality. Providers linked deficiencies in infrastructure and support to deficits in care delivery, such as long wait times due to limited staffing, privacy breaches due to insufficient space, and a chronic lack of medication and equipment. Providers identified mitigating strategies including informal coordination across clinics to address medication shortages in individual facilities. Interwoven throughout the providers’ discussion was the poor communication between the district, PHC supervisors, and implementers at the facility level. Conclusion: Providers connected deficits in quality of care to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient support from district and provincial authorities; mitigating strategies across clinics could only partially address these deficits. The existence of a national quality measurement program was not broadly reflected in providers’ views on quality care. These findings underscore the need for effective district and national approaches to support individual facilities, accompanied by feedback methods designed with input from frontline service providers.
Compartmentalization Rather Than Host Tree Drives Truffle Microbiome
Authors: Liu Dong , Perez-Moreno Jesus , He Xinhua , Garibay-Orijel Roberto , Yu Fuqiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Truffles are some of the among the most expensive edible fungi worldwide whose value in international markets is worth billions of US dollars annually. They form ectomycorrhiza which is a symbiotic relationship with host trees and produce hypogeous ascomata. Their whole life-cycle is closely related to their associated microbiome. However, whether truffle-associated compartments or host trees are drivers for truffle microbiome is unclear.Methods: To identify and compare bacterial and fungal communities in four truffle-associated compartments (Tuber indicum bulk soil, adhering soil to peridium, peridium and gleba), associated to three host trees we sequenced their ITS (fungal) and 16S (bacterial) rDNA with Illumina MiSeq high throughput platform. We further applied the amplicon data to analyze the core microbiome and microbial ecological networks. Results: Tuber indicum microbiome composition was strongly driven by their associated compartments rather than by their symbiotic host trees. Truffle microbiome was bacterial-dominated, and its bacterial community formed a substantially more complex interacting network compared with that of fungal community. Core fungal community changed from Basidiomycota-dominated (in bulk soil) to Rozellomycota-dominated (in interphase soil); while core bacterial community shifted from Bacteroidetes to Proteobacteria dominance from truffle peridium to gleba tissue. At the truffle and soil interphase, an interphase-sieving process was confirmed by i) a clear exclusion of four bacterial phyla (Rokubacteria, Nitrospirae, Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes) in gleba; ii) a significant decrease in alpha-diversity (as revealed by Chao 1, Shannon and Simpson indices); and iii) a substantial decrease in the complexity of the network from bulk soil, to soil-truffle interphase, to peridium and finally to gleba. The network analysis of microbiome showed a more complex and higher number of positive microbial interactions in truffle tissues than in both bulk soil and peridium-adhering soil. Cupriavidus, Bradyrhizobium, Aminobacter and Mesorhizobium were the keystone network hub genera associated to truffle gleba. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the factors that drive the truffle microbiome dynamics and the recruitment and function of the microbiome components, showing than they are more complex than previously thought.
Infected hip prosthesis in patient with suspected Covid-19 infection
Authors: Cosentino Andrea , Odorizzi Gianni , Berger Wilhelm
Published: August 2020

Background: Infections following arthroplasty are one of the major risks during this type of surgery.Case presentation: Four and half years after right hip arthroplasty surgery, the patient came back to our attention with pain at the same hip. The instrumental examinations showed signs of cup detachment and therefore, after carefully analyzing the case, we decided to perform a sterile aspiration of the hip in the operating room under C-arm fluoroscopy. Microbiological examinations showed positivity for E.Coli. The patient underwent to surgery to remove the prosthesis and implant a spacer. A therapy with Cefotaxim 2g 1-1-1 for 6 weeks was then set, after which a total arthroplasty was implanted. During this period, the Covid-19 pandemic occurred and therefore the patient performed two nasal-throat swabs, both negative. However, one week after the final surgery, respiratory conditions worsened and we performed a chest X-ray and CT scan, with suggestive images of ground-glass opacification patterns (GGO). Due to the clinic and the characteristic images of the instrumental examinations, the patient was transferred to the observation ward, waiting for the response of two additional swabs, also negative. The patient was then transferred to the ward for patients with typical symptoms of Covid-19 but with negative swabs for two weeks and subsequently discharged at home.Conclusion: Despite the concomitant Covid-19 pandemic, the guidelines in case of periprosthetic hip infection further confirm the correct management of the patient.
Incidences and risk factors of serious infections among different rheumatic patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ding Jin , Xiang Yang , Zhou Yujia , Zhu Cong , Hu Xinyue , Tao Cui , Xu Hua
Published: August 2020

Background

To compare the incidence and risk factors of serious infections among patients of seven common rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic vasculitis (VA), and other diffuse connective tissue diseases (oCTD).
Methods

In a retrospective cohort study using large Electronic Health Records (EHR) data, the infection rates of different rheumatic diseases in two years were calculated and variances on risk factors were analyzed using the multivariable Cox model.
Results

Among the overall 46,411 rheumatic patients, 8,308 presented serious hospitalized infections in the following two years (crude infection rates (IR) per 100 patient-years: 8.95, 8.76–9.14). SSc (10.89, 9.61–12.16), VA (10.82, 9.96–11.68), and SLE (10.13, 9.73–10.53) had relatively high IRs, while oCTD was with the lowest IR (7.71, 6.58–8.84). The Cox model identified previous infection (adjusted hazard ratio (HR):1.75, 1.62–1.88, p < 0.001), GCs usage (HR:1.64, 1.52–1.76, p < 0.001), nonbiologic DMARDs usage (HR:1.39, 1.32–1.45, p < 0.001) and congestive heart failure (CHF) (HR:1.42, 1.30–1.56, p < 0.001) as the top-ranked risk factors of infection in the overall population. While some of the variables were shared across subtypes of rheumatic diseases as highly associated risk factors, others varied significantly such as osteoporosis.
Conclusions

Infection rates and risk factors varied among cohorts of different rheumatic diseases. The analytical results may inform distinct strategies and influence clinical decision making to reduce the occurrence of infections.
The Early Start of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonist Versus Flexible Antagonist Ovarian Stimulation Protocol in Poor Responders: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Esfidani Tayebeh , Moini Ashraf , Arabipoor Arezoo , Mojtahedi Maryam Farid , Mohiti Shima , Kashani Ladan
Published: August 2020

Background: Determining the initiation day of antagonist administration is an important and challenging issue and different results have been reported in the previous studies. The present study was designed to compare the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles outcomes of the early start of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol with conventional flexible GnRH-ant protocol in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) diagnosis. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed on infertile women who were diagnosed as poor ovarian responder in IVF/ICSI cycles at Arash Women’s Hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences between September 2019 and May 2020. POR was defined according to the Bologna criteria and the eligible women were randomly allocated into an experimental (early onset GnRH-ant) and control (flexible GnRH-ant) groups. The women in the experimental group received recombinant gonadotropins (150-225 IU) and GnRH-ant (0.25 mg) simultaneously on the second day of the cycle. In control group, the starting and dose of gonadotropins were similar but daily administration of GnRH-ant was initiated when the leading follicle diameter was ≥ 13 mm. The IVF/ICSI outcomes were compared between groups.Results: Totally, 116 women were randomly assigned to early start antagonist group (n=58) and control group (n=58). The analysis showed that the two groups did not have a statistically significant difference in terms of the ovarian stimulation duration and the total dose of used gonadotropins. Although, the total number of MII oocytes in early start of antagonist group was significantly higher than that of in control group (P=0.04). In the following, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates per ET in early start of antagonist group were significantly higher than those of in control group (P=0.02 and P=0.03, respectively); however, the implantation and miscarriage rates were similar between group.Conclusion: The early onset of GnRH-ant protocol can improve the number of retrieved and MII oocytes rates and probably the pregnancy outcome after fresh embryo transfer in POR patients; however, larger randomized clinical trials are required to compare the pregnancy outcomes after this approach with other COH protocols with considering cost-effectiveness issue.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20110731007165N9. Registered 8 February 2020 – Registered while recruiting, https://www.irct.ir/trial/45024.
Multi-epitope peptide sequence in-silico construction from HGV genome
Authors: Sharp Kumar
Published: August 2020

In this study I have approached through in-silico method or reverse vaccinology taking advantage of the genome sequence of hepatitis G virus. It serves its benefit of identifying antigens seen by both conventional as well as discovering any novel antigen. This peptide candidate can serve a triple purpose of hepatitis C vaccine, hepatitis G vaccine and HIV management addition. 89.2% of the residues were in the favoured region of Ramachandran plot. These points make it favourable for in-vitro trials and further refinement. Because of the high similarity of hepatitis C genome to hepatitis G genome, it is highly probable that this peptide sequence might act as both hepatitis C and hepatitis G vaccine. Patients with past or current HGV infection have higher CD4+ lymphocyte counts and better AIDS-free survival rates. This peptide sequence might cause a breakthrough in the treatment of HIV without exposing them to develop hepatitis.
Concurrent cavitary pulmonary tuberculosisand COVID-19 pneumonia with in vitro immune cell anergy:a case report.
Authors: Musso Maria , Gennaro Francesco Di , Gualano Gina , Mosti Silvia , Cerva Carlotta , Fard Saeid Najafi , Libertone Raffaella , Bari Virginia Di , Cristofaro Massimo , Tonnarini Roberto , Goletti Delia , Palmieri Fabrizio
Published: August 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is top infectious disease killer caused by a single organismresponsible for 1.5 million deaths in 2018. Both COVID 19 and the pandemic responseare risking to affect control measures for TB and continuity of essential services forpeople affected by this infection in western countries and even more in developingcountries. Knowledges about concomitant pulmonary TB and COVID-19 are extremelylimited. The double burden of these two diseases can have devastating effects. Herewe describe from both the clinical and the immunological point of view a case of apatient with in vitro immune cell anergy affected by bilateral cavitary pulmonary TB andsubsequent COVID-19-associated pneumonia with a worst outcome. COVID-19 can bea precipitating factor in TB respiratory failure and, during ongoing SARS COV 2 pandemic, clinicians must be aware of this possible coinfection in differential diagnosisof patients with active TB and new or worsening chest imaging
Classification and Characteristics of Natural Lithium Resources
Authors: Bowell Robert J. , Lagos Laura , de los Hoyos Camilo R. , Declercq Julien
Published: August 2020

There are three broad types of economic lithium deposit: 1) peralkaline and peraluminous pegmatite deposits and their associated metasomatic rocks; 2) Li-rich hectorite clays derived from volcanic deposits; 3) salar evaporites and geothermal deposits. Spodumene-bearing pegmatites are the most important and easily exploitable Li deposits, typically containing 0.5 Mt Li. Salar deposits hold the largest Li reserves, can reach up to 7 Mt Li, but are more difficult to exploit. Allowing for recycling, the current predicted demand up to the year 2100 is 20 Mt Li; world resources are currently estimated at more than 62 Mt Li. Thus, abundant resources exist, and no long-term shortage is predicted.
Perfil farmacoterapêutico em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas (CAPS-ad) do Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Ferreira Alice de Sá , Sodré Malene Lima Gomes , Cristina Ferreira Mirlley Cristina Ferreira , Marinho Suanne Ferreira , Fernandes Mauricio Avelar , Rodrigues Márcia de Souza , Belfort Ilka Kassandra Pereira , Monteiro Sally Cristina Moutinho
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Verificar o perfil farmacoterapêutico de usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas de Drogas (CAPS-ad) de uma capital do nordeste brasileiro. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, retrospectivo com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em usuários de drogas maiores de 18 anos, sem distinção de sexo e etnia. Os dados (medicamentos, diagnóstico clínico, uso de drogas ilícitas, entre outros) foram coletados dos prontuários do serviço. A análise foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva (frequências absoluta e relativa, média e desvio padrão). Resultados: Foram analisados 60 prontuários de pacientes em acompanhamento no CAPS-ad, sendo 83,3% do sexo masculino, com predomínio de pacientes com faixa etária entre 30 a 39 anos (35%), ensino fundamental incompleto (40%) e diagnóstico CID-10 F19 (transtornos mentais e comportamentais devidos ao uso de múltiplas drogas e ao uso de outras substâncias psicoativas; 45%). A classe medicamentosa mais prescrita foi a dos benzodiazepínicos (23,8%), sendo preponderante o uso do princípio ativo clonazepam (15,4%), seguida dos antidepressivos (16,1%), com a amitriptilina (4,9%) sendo o mais prescrito quando comparado com outros da mesma classe. Conclusão: O estudo permitiu ressaltar a importância do papel do farmacêutico junto à equipe de saúde visando promover o uso racional dos medicamentos bem como o controle das reações adversas e êxito na terapia medicamentosa.
O Papel da Imunidade Inata na COVID-19
Authors: Silva de Sordi Luiz Henrique , Sales Oliveira Magalhães Isabela , Abreu Casselhas Daniela , Chaves Andrade Mariléia
Published: August 2020

O sistema imune apresenta papel importante na pandemia da COVID-19, pois está envolvido na patogênese e agravamento da doença. O objetivo desta revisão é abordar os aspectos da imunidade inata na COVID-19, especialmente o papel dos neutrófilos. O sistema imune inato corresponde à primeira defesa do organismo, porém é necessário um equilíbrio para obter efetividade contra o invasor sem lesar excessivamente o hospedeiro. O desequilíbrio imune está relacionado com quadros mais graves e à ativação aberrante de neutrófilos, sendo a linfopenia e a neutrofilia preditores de pior prognóstico em pacientes com COVID-19.  Especula-se que a neutrofilia seja uma importante fonte para formação excessiva de NET (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps), levando ao aumento da resposta inflamatória e evolução desfavorável da doença. As NET também estão associadas à tempestade de citocinas, outro mecanismo relacionado a gravidade da COVID-19. Portanto, estratégias que envolvam a imunomodulação podem ter um papel importante no controle da doença.
Motivations for Social Distancing and App Use as Complementary Measures to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantitative Survey Study
Authors: Kaspar Kai
Published: August 2020

Background

The current COVID-19 pandemic is showing negative effects on human health as well as on social and economic life. It is a critical and challenging task to revive public life while minimizing the risk of infection. Reducing interactions between people by social distancing is an effective and prevalent measure to reduce the risk of infection and spread of the virus within a community. Current developments in several countries show that this measure can be technologically accompanied by mobile apps; meanwhile, privacy concerns are being intensively discussed.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine central cognitive variables that may constitute people’s motivations for social distancing, using an app, and providing health-related data requested by two apps that differ in their direct utility for the individual user. The results may increase our understanding of people’s concerns and convictions, which can then be specifically addressed by public-oriented communication strategies and appropriate political decisions.

Methods

This study refers to the protection motivation theory, which is adaptable to both health-related and technology-related motivations. The concept of social trust was added. The quantitative survey included answers from 406 German-speaking participants who provided assessments of data security issues, trust components, and the processes of threat and coping appraisal related to the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection by social distancing. With respect to apps, one central focus was on the difference between a contact tracing app and a data donation app.

Results

Multiple regression analyses showed that the present model could explain 55% of the interindividual variance in the participants’ motivation for social distancing, 46% for using a contact tracing app, 42% for providing their own infection status to a contact tracing app, and 34% for using a data donation app. Several cognitive components of threat and coping appraisal were related to motivation measurements. Trust in other people’s social distancing behavior and general trust in official app providers also played important roles; however, the participants’ age and gender did not. Motivations for using and accepting a contact tracing app were higher than those for using and accepting a data donation app.

Conclusions

This study revealed some important cognitive factors that constitute people’s motivation for social distancing and using apps to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Concrete implications for future research, public-oriented communication strategies, and appropriate political decisions were identified and are discussed.
“Não extrativismo” epistêmico: desafios à investigação científica crítica
Authors: Barbosa Vera Lucia Ermida
Published: August 2020

A partir da crítica pós-colonial, ganharam espaço as etnografias enfocando outras vozes, subjetividades e perspectivas, apoiadas, principalmente, em propostas teóricas sociais oriundas de paisagens distantes dos centros europeus e norte-americanos de produção de saber. Essas epistemologias do Sul global têm em comum partirem do testemunho e da experiência de marginalidade, subalternidade e subjugação, de onde emergem novos sujeitos políticos, nova autoridade discursiva e representação cultural. Essa perspectiva desafia as narrativas hegemônicas e amplia o interesse no uso da memória e história oral como metodologia de pesquisa, promovendo um crescente interesse em estabelecer as relações entre história, memória, saber e poder. Assim, são ampliadas as reflexões acerca das responsabilidades éticas e políticas da etnografia e do trabalho de campo, ao mesmo tempo em que se veem transformadas asrelações autor/objeto/leitor, uma vez que os “sujeitos de pesquisa” passam, eles próprios, a pesquisar, escrever e reclamam ser representados na “história”. O extrativismo como característica das sociedades formadas na lógica do imperialismo, capitalismo, colonialismo e patriarcado, que subjugou povos como recursos a serem explorados, se estende ao saber e a ciência moderna tem suas origens no “extrativismo epistêmico”. Tal constatação torna ainda maior o desafio de realizar investigação científica e produzir conhecimento crítico assumindo viver responsavelmente o compromisso de que a alternativa ao extrativismo é a reciprocidade profunda, o que implica um intercâmbio justo nas relações entreseres humanos e nas relações entre humanos e não humanos.
A múltipla Pequena África no Rio de Janeiro: perspectivas reflexas de negros e judeus
Authors: Bitter Daniel , Vassallo Simone Pondé
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo, pretendemos pensar as dinâmicas de produção de narrativas e experiências contemporâneas acerca do território imaginário que veio a ser conhecido como a Pequena África, no Rio de Janeiro, tentando compreender como elas entrelaçam pessoas e lugares, muitas vezes de forma tensa e disputada. Partimos da perspectiva de Michel Agier, para quem a cidade é um significante vazio cujos múltiplos e possíveis sentidos são elaborados situacionalmente pelos atores sociais. Nesse sentido, entendemos que a Pequena África não possui uma definição rígida e pré-definida mas, ao contrário, é sempre aberta à pluralidade de significados e entendimentos atribuídos pelos diferentes indivíduos e grupos que dela se apropriam. Para tanto, iremos analisar algumas narrativas e práticas e seus principais protagonistas, a saber: as ações de Gracy Mary Moreira em torno das memórias de sua bisavó, Tia Ciata; a luta de lideranças negras da Comissão da Pequena África pela história de um cemitério de africanos escravizados; e as práticas de um grupo de músicos judeus denominado Rancho Praça Onze Klezmer Carioca, que procura recriar a memória da vida judaica na região.
Para além da “identidade”
Authors: Brubaker Rogers , Cooper Frederick
Published: August 2020

Este artigo analisa os usos do conceito de “identidade” e suas múltiplas significações na produção sociológica e antropológica. Como uma categoria de prática e de análise, “identidade” pode significar demasiadamente muito, demasiadamente pouco ou nada. Realizamos, então, um balanço teórico e conceitual dos usos de “identidade” e sugerimos que este trabalho poderia ser realizado melhor com o uso de outros termos.
Cinema e Representações da Mobilidade Africana
Authors: Batista Astréia Soares , Barbosa Luiz Henrique , Peixoto Maria Cristina Leite
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo discutimos as representações que o cinema de ficção faz da mobilidade de povos africanos, a partir da análise dos filmes Casa de Lava (1994) de Pedro Costa, Nha Fala (2002), de Flora Gomes, e Virgem Margarida (2012), de Licínio Azevedo. Buscamos relatar as trajetórias dos personagens centrais desses filmes ao deixarem seus locais de origem e serem expostos a culturas e costumes distintos daqueles que compartilham com seu grupo e os impactos de tais deslocamentos na formação de identidade desses sujeitos. A análise aborda as motivações dos personagens para se afastarem de seus universos familiares, bem como seus encontros e estranhamentos. Destaca, no contexto das migrações, as relações entre tradição e modernidade, entre o sujeito deslocado e a noção de casa e o papel do Estado como agente de deslocamentos, migrações e diásporas.
“Documentos” e “procedimentos técnicos”: saberes e métodos em disputa na UHE-Tucuruí
Authors: Weitzman Rodica
Published: August 2020

Neste trabalho, analisamos a construção e o manejo de documentos durante a fase inicial de intervenção da empresa hidrelétrica Eletronorte, em Tucuruí, Pará, no cerne de processos de deslocamento compulsório. A intenção é delinear as repercussões dos modos de operacionalização de um amplo leque de documentos – cadastros, inventários, planilhas, tabelas – sobre o processo organizativo dos movimentos embrionários que se aglutinaram em torno de focos de resistência à obra hidrelétrica desde o final dos anos 70 até o início dos anos 80. A revolta expressada pelos movimentos de resistência reside justamente na forma como o Setor Elétrico conduzia a gestão das pessoas e dos bens, com base em uma abordagem que padronizava os efeitos e mensurava os danos, sem considerar as condições específicas de cada um dos segmentos atingidos. São explicitadas aqui, por meio de uma abordagem etnográfica, as tentativas de travar um diálogo com a Eletronorte acerca dos critérios que guiavam a lógica das indenizações e que subsidiavam o conjunto de dispositivos metodológicos utilizados nas intervenções no campo social. Neste exercício analítico, partimos do entendimento de que os documentos produzidos – e depois re-arranjados e re-estruturados por meio de interpelações com outros atores sociais – desvelam regimes de verdade que não se cristalizam ao longo do tempo, uma vez que são passíveis de reformulações constantes. A hipótese testada e comprovada aqui nestas páginas é de que a gestão de arquivos é um processo permeável às dinâmicas que atravessam os processos sociais.
(Novas) fronteiras e ideários coloniais de longa duração: uma análise a partir da disputa pela reconfiguração territorial da Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Bemerguy Telma De Sousa
Published: August 2020

Em 2011 foi realizado um plebiscito no estado do Pará para consultar a população acerca do interesse em dividi-lo em três: Pará, Tapajós e Carajás. Tomando esse processo como ponto de partida, neste artigo farei algumas considerações sobre interesses políticos e econômicos de longo prazo envolvidos na disputa em torno da reconfiguração territorial da Amazônia Brasileira. Através da análise de relatórios técnicos e de debates realizados no Congresso Nacional no contexto da aprovação da realização do plebiscito pela criação dos estados de Tapajós e Carajás apresentarei uma etnografia voltada às ideias e significados particulares (re)produzidos através do exercício do poder estatal (GEERTZ, 1991), buscando demonstrar como uma determinada “imagem” de Amazônia (OLIVEIRA, 2008, 2016) – fruto de representações duráveis produzidas no marco de processos colonialistas de longa duração – foi acionada e agenciada politicamente ao longo da disputa pela reconfiguração territorial da região.