bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical Cancer Screening Patterns Among HIV-positive Women in Estonia: A Population Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tisler Anna , OJAVEE Sven Erik , Veerus Piret , SOODLA Pilleriin , UUSKÜLA Anneli
Published: October 2020

IntroductionThe World Health Organisation (WHO) calls fot the elimination of cervical cancer (CC) as a public health issue. To achieve elimination, efforts must be aligned and accelerated. Women living with HIV (WLWH) have excess risk for developing and dying from CC over the general population. Estimates of cervical cancer screening (CCS) program coverage in Eastern European countries that have experienced HIV epidemics since early 2000s are scarce. MethodsThis population-based retrospective study uses healthcare administrative database and follows cohorts of all WLWH and in a ratio 1:3 randomly matched (age, region) HIV negative women from 2009-2018. Annual and longitudinal (over the whole study period) coverage for CCS (opportunistic, organised, HIV specific) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for longitudinal screening coverage predictors were estimated from 2009-2018.ResultsAmong WLWH and HIV negative women, the mean annual coverage with opportunistic screening was 61.45%, and 65.59%; organised screening 20.4%, and 28.7%, respectively (both: p<0.00001). 19.01% (95% CI 18.05-19.97) HIV negative and 13.9% (95% CI 12.35-15.45) WLWH were longitudinally covered with organised CCS. Among WLWH, the mean annual HIV specific CCS coverage was 49.4 % and 24.3% were longitudinally covered. Longitudinal coverage with HIV specific CCS was inversely associated with age, HCV co-infection AOR 0.754 (95% CI 0.619, 0.916), not having insurance AOR 0.331 (95% CI 0.264, 0.412), drug abuse (AOR 0.459, 95%CI 0.336, 0.618) and higher among those retained in HIV care AOR 1.972 (95% CI 1.615, 2.410). Among HIV negative women, longitudinal coverage with organised CCS was inversely associated with residence region and higher among older women. ConclusionsOur results highlight unacceptably low coverage of WLWH with cervical cancer screening in Estonia. There is a need for a dedicated cervical cancer screening efforts for WLWH considering the high cancer risk and rate in the study population.
A gapless, unambiguous metagenome-assembled genome variant of SARS-CoV-2 encoding a rare spike S813I substitution
Authors: Soliman May Sherif , AbdelFattah May , Aman Soad M. N. , Ibrahim Lamyaa M. , Aziz Ramy Karam
Published: October 2020

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing an unprecedented pandemic, threatening global health, lifestyle, and economy. Genomic surveillance continues to be a critical effort towards tracking and containing the virus. We here report the successful assembly of one single gapless, unambiguous contiguous sequence representing the complete viral genome from a nasopharyngeal swab of an infected healthcare worker in Cairo, Egypt. The genome has all typical features of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, with no protein-disrupting mutations; however, three mutations are worth highlighting and future tracking: a synonymous mutation causing a rare spike S-813-I variation) and two less frequent ones leading to an A41V variation in NSP3, encoded by ORF1a, and a Q677H variation in the spike protein. Both affected proteins, S and NSP3, are relevant to vaccine and drug development.
Program Evaluation of a Student-led Peer Support Service at a Canadian University
Authors: Suresh Rahul , Karkossa Zoe , Richard Jérémie , Karia Maharshee
Published: October 2020

Background: University/college campuses are a rigorous academic environment that also contain numerous financial, social and emotional stressors that often result in the deterioration of students’ mental health. The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a pilot project that was established to provide peer support to students in these stressful conditions. We wanted to investigate whether peer support is a viable form of support that would benefit university students. The objective of this study is to determine whether the organization was indeed providing a beneficial service to students and if it was fulfilling the needs of the students that visited the service.Methods: After a support session, students (also referred to as supportees) were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire regarding their self-reported mental wellbeing, their experience with previous professional mental health services, and their experience at the PSC. There weren’t any selection criteria for either the supportees or volunteers as the completion of the questionnaire was completely voluntary. Additionally, volunteers (also referred to as supporters) were asked to complete a similar questionnaire after conducting a support session. With the data collected from 1043 supportees and 797 volunteers from September 2016 – March 2020, a program evaluation was conducted for quality improvement purposes. The responses to the questionnaires were analysed by calculating the means, modes, standard deviations and performing Two-Sample t-tests.Results: The PSC is used by a wide variety of students of different sexes, genders, ethnicities. Students reported having a low ORS score, moderate anxiety as per the GAD-7 and moderate depression according to the PHQ-9. They find it easy to use and rely on it as an alternative form of support when they approach barriers that prevent them from accessing professional services. Lastly, the supporters feel very validated in their role and overall quite prepared and helpful when helping their fellow peers.Conclusions: The established of a service that delivers peer support would be beneficial to the students on a university or college campus as it can serve as a complement to professional services.
Clinical Analysis of Chronic Active EBV Infection with Coronary Artery Dilatation and Matched Case-control Study
Authors: Wei Ang , Ma Honghao , Zhang Liping , Li Zhigang , Guan Yitong , Zhang Qing , Wang Dong , Lian Hongyun , Zhang Rui , Wang Tianyou
Published: October 2020

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment, prognosis, and risk factors of chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) associated with coronary artery dilatation (CAD) in children.Methods Children with CAEBV associated with CAD hospitalized in Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from March 2016 to December 2019 were analyzed. At the same time, children with CAEBV without CAD were selected as the control group, matched by sex, age, treatment and admission time. The clinical manifestations, laboratory and ultrasonic examinations, treatment and prognosis of the children were collected in both groups.Results There were 10 children with CAEBV combined with CAD, accounting for 8.9% (10/112) of CAEBV patients at the same period, which including 6 males and 4 females, with onset age of 6.05 (2.8-14.3) years. The median follow-up time was 20 (6-48) months. All the patients had high copies of EBV-DNA in whole blood 1.18x107（1.90x105-3.96x107）copies/mL and plasma 1.81x104（1.54x103-1.76x106）copies/mL, and the Epstein-Barr virus encoded small RNA in biopsy was all positive. Among the 10 children, 8 had bilateral CAD, with 2 patients unilateral. After diagnosis, 7 children were treated with L-DEP chemotherapy in our hospital. After chemotherapy, four patients accepted allo-genetic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). The others were waiting for HSCT. By the end of the follow-up, CAD had returned to normal in 3 patients, and the time from diagnosis of CAD to recovery was 21 (18-68) d. The level of LDH, serum ferritin, TNF-α and IL-10 had statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.009, 0.008, 0.026 and 0.030). There were no significant differences in survival rate between the two groups (P=0.416).Conclusion The incidence of CAEBV with CAD was low. CAEBV with CAD did not influence the prognosis. Patients with CAEBV had high LDH, serum ferritin, TNF-α and IL-10 in the early onset were prone to have CAD.
The Impact of Government Debt on Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: YUSUF ABDULKARIM , Mohd. Saidatulakmal
Published: October 2020

The study investigated the effect of public debt on Nigeria’s economic growth using annual time series data from 1980-2018. In collecting, evaluating and interpreting secondary data relating to the study objective, the quantitative and ex-post facto research design was adopted. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag method was applied to assess the short and long-term linkages between economic growth and public debt indicators. The empirical results showed that external debt stock constituted an impediment to long-term growth but a short-run growth-enhancement effect. Domestic debt accretion had a noteworthy positive impact on long-term output growth, while its short-term effect was negative. In the long and short-term, debt service payments led to growth retardation, although the amount of foreign reserves greatly improved growth both in the long and short-run. The diagnostic tests results indicated no problems with non-normality, serial correlation, heteroscedasticity and error in the predicted model specification. The findings of this study suggest that concerted efforts should be made to boost domestic revenue generation and execute fiscal transformations that reduce public debt and deficit financing to a sustainable level, while ensuring that borrowed funds are deployed to support growth through productive and self-liquidating investments in principal sectors of the economy.
Quantifying ethnic segregation in cities through random walks
Authors: Sousa Sandro , Nicosia Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

Socioeconomic segregation is considered one of the main factors behind the emergence of large-scale inequalities in urban areas, and its characterisation is an active area of research in urban studies. There are currently many available measures of spatial segregation, but almost all of them either depend in non-trivial ways on the scale and size of the system under study, or mostly neglect the importance of large-scale spatial correlations, or depend on parameters which make it hard to compare different systems on equal grounds. We propose here two non-parametric measures of spatial variance and local spatial diversity, based on the statistical properties of the trajectories of random walks on graphs. We show that these two quantities provide a consistent and intuitive estimation of segregation of synthetic spatial patterns, and we use them to analyse and compare the ethnic segregation of large metropolitan areas in the US and the UK. The results confirm that the spatial variance and local diversity as measured through simple diffusion on graphs provides meaningful insights about the spatial organisation of ethnicities across a city, and allows us to efficiently compare the ethnic segregation of urban areas across the world irrespective of their size, shape, or peculiar microscopic characteristics.
Diversity and Community Structure of Biofilms Found on Stone Momument and Assessment of a Conservation Measure
Authors: Wang Yali , Zhang Huan , Liu Xiaoqing , Song Wei
Published: October 2020

The Leizhou area in the Guangdong province of China is famed for its unique folk art creation, the Leizhou stone dog momument, which is mainly made of basalt. Some of them have a history of more than two thousand years beginning from the Han dynasty. Since the stone dog is mostly seen in the outdoors, such as in fields, many of them have undergone biodeterioration due to lichen and fungi. This study explores measures to prevent biodeterioration and protect stone dogs from degradation. A portable microscope and SEM-EDS were used to observe and identify the micromorphology of the microbiology on the stone, and highthroughput Sequencing technique (Illumina sequencing of gene amplicons) was conducted to analyse the fungi diversity of the biofilm on the stone dogs. The results showed that the dominate fungi were Caloplaca, Trebouxia, Chaetomium, Clitopilus, Acanthostigma, Tolypocladium, Aspergillus, and Toxicocladosporium at the genus level. To control biodeterioration, three kinds of antimicrobials, BYS4002 mix BYB10073, KY-104, and Sino-307, were used for sterilization. After treating the samples for 2 years, BYS4002 mix BYB10073 was found to be the most effective resulting in no trace of lichen on the surface. Sino-307 was also good but revealed traces of lichen on the surface. KY-104 was found to have a very short bacteriostatic effect.
Methodology for the Triage of Urologic Surgical Cases in the Setting of a Pandemic
Authors: Aboumohamed Ahmed , Gottlieb Josh , DeMasi Matthew , Barry Emily , Watts Kara
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic forced our healthcare system in the Bronx, New York to cancel nearly all surgeries. With the possible second wave approaching, we developed a framework for the prioritization of Urologic surgeries that can be used as a model for those experiencing surges elsewhere. Methods: Each surgeon in the department was asked to rank their cancelled surgeries by priority (Level 1 – least urgent; Level 2 – moderately urgent; Level 3 – most urgent). A committee of urologists assigned a subclass to Level 3 and 2 cases (3a – least urgent; 3b – moderately urgent; 3c – most urgent; 2a – lower priority; 2b – higher priority). The committee then reviewed cases by urgency to arrive on a final priority ranking. Results: A total of 478 total cases were categorized: 250 Level 1, 130 Level 2, 98 Level 3 (73 adult, 25 pediatric). Level 3c involved renal cell carcinoma ≥ T2b, high-grade bladder urothelial carcinoma, adrenal mass/cancer > 6 cm, testicular cancer requiring radical orchiectomy, and penile cancer. Level 3b involved T2a renal masses requiring nephrectomy; high-risk prostate cancer and symptomatic nephrolithiasis were classified as 3a. Level 2 included testicular cancer requiring retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and complicated benign prostatic hyperplasia. Surgeries for urologic reconstruction, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence were considered Level 1.Conclusions: Our disease-specific approach to surgical rescheduling offers appropriate guidance for triaging Urologic surgeries. Our system can provide guidance to other institutions as COVID-19 surges in different regions and with the growing possibility of a second wave.
Ties in Tough Times: How social capital helps lower-income Jewish parents weather the economic hardship of COVID-19
Authors: Horwitz Ilana , Lascar Sasha
Published: October 2020

In this study, we examined how lower-income Jewish households in the Greater Philadelphia area fared in the five months following the start of COVID-19. We interviewed and surveyed 36 parents who self-identified as Jewish, had at least one school-age child, and had a household income of $75K or less. We looked at how social capital helped parents weather the economic hardship brought on by COVID-19. We argue that while bonding social capital could not help people with things like childcare or food preparation, it did help by facilitating linking social capital, which provided low-income parents material resources. While social ties can help parents get by in tough economic times and even weather-related disasters, it turns out the route social capital takes during a pandemic to provide its benefits is importantly different. We conclude by discussing how sheltering-in-place can threaten social capital.
Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors for mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and cancer history: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Sorouri Majid , Kasaeian Amir , Mojtabavi Helia , Radmard Amir Reza , Kolahdoozan Shadi , Anushiravani Amir , Khosravi Bardia , Pourabbas Seyed Mohammad , Eslahi Masoud , Sirusbakht Azin , Khodabakhshi Marjan , Motamedi Fatemeh , Azizi Fatemeh , Ghanbari Reza , Sima Ali Reza , Rad Soroush , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID-19 has caused great concern for patients with underlying medical conditions. We aimed to determine the prognosis of patients with current or previous cancer with either a PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection or a probable diagnosis according to chest CT scan.Methods: We conducted a case control study in a referral hospital on confirmed COVID-19 adult patients with and without a history of cancer from February25th to April21st, 2020. Patients were matched according to age, gender, and underlying diseases. Demographic features, clinical and Para clinical data have been extracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals of each factor of interest with outcomes. Results: Fifty-three confirmed COVID-19 patients with history of cancer were recruited and compared with 106 non-cancerous COVID-19 patients. Male to female ratio was 1.33 and 45% were older than 65. Dyspnea was significantly associated with an increased rate of mortality in the cancer subgroup (p=0.013). Twenty-six patients (49%) survived among the cancer group while 89 patients (84%) survived in control (p=0.000). Patients with hematologic cancer had 63% mortality while those with solid tumors had 37%. Multivariate analysis showed that cancer, impaired consciousness, tachypnea, tachycardia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were associated with an increased risk of death.Conclusion: Cancer increased mortality rate and hospital stay of COVID-19 patients and remained significant after adjustment of confounders. Compared to solid tumors, hematologic malignancies have been associated with worse consequences and higher mortality. Clinical and Para clinical indicators were not appropriate to predict death.
Elsberg Syndrome in the Setting of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: Case Report
Authors: Abrams Rory M. C. , Desland Fiona , Lehrer Helaina , Yeung Anne , Tse Winona , Young James J. , Mendu Damodara R. , Vickrey Barbara G. , Shin Susan C.
Published: October 2020

Background: Elsberg syndrome is a rare cause of lumbosacral radiculitis with concomitant thoracic or lumbosacral myelitis that can be seen following an acute or reactivated viral infection. COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has quickly spread to a global pandemic since its first discovery in the winter of 2019. During this time, there has been an increasing number of case reports describing SARS-CoV-2 associated neuroinflammatory disease.Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man presented in June 2020 with a fall due to progressive lower extremity weakness and numbness, occurring shortly after the initial coronavirus surge in New York City. He developed ascending numbness to the level of the lower abdomen over the preceding month. He subsequently experienced low back pain, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary dysfunction. An extensive laboratory and radiologic evaluation ensued which was notable for elevated SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies despite an absence of preceding COVID-19 symptoms. Initial electrodiagnostic testing was notable for absent late responses in the lower extremity nerve conductions with normal distal sensorimotor conductions, and incomplete muscle activation with otherwise normal motor unit morphology and recruitment on electromyography. Repeat testing two weeks later revealed similar nerve conductions, but also the interval development of active neurogenic changes and reduced motor unit recruitment in the L3-L4 myotomes. This was suggestive of a lower thoracic and lumbosacral myelopathy and lumbosacral polyradiculopathy without peripheral neuropathy. A diagnosis of Elsberg syndrome was made and treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone yielded mild clinical improvement and the electrodiagnostic re-emergence of the lower extremity late responses.Conclusions: We report here, to our knowledge, the first case of suspected COVID-19 associated Elsberg syndrome, which may help to shed light on ways in which to approach diagnostic and treatment options in COVID-19 patients presenting with uncommon neurological and autonomic manifestations.
Optimum Composition of Developed Additive Based Insect Repellent Paint
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Noor Sana , Ahmad Munir , Rashid Khalid
Published: October 2020

BackgroundActive compounds of Cymbopogon winterianius, Cymbopogoncitratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cedrus, and Eugenol, have been reported to have different insect repellant compounds. Control and development of natural insect repellent additive based decorative coating has driven this work to incorporate the essential oils with long chain fatty acids in water-based lab developed conventional paint. MethodsIn this work, the Additive based Paint was formulated and its ability to repel different insects was determined. The optimum composition of developed additive based paint was determined by three standard paint analyses which were adhesion, elasticity and insect repellency. ResultsAs per challenge of Pigment powder and Polymer use for such paint is achieved by testing on Latest instruments. The best composition of additive in paint was found to be 15%. Where it able to repel Pavement Ants, non-biting Flies, Mosquitoes and Black field ant with 80% efficiency. ConclusionsIt is envisioned that the formulated paint is effectively function as insect repellent thus as an alternative way to reduce the insect-borne diseases.
Eliminating Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria: Results From Tailoring Active Case Detection Approaches to Remote Populations in Forested Border Areas in North-eastern Cambodia
Authors: Stratil Ann-Sophie , Vernaeve Lieven , Lopes Sergio , Bourny Yves , Mannion Kylie , Hamade Prudence , Roca-Feltrer Arantxa , Tibenderana James K. , Sovannaroth Siv , Debackere Mark
Published: October 2020

Background: Remaining Plasmodium falciparum cases in Cambodia are concentrated in forested border areas and in remote populations who are hard to reach through passive case detection. A key approach to reach these populations is active case detection by mobile malaria workers (MMWs). However, this is operationally challenging because of changing movement patterns of the target population moving into less accessible areas. From 2018 to 2020, a tailored package of active case detection approaches was implemented in forested border areas of three provinces in north-eastern Cambodia to reach remote populations and support the elimination of P. falciparum malaria.Approach: Key elements of this project were to tailor approaches to local populations, use responsive monitoring systems, maintain operational flexibility, build strong relationships with local communities, and implement close supervision practices. MMWs were recruited from local communities. Proactive case detection approaches included mobile malaria posts positioned at frequented locations around and within forests, and locally informed outreach activities targeting more remote locations. Reactive case detection was conducted among co-travellers of confirmed cases. Tests were conducted independent of fever symptoms. Routine monitoring informed tactical adaptations, while supervision exercises ensured service quality. Results: Despite operational challenges, between January 2018 and June 2020, service delivery sites were able to maintain consistently high testing rates, with each site testing a monthly average of > 60 people in 2020. Over the project period, the P. falciparum/ P. vivax ratio has steadily inversed. In 2020, MMWs detected only 22 P. falciparum cases with constant testing rates. Including data from neighbouring health facilities and village malaria workers, 52% of all people tested and 40% of P. falciparum cases detected in the area can be attributed to MMWs.Remaining challenges: Maintaining intensified elimination efforts, addressing the issue of detecting low parasitemia cases and shifting focus to P. vivax malaria challenge the last phase of malaria elimination.Conclusions: Reaching remote populations through active case detection should remain a key strategy to eliminate P. falciparum malaria. We have presented a successful approach combining tailored proactive and reactive strategies that could be transferred to similar settings in other areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Hybrid Mosquitoes? Evidence From Rural Tanzania on How Local Communities May Conceptualize and Respond to Modified Mosquitoes as a Tool for Malaria Control
Authors: Finda Marceline Francis , Okumu Fredros Oketch , Minja Elihaika , Njalambaha Rukiyah , Mponzi Winnfrida , Tarimo Brian , Chaki Prosper , Lezaun Javier , Kelly Ann H. , Christofides Nicola
Published: October 2020

BackgroundDifferent forms of mosquito modification are being considered as potential high-impact and low-cost approaches to future malaria control in Africa. Though still under evaluation, the eventual success of these technologies will require high-level public acceptance. Understanding the prevailing community perceptions is therefore crucial for effective public engagement during implementation. This study investigated community perceptions regarding genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs) and their potential for malaria control, in Tanzanian villages where no research or campaigns about such technologies have previously been undertaken. MethodsA mixed-methods design was used, involving: i) structured questionnaires administered to 490 community members to assess awareness, perceptions and support for GMMs, and ii) focus group discussions (FGD) with community leaders to explore in greater depth how these communities frame and would respond to GMMs. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key concepts and interpret the findings. ResultsNearly all survey respondents were unaware of mosquito modification technologies for malaria control (94.3%), and reported no knowledge of their specific characteristics (97.3%). However, community leaders participating in FGDs offered a set of distinctive interpretive frames to conceptualize interventions relying on GMMs for malaria control. The participants commonly referenced their experiences of cross-breeding for selecting preferred traits in domestic plants and animals. Preferred GMMs attributes included expected reductions in insecticide use and human labour. Population suppression approaches, requiring as few releases as possible, were favored. Common concerns included whether the GMMs would look or behave differently than wild mosquitoes, and how the technology would be integrated into current malaria control policies. The participants emphasised the importance, and the challenges, of educating and engaging communities during technology development. ConclusionUnderstanding how communities perceive and interpret new technologies is crucial in designing effective implementation strategies that enjoy durable public support. This study offers vital clues on how communities with no prior experience of modified mosquitoes might conceptualize or respond to such technologies when deployed in the context of malaria control programs. The existing interpretive frames and the real-life analogies, such as cross-breeding, may provide a basis for effective community engagement to aid the potential deployment of such technologies in the future.
Hematological Profile of Children With Malaria in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Jiero Syilvia , Pasaribu Ayodhia Pitaloka
Published: October 2020

Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Indonesian Papua, with children under five years of age being the most affected group. Hematological changes such as cytopenia that occur during malaria infection have been suggested as potential predictors and can aid in the diagnosis of malaria. This study aimed to assess the hematological alterations associated with malaria infection in children presenting with signs and symptoms of malaria. Methods: A retrospective study was performed by collecting data from the medical records of malaria patients at Sorong Regional General Hospital, Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia, both from outpatient and inpatient clinics, from January 2014 until December 2017. The laboratory profile of children suffering from malaria was evaluated. Results: One hundred and eighty-two children aged 1 month to 18 years old were enrolled. The subjects were mostly male (112, 61.5%) with a mean age of 6.45 years (SD = 4.3 years). Children <5 years suffering from malaria had the highest number at 77 (42.3%). One hundred two subjects (56%) were infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Half of the enrolled subjects (50%) had hemoglobin level (Hb) between 5.1 and 10 gr/dL. A total of 41 children (53.2%) less than 5 years old suffered from P. falciparum infection. In the age group of 5-10 years, there were 34 children (57.6%) who suffered from P. falciparum, and in the age group >10 years, 27 children (58.7%) suffered from P. falciparum infection. Only 4 subjects (5.2%) in the less than 5 years old age group had mixed malaria infection. Of the eight parameters of the hematological profile, there were five parameters that were significantly associated with the diagnostic criteria, namely hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets and monocytes (p <0.05). Generally, clinical symptoms are not significantly associated with a malaria diagnosis, and only one variable showed a significant relationship, pale, with a p value of 0.001. Conclusions: Children with malaria had changes in some hematological parameters, with anemia, low platelet count, white blood count, and lymphocyte count being the most important predictors of malaria infection in our study area. These parameters could improve malaria diagnosis when used in combination with other clinical diagnoses and microscopy.
Structural analysis of COVID-19 spike protein in recognizing the ACE2 receptor of different mammalian species and its susceptibility to viral infection.
Authors: Koley Tirthankar , Madaan Shivani , Chowdhury Sanghati Roy , Kumar Manoj , Kaur Punit , Singh Tej Pal , Ethayathulla Abdul S.
Published: October 2020

The pandemic COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spread worldwide as a new public health emergency. The SARS-CoV-2 infects humans by binding to glycosylated ACE2 receptor present in the inner lining of the lungs, heart, intestine and kidney. The COVID spike 2 protein recognizes the ACE2 receptor at the N-terminal helices of the metalloprotease domain. The residues Gln24, Thr27, Lys31, His34, Glu37, Asp38, Tyr41, Gln42 from helix α1; Leu79, Met82, Tyr83 from helix α2 and Gln325, Glu329, Asn330, Lys353 from loop connecting β4 and β5 strands form a concave surface surrounded by four glycosylation sites Asn53, Asn90, Asn103 and Asn322 form interactions with the spike protein. However, no significant data on the susceptibility of animals for infection or transmission. Therefore, we performed the comparative protein-protein docking analysis using the crystal structure of spike protein and homology models of the ACE2 receptor from 16 commonly found mammalian species to understand the potential mode of spike binding. Our comprehensive sequence and structure-based interaction analysis revealed the natural substitution of amino acid residues Gln24, His34, Phe40 and Met82 in the N-terminal α1 and α2 helices results in loss of crucial network of hydrogen-bonded and hydrophobic interactions with spike 2 RBD domain. Besides, the absence of N-linked glycosylation site Asn103 in other mammals further reduces the binding affinity between spike and ACE2 receptor. Hence, these changes explain the differences in the susceptibility and host pathogenesis in other mammalian species.
The Negative Impact of COVID-19 Pandemics on the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases in Brazil.
Authors: Soares Fernando Augusto , Olliveira Cristiano Claudino , Canzian Mauro , Gaglionone Nicolle Cavalcante , Klock Clóvis
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID-19 pandemics affects the Health system all around the World. Brazil, since the first case in March, reported more than 4.0 million people infected. The pandemic's magnitude made that Hospitals prioritize the care of the secondary respiratory distress syndrome, and all elective diagnosis and treatment have been postponed. This study aimed to assess changes in patient's profiles submitted to lung or pleural biopsies comparing before and during COVID-19 pandemics.Methods: We retrospectively review the data of patients who underwent lung disease diagnostic approaches across April/May 2019 versus April/May 2020. We collect the data about the total cases, demographics, type of procedure, and disease diagnosis. Histological type, stage of the tumors, and molecular profile were also analyzed in cancer cases.Results: The number of total cases and lung biopsies dropped by more than 90% when the 2019/2020 samples were compared. Benign disease faced a more substantial reduction than cancer cases, with emphasis in granulomatous diseases. We had more advanced cases and more squamous cell carcinomas and small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas in the cancer scenario. Low-grade tumors, as carcinoids, suffered a significant reduction. Also, the molecular profile of the tumors drops in absolute numbers. Still, there was an increase of PD-L1 expression, probably because the sample comprises more squamous cell carcinomas and advanced cases.Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemics have a considerable negative impact on the management and diagnosis of lung diseases in Brazil. The consequences can be significant, and implementing a new policy to patients with lung diseases must be managed.
High Curie Temperature BiFeO3-BaTiO3 Lead-free Piezoelectric Ceramics: Ga3+ Doping and Enhanced Insulation Properties
Authors: Peng Xiao-yan , Tang Yu-Cheng , Zhang Boping , Xun Bo-wei , Yu Jing-Ru
Published: October 2020

BiFeO3-BaTiO3 (BF-BT) is a promising high temperature lead-free piezoceramics due to their excellent piezoelectric properties with high Curie temperature (TC>500 °C). While the high leakage current density severely restricted its application. In this work, the leakage mechanism relative to the dielectric properties and piezoelectric properties were systematically studied with a special emphasis on gallium (Ga3+) adding effect in 0.7BiFe(1-x)GaxO3-0.3BaTiO3 (BFGax-BT, 0≤x≤0.10) ceramics. A high resistivity (ρ) of 2.73×1012 Ω·cm-1 and low leakage current (J) of 7.78×10-9 A·cm-2 were achieved at x=0.06, which attributes to the low oxygen vacancies (B). The J-E curves reveal different type of conduction process in BFGax-BT ceramics, including Ohmic conduction, space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism and interface-limited Schottky emission. The BFGa0.06-BT ceramic exhibits excellent piezoelectric performance: d33=174 pC·N-1, TC=497 °C, kp=29 %.
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Disordered Eating Behaviors in a Community Sample: The Mediation Role of Psychological Distress
Authors: Ramalho Sofia , Trovisqueira Ana , de Lourdes Marta , Gonçalves Sónia , Félix Sílvia , Vaz Ana R. , Machado Paulo P. P. , Conceição Eva
Published: October 2020

﻿Objective: This study aims to explore associations between disordered eating behaviors in adults during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and the experienced psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptomatology, anxiety/stress levels.Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study assessing 254 Portuguese adults (82.7% women; 35.82 ±11.82 years) one week after the end of the mandatory COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal. An online survey was conducted to evaluate psychological distress, disordered eating, and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pearson correlations and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were performed.Results: Participants reported the presence of meal skipping (52.8%), grazing eating behavior (80.9%), overeating (81.0%), loss of control over eating (47.2%), and binge eating episodes (39.2%) during lockdown. Uncontrolled and emotional eating were significantly correlated with the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic, depression, anxiety, and stress levels. SEM analyses indicated that the relationship between experienced psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behaviors was mediated through psychological distress experienced (CMIN/DF= 1.499, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .045).Conclusions: The psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis may lead to disordered eating, and this relation may occur through the elevation of psychological distress. These findings inform about clinical targets for preventive interventions to promote disordered eating in a community sample during potential similar future situations.
Microscopic Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenomas With Conchal Sphenoid Sinus: a Report of Three Cases
Authors: Zhang Jianhe , Wang Shousen
Published: October 2020

Object The present study aimed to investigate the methodology and characteristic of the microscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas with a conchal sphenoid sinus. Method Three patients with sellar tumor and non-pneumatized sphenoid sinuses received microscopic transsphenoidal surgery with help of neuronavigation system. Result The three conchal spenoid sinuses were accessed safely, total resction was achieved and no serious complication occurred. we found that pituitary tumors with conchal sphenoid sinus was more smaller and soft. Conclusion the presence of a conchal sphenoid sinus is not an absolute contraindication for employing the microscopic transsphenoidal route in the resction of pituitary adenomas with help of neuronavigation.
Antiprotozoal Drugs Handling and Management Practices in Asella District, Central Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Ashenafi , Endashaw Dereje Begashaw , Fesseha Haben
Published: October 2020

Background: Protozoal infections such as Dourine caused by trypanosomes are found to be a threat to the life and productivity of the equine population. Inappropriate drug use is a problem of the whole world; however, the degree of the problem is higher in developing countries like Ethiopia. Data on handling and management practices of antiprotozoal drugs are not in place, thus; we estimate the handling and management practice via a simple cross-sectional study design in randomly selected veterinary clinics, and private pharmacies in and around Asella Oromia, central EthiopiaResults: The preliminary survey comprising 70 animal health professionals and animal owners was undertaken through observation, interview using a structured questionnaire, and discussion with key informants to evaluate their handling and management practices of antiprotozoal drugs. According to the finding of this preliminary survey, inadequate antiprotozoal drug distribution and only a few drugs namely; Diminazine diacetate, Amprolium, and sulfa drugs were available with different trade names being imported from different manufacturing countries. Among the current available antiprotozoal drugs circulating in the area, those manufactured and imported from China were highly distributed in the majority of veterinary drug shops. The assessment showed that there was a gap in achieving the required knowledge and practice of proper handling and management issues in the professionals and awareness problems in the community. The study indicated that there were inappropriate transportation and storage practices. Moreover, selling drugs without prescription, ignoring farmers without properly informing the drug withdrawal period and administration of drugs by nonprofessionals were the other most critical and unethical practices in the area. It is emphasized that this inappropriate handling and management practice, scarcity of antiprotozoal drugs, easy accessibility, and distribution by nonprofessionals could potentially affect the quality, safety, and effectiveness of antiprotozoal drugs which may lead to drug resistance development. Conclusion: Hence, continuous awareness creation in the community, capacity building, training, and upgrading programs to the professionals as well as strict enforcement of drug control and administration regulation of the country is essential in the overall effort of improving animal health and productivity through the control of protozoan diseases in and around Asella.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Endometrium Stromal Cells During Early Embryo Implantation (Within 48 Hour) in Vitro
Authors: Han Shuo , Liu Minghui , Liu Shan , Li Yuan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundSuccessful embryo implantation is an essential prerequisite for pregnancy. Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation, histone, chromatin structure, and non-coding RNAs, microRNAs may participate in the regulation of gene expression during embryo implantation. However, the transcriptome changes of human endometrial stromal cells during early embryo implantation are not well characterized. MethodsWe cultured human endometrial stromal cells and simulated the process of embryo implantation in vitro. We further analyzed the endometrial transcriptome patterns of endometrial stromal cells in the pre-implantation and post-implantation phase. We identified comprehensive transcriptomic profile of two endometrium stromal cells in particular developmental stage that may reflect the potential mechanism of embryo implantation. ResultsA total of 592 differentially expressed genes were identified after embryo implantation. Additionally, we identified key pathways (including TP53 and EGF signal pathway) that may regulate embryo-endometrium interactions; our findings may serve as a foundation for targeted studies on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation loss. ConclusionOur work showed the transcriptome changes of endometrial stromal cells within 48 hours after implantation which provides key insights into the crucial features of transcriptional regulation in the stepwise embryo development.
The Rebound of Early Post‐operative Plasma dd-cfDNA in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single‐center Study
Authors: Wen Jingyu , Quan Qingming , Wang Xiaoxiao , Sun Ping , He Jiayang , Zhong Shan , Ran Qing
Published: October 2020

Background: It has been reported that donor derived cell-free DNA(dd-cfDNA) accounts for less than 1.2% of total cell free DNA in stable kidney allograft recipients, and dd-cfDNA may be a non-invasive biomarker of acute rejection. However, the kinetics of plasma dd-cfDNA level is still unclear, which hinders the further application of dd-cfDNA in kidney transplantation (KTx). The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between plasma dd-cfDNA and delayed graft function(DGF） and pulmonary infection after KTx, and to explore the diagnostic value of dd-cfDNA in DGF. In addition, we tried to find out the factors related to the rebound of dd-cfDNA level.Methods: A total of 183 kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood samples (10ml) were collected on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day after KTx, and 546 plasma samples were collected. Droplet digital PCR (DDPCR) was used to detect the level of dd-cfDNA(%) and Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze the relationship between dd-cfDNA level and DGF and pulmonary infection. Logistic binary regression analysis was used to analyze the clinical factors related to the increase of dd-cfDNA.Results: There was no significant difference between DGF group and non-DGF group of dd-cfDNA level (P > 0.05). The mean value of dd-cfDNA on day 1 (6.97%) was significantly higher than that on day 7 (1.17%), day 14 (1.09%) and day 21 (1.18%). Logistic binary regression analysis was performed for dd-cfDNA level rebound group and non-rebound group. Pulmonary infection (OR = 2.11, P = 0.028) and DGF (OR = 1.37, P = 0.42) were significantly correlated with rebound of dd-cfDNA. At the same time, on the 1st, 7th and 14th day after KTx, the levels of dd-cfDNA in pulmonary infection group was significantly higher than non-infection group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results indicate that dd-cfDNA (%) can’t be used as a biomarker for predicting DGF. The rebound of plasma dd-cfDNA (%) level was significantly correlated with the presence of pulmonary infection. However, further confirmatory studies are necessary.
Leflunomide Plus Low-dose Prednisone in Patients with Progressive IgA Nephropathy: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Open-labelled and Controlled Trial
Authors: Ni Zhaohui , Zhang Zhen , Yu Zanzhe , Lu Fuming , Mei Changlin , Ding Xiaoqiang , Yuan Weijie , Zhang Wei , Jiang Gengru , Sun Min , He Liqun , Deng Yueyi , Pang Huihua
Published: October 2020

Background: This trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of Leflunomide (LEF) plus low-dose prednisone for the treatment of progressive IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: We did a prospective, randomized, open-labelled, multicenter, controlled trial, comprised of 3-month run-in, 12-month treatment and 12-month follow-up phases. After 3-month run-in phase, patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN at a risk of progression were randomly allocated to LEF plus low-dose prednisone (LEF group) or conventionally accepted-dose prednisone (prednisone group). Our primary outcome was 24h urine protein excretion(UPE) and secondary outcomes were serum albumin(sALB), serum creatinine(Scr), and eGFR. Safety was evaluated in all patients who received the trial medications. Results:108 patients (59 in LEF group, 49 in prednisone group) were enrolled and finished their treatment and follow-up periods. The difference in baseline data between the two groups was comparable. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decrease in 24h UPE(p<0.01) and increase in sALB (p<0.01), with stable Scr and eGFR throughout the 12-month treatment period. What’s more, these effects sustained through the 12-month follow-up period. However, there was no difference in 24h UPE, sALB, Scr and eGFR between the two groups (P>0.05). At 12 months, difference of overall response rate, relapsing rate and incidence of adverse events between the two groups was not significant. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of LEF plus low-dose prednisone and conventionally accepted-dose prednisone in treatment of progressive IgAN are comparable. Trial registration: The trial is registered at isrctn.org with the ISRCTN97636235 on July 28, 2006.
Chest Computed Tomography for SARS-CoV-2 Screening before Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ortiz-Gomez Elias , Guerrero-Gutierrez Manuel Alberto , Cardoso Almino Ramos , Ruiz-Cota Patricia , Escarraman--Martinez Diego , Rios Cynthia , Hernandez-Barrozo Maria , Nieto Orlando Ruben Perez
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Given that obesity is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in COVID-19, bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) has become increasingly critical. Computed tomography (chest CT scan) may be a valuable preoperative screening method for BMS candidates during this COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted in June 2020. Two study cohorts were evaluated: a surgical team group and a BMS patient group. Screening was performed with RT-PCR and a CT scan. The COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) assessment was used as mandatory COVID-19 screening. Patients classified as category 1 and 2 were considered safe to undergo BMS; category ≥3 surgery was canceled. The BMS patient group was monitored for 28 days after surgery for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, postoperative complications, adverse effects, and deaths were tracked.Results: The study included 240 participants, comprising the surgical team group (n = 6) and the BMS patient group (n = 234). In total, 213 were female (88.8%), the median age was 40 years, and the median weight and BMI were 111.1 kg and 40.23 kg/m2 respectively. Only CO-RADS category 1 was reported in the surgical team group, while in the BMS patient group, category 1 was reported in 231 participants (98.7%). In the BMS patient group, during the follow-up period, only two participants (0.83%) tested positive for COVID-19 (RT-PCR). No deaths were reported. Conclusion: Chest CT scans are useful for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in patients undergoing BMS, therefore enable healthcare and surgical teams to perform surgeries safely during this COVID-19 pandemic.