bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effect of Garcinia Mangostana Combined With Chlorhexidine on Acanthamoeba Triangularis Trophozoites and Cysts
Authors: Sangkanu Suthinee , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Mahabusarakam Wilawan , Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Wilairatana Polrat , Girol Ana Paula , Verma Ajoy K. , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Wiart Christophe , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: August 2020

Background: Various parts of Garcinia mangostana Linn, including its pericarp have been traditionally used to treat different types of diseases. This study was carried out to determine the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of G. mangostana pericarp extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis. Methods: The G. mangostana ethanolic pericarp extract was screened for the anti-Acanthamoeba activity and determined its minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) by the microdilution method. Then, the time-kill kinetic assay of the extract was determined. The synergistic effect of G. mangostana extract and chlorhexidine was performed using the checkerboard method. Parasite morphology was detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: The MICs of extract were assessed on trophozoites and cysts with 250 and 4000 µg/mL, respectively. More so, at 2×MIC of extract exhibited inhibitory activity against trophozoites and cyst of A. triangularis for up to 7 days. Checkerboard assays showed synergistic activity of extract (500-1000 μg/mL) plus chlorhexidine (3.90-15.62 μg/mL) at a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.18-0.37. The lowest FICI (0.18) displayed good synergism resulting in up to 16-fold reduction of drug MIC and reducing to 8-fold of extract MIC. The viability of cysts decreased to 12.28±3.03 cells/mL. FICI interpretation equal to 1 is considered an additive effect on Acanthamoeba trophpzoites. The SEM results clearly showed that Acanthamoeba cells treated with a single drug of chlorhexidine and its combination with G. mangostana extract caused cell membrane damage and irregular cell shapes comparing with the control. Conclusion: A good combinatorial relationship displayed by G. mangostana extract and chlorhexidine suggest a more reliable evidenced based therapeutic strategy. Therefore, this approach is promising and could be employed as an alternative treatment method for the management of Acanthamoeba infection.
Availability and Breeding Preferences of Aedes Mosquitoes in Fifteen High Altitude Localities, Maekel Region, Eritrea: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Haile Kibreab Tesfamicael , Tsegai Meron Berhe , Sielu Feven Negusse , Weldu Liya Tekle , Nesserab Tesfit Brhane , Tesfamariam Eyasu Habte
Published: August 2020

Background: Even-though dengue fever suspicion started to surface in the high altitude localities of Zoba Maekel, presence of the vector has not been studied. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the availability of Aedes mosquitoes, their breeding preferences, and level of infestation in fifteen localities of this region.Methods: Inspection of all water holding containers, in 740 systematically selected households of fifteen localities, was done identifying immature stages of Aedes mosquitoes. All immatures were then, classified, reared and identified using taxonomic keys. Breeding preferences ratio and infestation indices were calculated.Results: In this study Aedes Aegypti mosquito was found in four localities, whereas mosquito of other Aedes specie was identified in twelve localities. Out of all the households inspected 51 were positive for Aedes immature. All indoor containers studied were free of Aedes infestation, whilst 53 of 874 outdoor containers were infested by Aedes larvae and pupae. In this study, discarded tyres were found to have the highest breeding preference ratio (2.11) and pupal productivity (40%). Plastic barrels had the highest positivity (42%) and were the second most productive type of container (28%). The Household, Container and Breteau Indices of more than half of the localities were higher than the high transmission risk thresholds.Conclusion: The study indicated possibilities of local dengue fever transmission in the studied areas. Hence, in depth confirmative studies should be considered and strategic preventive actions should be commenced in regard to the most preferred sites such as discarded tyres.
Exploring Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Euphorbiae Semen on Reversing of Multidrug Resistance in Leukemia Based on Network Pharmacology Strategy and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: Song Xiao , Guo Fei , Sun Xiao-Chen , Wang Shu-Yue , Yuan Yao-Hui , Zhang Chao , Lv Hua-Ying , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2020

Background: Leukemia was listed by the World Health Organization as one of the five most intractable diseases in the world. The multi-drug resistance (MDR) of leukemia cells limits the efficacy of anti-tumor drugs and is the major reason for the chemotherapy failure and recurrence of leukemia chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that Euphorbiae semen (ES) possesses the characteristics of new therapeutic drugs for MDR. However, the molecular mechanisms and active compounds have not yet been fully clarified. Therefore, there is a need for explore its active compounds and demonstrate its mechanisms through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Method: First, the TCMSP database was searched and screened the active compounds of the ES, supplemented with compounds verified by literature, so as to further identify the core compounds in the active ingredient. Simultaneously, the TCMSP and Swiss database were searched to the targets of active compounds, and the targets of reverses leukemia multidrug resistance (RL-MDR) were screened in the relevant databases, such as GeneCards and DrugBank. Then, the targets of active compounds were intersected with RL-MDR targets to obtain potential targets of ES acting on MDR. The compound–target network was constructed by Cytoscape. The target protein–protein interaction network was built using STRING and Cytoscape database. Second, the R language and DAVID database were used to analyse Gene Ontology (GO) biological functions analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathways enrichment. Finally, molecular docking method was utilized to investigate the binding activity between the core targets and the active compounds of ES.Results: Compound–target network mainly contained 22 compounds and 81 corresponding targets. Finally, seven components in ES were selected and 10 core targets were identified; Key targets contained JUN, CASP3, MAOA, AR, PPARG, DRD2, ADRA2A, CHRM2, PTGS2 and MAPK14. GO enrichment analysis indicated the main biological functions of potential genes of ES in the treatment of MDR. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed the main pathways, mainly including apoptosis, pathways in cancer, p53 signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and PI3K–Akt signaling pathway. Finally, we chose the top 10 common targets for molecular docking with the 7 active compounds of ES. The results of molecular docking indicated that the compounds of ES, which had good affinity with targets. Conclusion: The molecular mechanism of ES in the treatment of MDR showed the synergistic reaction of multi-compound, multi-target, and multi-pathway of traditional Chinese medicine, which provided ideas for further clinical research.
Network Pharmacology-based Approach to Comparatively Predict the Active Ingredients and Molecular Targets of Compound Xueshuantong Capsule and Hexuemingmu Tablet in the Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Xin Danli , Zhan Zongyi , Li Zijing
Published: August 2020

Background

Compound Xueshuantong capsule (CXC) and Hexuemingmu tablet (HXMMT) are two important Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) frequently used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), especially when complicated with vitreous hemorrhage (VH). However, a network pharmacology approach to understand the therapeutic mechanisms of these two CPMs in PDR has not been applied. The aim of the study was to identify differences in active ingredients between CXC and HXMMT and to comparatively predict and further analyze the molecular targets shared by these CPMs and PDR.
Materials and methods

The differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) between normal retinal tissues in healthy individuals and active fibrovascular membranes in PDR patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The active ingredients of CXC and HXMMT and the targets of these ingredients were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. The intersections of the CPM (CXC and HXMMT) targets and PDR targets were determined. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, and the ingredient-target networks, protein-protein interaction networks and KEGG-target (KEGG-T) networks were constructed.
Results

There CXC contains 4 herbal drugs in CXC, and HXMMT contains 19. Radix salviae is the only herbal drug common to both. CXC had 34 potential therapeutic targets in PDR, while HXMMT had these 34 and 10 additional targets. Both CPMs shared the following main processes: response to reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, regulation of blood vessel diameter and size, vasoconstriction, smooth muscle contraction, hemostasis and blood coagulation. The shared pathways included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, etc.
Conclusions

Both CXC and HXMMT include components effective in treating PDR. Radix salviae, the only herbal drug common to both CPMs, contains many useful active ingredients. HXMMT has more therapeutic targets shared by different active ingredients and more abundant gene functions than CXC. Moreover, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications was the most significantly enriched pathway in both networks. However, these findings should be verified through further research.
Renal pelvis metastasis from lung cancer with extension of renal venous thrombus: a case report and literature review
Authors: Bai Shengjiang , Lai Li , Shi Ming , Xu Hang , Lei Haoran , Zheng Weitao , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: August 2020

Background Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) rarely metastases to the renal pelvis, especially with renal venous tumor thrombus, we presented the first case of a NSCLC patient with renal pelvis metastasis and renal venous invasion.Case presentation A 50-year-old man was referred to the thoracic facility after experiencing a healthy examination revealing solitary pulmonary mass in the left lung, he received surgery of left upper lobe resection and hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes dissection at our hospital in June 2016. Postoperative histopathologic diagnosis was NSCLC (pT3N0M0), and regular follow-up was performed after operation. After eighteen months, he was referred to the urology facility complaining of visible hematuria and pain in the right waist. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) indicated a neoplasm in the right renal pelvis, and filling coloboma could be seen in the right renal vein during the CT enhancement period. Simultaneously two nodules were found in his right lung. He received radical nephrectomy (RN) for the right kidney and removal of renal venous thrombus in December 2017. The neoplasm occupying the right pelvis and the solid ingredient occupying the right renal venous lumen were histologically considered as a metastatic carcinoma from the NSCLC. Icotinib Hydrochloride Tablets were adminstrated to treat nodules in the right lung since the RN. According to the last re-examination in March 2020, the efficacy was evaluated as partial remission.Conclusions Renal venous invasion of renal tumor not only occurs in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), but also can be seen in the state of metastasis. Acquiring correct preoperative diagnosis is of great importance in determining proper treatment strategies. Besides, the aggressive RN for patients suffering advanced metastatic carcinoma of renal pelvis is safe under perfect perioperative management and favorable to treat metastatic carcinoma in other sites.
Prognostic factors of disease-free survival in postoperative patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: luo panquan , zhang lixiang , chen lei , wang gang , zhu hai , zhou baichuan , han wenxiu , xu aman
Published: August 2020

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the hepatocyte with high risk of invasion, metastasis and poor prognosis, which leads to a high mortality rate in recent years. This study aims to investigate the independent prognosis factors of DFS(disease free survival) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radical hepatectomy.Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 358 patients admitted to the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical College from December 2009 to December 2014. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test. The survival curve was plotted by kaplan-meier method and tested by log-rank method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors.Results Among the 344 patients with liver cancer, 298 cases (86.63%) are young patients (< 70 years), and 46 cases (13.37%) were elderly patients (≥ 70 years). There were no significant difference in gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, Body Mass Index (BMI), number of cancer nodules, tumor diameter, differentiation degree and TNM stage between the young and elderly groups (P > 0.05). However, history of hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis were more common in young patients than elderly (P=0.017, P༝0.000). The Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that elderly patients (higher than 70 years), TNM I-II stage and no history of hepatitis B had longer DFS. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age, TNM stage, History of hepatitis B were the independent factors for DFS.Conclusions Our findings suggested that age, TNM stage, history of hepatitis B were independent factors for predicting DFS of primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Patients older than 70 years had a better prognosis than young patients. Patients with early TNM stage and no history of hepatitis B had longer DFS.
GIS based Landslide Hazard Zonation Mapping by Weighted Overlay Method on the Road Corridor of North Sikkim Himalayas, India
Authors: Koley Bappaditya , Nath Anindita , Bhattacharya Srabanti , Saraswati Subhajit , Ray Bidhan Chandra
Published: August 2020

Landslide Hazards Zonation Mapping is a major tool for the geographer, geologist, ground engineer, and land-use planner for landslide prevention strategies. The main outcome of the present study is to prepare a Landslide Hazards Zonation Map of the region along the North Sikkim Road Corridor in Sikkim Himalayas, an area highly vulnerable to the landslides. The initial step of this study is involved preparation of input raster layers of the landslide controlling factors. Seven controlling factors are selected for this purpose. These controlling factor-like slope, aspect, lithology, faults, river alignment, road network, and land-use are through Geographic Information System software using multi-criteria analysis. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to determine the weightage of the various causative factors. Weighted Overlay Method is used for the assignment of ranks and weights to each factor. The Landslide Hazard Zonation Index is then estimated with the help of a multi-criteria analysis based on assigned rank and weight given by the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Finally, Landslide Hazard Zonation Mapping is done along the study area road corridor. Based on Hazards Index, the study area is classified into four hazard zones and classified as Very High (12.12%), High (40%), Moderate (37.20%), and Low Hazard Zones (10.68%). This zonation map is helpful for landslide hazard prevention, mitigation, proper planning of tourism and land-use management, and social development along the North Sikkim Road Corridor.
Determinant Factors of Farmer’s Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Land Management Practices Evidence with Homosha Benishangul Gumuz Region: Application with Multinomial Logit Model, Mixed Logit Model, and Conditional Logit Model
Authors: Takele Melaku Tarekegn , Umer Mehammed Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

The study examines factors affecting farmer’s willingness to pay for sustainable land management practices in Ethiopia, The study uses primary data collected from 200 households randomly selected from four kebeles of districts in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz regional state with 4,800 observations (eight choices for each household). The choice experiment design was done using the R software to efficiently generate an attribute and level combination using fractional factorial design. Data were analyzed using discrete choice models including multinomial logit model, mixed logit model, and conditional logit model using STAT-14. The findings showed that households were aware of the effects of using SLM and benefits of using a bundle of SLM. However, they were challenged by the costs of implementing a bundle of SLM and technologies related to it. Moreover, mean willingness to pay estimates is about 844 to 2540 birr and in case of total willingness to pay households is not less than 66% for a bundle of SLM. Crop-rotation attributes levels are negatively and significantly affect decision for SLM, while conserve-agriculture positively and significantly affects households' decision to adopt a bundle of SLM. Socio-economic (the type of crop, land size, land form, livestock, awareness about SLM and technologies) variables are found to be factors that determine decision to adopt SLM.
Association Between Antecedent Statin Use and Decreased Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Gupta Aakriti , Madhavan Mahesh V. , Poterucha Timothy J. , DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Hennessey Jessica A. , Redfors Bjorn , Eckhardt Christina , Bikdeli Behnood , Platt Jonathan , Nalbandian Ani , Elias Pierre , Cummings Matthew J. , Nouri Shayan N. , Lawlor Matthew , Ranard Lauren S. , Li Jianhua , Boyle Claudia , Givens Raymond , Brodie Daniel , Krumholz Harlan M. , Stone Gregg W. , Sethi Sanjum S. , Burkhoff Daniel , Uriel Nir , Schwartz Allan , Leon Martin B. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Wan Elaine Y. , Parikh Sahil A.
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can result in a hyperinflammatory state, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), myocardial injury, and thrombotic complications, among other sequelae. Statins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties, have been studied in the setting of other viral infections and ARDS, but their benefit has not been assessed in COVID-19. Thus, we sought to determine whether antecedent statin use is associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with COVID-19 from February 1st through May 12th, 2020 with study period ending on June 11th, 2020. Antecedent statin use was assessed using medication information available in the electronic medical record. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to predict the propensity of receiving statins, adjusting for baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and outpatient medications. The primary endpoint included in-hospital mortality within 30 days. A total of 2626 patients were admitted during the study period, of whom 951 (36.2%) were antecedent statin users. Among 1296 patients (648 statin users, 648 non-statin users) identified with 1:1 propensity-score matching, demographic, baseline, and outpatient medication information were well balanced. Statin use was significantly associated with lower odds of the primary endpoint in the propensity-matched cohort (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36 – 0.64, p<0.001). We conclude that antecedent statin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with lower inpatient mortality. Randomized clinical trials evaluating the utility of statin therapy in patients with COVID-19 are needed.
Self-blame regret, fear of COVID-19 and mental health during post-peak pandemic
Authors: Belen Hacer
Published: August 2020

The novel Coronavirus pandemic caused strong negative emotions including fear, and stress and impacted in mental health of individuals worldwide. One of the emotions linked with mental health and infectious disease is self-blame regret. Thus, current study investigated the role of fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress in the relationship between self-blame regret and depression. A community sample of 352 individuals in Turkey (71 % female and 29 % males), ranged between in age18 and 63 (M= 28.90±8.90), completed fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S), perceived stress (PSS-10), DASS-21 scales and responded to one item concerning the self-blame regret. Results demonstrated that self-blame regret is positively correlated with fear of COVID-19, perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Moreover, serial multiple mediation analyses demonstrated that both fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress mediated in the relationship between self-blame regret and depression. Findings and implications are discussed.
Prediction of triptolide targets in colorectal cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Song Xinqiang , Zhang Yu , Dai Erqin , Zhang Qiyue , Zheng Nongyi , Wang Lei , Du Hongtao
Published: August 2020

Network pharmacology is an approach that uses bioinformatics to predict and identify multiple drug targets and interactions in disease. Here, we applied network pharmacology to investigate the potential mechanisms of action of triptolide, an active component in the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, in colorectal cancer (CRC). We first searched public databases for genes and proteins known to be associated with CRC, as well as those predicted to be targets of triptolide, and then used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify enriched gene pathways and networks. Networks and pathways that overlapped between CRC-associated proteins and triptolide target proteins were then used to predict candidate protein targets of triptolide in CRC. The following proteins were found to be expressed in both CRC-associated networks and triptolide target networks: JUN, FOS, CASP3, BCL2, IFNG, and VEGFA. Docking studies suggested that triptolide can fit in the binding pocket of the four top candidate triptolide target proteins (CASP3, BCL2, VEGFA and IFNG). The overlapping pathways were activation of neuroinflammation signaling, glucocorticoid receptor signaling, T helper (Th) cell differentiation, Th1/Th2 activation, and colorectal cancer metastasis signaling. These results show that network pharmacology can be used to generate hypotheses about how triptolide exerts therapeutic effects in CRC. Network pharmacology may be a useful method for characterizing multi-target drugs in complex diseases.
Immiscible-melt inclusions in corundum megacrysts: Microanalyses and geological implications
Authors: Xu Xi-Sheng , Chen Xiao-Ming , Griffin William L. , O'Reilly Suzanne Y. , Zhang Xi-Song , Chen Li-Hui
Published: August 2020

Controversies on the origin of zircon, corundum, titanomagnetite, and quartz megacrysts in alkali basalts mostly reflect the lack of direct evidence of a “melt reservoir” required for their formation. Various mineral megacrysts are carried up by Cenozoic (mostly younger than 25 Ma) alkali basalts that extend more than 4000 km along eastern China. Here we report unusual inclusions in corundum megacrysts from Changle, and we attribute their origin to the existence of a FeO*-SiO2-Al2O3-ZrO2-rich melt. The inclusions, analyzed using electron microprobe and Raman microscopy, may be divided into two types. Type I inclusions are dominated by glassy materials, may exhibit a dark part in backscattered eletron (BSE) images composed of quartz, corundum, and an amorphous substance (AS-1), and a bright part in BSE images composed of baddeleyite and a second distinct amorphous substance (AS-2). Compared with AS-1, AS-2 has higher concentrations of ZrO2 and FeO* but lower concentrations of Al2O3 and SiO2. We argue that the formation temperature of Type I inclusions is ~1200 °C, and the generation of their bright and dark parts in BSE images may be attributed to the coexistence of immiscible melts. Type II inclusions are composed of zircon, quartz, and an amorphous substance (AS-3). Both types of inclusions might be derived from a similar parent melt, which is FeO*-SiO2-Al2O3-ZrO2-rich. New secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) in situ U-Pb ages of 18 Ma and 13–14 Ma for zircon inclusions suggest that the corundum megacrysts, occurring in basaltic host rocks distributed along the middle segment of the north and south-trending Tanlu fault zone, formed from precursor residual magmas related to underplating basalts stalled at the crust-mantle boundary, and were brought to the surface by entrainment in later basalts. This study provides new insights into the genesis of the corundum-related megacryst suite.
Consumer storytelling as an element of word-of-mouth communication of nostalgic brands: evidence from Poland
Authors: Grębosz-Krawczyk Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, brand storytelling is an important element of successful brand management on the business-to-consumer market. Based on brand storytelling, consumers create their own brand stories. Therefore, consumer storytelling becomes an essential component of word-of-mouth communication. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the possibility of using consumer storytelling as an element of word-of-mouth communication of nostalgic brands. The results of the empirical studies concerning 24 international and Polish, generational and transgenerational nostalgic brands, conducted among 1,000 Polish consumers, are presented. The research is based on a personal interview technique, an online survey technique and a focus group interview. Research results confirm that nostalgic brands – that reflect personal history – generate stories more often than their non-nostalgic counterparts. Consumer storytelling is more common among older respondents. Consumers create stories about nostalgic brands and are happy to share them. Given the strength of consumer storytelling, it is worth encouraging consumers to share stories about the brand that can be an important element of word-of-mouth communication. AcknowledgementThe research project was funded by the National Science Centre (project Opus 9, No. 2015/17/B/HS4/00945, “Nostalgia in brand management”) for the period 2016–2020.
New Ultra Low Volume Bowel Preparation and Overview of Existing Bowel Preparations
Authors: Htet Hein , Segal Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Background:

Adequate bowel cleansing is essential in achieving a good quality colonoscopy. However, one of the barriers to achieving high-quality bowel cleansing is the patient's tolerability. Different bowel preparations have been developed to improve tolerability while maintaining adequate bowel cleansing.

Objectives:

We aim to explore the pros and cons of commonly used bowel preparations, particularly highlighting the new ultra-low volume bowel preparation.

Methods:

Extensive literature search was carried out on various databases to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of different bowel cleansing agents, including findings of recent clinical trials on ultra-low bowel preparation.

Results:

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been commonly used as a bowel prep. Due to its high volume required to ingest to achieve an adequate effect, it has been combined with various adjuncts to reduce the volume to make it more tolerable. Magnesium and phosphate-based preps can achieve low volume, but they can be associated with multiple side effects, mainly electrolyte disturbances. Ultra low volume prep (NER1006) was achieved by combing PEG with ascorbic acid, and its efficacy and side effects were demonstrated in three noninferiority studies.

Conclusion:

It is important to consider patient preferences, co-morbidities and tolerability, and efficacy and side effect profiles when choosing bowel prep for patients undergoing colonoscopy. New ultra-low bowel prep showed promising results in initial clinical trials, but further real-world post-marketing data will inform its value in clinical practice.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Roles in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19
Authors: Kenarkoohi Azra , Maleki Maryam , Safari Tahereh , Kaffashian Mohammad Reza , Saljoughi Fateme , Sohrabipour Shahla
Published: August 2020

The new pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a wide range of clinical
consequences, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory failure, and it is very heterogeneous.
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is well recognized as a key regulating system in circulatory
homeostasis that plays prominent roles in pathophysiological processes in abnormal activation,
for instance, renal and cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and stroke. Angiotensin-converting enzyme
2(ACE2) is a component of the RAS system. However, unlike the ACE, its activity is not inhibited
by the ACE inhibitors. The major product of ACE2 is Ang1-7, known as a vasodilator peptide
and part of the depressant arm of the RAS. There are two forms of ACE2; Transmembrane
ACE2 and soluble ACE2. Coronavirus is covered with some proteins in order to help viral attachment
to the cell membrane ACE2 as a receptor and then fuse and enter the cells. ACE2 was expressed
in the oral cavity, salivary glands of the mouth, esophagus, myocardial cells, kidney, and
enterocytes, along with all the respiratory tract, intestine, and blood vessels. In this article, the renin-
angiotensin system and its components have been explained. Moreover, the organs involved in
COVID-19 disease, and the possible causes of damage to these organs have also been discussed.
The probable mechanism of using ACE2 in viral attachment and the probable treatment processes
will also be reviewed based on the surface proteins of the virus and ACE2. In addition, we briefly
discuss anti-angiotensin drugs and why patients with chronic diseases are more susceptible to
COVID-19 infection and show worse progression.
Drug Utilization in Critically Ill Adults with Augmented Renal Clearance Compared to Normal Renal Clearance: Implications for use of Antimicrobials with Predominant Renal Excretion
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Pasha Sheikh A.A. , Qader Ali M. , Hasan Hasan M.S.N. , ElSeirafi Mohamed M.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Critically ill adults have augmented renal clearance, (ARC) decreasing the systemic circulation
of drugs with predominant renal elimination. The phenomenon of ARC is crucial for antimicrobial drugs as it hinders with
the therapeutic response and aids the development of antimicrobial resistance. We carried out the present study to assess
the impact of ARC in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational study carried out in critically ill patients with normal serum creatinine
without any history of renal disease. Details on their demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, laboratory
parameters including trough levels of vancomycin and gentamicin, ICU length of stay and clinical outcomes (discharged
alive/death) were obtained. Creatinine clearance (Crcl) was estimated from 24-hour urine creatinine. Monte Carlo
simulation test with 100000 iterations was used for predicting serum vancomycin trough levels with the observed Crcl.

Results:

Eighty patients were recruited in the study of which 52.5% had ARC. Patients in younger
age and body weight were observed with a trend to have ARC. No significant differences were
observed in any of the drug classes prescribed between patients with and without ARC, including
the systemic antimicrobials. Although the observed serum trough levels of vancomycin in patients
with ARC did not differ significantly from those without ARC, Monte Carlo simulation predicted
that 90% of patients with ARC were likely to have trough levels between 5.63 and 7.85 mg/dl,
while those without ARC may have it between 7.75 to 9.82 mg/dl.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of critically ill adults exhibit ARC and such patients are more
likely to achieve lower trough concentrations of vancomycin than recommended. All critically ill
adults with normal serum creatinine have to be screened for ARC using urine creatinine as soon as
possible for appropriate adjustment in the dosage regimen of antimicrobials with predominant renal
elimination.
DNA Methylation in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Current Data and Future Perspectives
Authors: Papakonstantinou Efthymia , Androutsopoulos Georgios , Logotheti Souzana , Adonakis Georgios , Maroulis Ioannis , Tzelepi Vassiliki
Published: August 2020

:

Ovarian cancer is an aggressive disease and only a few cases are diagnosed at early stages due to the absence of
symptoms. Τhe majority of malignant ovarian tumors (>90%) are of epithelial origin and subdivided in five histological
sybtypes with different molecular pathogenesis and clinical behavior. High-grade serous ovarian cancer is the most
common subtype (70%), however, the different histotypes of ovarian cancer should be viewed as separate diseases both
clinically and in biomarker studies. At present, surgical debulking and platinum/taxane - based chemotherapy is the
standard of care for epithelial ovarian cancer. Most patients show initial response to this therapeutic approach, but the
majority of them experience disease recurrence at which point cure is no longer possible, due to acquired resistance in
those chemotherapeutic regimens. Nevertheless, the current treatment model is still a “one size fits all” approach.
Epigenetic modifications represent heritable modifications in gene expression without alteration of the DNA sequence.
DNA methylation is the best studied epigenetic mechanism and in epithelial ovarian cancer, the methylenome is widely
altered. In addition, patterns of DNA methylation may represent potential diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as
markers predictive of chemoresistance and potential therapeutic targets. This article systematically reviews the
complicated era of DNA methylation in ovarian carcinoma and summarizes the current implications and future
perspectives of its use as a screening, diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tool as well as in personalized cancer therapy.
Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Developmental Experiences: Do Role Definitions Moderate the Relationship?
Authors: Moideenkutty Unnikammu
Published: August 2020

Data from 136 supervisor-subordinate dyads indicated that Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) was positively related to developmental experiences after controlling for In-Role Performance (IRP). Results also indicated that when supervisors had broad role definitions, the relationship between OCB and developmental experiences was non-significant. On the other hand, when supervisors had narrow role definitions, there was a significant positive relationship between OCB and developmental experiences reported by employees.
Stadium Foods Company
Authors: Skripak Stephen J.
Published: August 2020

Stadium Foods Company (SFC) is a manufacturer of processed meat products located in Pittsburgh. SFC was launched in 1962 by the Booth family, who purchased a bankrupt company to gain access to existing manufacturing scale. SFC used the wide appeal of sports and the clear consumer tie-in of hot dogs to sporting events to build its Stadium frankfurter brand into one of the best known packaged meat products of the 1970’s. A large consumer products company, Diversified Foods, had purchased SFC in 1986, after which the performance had steadily declined to the point where Diversified had decided to fold the division into a sister company and eliminate the management overhead. Diversified reversed course the day before the announcement was to have become public, and brought in a new management team in the hopes of turning around the performance of SFC.
Serious Game on a Smartphone for Adolescents Undergoing Hemodialysis: Development and Evaluation
Authors: Santana Cristina Célia De Almeida Pereira , Freitas Ana Tereza Vaz De Souza , Oliveira Barreto Gilson , Sousa De Avelar Igor , Mazaro-Costa Renata , Bueno Gina Nolêto , Ribeiro Diuly Caroline , Damasceno Silva Gabriela , Naghettini Alessandra Vitorino
Published: August 2020

Background

Adolescents with chronic kidney disease have a hard time adhering to hemodialysis as a therapy, indicating a need to establish new alternatives for motivation and adherence to treatment.

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a serious game to stimulate and motivate adolescents undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

We describe the technological production followed by a qualitative analysis. We invited 8 adolescents undergoing hemodialysis in the city Goiânia, located in the midwest of Brazil, to participate. The final convenience sample included 7 (87.5% of the target population) adolescents. The process was conducted in 3 phases: creation of a serious game, evaluation of its use, and observation of its motivating effect on behavioral modification with a focus on acquiring the necessary competence for self-care.

Results

An app (Bim) in the modality of a serious game was developed to be used during hemodialysis; the player was encouraged to take care of a character with daily actions during his or her treatment. The game was made available to adolescents aged 10-14 years. Mobile devices were offered during the hemodialysis treatment for a period of 30-40 minutes, 3 times a week for 60 days. The usage definitions of the game were freely chosen by the participants. The qualitative evaluation of the use of the Bim app showed that it encompasses scenarios and activities that enable the exercise of daily actions for the treatment of patients. The behavioral evaluation showed that the Bim app worked as a motivating stimulus for behavioral adherence to hemodialysis requirements.

Conclusions

The easy-to-access app interface showed good operability for its users. The description of the character and proposed activities contributed to motivation and ability to cope with hemodialysis care.
User Perspectives of Mood-Monitoring Apps Available to Young People: Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Widnall Emily , Grant Claire Ellen , Wang Tao , Cross Lauren , Velupillai Sumithra , Roberts Angus , Stewart Robert , Simonoff Emily , Downs Johnny
Published: August 2020

Background

Mobile health apps are increasingly available and used in a clinical context to monitor young people’s mood and mental health. Despite the benefits of accessibility and cost-effectiveness, consumer engagement remains a hurdle for uptake and continued use. Hundreds of mood-monitoring apps are publicly available to young people on app stores; however, few studies have examined consumer perspectives. App store reviews held on Google and Apple platforms provide a large, rich source of naturally generated, publicly available user reviews. Although commercial developers use these data to modify and improve their apps, to date, there has been very little in-depth evaluation of app store user reviews within scientific research, and our current understanding of what makes apps engaging and valuable to young people is limited.

Objective

This study aims to gain a better understanding of what app users consider useful to encourage frequent and prolonged use of mood-monitoring apps appropriate for young people.

Methods

A systematic approach was applied to the selection of apps and reviews. We identified mood-monitoring apps (n=53) by a combination of automated application programming interface (API) methods. We only included apps appropriate for young people based on app store age categories (apps available to those younger than 18 years). We subsequently downloaded all available user reviews via API data scraping methods and selected a representative subsample of reviews (n=1803) for manual qualitative content analysis.

Results

The qualitative content analysis revealed 8 main themes: accessibility (34%), flexibility (21%), recording and representation of mood (18%), user requests (17%), reflecting on mood (16%), technical features (16%), design (13%), and health promotion (11%). A total of 6 minor themes were also identified: notification and reminders; recommendation; privacy, security, and transparency; developer; adverts; and social/community.

Conclusions

Users value mood-monitoring apps that can be personalized to their needs, have a simple and intuitive design, and allow accurate representation and review of complex and fluctuating moods. App store reviews are a valuable repository of user engagement feedback and provide a wealth of information about what users value in an app and what user needs are not being met. Users perceive mood-monitoring apps positively, but over 20% of reviews identified the need for improvement.
Digital Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hassounah Marwah , Raheel Hafsa , Alhefzi Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Background

The first case of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia was confirmed on March 3, 2020. Saudi Arabia, like many other countries worldwide, implemented lockdown of most public and private services in response to the pandemic and established population movement restrictions nationwide. With the implementation of these strict mitigation regulations, technology and digital solutions have enabled the provision of essential services.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to highlight how Saudi Arabia has used digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic in the domains of public health, health care services, education, telecommunication, commerce, and risk communication.

Methods

We documented the use of digital technology in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic using publicly available official announcements, press briefings and releases, news clips, published data, peer-reviewed literature, and professional discussions.

Results

Saudi Arabia’s government and private sectors combined developed and launched approximately 19 apps and platforms that serve public health functions and provide health care services. A detailed account of each is provided. Education processes continued using an established electronic learning infrastructure with a promising direction toward wider adoption in the future. Telecommunication companies exhibited smooth collaboration as well as innovative initiatives to support ongoing efforts. Risk communication activities using social media, websites, and SMS text messaging followed best practice guides.

Conclusions

The Saudi Vision 2030 framework, released in 2017, has paved the path for digital transformation. COVID-19 enabled the promotion and testing of this transition. In Saudi Arabia, the use of artificial intelligence in integrating different data sources during future outbreaks could be further explored. Also, decreasing the number of mobile apps and merging their functions could increase and facilitate their use.
QueerVIEW: Protocol for a Technology-Mediated Qualitative Photo Elicitation Study With Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Ontario, Canada (Preprint)
Authors: Craig Shelley L , Eaton Andrew D , Pascoe Rachael , Egag Egag , McInroy Lauren B , Fang Lin , Austin Ashley , Dentato Michael P
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The experiences of resilience and intersectionality in the lives of contemporary sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are important to explore. SGMY face unique experiences of discrimination in both online and offline environments, yet simultaneously build community and seek support in innovative ways. SGMY who identify as transgender, trans, or gender nonconforming and have experiences with child welfare, homelessness, or immigration have been particularly understudied. A qualitative exploration that leverages technology may derive new understanding of the negotiations of risk, resilience, and identity intersections that impact the well-being of vulnerable SGMY.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the QueerVIEW study were to (1) enhance understanding of SGMY identities, both online and offline, (2) identify experiences of intersectionality among culturally, regionally, and racially diverse SGMY in Ontario, Canada, (3) explore online and offline sources of resilience for SGMY, and (4) develop and apply a virtual photo elicitation methodological approach.

METHODS

This is the first study to pilot a completely virtual approach to a photo elicitation investigation with youth, including data collection, recruitment, interviewing, and analysis. Recruited through social media, SGMY completed a brief screening survey, submitted 10 to 15 digital photos, and then participated in an individual semistructured interview that focused on their photos and related life experiences. Online data collection methods were employed through encrypted online file transfer and secure online interviews. Data is being analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory approach, with six coders participating in structured online meetings that triangulated photo, video, and textual data.

RESULTS

Data collection with 30 participants has been completed and analyses are underway. SGMY expressed appreciation for the photo elicitation and online design of the study and many reported experiencing an emotional catharsis from participating in this process. It is anticipated that results will form a model of how participants work toward integrating their online and offline experiences and identities into developing a sense of themselves as resilient.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol presents an innovative, technology-enabled qualitative study that completely digitized a popular arts-based methodology—photo elicitation—that has potential utility for contemporary research with marginalized populations. The research design and triangulated analyses can generate more nuanced conceptualizations of SGMY identities and resilience than more traditional approaches. Considerations for conducting online research may be useful for other qualitative research.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/20547
“Down the Rabbit Hole” of Vaccine Misinformation on YouTube: Network Exposure Study (Preprint)
Authors: Tang Lu , Fujimoto Kayo , Amith Muhammad (Tuan) , Cunningham Rachel , Costantini Rebecca A , York Felicia , Xiong Grace , Boom Julie A , Tao Cui
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Social media platforms such as YouTube are hotbeds for the spread of misinformation about vaccines.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore how individuals are exposed to antivaccine misinformation on YouTube based on whether they start their viewing from a keyword-based search or from antivaccine seed videos.

METHODS

Four networks of videos based on YouTube recommendations were collected in November 2019. Two search networks were created from provaccine and antivaccine keywords to resemble goal-oriented browsing. Two seed networks were constructed from conspiracy and antivaccine expert seed videos to resemble direct navigation. Video contents and network structures were analyzed using the network exposure model.

RESULTS

Viewers are more likely to encounter antivaccine videos through direct navigation starting from an antivaccine video than through goal-oriented browsing. In the two seed networks, provaccine videos, antivaccine videos, and videos containing health misinformation were all found to be more likely to lead to more antivaccine videos.

CONCLUSIONS

YouTube has boosted the search rankings of provaccine videos to combat the influence of antivaccine information. However, when viewers are directed to antivaccine videos on YouTube from another site, the recommendation algorithm is still likely to expose them to additional antivaccine information.