bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Course of Untreated and Treated Chronic Hepatitis B in Pregnant Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Nadir Yasemin , Batirel Ayse , Karsidag Ayse Yasemin , Narter Fatma Kaya , Nadir Ahmet
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVE: Implementation of strategies to prevent vertical transmission is highly important steps in reducing the global burden of chronic hepatitis B. We conducted this prospective study to observe the clinical course and outcomes of untreated and treated HBV in pregnant.STUDY DESIGN: HBsAg-positive pregnants were prospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2016 and antiviral therapy was administered to eligible patients. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were determined in the treated (n=29) and untreated group (n=136). Active-passive immunoprophylaxis was administered to infants and they were tested for HBsAg.RESULTS: The risk factors for transmission (HBeAg positivity, history of previously-born HBsAg-positive child) were significantly higher in the treated group. All participants under treatment had sufficient viral suppression. Half of the pregnant women for whom the treatment was withheld at the postpartum period, experienced increased viral load. The treated group had significantly higher pre- and postpartum alanine aminotransferase levels more than the untreated group, although there were no significant differences in other biochemical parameters. There were no significant differences regarding fetal outcomes between the two groups. All infants were HBsAg-negative at seven months postpartum.CONCLUSION: While the untreated group included inactive carriers, there were more patients at risk for transmission of HBV to their offsprings in the treated group. Half of the pregnant women for whom the treatment was withheld at the postpartum period, experienced increased viral load. Antiviral therapy did not adversely affect the outcomes of infants. As a result, we successfully prevented perinatal HBV transmission by close monitoring of participant pregnant women and starting antiviral therapy when needed.
Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in foods of plant origin in North-Western Greece
Authors: Sakkas Hercules , Economou Vangelis , Bozidis Petros , Gousia Panagiota , Papadopoulou Chrissanthy , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: June 2020

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are recognized as leading causes of waterborne and foodborne diarrhoeal disease with worldwide distribution. The study aimed to determine the protozoan contamination of various foods of plant origin. A total of 72 samples from 27 different varieties of fresh vegetables and fruits were collected from supermarkets and open markets in North-Western Greece and were examined using conventional diagnostic methods. Two out of 72 (2.8%) samples were found positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts, while no sample was found to be positive for Giardia cysts. The results show the presence of protozoan contamination in foods of plant origin, which may constitute a potential health hazard.
Effect of Antioxidants on Heavy Metals Induced Conformational Alteration of Cytochrome C and Myoglobin
Authors: Alazoumi Khadega Khamis Moh , Ahmed Anwar , Alamery Salman Freeh , Shamsi Anas , Ahmad Basir , Islam Asimul , Farooqi Humaira
Published: June 2020

Background:

The exposure to heavy metals due to unrestrained industrialization, pollution and non-degradability imposes a significant risk to human health. Proteins are prime targets of heavy metal stress, however, the underlying mechanisms and its impact on heme proteins is still not entirely clear.

Objective:

To analyze the deleterious effect of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium and mercury on conformation of two proteins namely, cytochrome c and myoglobin. The protective effect of glycine and ascorbic acid (animal origin), gallic acid and sesamol (plant origin) on heavy metal exposure was studied.

Methods:

Far- and near-UV Circular Dichroism (CD) measurements monitored the changes in secondary and tertiary structure. Absorption Soret spectroscopy study revealed changes in heme-protein interaction. Peroxidase activity has been assayed to measure the absorption of tetraguaiacol. The interaction of heme proteins with different heavy metals was done using docking study.

Results:

Far- and near-UV CD measurements reveal that heavy metals disrupt the secondary and tertiary structure of heme proteins. Antioxidants counteract the deleterious effect of heavy metals. Absorption spectroscopy revealed changes in the Soret region of these heme proteins. Changes in peroxidase activity was observed on addition of heavy metals and antioxidants. Molecular docking validated interaction of the heavy metals with proteins with a significant binding affinity (-2.3 kcal/- mol).

Conclusion:

Heavy metals interfered and disrupted both the heme proteins and mercury showed the maximum deleterious effect, further, chromium showed detrimental effect at very small concentration. The antioxidants from animal origin exhibited better protective response than those from plant source.
Dual-target Inhibitors Based on BRD4: Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer
Authors: Zhang Sitao , Chen Yanzhao , Tian Chengsen , He Yujing , Tian Zeru , Wan Yichao , Liu Tingting
Published: June 2020

Background:

Currently, cancer continues being a dramatically increasing and serious
threat to public health. Although many anti-tumor agents have been developed in recent years, the
survival rate of patients is not satisfactory. The poor prognosis of cancer patients is closely related
to the occurrence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new strategies for cancer
treatment. Multi-target therapies aim to have additive or synergistic effects and reduce the potential
for the development of resistance by integrating different pharmacophores into a single drug molecule.
Given the fact that majority of diseases are multifactorial in nature, multi-target therapies are
being exploited with increasing intensity, which has brought improved outcomes in disease models
and obtained several compounds that have entered clinical trials. Thus, it is potential to utilize this
strategy for the treatment of BRD4 related cancers. This review focuses on the recent research advances
of dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 in the aspect of anti-tumor.

Methods:

We have searched the recent literatures about BRD4 inhibitors from the online resources
and databases, such as pubmed, elsevier and google scholar.

Results:

In the recent years, many efforts have been taken to develop dual-target inhibitors based
on BRD4 as anti-cancer agents, such as HDAC/BRD4 dual inhibitors, PLK1/BRD4 dual inhibitors
and PI3K/BRD4 dual inhibitors and so on. Most compounds display good anti-tumor activities.

Conclusion:

Developing new anti-cancer agents with new scaffolds and high efficiency is a big
challenge for researchers. Dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 are a class of important bioactive
compounds. Making structural modifications on the active dual-target inhibitors according to
the corresponding structure-activity relationships is of benefit to obtain more potent anti-cancer
leads or clinical drugs. This review will be useful for further development of new dual-target inhibitors
based on BRD4 as anti-cancer agents.
Review on the Clinical Pharmacology of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate for the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Cui Cheng , Tu Siqi , En Valerie Sia Jie , Li Xiaobei , Yao Xueting , Li Haiyan , Liu Dongyang
Published: June 2020

Background:

As the number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infected
people is greatly increasing worldwide, the international medical situation becomes very serious. Potential
therapeutic drugs, vaccine and stem cell replacement methods are emerging, so it is urgent to find specific
therapeutic drugs and the best treatment regimens. After the publications on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with anti-
SARS-COV-2 activity in vitro, a small, non-randomized, open-label clinical trial showed that HCQ treatment was
significantly associated with reduced viral load in patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Meanwhile, a
large prophylaxis study of HCQ sulfate for COVID-19 has been initiated in the United States. HCQ offered a
promising efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19, but the optimal administration is still being explored.

Methods:

We used the keyword "hydroxychloroquine" to conduct a literature search in PubMed to collect relevant
literature on the mechanism of action of HCQ, its clinical efficacy and safety, pharmacokinetic characteristics,
precautions for clinical use and drug interactions to extract and organize information.

Results:

This paper reviews the mechanism, clinical efficacy and safety, pharmacokinetic characteristics, exposureresponse
relationship and precautions and drug interactions of HCQ, and summarizes dosage recommendations for
HCQ sulfate.

Conclusion:

It has been proved that HCQ, which has an established safety profile, is effective against SARS-CoV-2
with sufficient pre-clinical rationale and evidence. Data from high-quality clinical trials are urgently needed
worldwide.
Data Analysis-Driven Precise Asthmatic Treatment by Targeting Mast Cells
Authors: Tan Yupin , Zou Lili , Li Na , Huang Li , Chen Meiji , Li Xuexiang , Zheng Xue , Li Wenkai , Li Yun , Yang Chun-Tao
Published: June 2020

Background:

Although the importance of mast cells in asthma has been studied, mast cellsinduced global changes in lungs are largely unknown. Data-driven identification contributes to discovering significant biomarkers or therapeutic targets, which are the basis of effective clinical medications.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the effects of mast cells on gene expression in asthmatic lungs, and to assess the curative effects of inhaled budesonide (BUD).

Methods:

Pulmonary gene expression in KitWsh mice with or without mast cell engraftment was analyzed with R software. Functional enrichment of Gene Ontology and KEGG was carried out through the DAVID online tool. Hub genes were identified with String and Cytoscape software.

Results:

The array analyses showed that the mast cell engraftment enhanced inflammation/immune response, cytokine/chemokine signal, and monocyte/neutrophil/lymphocyte chemotaxis. Interleukin (IL)-6 was identified to be a significant hub gene with the highest interaction degree. Based on this, the effects of BUD were investigated on the aspects of anti-inflammation. BUD’s treatment was found to reduce serum IL-6 content and pulmonary inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma rats. The treatment also downregulated beta-tryptase expression both in lung tissues and serum. Morphologically, the accumulation and degranulation of mast cells were significantly suppressed. Notably, the effects of BUD on inflammation and degranulation were comparable with Tranilast (a classic mast cell inhibitor), while a remarkable synergy was not observed.

Conclusion:

This study presented a unique pulmonary gene profile induced by mast cell engraftment, which could be reversed through blockage of mast cells or inhaled BUD.
Lipid Profile Results after Cardiovascular Prevention Programme: Euroaction Model in Spain
Authors: Buigues Cristina , Queralt Ana , De Velasco Jose A. , Salvador-Sanz Antonio , Jennings Catriona , Wood David , Trapero Isabel
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes (CVPRP) are an
established model of care designed to improve risk factor management. They have been successfully
implemented in a variety of settings, in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Objective:

To assess the long term impact of a nurse-coordinated, multidisciplinary, CVPRP in patients
with CHD in the reduction of lipid profile and medication prescription in clinical practice.

Methods:

The study used an analytical, experimental, population based, prospective and longitudinal
design. In Spain, the study was conducted in the Valencian Community, including two randomized
hospitals. Coronary patients were prospectively and consecutively identified in both hospitals. The
intervention hospital carried out an 8-week CVPRP.

Results:

The proportion of patients achieving improved standards of preventive care increased in the
intervention hospital compared with the usual care hospital, mainly regarding LDL-C concentrations.
Furthermore, an increased prescription of statins was found in the intervention group. However, there
were no statistically significant differences in triglycerides and glucose levels.

Conclusion:

The EUROACTION nurse-led CVPRP enabled coronary patients to control lipid profile
to the European targets. A large proportion of patients were prescribed statin therapy as cardioprotective
medication with favorable changes in medication for coronary patients. To improve the potential
for cardiovascular prevention, we need local preventive cardiology programmes adapted to the health
policy of individual countries.
The future is urban
Authors: Cheng-tek Tai Michael
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a future urban that is bioethically viable not only in hardware construction but also in software equipment supporting the hardware’s viability for a harmonious relationship between humankind and nature. The future urban must not develop to become only a gathering of people in the city but ought to be designed to integrate within the global ecosystem. This paper will suggest a list of basic infrastructural requirements for an ecologically sustainable future urban.
The methodology used in this paper is qualitative descriptive, derived from paper’s literature reviews along with other scholars who provided insight for the author to develop a list of recommendations for future urban planning.
Задачи разработки отечественных физических приборов для быстрой (без смены поколений) идентификации генотипов при отборах в расщепляющихся и диких популяциях растений
Authors: Драгавцев В.А.
Published: June 2020

V.A. Dragavtsev. Agrophysical Research Institute, 195220, St.-Petersburg, Russia. Grazhdanscy prospect 14, e-mail:
SUMMARY. In the period of 1984-2014 our scientific school (by 2018 - 35 doctors of sciences and 12 professors) created and developed the new Theory of Ecological-Genetic Organization of Quantitative Characters (TEGOQC). The Theory is based on the discovery of the new epigenetic Phenomenon - the change of genes products spectrum under a quantitative character when the limitibg factor of environment change. From Theory came 24 priority issues and 10 know-how, able to eliminate "bottlenecks" of traditional breeding technologies to increase yield. TEGOQC has produced 16 innovative technologies eaperimentally tested om many agricultural crops to design breakthrough varieties of plants with high yields and quality of product, tens and hundreds of times more efficient than traditional breeding technologies to increase yields. The first of 16 important group of technologies to quickly (without changing generations) identyfy the most productive genotypes in selections in segregated and wild populations is described in this article. This group of technologies based on issues of TEGOQC: principle of background characters and principle of "orthogonal" identifications of maximal plus contributions in yield of seven genetic-physiological systems (GPhS): attraction; microdistribution of attractive plastic substances between grains and chaff in wheat-ear; adaptability to different limiting factors of environment; horizontal immunity; "payment" by dry biomass of plfnt of low doses of N,P,K; tolerans to thickening of phytocenosis; genetic variability if lengths of ontogenetic phases.
SOURSES OF FINANCING: RSCI, grants No: 07-04-01714; No 13-01-96519; No 16-04-00199
Экспериментальное и теоретическое исследование осциллятора с соударениями
Authors: Нарожнов В.В.
Published: June 2020

The results of a study of a nonlinear mechanical oscillator with elastic impacts are presented. The experiment was carried out using an electromechanical impact oscillator. The theoretical model is based on the equations of motion, taking into account the elastic force, which is calculated under the Hertz contact theory. It is shown that bifurcations and attractors of the “stable focus” and “limit cycle” types can occur for the impact oscillator. Fourier filtering was used to analyze the spectral characteristics of the signals.
Влияние магнитного поля удлиненного соленоида на деформирование металлических кумулятивных струй
Authors: Федоров С.В.
Published: June 2020

The inertial stretching of a metal shaped-charge jet in the magnetic field of a long solenoid is considered. The purpose of the magnetic field influence on the shaped-charge jet is to slow down the development of plastic instability of the jet with an increase in its ultimate elongation and penetration ability. Using a number of simplifying assumptions, an analytical description of electromagnetic processes in the jet section during its motion in the solenoid cavity and after exit from it is obtained. The induction heating of the jet section and the stress state in it under the action of electromagnetic forces are calculated in relation to the conditions of previous experiments with the influence of the magnetic field of solenoids on shaped-charge jets. The obtained results are used to substantiate the hypothesis about the possible cause of a large discrepancy in the experimental data of different authors on the increase in the penetrative action of shaped charges.
Измерение бесконтактным методом удельного электрического сопротивления листового металла в области высоких температур
Authors: Румянцев А.В. , Никишин М.А. , Синицин А.П.
Published: June 2020

Non-contact measurement of electrical resistivity of sheet metal at high temperatures
© A.V. Rumyantsev, M.A. Nikishin, A.P. Sinitsin
Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia e-mail: albert37@list.ru
The developed non-contact method for measuring the electrical resistivity of metals at high temperatures is extended to sheet metal. The theoretical part of the method is supplemented by solving the problem of the power introduced into the sample in the form of a thin-walled cylinder during its induction heating. The essence of the method is the measurement of electromotive forces (EMF) induced by a high-frequency electromagnetic field in two circular contours of different diameters, coaxially located with a cylindrical specimen. The obtained formula for the power introduced into the thin-walled cylinder made it possible to find a function linking the electrical resistivity of the sample material and EMF. From the EMF measured in the experiment, the specific electrical resistance of the sample under study was determined and, as a consequence, the value of the power introduced into the sample. The latter allows one to determine the hemispherical integral degree of blackness of the sample material. The results of an experimental verification of the method on a sample in the form of a thin-walled niobium cylinder are presented. The data obtained within 3% are consistent with the data of other authors, which allows us to recommend the technical use of the method. The experimental techniques for implementing the method and processing its results are presented.
Keywords: electrical resistivity, electromagnetic field, electromotive force, skin-layer, sheet metal, high temperature, thin-walled cylinder, power.

Rumyantsev A.V. − PhD, professor, I. Kant Baltic Federal University, IKBFU,
A. Nevskogo str.14, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia.
E-mail: albert37@list.ru

Nikishin M.A. – PhD postgraduate student, I. Kant Baltic Federal University,IKBFU,
A. Nevskogo str.14, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia.
E-mail: nikishin.maxim.a@gmail.com

Sinitsin A.P. – PhD postgraduate student, I. Kant Baltic Federal University, IKBFU,
A. Nevskogo str.14, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russia.
E-mail: alekseisinitcin82@yandex.ru
Лазерное инициирование энергонасыщенных композитов на основе нанопористого кремния
Authors: Зегря Г.Г. , Савенков Г.Г. , Зегря А.Г. , Брагин В.А. , Оськин И.А. , Побережная У.М.
Published: June 2020

The results of experiments on the laser initiation of explosive transformations in energy-saturated composites based on nanoporous silicon are presented. Calcium perchlorate was used as an oxidizing agent. It was shown that the addition of (20–30) wt.% Graphene-like powder material to the energy-saturated composite leads to an increase in its sensitivity to infrared laser radiation and the excitation of fast exothermic reactions in the composite.
Влияние продолжительности контакта и глубины индентирования на адгезионную прочность: эксперимент и численное моделирование
Authors: Ляшенко Я.А. , Попов В.Л.
Published: June 2020

The adhesive contact between a steel spherical indenter and a layer of transparent soft rubber fixed on a glass substrate is experimentally investigated. Obtained experimental results are compared with theory and numerical simulation, which demonstrates satisfactory agreement between these three approaches. The influence of the indenter time in the contact and the indentation depth on the value of the adhesive strength of the contact is studied. The features of experiments conducted under conditions of controlled displacement (fixed grips) and controlled force (fixed load) are discussed.
Smart Indigenous Youth: The Smart Platform Policy Solution for Systems Integration to Address Indigenous Youth Mental Health (Preprint)
Authors: Katapally Tarun Reddy
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Indigenous youth mental health is an urgent public health issue, which cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all approach. The success of health policies in Indigenous communities is dependent on bottom-up, culturally appropriate, and strengths-based prevention strategies. In order to maximize the effectiveness of these strategies, they need to be embedded in replicable and contextually relevant mechanisms such as school curricula across multiple communities. Moreover, to engage youth in the twenty-first century, especially in rural and remote areas, it is imperative to leverage ubiquitous mobile tools that empower Indigenous youth and facilitate novel Two-Eyed Seeing solutions. Smart Indigenous Youth is a 5-year community trial, which aims to improve Indigenous youth mental health by embedding a culturally appropriate digital health initiative into school curricula in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Canada. This policy analysis explores the benefits of such upstream initiatives. More importantly, this article describes evidence-based strategies to overcome barriers to implementation through the integration of citizen science and community-based participatory research action.
Mobile Health Apps and Health Management Behaviors: Cost-Benefit Modeling Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Mano Rita
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Rising criticism about the risks associated with the use of mobile health apps necessitates a critical perspective to assess the use of these apps. A cost-benefit approach involving several moderating factors can be used to detect technology effects and individual-level push and pull factors related to health attitudes, lifestyle, and health management behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

We introduce a cost-benefit perspective to examine how health attitudes related to mobile health apps and health situational factors (health crises, health changes, and hospitalization) affect the likelihood of adopting lifestyle and health management behaviors among app users.

METHODS

The analysis is based on individuals’ reported use of mobile health apps. The sample included 1495 US adults aged over 18 years who were contacted by landline or cellphone. A total of 50.96% (762/1495) of the participants were women. A set of logistic regression models was used to predict lifestyle and health management behaviors among users considering variations in the extent of use, health attitudes, health situation, and socioeconomic characteristics.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that the proposed models were reasonably adequate. In all, 88.76% (1327/1495) of the cases were correctly classified regarding lifestyle behaviors, but only 71.97% (1076/1495) of the cases were correctly classified regarding health management behaviors. Although a large percentage of individuals changed their attitudes following the use of mobile health apps, only a small proportion adopted health management behaviors. The use of mobile health apps affected up to 67.95% (1016/1495) of the users for consultation and 71.97% (1076/1495) of the users for decision making. The model was effective for 88.76% (1327/1495) of the cases regarding lifestyle behaviors but only 71.97% (1076/1495) regarding health management behaviors. The moderating effect of regular use of mobile health apps significantly affects lifestyle (Wald=61.795; B=2.099; P<.005) but not health management behaviors (Wald=12.532; B=0.513; P=.01). These results collectively indicate that the use of mobile health apps for health management is partially effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of mobile health apps is a main route to instigate the process of health empowerment and shape health attitudes. However, an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of mobile health apps necessitates distinguishing between lifestyle and health management behaviors and adopting a cost-benefit approach because individuals facing health concerns, such as a chronic disease, health emergency, health crisis, or health change, consider their affordances and situational effects. These moderators generate a push and pull framework in the decision-making process that balances the costs and benefits of use.
Metabolic Syndrome Parameters, Determinants, and Biomarkers in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Protocol for the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study on Metabolic Syndrome (Dutch LATER METS) (Preprint)
Authors: Pluimakers Vincent , Fiocco Marta , van Atteveld Jenneke , Hobbelink Monique , Bresters Dorine , Van Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , Van der Heiden-van der Loo Margriet , Janssens Geert O , Kremer Leontien , Loonen Jacqueline , Louwerens Marloes , Van der Pal Helena , Ronckers Cécile , Van Santen Hanneke , Versluys Birgitta , De Vries Andrica , Van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry , Neggers Sebastian
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Potential late effects of treatment for childhood cancer include adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. These risk factors cluster together as metabolic syndrome and increase the risk for development of diabetes mellitus and cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. Knowledge on risk factors, timely diagnosis, and preventive strategies is of importance to prevent cardio- and cerebrovascular complications and improve quality of life. Currently, no national cohort studies on the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in childhood cancer survivors, including biomarkers and genetic predisposition, are available.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the Dutch LATER METS study are to assess 1) the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome and its separate components, and 2) the potential diagnostic and predictive value of additional biomarkers for surveillance of metabolic syndrome in the national cohort of adult long-term survivors of childhood cancer.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study based on recruitment of all survivors treated in the Netherlands between 1963 and 2002. Metabolic syndrome will be classified according to the definitions of the third Adult Treatment Panel Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program as well as the Joint Interim Statement and compared to reference data. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed to assess body composition in more detail. The effect of patient characteristics, previous treatment, and genetic variation on the risk of metabolic syndrome will be assessed. The diagnostic and predictive value of novel biomarkers will be tested.

RESULTS

Patient accrual started in 2016 and lasted until April 2020. A total of 2380 survivors from 7 pediatric oncology hospitals have participated. From July 2020, biomarker testing, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, and data analysis will be performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The Dutch LATER METS study will provide knowledge on clinical and genetic determinants of metabolic syndrome and the diagnostic value of biomarkers in childhood cancer survivors. The results of this study will be used to optimize surveillance guidelines for metabolic syndrome in survivors based on enhanced risk stratification and screening strategies. This will improve diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and prevent complications.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/21256
Identifying and Ranking Common COVID-19 Symptoms From Tweets in Arabic: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Alanazi Eisa , Alashaikh Abdulaziz , Alqurashi Sarah , Alanazi Aued
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

A substantial amount of COVID-19–related data is generated by Twitter users every day. Self-reports of COVID-19 symptoms on Twitter can reveal a great deal about the disease and its prevalence in the community. In particular, self-reports can be used as a valuable resource to learn more about common symptoms and whether their order of appearance differs among different groups in the community. These data may be used to develop a COVID-19 risk assessment system that is tailored toward a specific group of people.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the most common symptoms reported by patients with COVID-19, as well as the order of symptom appearance, by examining tweets in Arabic.

METHODS

We searched Twitter posts in Arabic for personal reports of COVID-19 symptoms from March 1 to May 27, 2020. We identified 463 Arabic users who had tweeted about testing positive for COVID-19 and extracted the symptoms they associated with the disease. Furthermore, we asked them directly via personal messaging to rank the appearance of the first 3 symptoms they had experienced immediately before (or after) their COVID-19 diagnosis. Finally, we tracked their Twitter timeline to identify additional symptoms that were mentioned within ±5 days from the day of the first tweet on their COVID-19 diagnosis. In total, 270 COVID-19 self-reports were collected, and symptoms were (at least partially) ranked.

RESULTS

The collected self-reports contained 893 symptoms from 201 (74%) male and 69 (26%) female Twitter users. The majority (n=270, 82%) of the tracked users were living in Saudi Arabia (n=125, 46%) and Kuwait (n=98, 36%). Furthermore, 13% (n=36) of the collected reports were from asymptomatic individuals. Of the 234 users with symptoms, 66% (n=180) provided a chronological order of appearance for at least 3 symptoms. Fever (n=139, 59%), headache (n=101, 43%), and anosmia (n=91, 39%) were the top 3 symptoms mentioned in the self-reports. Additionally, 28% (n=65) reported that their COVID-19 experience started with a fever, 15% (n=34) with a headache, and 12% (n=28) with anosmia. Of the 110 symptomatic cases from Saudi Arabia, the most common 3 symptoms were fever (n=65, 59%), anosmia (n=46, 42%), and headache (n=42, 38%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified the most common symptoms of COVID-19 from tweets in Arabic. These symptoms can be further analyzed in clinical settings and may be incorporated into a real-time COVID-19 risk estimator.
Managing Screening Tests of Hereditary Diseases and Challenges in Their Conduction in Arab Sector of Israel
Authors: Gabaren Sara
Published: June 2020

Hereditary diseases are a known factor in the world to mortality and morbidity of infants. The frequency of these diseases characterizes specific population segments more than others. Acknowledging the efficiency and profitability of performing screening tests, raises the question of Arab women’s low responsiveness to perform the hereditary screening tests comparing to Jewish women and in general.
Opinión pública y encuestas de opinión en España
Authors: López Pintor Rafael
Published: June 2020

Este trabajo, en su organización y contenido, responde a una serie de estímulos que deseo hacer explícitos. El estímulo inmediato ha sido la necesidad de tener que relatar a un grupo de colegas venezolanos la historia de las encuestas en España. Por otra parte, y al filo de la coyuntura, he tratado de formalizar una serie de respuestas a cuestiones que, en los últimos ocho años, se me han planteado sobre el tema de las encuestas y en contextos diferentes: los medios de comunicación, el aula universitaria o la asesoría profesional.Repasando notas y fichas, he vuelto a visualizar a los muy diversos interlocutores de discusiones sobre los estudios de opinión. El producto de esos diálogos in absentia es este trabajo. Y a ellos invoco como justificación. Hay secciones poco hilvanadas y temas importantes que se tratan fugazmente. Puesto que no se trataba de hacer algo original, sino de contar cosas que otros han hecho o dicho, he sentido la presión de tener que hablar de todo un poco. Y, sobre todo, he sentido la necesidad de no poder contar la historia de las encuestas en España sin articular previamente un discurso, tal vez excesivo, sobre la teoría de la opinión pública y la naturaleza de los sondeos de opinión.
Topónimos en la costa Yucatán-Belice: variación del nombre en algunos cayos e islotes
Authors: Ramos Díaz Martín
Published: June 2020

La historia de los topónimos en la costa Yucatán-Belice es una investigación por hacerse. Los datos cartográficos, etnográficos y lingüísticos aportados por distintas fuentes históricas son un primer censo de la variación toponímica en el área. Desconocemos la toponimia amerindia de docenas de islotes y cayos vecinos al arrecife mesoamericano. Del análisis de los mapas históricos disponibles del Caribe se desprende un registro de cuándo fueron sustituidos los sustantivos geográficos amerindios por una toponimia hispana, inglesa, francesa u holandesa. La siguiente investigación sobre la variación de nombres geográficos en una región costera es un recorrido por la historia de la formación de topónimos en la orilla marítima del Caribe mexicano y en la parte norte de Belice. A partir del análisis de mapas novohispanos y decimonónicos, se propone una inicial clasificación de topónimos de la región en seis grupos.
Las estrategias de los anarquistas del Partido Liberal Mexicano, 1902-1918: modificaciones en el entorno estadounidense y revolucionario
Authors: Samaniego López Marco Antonio
Published: June 2020

El artículo analiza las principales estrategias de los anarquistas del Partido Liberal Mexicano para, por un lado, no declararse anarquistas y al mismo tiempo vincularse con ácratas en Estados Unidos y Europa. De esta forma, trataron de llevar a la práctica la idea de Kropotkin y Malatesta de realizar dos organizaciones simultáneas, una pública y la otra secreta. Posteriormente, al iniciarse la revolución en México, llamaron a la expropiación de todos los medios de producción y promovieron la llegada de libertarios residentes en Estados Unidos. A ellos debía sumarse el pueblo americano. Su retórica consistió en insistir en que la revolución en México ya era anarquista y por tanto existía el terreno propicio para la llegada de los camaradas de todo el mundo. Sin embargo, y a pesar de la insistencia, el llamado no funcionó como ellos indicaron.
Marion Bryce en México (1901)
Authors: Toledo García Itzel
Published: June 2020

Este texto presenta la traducción de las cartas que envió Marion Bryce a su madre, la señora Ashton, en octubre de 1901 mientras realizaba una visita a México con su esposo, el académico y miembro liberal del parlamento británico James Bryce. La estancia de Marion en México no ha sido de interés para los especialistas en la literatura de viajeros británicos, pero vale la pena recuperarla porque nos permite conocer más sobre la vida política, económica, social y cotidiana durante el Porfiriato.
María Victoria Crespo, Dictadura en América Latina. Nuevas aproximaciones teóricas y conceptuales
Authors: Spindola Zago Octavio
Published: June 2020

Reseña sobre María Victoria Crespo, Dictadura en América Latina. Nuevas aproximaciones teóricas y conceptuales, México, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, 2017.
María Luna Argudín y María José Rhi Sausi (coords.), Repensar el siglo XIX. Miradas historiográficas desde el siglo XX
Authors: Arrioja Díaz Viruell Luis Alberto
Published: June 2020

Reseña sobre María Luna Argudín y María José Rhi Sausi (coords.), Repensar el siglo XIX. Miradas historiográficas desde el siglo XX, México, Secretaría de Cultura/Fondo de Cultura Económica/Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, 2015.
An Ayurveda Perspective on Khageshwar Rasa W. S. R. to Rasayogsagar
Authors: Dongre Swati , Ganvir Rakesh
Published: June 2020

The stream of ayurveda science that deals with therapeutics properties of minerals, precious stones, metals and poisonous herbs is termed as Rasashastra. This branch not only related with therapeutic properties of Rasaushadhies but deals with processing of Rasa-Dravyas. The Rasa drugs help to treats many diseases and imparts rejuvenating effects. The theories and principles of Rasashastra help to convert toxic substance into non-toxic life saving medicines. The process involved in the preparation in of such drugs need to be followed carefully and must be analyzed to ensure safety of formulations. Considering this current study presented various analytical aspects related to the Khageshwara Rasa.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Rasashastra, Khageshwara Rasa, Analysis
Antioxidant activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents and Cytotoxic activity of Euphorbia aegyptiaca
Authors: Osman Adam Osman Adam , Abadi Ragaa Satti Mohmmed , Ayoub Saad Mohamed Hussein
Published: June 2020

Euphorbia aegyptiaca is a herbaceous plant traditionally used in Sudan for treatment of various diseases, and the study of this plant is still limited. The aim of the present study was to screen the phytochemicals and to assess the Antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoid contents and cytotoxic activity of Euphorbia aegyptiaca. The plant material was extracted successively by Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane, chloroform and methanol. The chemical constituents of the extracts were carried out using the standard procedures. The Folin- Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride method was employed to calculate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. The antioxidant activity, was assessed by measuring the scavenging activity of the DPPH (2.2Di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and Propyl Gallate as standard antioxidants. While cytotoxic activities were screened using brine shrimp. Phytochemical screening studies revealed that flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, saponins, sterols, terpenes, anthraquinones and alkaloids were the main phytochemicals present in extracts of E. aegyptiaca. The methanol extract showed the highest level of total phenolic contents (173.49±2.427 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (239.53±7.90 mg QE/g), and the highest antioxidant activity 89% with least (IC50 0.0449µg/ml), and the no toxicity against brine shrimp (LD50 3423.156). Furthermore, no toxicity in all extracts was observed. The present study is the first evaluation regarding the characterization of E. aegyptiaca and its safety, and the results demonstrate its antioxidant potential and suggest its safe therapeutic use. The results suggest that methanol extract is a rich source of phytochemicals and exhibits highest amount of and total phenolic, flavonoid content and significant antioxidant activity and it has no cytotoxic activity. E. aegyptiaca plant can be regarded as a promising Source of naturally occurring potential antioxidants.

Keywords: Euphorbia aegyptiaca, Sudan, Antioxidant, Total phenolic, total flavonoid, Cytotoxicity.
Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Oral Film of a Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIS) Escitalopram Oxalate
Authors: Yadav Nitesh , Soni Pushpendra , Omray Lavakesh Kumar
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this research was to develop fast dissolving oral film of Escitalopram oxalate. Fast dissolving oral film offers a solution for paediatrics, geriatrics; psychiatric or mentally ill people and those have difficulty in swallowing tablets/capsules resulting in improved patient compliance. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are broad spectrum antidepressants that are effective for major depressive disorder and several anxiety disorders. Escitalopram Oxalate is highly selective, more effective and better than other SSRIs. The prepared formulations were evaluated for Thickness, Weight uniformity, Folding Endurance, Percentage of Moisture Content, Drug Content Analysis, Disintegrating time and In vitro dissolution study. Stability studies were carried out with optimized formulation F5 which was stored for a period of one, two and three months at 40±2oC temperature and 75±5% relative humidity for a period 3 months.  Thus it can be concluded that Escitalopram oxalate fast dissolving films could be commercially exploited for the treatment of panic disorder using Escitalopram oxalate with merits of faster onset of action, avoidance of extensive first pass metabolism, low dosage regimen, enhanced bioavailability and improved patient compliance.

Keywords: Escitalopram oxalate, Fast dissolving oral film, Evaluation
A Highly Specific Colorimetric Method for On-Spot Determination of Lidocaine Using Color Kit and Application of Uncertainty Principles
Authors: Gandhi Margi , Mashru Rajashree
Published: June 2020

A simple, accurate, precise, selective and detectable Colorimetric method was developed for estimation of Lidocaine in five different Pharmaceutical Formulations. The method is an azo C-coupling reaction where Lidocaine undergoes series of reaction and finally couples with resorcinol to form yellow color azo compound. The colored complex was measured at 430 nm. Beers law was obeyed in concentration range of 0.05-0.8 ug/ml. The method was validated and was found to be accurate, precise and robust with limit of detection and quantification to be 0.014 and 0.045 ug/ml. The Color kit was also developed for On-Spot detection of Lidocaine. Measurement uncertainty principles were also adopted to obtain reliable results where the process of uncertainty started from specifying measurand, then identifying uncertainty sources by cause-effect diagram, quantification of these sources of uncertainty and then finally calculating combined standard uncertainty and expanded uncertainty. In the present experiment, Concentration of sample and mass of sample was the major contributor towards uncertainty for all five Formulations. From the five formulations combined standard uncertainty of Transdermal patch was high, followed by Aerosol, Ointment, Gel and Injection.

Keywords: Lidocaine, Uncertainty, Transdermal patch, Aerosol, Injection, Ointment, Gel
Changes in Life Quality of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Hemodialysis Who Are Given Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 Parenterally
Authors: Angela Tjung , Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim
Published: June 2020

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease that causes a progressive decrease in kidney function, which can end in kidney failure disease and will have an impact on decreasing quality of life. Previous research has shown that by giving vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can improve quality of life.

Aim: To measure changes in quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease who were given vitamins B1, B6, and B12 parenterally.

Material and Methods: This study used quasi experimental (one group pre and post test) in 117 patients who were selected in Bethesda Hospital and Panti Rapih Hospital Yogyakarta hemodialysis unit. Patients were given vitamins B Combination injections twice a week in each hemodialysis for 4 weeks. Quality of life was measured by SF-8 questionnaire on the first day of hemodialysis before given vitamins (pre-test) and on the 30th day, after eight injection of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 (post test).

Results: The mean age of observed patients were 51.58 ± 12.51 years. From 117 patients, 73 patients (62,4%) were male and 44 patients (37.6%) were female. The improvement in overall quality of life in patients was not significant (p= 0.055). Quality of life improvement was only significant in the male group (p = 0.016).

Conclusion: There was no significant difference after 4-weeks-injections of vitamins B Combination to the overall quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. But there was found a significant improvement in quality of life in the male patients with chronic kidney disease who had hemodialysis.

Keywords : chronic kidney disease, quality of life, vitamins B1, B6, and B12, SF-8 questionnaire.
«Diamo l’assalto al cielo!» («Let’s assault the sky»): science communication between scientists and citizens and Lombardo Radice’s television in Italy in the years of the protests
Authors: Lusito Fabio
Published: June 2020

The years of the protests marked a period of social turmoil in Italy. The critical impulses that developed within worker and student groups had political effects even on science. This paper aims to offer a historiographical description of some stages of the relationship between scientists and protesting movements, going back over the developments in science communication in Italy between the late sixties and the seventies, focusing on the case of Lucio Lombardo Radice and his work as a TV populariser. The reinterpretation of the recent past could be useful to better understand the contemporary developments in science communication from a historical perspective.
On the way to eliminating theoretical difficulties of sociology of morality
Authors: Sanzhenakov A. A.
Published: June 2020

The article aims at presenting theoretical difficulties of sociology of morality and possible ways to overcome them. The importance of this issue is determined by the necessity of the scientific study of moral elements of the contemporary society in order to prevent its dehumanization. Sociology of morality focuses on the empirical study of various moral phenomena (justice, duty, conscience) in the social space. At the first stage of such a study, sociologists conduct observations and collect data, and at the second stage, they generalize moral facts to identify moral patterns. In sociology, morality is considered as an element of society; therefore, it is not analyzed by itself but within a system of social relations. One of the difficulties of such studies is the ambivalent nature of morality, i.e. its existence in both public and individual consciousness: if sociologists ignore the individual mode of morality, they misrepresent the content of moral facts. Another reason for theoretical difficulties in the study of morality is that sociologists use outdated ideas about the nature of moral truths and researchers impartiality - moral judgments are considered as not being true or false, and the researcher should ignore his value attitudes when collecting and analyzing data. The elimination of these difficulties can lead to the loss of the sociological research specifics and to the merger of sociology and moral philosophy. Representatives of the new sociology of morality have to reform this field but ensure its status of an independent scientific discipline. One of the ways to solve this task is to use ideas of analytic philosophy, in particular, of moral realism that defines moral qualities as qualities of real things, and moral truths as having the same status as scientific truths.