bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Diabetes Education Program on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Among Diabetic Pregnant Women: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ugwu Uchenna Cosmas , Ene Osmond Chukwuemeka
Published: November 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease condition present during pregnancy and if not properly managed would have severe effect on the maternal and neonatal health. This research determined the effect of diabetes education program (DEP) on gestational diabetes mellitus knowledge (GDMK) among diabetic pregnant women (DPW) and significant differences within groups.Methods: This study was based on a pretest – posttest measures of experimental research design involving experimental (n=110) and control (n=110) groups. A total of 220 DPW were purposively recruited from public hospitals in Nigeria between October and December 2019. The DEP was delivered to DPW in experimental group. The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Questionnaire (GDMKQ) of 0.774 was used for data collection. The statistical analysis was completed using IBM SPSS version 22. Results: The results revealed that no statistically significant difference existed on GDM history (P=0.801>0.05), smoking habit (P=0.0615>0.05), parity status (P=0.503>0.05), and level of education (P=0.720>0.05), while difference was observed on alcohol status (P=0.011<0.05), and age by birth (P=0.009<0.05). Also, while no significant difference existed between the DPW in the treatment and control groups on GDMK pretest measures (P=0.901>0.05), difference existed between the DPW in the intervention and control groups on GDMK posttest scores (P=0.026<0.05). Also, the higher percentage score (78%) of DPW in the experimental group in the posttest GDMK measures which is higher than the score in the pretest measures (55%) of the same group were indications that DEP has significant effect on GDMK among DPW.Conclusion: This demonstrates that reliable interventions are effective in combating pregnancy-related complications. This requires collaborative efforts by concerned bodies to combat notable complications during pregnancy using reliable intervention.Trial Registration: In retrospect, the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry documented the study with registration trial code (Trial No.: PACTR201903003187005)
HNRNPU Overexpression has Prognostic Value in Human Ovarian Cancer and Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Luo Ji , Le Lulu , Tang Xiaoli , Fu Yuanping , Feng Yueying , Fu Fen
Published: November 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies and has the highest mortality rate worldwide. Therefore, the identification of novel targets and the development of more effective therapeutic treatments are essential.Methods: We identified genes with somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) amplification (AMP) according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) OC data. We performed a meta-analysis of five independent OC datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We retrieved cell cycle-related genes from the online database GLAD4U. The associations of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU) expression levels with clinicopathological factors and survival times were analyzed. In addition, we knocked down HNRNPU expression in two representative OC cell lines (OVCAR3 and ES2 cells) and then observed the proliferation capacity of OC cells.Results: Analysis of the SCNA AMP genes, the transcriptome data of the GEO database and cell cycle-related genes indicated that the HNRNPU gene was markedly upregulated in OC. High expression of HNRNPU in OC was related to SCNAs, poor survival and the OC proliferative molecular subtype. Based on the results in OVCAR3 and ES2 cells in vitro, we found that knocking down HNRNPU inhibited the proliferation of these two cell lines. Additionally, cell cycle arrest in the G1/S phase was found in the siHNRNPU cell group in vitro.Conclusions: These results suggest that HNRNPU may serve as a candidate prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for OC.
Clinical Correlations of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Populations in Sepsis
Authors: Zhao Lei , Chen Wei , Qiao Guoliang , Wu Jiangping , Yang Duo , Wang Xiaoli , Zhou Xinna , Wang Shuo , Ren Jun
Published: November 2020

Background Our understanding of sepsis-associated immune impairment is incomplete. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate correlations of sepsis clinical manifestations with peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in lymphocyte immunity. Methods Twenty individuals without sepsis and eighteen with sepsis were enrolled. Lymphocyte phenotypes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3-CD16+CD56+, CD19+, CD4+CD25+CD127+, CD8+CD28-, and CD8+CD28+) were assessed by flow cytometry. Fresh fecal bacteria cue proportion was measured to determine intestinal dysbacteriosis. Results Compared with the non-sepsis group, the sepsis patients had clearly lower proportions of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+CD28+ cells and substantially higher proportions of CD19+ cells (p<0.05). Among 38 patients with infection, CD4+ cells and CD8+CD28+ cells in a survivor group had significantly higher presence compared with patients who had died (p<0.05), The subgroup analysis results showed that CD4+ cells in the survivor subgroups were higher than those in the deceased subgroups (p<0.05). CD8+CD28+ cells in the non-sepsis survivor subgroup were higher than those in the deceased subgroups (p<0.05).. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that the intestinal dysbacteriosis was significantly correlated with the severity of sepsis and its prognosis (r2=0.2788, p=0.001, r2=0.1764, p=0.009, respectively). CD4+, CD19+, and CD8+CD28+ cells were significantly correlated with intestinal dysbacteriosis (r2=0.1024, p=0.049, r2=0.1063, p=0.046, r2=0.1909, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusions In conclusion, the lymphocyte populations of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+CD28+ and CD19+ cells were accessible for predicting the severity and mortality of sepsis patients. In addition, intestinal dysbacteriosis had a significant impact on the immune system of sepsis patients as revealed by peripheral blood lymphocyte population.
Continuous Infusion of Lidocaine in Pediatric Colonoscopy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Yuan Chao , Wang Chengli , Wu Jiayao , Gao Ningyang , Li Kuiwei , Li Yongle , Huang Xizhao , Huang Wei , Hu Zurong
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on perioperative propofol and sufentanil dosage, pulse oxygen saturation, postoperative pain score and recovery time during pediatric colonoscopy.Methods: We designed a randomized placebo-controlled study and enrolled 80 children aged from 3 to 10 years old who were received colonoscopy. After titration of propofol to achieve unconsciousness, patients were given intravenous lidocaine (1.5 mg kg-1 then 2 mg kg-1 h-1) or the same volume of saline. Sedation was standardized and combined propofol with sufentanil. The primary outcome variables were intraoperative propofol and sufentanil requirements and number of oxygen desaturation episodes. Secondary outcome variables were recovery time after colonoscopy and post-colonoscopy pain.Results: Lidocaine infusion resulted in a significant reduction in propofol requirements: mean (SD) 44.3 (9.9) vs 74.5 (12.0) mg, respectively; P<0.001) and sufentanil requirements: mean (SD) 1.5 (0.3) vs 2.6 (0.6) ug respectively; p<0.001). The number of subjects who experienced oxygen desaturation below 95% in the lidocaine group was also significantly less than that in the control group: 2 vs 8 (P=0.04). The mean (SD) recovery time was significantly shorter in lidocaine group: 19.2 (2.6) vs 13.3 (2.6) min respectively; p<0.001). There were no significant difference regarding post-colonoscopy pain.Conclusions: Continuous infusion of lidocaine resulted in reduction of propofol and sufentanil dose, recovery time and risk of hypoxemia during pediatric colonoscopy.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR2000028927, 8 January, 2020, prospectively registered.
Characterization of a Clinical Enterobacter hormaechei Strain Belonging to Epidemic Clone ST418 Co-carrying blaNDM-1, blaIMP-4 and mcr-9.1
Authors: Chen Wei , Hu Zhiliang , Wang Shiwei , Huang Doudou , Wang Weixiao , Cao Xiaoli , Zhou Kai
Published: November 2020

An Enterobacter hormaechei isolate (ECL-90) simultaneously harboring blaNDM-1, blaIMP-4 and mcr-9.1 was recovered from the secretion specimen of a 24-year-old male patient in a tertiary hospital in China. The whole genome sequencing of this isolate was complete, and 4 circular plasmids with variable sizes were detected. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis assigned the isolate to ST418, known as a carbapenemase-producing epidemic clone in China. blaIMP-4 and mcr-9.1 genes were co-carried on an IncHI2/2A plasmid (pECL-90-2) and blaNDM-1 was harbored by an IncX3 plasmid (pECL-90-3). The genetic context of mcr-9.1 was identified as a prevalent structure, “rcnR-rcnA-pcoE-pcoS-IS903-mcr-9-wbuC”, which is a relatively unitary model involved in the mobilization of mcr-9. Meanwhile, blaNDM-1 gene was detected within a globally widespread structure known as NDM-GE-U.S (“ISAba125–blaNDM-1–blaMBL”). Our study warrants that the convergence of genes mediating resistance to last-resort antibiotics in epidemic clones would largely facilitate their widespread in clinical settings, thus representing a potential challenge to clinical treatment and public health.
Development, Popularization and Application of An Online OvAge Calculator Based on Subject Self-reporting System
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Zhu Zheng , Wang Quan , Jin Jing , Zhao Haiyang , Shao Fang , Ren Qingling , Wang Hui
Published: November 2020

Background: At present, there are many clinical markers and models to assess ovarian reserve, but none of them are ideal. The number of clinical samples is a key factor limiting the specificity and sensitivity of the markers and models, and traditional methods of subject recruitment are time and vigor. In addition, the model of ovarian reserve assessment for Chinese women need to be further explored.Objective: To explore the possibility of self-reporting for subjects through the WeChat mini program, and provide more data support for further optimization of the OvAge model, and to develop a predictive model of ovarian reserve that is specific to Chinese women.Methods: In this paper, with reference to the existing OvAge model, we developed an online OvAge calculator based on the WeChat mini program for data collection, and then applied the generalized linear model theory to obtain a predictive model of ovarian reserve which is in line with the characteristics of Chinese women.Results: Compared to traditional recruiting methods, the online OvAge calculator is able to collect a large number of samples in a short period of time, which is efficient and convenient. Optimized model of estimated OvAge =exp (3.5254-0.001*PRL-0.0231*AMH). This model showed a high statistical significance for each marker included in the equation. We applied the final equation on diminished ovarian reserve and polycystic ovary syndrome datasets and obtained a mean of predicted ovarian age significantly different from the mean of chronological age in both groups.Conclusions: The OvAge calculator based on the WeChat mini program is a novel online subject self-reporting system that can collect a large number of samples in a short period of time, continuously optimize the model and update the mini program version, which is economical, time-saving and efficient., and is worthy of promotion. In addition, the optimized OvAge model is suitable for Chinese women and provides a reference for clinical assessment of ovarian reserve.
Developing Traﬃc Congestion Detection Model Using Deep Learning Approach: A Case Study of Addis Ababa City Road
Authors: Bekele Bedada , Kekeba Kula
Published: November 2020

The traﬃc system is one of the core requirements of a civilized world and the development of the country depends on it in many aspects. In Ethiopia, the number of vehicles and pedestrians is increasing at a high rate from time to time. Excessive numbers of traﬃc on roads and improper control of traﬃc create traﬃc congestion. Uncontrolled traﬃc congestion hinders the transportation of goods and commuters from place to place and increases the volume of carbon emitted into the air. It can also either hampers or stagnates schedule, business, and commerce. Many images and video processing approaches have been researched in the literature on how to detect traﬃc congestion. One such approach is that of using background and foreground subtraction, convolutional neural network, and Average frame diﬀerence and deep learning method used to detect traﬃc congestion from diﬀerent video sources. From the review one-stage object detector identiﬁed as the best methods to detect traﬃc congestion with acceptable accuracy and speed. In this study one-stage object detectors are used to detect traﬃc congestion from recorded video. Data is collected from diﬀerent video footage and frames extracted from videos to prepare a dataset for the thesis. The extracted frames were labeled manually as congested and uncongested. To train, the models pre-trained weights were used. YOLOV3 and YOLOV5 model used for experimentation. Accuracy and speed metrics used to evaluate the performance of the models. A YOLOV3 model achieved 41.6 FPS and 68.6 % mAP on a testing dataset.
Skeleton Based Perpendicularly Scanning - A New Scanning Strategy for Additive Manufacturing: Modeling and Optimization
Authors: Jai Mostapha El , AKHRIF Iatimad , Saidou Nourddin
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the authors propose a novel strategy of 2D scanning that might be adapted for any additive manufacturing process. The featured novelty corresponds to a Skeleton Based Perpendicularly (SBP) of the 2D shape of each slice. Thus, it is proposed to minimize the total production time of a given layer under some constraints. In other word, it is proposed to study the competitiveness conditions of the new scanning technique regarding the classical chess scanning strategy from a productivity perspective. In order to introduce this new technique, the paper treats the case of a rectangular layer. The competitiveness of the proposed technique was discussed according to chess decomposition parameters, the hatch space distance, and the dimensions of the primitive rectangle layer to analyze. The indicators introduced corresponds to “the gain of production time” and “the specific gain of production time per surface unit”; then, these latter were computed and discussed in two separated cases of study. The findings show that, by the adoption of the SBP technique instead the chess scanning strategy, it is possible to save about 3% to 45% of production time gain for the first case of study. The gain of production time per surface unit was analyzed in the second case of study. The correspondent analysis permitted to highlight the percentage of gain of time related to the area to scan. Indeed, the gain per surface unit varies between 4.32×10-6%/mm2 and 6.96×10-05%/mm2. In one hand, these indicators depend linearly on the decomposition strategy of the central area of the SBP technique and also according to the rectangle dimensions. In addition, for the lowest values of hatch space, around 25µm, the two techniques in competition present quasi-similar production time, where the variations between them is minimal. Nevertheless, starting from 65µm, the SBP scanning strategy present considerable less time of production judged as exponentially decreasing according to the hatch space distance. Finally, one can see that the scanning model proposed could present major contributions in other scientific and technical fields that use surface control as territorial security, water adduction and distribution, telecommunication, etc. by varying and adapting the decision variables according to each field of study.
Disentangling Archaeal and Bacterial Biogeography and Co-occurrence Networks in Subtropical Mangrove Sediments Under Spartina Alterniflora Invasion
Authors: Chen Weidong , Wen Donghui
Published: November 2020

Background: Mangrove ecosystems are vulnerable due to the exotic Spartina alterniflora invasion in China. Large knowledge gaps remain with regard to archaeal and bacterial communities assembly processes and microbial interactions under S. alterniflora invasion. Here, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we investigated the assembly processes and co-occurrence relationships of the archaeal and bacterial communities under S. alterniflora invasion along the coastlines of Fujian province, southeast China.Results: We found that the overall archaeal and bacterial communities were driven predominantly by stochastic processes, and the relative role of stochasticity was stronger for bacteria than archaea. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the network structure of bacteria was more complex than that of the archaea. Putative keystone taxa often had low relative abundances (conditionally rare taxa), suggesting conditionally rare taxa or low abundances taxa may significantly contribute to network stability. Moreover, we found that S. alterniflora invasion changed the microbial communities assembly and co-occurrence patterns, indicating that S. alterniflora affected the composition and stability of the microbial community.Conclusions: This study provides the first comparison in the biogeography and co-occurrence patterns of both archaea and bacteria in mangrove ecosystem. And this is the first exploration about the effect of S. alterniflora invasion on archaeal and bacterial ecological processes and co-occurrence patterns. Our study considers that the control of S. alterniflora invasion is important for mangrove ecosystem function and service.
Disease-induced Changes in Plant Microbiome Assembly and Functional Adaptation
Authors: Gao Min , Xiong Chao , Gao Cheng , Tsui Clement K.M. , Zhou Xin , Wang Meng-Meng , Zhang Ai-Min , Cai Lei
Published: November 2020

Background: Plant microbiome is an integral part of the host influencing its growth and health. The increasing evidence indicates that plant rhizosphere may recruit beneficial microbes to suppress soil-borne pathogen, but the ecological mechanisms that govern plant microbiome assembly and functions under disease in both below and aboveground compartments are not fully understood. Here we examined both bacterial and fungal communities from soils (rhizosphere and bulk soil) and multiple plant compartments (e.g. root, stem, and fruit) of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at two pepper production sites, and explored how Fusarium wilt disease (FWD) affect the assembly, co-occurrence patterns, and ecological functions of plant-associated microbiomes. Results: Our data demonstrated that FWD had less impact on reproductive organ (fruit) than on vegetative organs (root and stem), with the strongest impact in the stem upper epidermis. Fungal intra-kingdom networks presented lower stabilities and their communities were more sensitive to FWD than the bacterial communities. Moreover, the diseased pepper was more susceptible to colonization by other pathogenic fungi, but they may recruit potential beneficial bacteria to facilitate host or offspring survival, and FWD may enhance the ecological importance of fungal taxa in the interkingdom network. Further, metagenomic analysis revealed that several potential protective functional genes encoding detoxify and biofilm formation were significantly enriched in the diseased pepper.Conclusion: Together, these results significantly advance our understanding of pepper microbiome assembly and functions under biotic stress. Our work highlights the diseased plant and the aboveground compartments harbor a potential of beneficial microbiomes and functions that, in concert, can provide potential critical data for harnessing the plant microbiome for sustainable agriculture.
Candidate Biomarkers for the Detection of Serious Infections in Children: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Pellegrin Maria Chiara , Penco Arturo , Amadio Leonardo , Naviglio Samuele , De Leo Luigina , Radillo Oriano , Biolo Gianni , Fiotti Nicola , Mearelli Filippo , Rabusin Marco , Barbi Egidio , Monasta Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Serious bacterial infections (SBI) in children are still associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Early identification of SBI in children presenting with fever and/or signs of systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) remains challenging, as clinical presentation may be subtle, and the role of laboratory markers is still debated. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the diagnostic role of established and candidate blood biomarkers for the early discrimination of SBI in pediatric patients presenting with fever and/or SIRS criteria.METHODS: Children who met SIRS criteria and had the clinical indication to perform blood sampling at the first medical evaluation were consecutively enrolled. A panel of biomarkers was performed at enrolment, including C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, human terminal complement complex (C5b-9), Plasmalemma-Vesicle-associated protein 1 (PV-1), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and Phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Bivariate logistic regression models were created to identify significant predictors of SBI. RESULTS: Among 103 patients (median age 2.9 years, 60% males), 39 had a diagnosis of SBI (38%). Significant predictors of SBI were CRP (p=0.001) and ICAM-1 (p=0.043). In the subgroup of patients who were not immunocompromised because of a pre-existing medical condition or therapy (e.g. children with cancer and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia), significant predictors of SBI, were CRP (p=0.001) and ICAM-1 (p=0.037), WBC (p=0.035), ANC (p=0.012) and ANC/WBC ratio (p=0.015). The diagnostic performance of each variable as evaluated by means of ROC curves revealed suboptimal performance for all variables. A model combining CRP and ANC/WBC ratio, however, had a greater diagnostic accuracy than each one of the two variables. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the limited usefulness of blood biomarkers for early diagnosis of SBI. WBC, ANC, ANC/WBC ratio, CRP and ICAM-1 showed the best, albeit moderate, diagnostic accuracy as single marker. At present, clinical judgement remains the mainstay for the diagnosis of SBIs in children.
The Construction and Exploration of the ceRNA Network and Patterns of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jia Weiwei , Li Pengjia , Ma Mingxia , Niu Xiaochen , Bai Lina , Hao Haihu , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Li
Published: November 2020

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma. In view of its limited diagnostic strategies and poor prognosis, bioinformatics analysis has been used to explore the possible mechanisms of renal clear cell carcinoma and effective prognostic-related biomarkers.Method: The sequencing information of 3 types of RNA (mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA) in 539 cases of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma tumor tissues and 72 cases of normal tissues is obtained from the TCGA database. Heat map and volcano map of differentially expressed genes were drawn through R language; The CeRNA network was visualized by Cytoscape software (version 3.7.2). Methods such as univariate Cox regression analysis, lasso regression screening, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct a prognostic model based on the CeRNA network. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to analyze the degree of infiltration of 22 kinds of immune cells from each sample of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Construction of a prognostic model based on tumor-infiltrating immune cells, The R "corrplot" software package was used for co-expression analysis based on the CeRNA network and tumor-infiltrating immune cells model.Results: There are 3074 differentially expressed mRNAs (1055 upregulated and 2019 downregulated), and 359 differentially expressed lncRNAs (71 upregulated and 280 downregulated) and 132 differentially expressed miRNAs (70 upregulated and 62 downregulated) that have been identified through differential analysis. A complete mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA (SIX1-hsa-miR-200b-3p-MALAT1) network was obtained based on the CeRNA network-based prognostic model construction. 2 immune cells (Mast cells resting, T cells follicular helper) were identified by constructing a prognostic model based on tumor-infiltrating immune cells. There was a negative correlation between lncRNA MALAT1 and Mast cells resting (R= -0.27, P<0.001); while there was a positive correlation between lncRNA MALAT1 and T cells follicular helper (R=0.23, P<0.001).Conclusion: Based on CeRNA network and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, we explored the possible mechanism of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and obtained effective biomarkers for predicting prognosis by Bioinformatics analysis in this study.
Molecular Characterization and Clinical Relevance of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chen Jin , He Ji , Ma Xiaolei , Guo Xia
Published: November 2020

Background: RNA modification, such as methylation of N6 adenosine (m6A), plays a critical role in many biological processes. However, the role of m6A RNA modification in cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unknown. Methods: The present study systematically investigated the molecular signatures and clinical relevance of 20 m6A RNA methylation regulators (writers, erasers, readers) in CC. The mRNA expression and clinical significance of m6A-related genes were investigated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) cervical cancer cohort. Mutations, copy number variation (CNV), differential expression, gene ontology analysis and the construction of a mRNA-microRNA regulatory network were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the abnormal expression of m6A-related genes. Results: We found inclusive genetic information alterations among the m6A regulators and that their transcript expression levels were significantly associated with cancer hallmark-related pathways activity, such as the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, microRNAs in cancer and the focal adhesion pathway, which were significantly enriched. Moreover, m6A regulators were found to be potentially useful for prognostic stratification and we identified FMR1 and ZC3H13 as potential prognostic risk oncogenes by LASSO regression. The ROC curves of 3, 5 and 10 years were 0.685, 0.726 and 0.741, respectively. The specificity for 3, 5 and 10 years were 0.598, 0.631 and 0.833, the sensitivity were 0.707, 0.752 and 0.811, respectively. Conclusions: Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk score is an independent prognostic marker and can be used to predict the clinical and pathological features of CC.
Patients’ treatment limitations as predictive factor for mortality in COVID-19: Results from hospitalized patients of a hotspot region for SARS-CoV-2 infections
Authors: Budweiser Stephan , Bas Sevki , Jörres Rudolf , Engelhardt Sebastian , Delius Stefan von , Deerberg Jens , Bauer Andreas , Lenherr Katharina
Published: November 2020

Background: In hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, outcomes markedly differ between locations, regions and countries. For this, patients’ treatment limitations (PTL) could be of major relevance. We thus studied their role as predictor for mortality in a population of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.Methods: In a region with high incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, adult hospitalized patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were prospectively registered and characterized regarding sex, age, vital signs, symptoms, comorbidities (including Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)), transcutaneous pulse oximetry (SpO2) and laboratory values upon admission, as well as ICU-stay including respiratory support, discharge, transfer to another hospital and death. PTL assessed by routine clinical procedures comprised the acceptance of ICU-therapy, orotracheal intubation and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Results: Among 526 patients included (median [quartiles] age 73 [57; 82] years, 47% female), 226 (43%) had at least one treatment limitation. Each limitation was associated with age, dementia and eGFR (p<0.05 each), that regarding resuscitation additionally with Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and cardiac disease. Overall mortality was 27% and lower (p<0.001) in patients without treatment limitation (12%) compared to those with any limitation (47%). In univariate analyses, age and comorbidities (diabetes, cardiac, cerebrovascular, renal, hepatic, malignant disease, dementia), SpO2, hemoglobin, leucocyte numbers, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 and LDH were predictive for death (p<0.05 each). In multivariate analyses, the presence of any treatment limitation was an independent predictor of death (OR 4.34, 95%-CI 2.10-12.30; p=0.001), in addition to CCI, eGFR <55 ml/min, neutrophil number >5 G/l, CRP >7 mg/l and SpO2 <93% (p<0.05 each).Conclusion: In hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2, the percentage of patients with treatment limitations was high. PTL were linked to age, comorbidities and eGFR assessed upon admission and strong, independent risk factors for mortality. These findings might be useful for further understanding of COVID-19 mortality and its regional variations.
Efficacy of vafidemstat in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis highlights the KDM1A/RCOR1/HDAC epigenetic axis in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cavalcanti Fernando , Gonzalez-Rey Elena , Delgado Mario , Mestre Leyre , Guaza Carmen , Lufino Michele MP , Xaus Jordi , Mascaró Cristina , Lunardi Serena , Sacilotto Natalia , Dessanti Paola , Rotllant David , Navarro Xavier , Herrando-Grabulosa Mireia , Buesa Carlos , Maes Tamara
Published: November 2020

Background Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is a clinical stage inhibitor of the Lysine Specific Demethylase KDM1A in development for treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. KDM1A demethylates H3K4me1/2 and together with the histone deacetylases HDAC1/2, it forms part of co-repressor complexes recruited by zinc finger factors to control transcription. The exact role of KDM1A in neuroinflammation remained to be explored. Methods Compounds were administered p.o. gavage to mice with MOG35-55 induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis or mice infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokine and chemokine levels were analyzed by ELISA. Genome wide gene expression in spinal cord and brain were analyzed by two-color microarray analysis and qRT-PCR.Results ORY-2001 improved the clinical score in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and in mice infected with the Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus. The compound reduced lymphocyte egress and infiltration of immune cells in the spinal cord and prevented demyelination. ORY-2001 was more effective and/or faster acting than a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor antagonist in the effector phase of the disease and reduced the induction of the inflammatory gene expression signature in the central nervous system more potently. Gene expression changes and axonal protection in animals, and protection against glutamate excitoxicity in spinal cord explants support that ORY-2001 has neuroprotective qualities.Conclusions ORY-2001 exerts therapeutic activity in two mouse models of multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory properties of ORY-2001 are being tested in a Phase IIa clinical trial in patients with relapse remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and in severely ill COVID-19 patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Depression and anxiety in the Malaysian urban population and their association with demographic characteristics, quality of life, and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin , Yusof Hazwani Ahmad , Shariff Noorsuzana Mohd , Hami Rohayu , Nisman Noor Farahiya , Law Kim Sooi
Published: November 2020

The prevalence of depression and anxiety have been shown to be higher in the urban population compared with the rural population. The present study investigated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and depression with comorbid anxiety and their associated factors in a random sample drawn from several urban communities in Malaysia. This study also compared the odds of developing depression, anxiety, and depression with comorbid anxiety before and after the emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We recruited 326 participants who were administered a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), to assess the presence or absence of depression, anxiety, and depression with comorbid anxiety, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) to assess their QoL. The following prevalence values were obtained among the participants: depression, 23.9%; anxiety, 41.7%; and depression with comorbid anxiety, 19.9%. The factors significantly associated with higher odds of psychological complications included those assessed after the emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic and the presence of comorbid stress. Higher physical health-related QoL, psychological QoL, and environment-related QoL reduced the odds of psychological complications. Based on our findings, we recommended a few measures to curb psychological complications among the urban population, particularly as the battle to contain COVID-19 is still ongoing.
Exogenous Ethylene Precursors and Hydrogen Peroxide Aid in Early Seed Dormancy Release in Sweet Cherry
Authors: Stein Michael , Serban Corina , McCord Per
Published: November 2020

Seeds of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) possess a strong endodormancy response that traditionally requires months of stratification before germination can occur. Accelerating artificial dormancy release could be an important aspect of improving progress in a sweet cherry breeding program by increasing the first season growth period. In this study, seeds were exogenously treated with ethephon, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), kinetin, hydrogen peroxide, and acidified nitrite to attempt to induce germination with reduced stratification times. Findings showed that ethephon, ACC, and hydrogen peroxide all significantly increase early seed germination rates. Stratification time had the largest effect on increasing germinations, with significantly higher germination percentages accompanying increased stratification times that plateaued at 3 months of stratification. Stratification is vital for proper seedling development because plants grown from seeds with no stratification are significantly shorter and have reduced internode lengths compared with seeds with 4 weeks of stratification.
utilização de um podcast para disseminação de informações sobre a MP/936/2020: um relato de experiência
Authors: DIAS Adriana Moreira , Oliveira COSTA Fabio , CASTRO Dayane Maciel Bezerra de , NEVES Beatriz Cilene Mafra , TAVARES Hanari Santos de Almeida
Published: November 2020

Diversas foram as mudanças trazidas pelo novo coronavírus, principalmente quanto a direitos e deveres. Sendo assim a Universidade Estadual do Tocantins por meio do projeto de extensão “Saúde virtual: a prevenção dentro da sua casa” com objetivo de dirimir dúvidas, bem como disponibilizar orientações relacionadas à pandemia do novo coronavírus e seus impactos em diversas áreas promoveu divulgações e atendimentos de forma online, este relato de experiência trata-se da ação integrante do projeto, vivenciado por acadêmicos e professores na produção de um podcast a respeito da Medida Provisória 936/2020, desenvolvido no âmbito do Projeto de Extensão: “Saúde Virtual: A prevenção dentro da sua casa”. A metodologia utilizada foi o procedimento de pesquisa bibliográfica apresentado de maneira descritiva, para criação do podcast houve treinamento de áudio visual, o material foi disponibilizado no site que teve 566 visitações. Desta forma percebe-se que houve a garantia de acesso à informações pertinentes durante o período de pandemia, provocou-se também a vivência e a prática do uso de tecnologias pelos professores e alunos.
Corpos em Confinamento
Authors: Reis Guimarães Alexandra Lara
Published: November 2020

O presente artigo faz uma reflexão sobre o corpo em estado de confinamento forçado nesse período de pandemia causado pelo Sars Cov 2, causador da doença Covid-19. Nesse artigo busco refletir sobre as condições físicas no confinamento e suas relações com o espaço que cerca o indivíduo: sua residência e também sua relação com o espaço urbano, a relação desse indivíduo com outros corpos nesse momento em que a ordem da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) é não ter nenhum tipo de contato físico. Para isso busco um diálogo com a dança Contato-Improvisação, cujo mote é exatamente o contrário: o encontro, o tocar e sentir o corpo, ou os corpos dos outros indivíduos.
SÓ OS SONHOS NÃO TEMEM O CONTÁGIO
Authors: Rabelo Flávio , De Andrade Dora , Reis Bruna , Giannetti Gabriela , Rezende Roberto
Published: November 2020

O presente texto traz informações sobre os vídeos aqui publicados pelo Núcleo Fuga!, indicando os caminhos, princípios e procedimentos que apoiaram sua execução. Trazendo, assim, notas sobre a pesquisa por trás dos vídeos, desenvolvida dentro do Projeto cAsa e verticalizada durante a IV Residência Artística do Projeto cAsa (virtual) – “Só os sonhos não temem o contágio”, realizada de forma remota durante o mês de julho de 2020 em parceria com os artistas René Guerra e Renata Voss.
O istotnych kontrowersjach wokół oceny zagrożeń środowiska i jego naprawy
Authors: Gałuszko Konrad
Published: November 2020

The key dissents on the estimation of environmental pollution between some humanists, ecophilosophers, especially devotees of deep ecology and its mass media supporters, and experimental scientists chiefly chemists and toxicologists are presented by a discussion of the most important problems: human health risk from food and nutrition, the expansion of new biological agents (pathogens), fears of chemical and physical agents stimulated opinions of toxicologists (ecotoxicologists) about most of the compounds for food preservation, antioxidants, pesticides, engine fuel components, metals. Subsequently to the above were discussed: the criticism of some misconceptions and the evolution of scientists. opinions about derivations of the greenhouse effect, toxicity and carcinogenesis criteria, evidence supporting the threshold dose versus the linear hypothesis at the evaluation of harmful environmental effects, examples of ecological utopia assuming a possibility of “life in the world without toxins”, the consequences of acts of law created with the idea, untrustworthy examples of alleged hazards, Poland’s law delay with the assimilation of the new toxicological and carcinogenesis evidence, DDT application dilemma concerned with the latter, the acceptance of the threshold dose also for radioactivity, the latest news about ravages of the Chernobyl catastrophe, the author’s belief in better cooperation of humanists, ecophilosophers, scientists and mass media people to create sensible social attitudes of the public in the face of the ecological and civilization crisis.
Eine Grundlage zur Kommunikativen Theologie
Authors: Kalinowski Wojciech
Published: November 2020

The abstract of the article "The origin of a theology of communication" is not available.
Zagadnienie światopoglądu w edukacji ekologicznej
Authors: Czartoszewski Jacek W.
Published: November 2020

The XXI century for humanity is a challenge in awareness of failures in the condition of the social environment as well in huge contamination of nature. This problem can be resolved only on the way of grasping junctures man in the world toward Absolute and the other adventitious entities. There is a necessary general change of human awareness, which will strengthen love to the other people and amends an evil site between mankind. It should be joined with changing mentality reducing consumption material goods (savings in using up energies and industrial goods) and taking care of remaining for succeeding generations natural environments on better condition than that nowadays. It also needs to create a new high level of outlook upon ecology, which accepts ecological values. This outlook eschewing idealism and inaccuracies should be based on the real ground of Aristotelic and Thomistic orientation. Moreover, it must avoid hatchway in the knowledge, from here society aside from knowledge natures, technical, juridical and economical should own knowing humanistic, which regards anthropology, axioms, theology, and religion (get into completely mode with helping of recognition common sense, wisdom, scientific, philosophic and religionist). On the other way hatchways, inaccuracies, and even contrarieties into understanding the world will become dominant and lead to quarrels and antagonisms. From here floats a huge challenge for leaders, who should take on their own shoulder responsibility upon the future of our planet and humanity.
Chronobiology and Chronotherapy in Depression: Current Knowledge and Chronotherapeutic Promises
Authors: Rojas Milagros , Chávez-Castillo Mervin , Pírela Daniela , Ortega Ángel , Salazar Juan , Cano Clímaco , Chacín Maricarmen , Riaño Manuel , Batista María Judith , Díaz Edgar Alexis , Rojas-Quintero Joselyn , Bermúdez Valmore
Published: November 2020

Background:

Depression is a heavily prevalent mental disorder. Symptoms of depression
extend beyond mood, cognition, and behavior to include a spectrum of somatic manifestations in all
organic systems. Changes in sleep and neuroendocrine rhythms are especially prominent, and disruptions
of circadian rhythms have been closely related to the neurobiology of depression. With the
advent of increased research in chronobiology, various pathophysiologic mechanisms have been
proposed, including anomalies of sleep architecture, the effects of clock gene polymorphisms in
monoamine metabolism, and the deleterious impact of social zeitgebers. The identification of these
chronodisruptions has propelled the emergence of several chronotherapeutic strategies, both pharmacological
and non-pharmacological, with varying degrees of clinical evidence.

Methods:

The fundamental objective of this review is to integrate current knowledge about the role
of chronobiology and depression and to summarize the interventions developed to resynchronize
biorhythms both within an individual and with geophysical time.

Results:

We have found that among the non-pharmacological alternatives, triple chronotherapywhich
encompasses bright light therapy, sleep deprivation therapy, and consecutive sleep phase
advance therapy-has garnered the most considerable scientific interest. On the other hand,
agomelatine appears to be the most promising pharmacological option, given its unique melatonergic
pharmacodynamics.

Conclusions:

Research in chronotherapy as a treatment for depression is currently booming. Novel
interventions could play a significant role in adopting new options for the treatment of depression,
with Tripe Cronotherapy standing out as the most promising treatment.
The contribution of tourism revenues to economic development during the terrorism crisis
Authors:   Department of Administrative Sciences, Community College, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia, Ismail Hosameldin H. ,   Industrial Relations Division, Workers University, Zagazig, Egypt
Published: November 2020

Tourism revenues have contributed to economic development in many countries, whether developed or developing, all over the world. It is one of the sources of foreign cash flows that contribute to increasing the Gross Domestic Product (Henceforth GDP). Tourism also contributes to providing employment opportunities as it is a labor-intensive industry. Egypt has many factors that attract tourists, especially cultural and natural tourism. However, its share in global tourism is still lower than its touristic position, especially during the terrorism crisis that Egypt has suffered from since 2011 and which contributed to the decline in tourism revenues from $ 11.6 billion to $ 3.8 billion during the period (2009-2010: 2014-2015). Because of the importance of tourism revenues, this study aims at identifying the extent to which it contributes to financing the services balance and analyzing its impact on both the services balance and the GDP during the study period (2001-2002: 2016-2017). The present study relied upon the descriptive and analytical methodology. The descriptive methodology describes the contribution of tourism revenues to economic development in light of the terrorism crisis in Egypt. It also identifies the development of the relationship between the tourism sector and terrorism. Regarding the analytical methodology, regression analysis is used to measure the impact of tourism revenues on Egypt's GDP. The descriptive approach was generally adopted with the help of statistical analysis tools to measure the statistical relationship of tourism revenues with the number of tourists, the services balance, and the GDP. The study showed a positive relationship between tourism revenues and GDP. Therefore, it recommends focusing on the development of the industrial and tourism sectors.
A FRAMEWORK OF CHALLENGES FACING THE SAFE CITY PROGRAMME IN KUALA LUMPUR
Authors: Lim Seng Boon , Yong Chee Kong , Abdul Rashid Mohd Fadzil , Abdul Malek Jalaluddin
Published: November 2020

The Safe City Programme was launched one and a half-decade ago in Malaysia as one of the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) strategy to curb crimes. However, the crime rates, in particular in Kuala Lumpur (KL), have shown little evidence of abating. Little is understood of the actual challenges facing the programme. Therefore, questions have been raised and many researchers are attracted to focus on this scenario. Thus, this study aimed to assess local players’ views of the challenges facing the safe city programme in KL and to provide a framework for the prevention strategies. The research involved qualitative in-depth interviews with key players in the area of safe city, crime experts and officials, and community heads. Themes and a framework were formulated through thematic analysis. The results showed that the understanding of a safe city programme could be differentiated through the lens of sustainability and resilience challenges, as well as their levels of prevention. Thus, the grey area of tertiary prevention strategies could be identified and strengthened.
MODERATING EFFECT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR AND ANTECEDENTS
Authors: Ngah Rohana , Putit Lennora , Mat Azmi , Abdullah Jamalunlaili , Ab Majid Rohayu
Published: November 2020

Public transport infrastructure has been massively developed to encourage public transport usage in Kuala Lumpur. However, a low percentage of public transport ridership dampens the objectives to reduce traffic congestion and air population. This paper attempts to investigate the effect of travel intention and the moderating effect of general service quality of public transport on travel behaviour among commuters in Kuala Lumpur. A survey was carried out at LRT stations, and a total of 904 were usable. Most of the respondents are young adults between 20-29 years old, and the majority earned less than RM3,000 a month. Most of them possess a vehicle and driving license. Findings showed that travel intention has a significant effect on travel behaviour. Interestingly, service quality, in general, weakly moderates the relationship between travel intention and travel behaviour in a reverse direction. The findings would help relevant authorities to set strategies to encourage more private riders further to switch to public transport.