bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principle of Self-adaptive Emergence of Wave-particle Duality, Solution to Crisis of a Particle’s Simultaneously Passing Double Slits and Objective Criteria Distinguishing Classical and Quantum Particles
Authors: Huang C. , Huang Yong-Chang , Nie Yi-You
Published: March 2020

This paper uncovers that quantum uncertain principle makes the single particle with global property have no certain path, and then wave of quantum particle can simultaneously do pass the double slits. The two subwaves after passing Young’s double slits are entanglement, they may form interference of subwaves. Consequently, we find a kind of quantum probabilistic entanglements with Wheeler's delayed choice. Quantum particles such as photons, electrons, neutrons, protons etc mean that wave of the quantum particle can simultaneously do pass through Young's double slits, rather than individual quantum particle may pass through Young's double slits at the same time. When considering wave property, we cannot consider particle property (Just as in the photoelectric effect, considering the particle nature of the system, people cannot consider wave property, otherwise the photoelectric effect cannot appear). Therefore, this paper discovers that the ability of single photon to hit electrons out in photoelectric effect is complementarily equivalent to the ability of wave of the single photon to simultaneously pass through Young's double slits in wave-particle duality. Objective criteria for distinguishing classical and quantum particles are discovered and objectively give the applicable realm of quantum mechanics for the first time. The crisis of the single particle’s simultaneously passing through Young's double slits, which has been plaguing physicists in the whole world up to now for decades, is solved, in which the studies are classified as classical and quantum particles, the classical particle and quantum particle wave cannot and can pass the Young’s slits, respectively. This paper discovers both the new physics mechanism of passing the double slits of the wave with the amplitude of 4-dimensional momentum representation wave function reflecting particle nature and the principle of self-adaptive emergence of wave-particle duality, and then using the principle, this paper gives both direct explanations to the current experiments and new predictions of new some experiments for wave-particle duality. All the deduced results here are consistent with all relevant physics experiments.
The Pneumonia Outbreak: High Isoleucine and High Valine Plus Glycine Contents Are Features of the Proteins of COVID-19 Virus
Authors: Wan Yulin , Yan Sirui , Zhang Ying , An Shanshan , Yang Kaiqiao , Xu Huan , Gan Tao , Cao Weiguo , Liu Qiuyun
Published: March 2020

The current pneumonia epidemic could evolve into a pandemic on a global scale if not effectively contained. The COVID-19 possesses a 61-amino acid open reading frame resembling SARS-CoV virulence factor - ORF6 peptide. The isoleucine content is 15.9% in ORF6 of SARS-CoV versus 16.4% of that in COVID-19. Given the proton affinity in the carbonyl oxygen in isoleucine, augmented proton traffic can enhance proton-ion antiport and prompt cell swelling. Calorie restriction has been confirmed in animal studies to extend lifespan, and its underlying mechanism is not fully known. As the content of essential amino acids in the open reading frame of COVID-19 reaches 57.4%, a starch/vitamin diet served for short period of time does not give rise to essential amino acids and halts virion production, which could be adopted as prophylactic approach of many viral infections. Plant-based diet or fasting/boiled rice water can also minimize the intake of essential amino acids or all amino acids respectively. Furthermore, several proteins of COVID-19 possess high valine plus glycine content which is implicated in heart disease, justifying the aforementioned approaches.
Evidence That Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
Authors: Grant William B. , Lahore Henry , McDonnell Sharon L. , Baggerly Carole A. , French Christine B. , Aliano Jennifer L. , Bhattoa Harjit Pal
Published: March 2020

The world is in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures that can reduce the risk of infection and death in addition to quarantines are desperately needed. This article reviews the roles of vitamin D in reducing risk of respiratory tract infections, knowledge about the epidemiology of influenza and COVID-19, and how vitamin D supplementation might be a useful measure to reduce risk. Through several mechanisms, vitamin D can reduce risk of infections. Those mechanisms include inducing cathelicidins and defensins that can lower viral replication rates and reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that produce the inflammation that injures the lining of the lungs, leading to pneumonia, as well as increase concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Several observational studies and clinical trials reported that vitamin D supplementation reduced risk of influenza, whereas others did not. Evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19 includes that the outbreak occurred in winter, a time when 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are lowest; that the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere near the end of summer are low; that vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome, and that case-fatality rates increase with age and with chronic disease comorbidity, both of which are associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration. To reduce risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d. The goal should be to raise 25(OH)D concentrations above 40–60 ng/ml (100–150 nmol/l). For treatment of people who become infected with COVID-19, higher vitamin D3 doses might be useful. Randomized controlled trials and large population studies should be conducted to evaluate these recommendations.
Detailed Experiment-Theory Comparison of Mid-Infrared Metasurface Perfect Absorbers
Authors: To Naoki , Juodkazis Saulius , Nishijima Yoshiaki
Published: March 2020

The realization of a perfect absorber A = 1 with transmittance and reflectance T=R=0 by a thin metasurface is one of the hot topics in recent nanophotonics prompted by energy harvesting and sensor applications (A + R + T =1 is the energy conservation). Here we tested optical properties of over 400 structures of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) metasurfaces for a range of variation in thickness of insulator, the diameter of a disc and intra-disc distance experimentally and numerically. Conditions of a near-perfect absorption A > 95% with simultaneously occurring anti-reflection property (R < 5%) were experimentally determined. Differences between the bulk vs. nano-thin film properties at mid-IR of the used materials can be of interest for plasmonic multi-metal alloys and high entropy metals.
A Review of Ontological Models Applied for the Assistance of Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Rosales-Huamani Jimmy Aurelio , Castillo-Sequera Jose Luis , Paredes-Larroca Fabricio , Landauro-Abanto Alberto , Zuloaga-Rotta Luis
Published: March 2020

At least 15% of the population in the world has some type of disability. Unfortunately, this population has the problem of facing various accessibility barriers, to which technological barriers are also added. One of the most relevant obstacles is the one that arises as a result of the development of the technology itself when using the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Therefore, the objective of this article is to review the main uses of the Semantic Web tools and to group them together in order to be able to propose the design and construction of more personalized and flexible systems, which allows to help people with disabilities to perform some type of activity using ICT, in this way, knowledge can be modeled in different domains related to people who have some type of disability, using ontologies, and some ontological models can be reused for various types of disability depending on the case study. The usefulness of this study is to reveal that with the models presented, it is possible to construct a Meta ontology that includes some or all areas of disability.
Structural Similarity Analysis of the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Other SARS-related Coronaviruses
Authors: Park YoungJoon , Ahn Ju Won , Hwang Sojung , Sung Kyoung Su , Lim Jaejoon , Kwack KyuBum
Published: March 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has high infectivity in humans, attributed to the strong affinity of its spike (S) protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Here, we analysed the structural similarity of the S protein between SARS-CoV-2 and other SARS-related coronaviruses. The S1 domain of the unclassified coronavirus RaTG13 was structurally very similar to that of SARS-CoV-2, implying that RaTG13 could be the origin of SARS-CoV-2.
Twin Mammals and COVID-19: Life and Science of the Suspects
Authors: Anjum Naser A.
Published: March 2020

The world is puzzling over the origin of the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that is caused by a novel coronavirus-2019 (2019-nCoV). As of 26th March 2020, the World Health Organization has reported 46,2,684 confirmed cases and 20,834 confirmed deaths in total due to COVID-19. To this end, two unique mammals namely bats and pangolins are being investigated for their potential link to COVID-19. However, the evidence so far gathered in this context is far from clear. This paper aimed to: (i) enlighten the major aspects of life of bats and pangolins; (ii) briefly discusses their potential link to COVID-19; and also (iii) to highlight the way forward. The outcomes may contribute to future research on the subject.
Negative Effective Mass in Plasmonic Systems
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Legchenkova Irina
Published: March 2020

We report the negative effective mass metamaterials based on the electro-mechanical coupling exploiting plasma oscillations of a free electron gas. The negative mass appears as a result of vibration of a metallic particle with a frequency of ω which is close the frequency of the plasma oscillations of the electron gas m_2 relatively to the ionic lattice m_1. The plasma oscillations are represented with the elastic spring k_2=ω_p^2 m_2, where ω_p is the plasma frequency. Thus, the metallic particle vibrated with the external frequency ω is described by the effective mass m_eff=m_1+(m_2 ω_p^2)/(ω_p^2-ω^2 ) , which is negative when the frequency ω approaches ω_p from above. The idea is exemplified with two conducting metals, namely Au and Li.
A Furin Cleavage Site Inserted into the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2: A Structural Implication?
Authors: Li Wei
Published: March 2020

One notable features of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has a functional polybasic (furin) cleavage site (RRAR) at the S1–S2 boundary through the insertion of 12 nucleotides encoding PRRA. To date, the furin cleavage site (FCS) remains an experimentally uncharted territory both structurally and functionally. For instance, whether or not FCS is actually cleaved, before or after viral cell entry or exit, still remains to be experimentally investigated. With currently available structural data, this article presents a computational structural characterization of the FCS inserted into SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, and puts forward a set of structural hypothesis against the hypothesis of SARS-CoV-2 from purposeful manipulation: (1), the inserted FCS does not alter, neither stabilize nor de-stabilize, the overall structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein; (2), the net structural consequence of FCS is the insertion of a furin cleavage site into SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, whose S1 and S2 subunits will still be bonded together even if the FCS is actually cleaved by furin protease.
Crucial Aspects of the Management of Solid Organ Transplant Patient with COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Romanelli Antonio , Mascolo Silvia
Published: March 2020

Many centers worldwide raised the concern that immunocompromised patients for solid organ transplantation may be at high risk of developing a severe respiratory disease by COVID-19. Currently, there are no specific data on the COVID-19 in patients with generalized immunosuppression and transplantation.In this narrative review, we reported the main data of COVID-19 in patients with solid organ transplantation presented in the literature. The aim is to elaborate a strategy for tailored management, from diagnosis to therapy.The management of adult patients with solid organ transplantation and COVID-19 is a challenge for the clinicians. There is a lack of data in the literature, but three key-points are crucial: in the “pandemic era,” consider the symptomatic patient as positive for COVID-19 until proven otherwise; adjust/stop immunosuppressive agents; protect graft function with adequate route and dose administration of glucocorticoid and supportive measures. For pediatric patients, data are scarce. It is unclear if immunosuppression in patients with solid organ transplantation alters the predisposition to acquiring COVID-19 or if the disease implications are modified for better or for worse. Further studies are needed.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in India
Authors: Kurian Noble K.
Published: March 2020

Novel Coronavirus infection mediated pandemic started in China in December 2019 and is still killing 1000s of people throughout the world. The second most populous country, India too is fighting against this infectious disease. The country is taking effective measures to curb the pandemic by exerting extensive campaigning on sanitation and strict social distancing measures to quell the explosion of the infection rate. The future of the COVID-19 infections in India still remain unpredictable, so precautionary methods need to be continued until the growth rate of new cases drop below one.
Численный анализ магнитомеханического эффекта в нагревательных трубах
Authors: Бойков Дмитрий Сергеевич , Boykov Dmitrii Sergeevich , Болдарев Алексей Сергеевич , Boldarev Alexey Sergeevich , Гасилов Владимир Анатольевич , Gasilov Vladimir Anatol'evich
Published: March 2020

Рассмотрена физико-математическая модель, позволяющая исследовать перспективы использования эффекта «магнитной памяти металла» с целью неразрушающего контроля изделий из ферромагнитных материалов, находящихся в магнитном
поле Земли. На основе метода конечных элементов разработаны алгоритм и программа для расчета в трехмерной постановке задачи о распределении магнитного
потенциала в среде с неоднородной магнитной проницаемостью. Созданные методики и программные средства использованы для моделирования поля рассеяния
около защемленных нагревательных труб паровых котлов. Получены соотношения,
показывающие взаимосвязь между изменением магнитной индукции и магнитным
полем рассеяния. Отмечено удовлетворительное совпадение расчетных и опытных
данных распределения напряженности магнитного поля рассеяния на поверхности
нагревательной трубы.
Оптимизация загрузки упорядоченной совокупности летательных аппаратов
Authors: Богданов Илья Петрович , Bogdanov Il'ya Petrovich , Судаков Владимир Анатольевич , Sudakov Vladimir Anatolievich , Топоров Николай Борисович , Toporov Nikolai Borisovich
Published: March 2020

Рассмотрена задача расчета оптимальной загрузки набора воздушных транспортных средств, упорядоченных в соответствии с заданной системой приоритетов. Для
указанной задачи предложена формализация в виде задачи смешанного целочисленного линейного программирования, требующая вдвое меньше бинарных переменных для записи условий отсутствия пересечения грузов по сравнению с подходами, представленными в литературе. Разработана технология точного решения
указанной задачи, реализованная в форме открытого веб-сервиса. Описаны основные свойства и практическая значимость предложенной технологии.
Явно-итерационная схема для интегрирования по времени системы уравнений Навье-Стокса
Authors: Жуков Виктор Тимофеевич , Zhukov Victor Timofeevich , Феодоритова Ольга Борисовна , Feodoritova Olga Borisovna , Новикова Наталия Дмитриевна , Novikova Nataliya Dmitrievna , Дубень Алексей Петрович , Duben Aleksei Petrovich
Published: March 2020

Предложена новая явно-итерационная схема интегрирования по времени многомерных уравнений Навье-Стокса сжимаемой среды на основе расщепления на конвективный и диффузионный этапы, которые выполняются последовательно на каждом шаге по времени. Конвективный этап реализуется по схеме Годунова, диффузионный - по чебышевской явно-итерационной схеме ЛИ-М, не имеющей ограничения на шаг по времени. Результирующая схема обеспечивает выполнение основных законов сохранения на произвольных нерегулярных сетках. Явный характер вычислений гарантирует эффективность использования схемы в различных параллельных технологиях.
Сравнение алгоритмов декомпозиции области в задаче прямого моделирования течения жидкости в поровом пространстве образцов горных пород
Authors: Головченко Евдокия Николаевна , Golovchenko Evdokiya Nikolaevna , Якобовский Михаил Владимирович , Iakobovski Mikhail Vladimirovich , Балашов Владислав Александрович , Balashov Vladislav Aleksandrovich , Савенков Евгений Борисович , Savenkov Evgenii Borisovich
Published: March 2020

Совместное применение компьютерной томографии и вычислительного эксперимента является важным и перспективным направлением в области исследования
свойств различных материалов. Современный уровень развития томографических
методов позволяет получать трехмерные изображение материалов с высоким разрешением, что приводит к высокой размерности дискретных постановок (10$^6$-10$^9$ расчетных ячеек). Их анализ невозможен без применения методов параллельных
вычислений. В свою очередь, эффективность параллельного расчета при большом
числе процессоров во многом зависит от сбалансированности распределения сетки
по процессорам. В данной работе на примере моделирования однофазного течения
жидкости в поровом пространстве образца песчаника, имеющем воксельное представление, проведено сравнение разбиений, полученных различными методами с
использованием параллельных пакетов декомпозиции ParMETIS, Zoltan и GridSpiderPar. Сравнивалось время, затраченное на обмены во время счета рассматриваемой параллельной задачи, при распределении сетки по ядрам в соответствии с различными разбиениями. Результаты выявили преимущества некоторых методов и
критерии декомпозиции, важные для рассматриваемой задачи. В качестве симулятора использован параллельный программный комплекс DiMP-Hydro.
Статистический метод распознавания на основе нелинейной регрессии
Authors: Гавриков Борис Михайлович , Gavrikov Boris Mikhailovich , Гавриков Михаил Борисович , Gavrikov Mikhail Borisovich , Пестрякова Надежда Владимировна , Pestryakova Nadezhda Vladimirovna
Published: March 2020

Работа посвящена статистическому методу классификации, базирующемуся на нелинейной регрессии. Изложены способы его реализации при решении задачи распознавания печатных и рукопечатных символов, а также впервые для оценивания
состояния здоровья систем организма человека по параметрам периферической
крови. Предложена оптимальная структура многочленов. Описаны свойства вероятностных оценок, генерируемых методом. Проанализирована структура множеств, используемых для его обучения.
Stimulation of Macrophage Cells Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Using Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Et al. Al-Saeedi
Published: March 2020

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease caused by Leishmania tropica parasite. Current treatments for this parasite are undesirable because of their toxicity, resistance, and high cost. Macrophages are key players against pathogens. Nitric oxide (NO), a molecule produce by immune cells, controls intracellular killing of pathogens during infection. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against various types of infectious diseases. It has the ability to stimulate oxygen species production.  This study aims to analyze the macrophages activation through NO production and estimate the cytotoxicity based on the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release upon exposure to L. tropica and Ag NPs. Serially concentrations of Ag NPs were used under two conditions during and following macrophages exposure to L. tropica. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of Ag NPs on L. tropica amastigotes during infection of macrophages in vitro. The results showed that by increasing the Ag NPs concentrations, the viability percentage of L. tropica amastigotes decreased and reached to 21.7 ± 0.64 % during infection compared with the control. The 50% inhibitory concentration of Ag NPs on amastigotes was 2.048µg/ml during infection. Moreover, post-phagocytosis study involved the assessment of NO and LDH release by macrophages upon exposure to L. tropica. It have shown that untreated macrophages released low levels of NO while in the presence of Ag NPs, macrophages were activated to produce higher levels of NO under all experimental conditions. On the other hand, macrophages were capable of controlling cytotoxicity and decreasing LDH levels during phagocytosis of L. tropica amastiogotes. Taking together, these findings suggest that Ag NPs can enhance macrophages NO production which provides a method for the identification of Ag NPs ligands with microbicidal and anti-cytotoxic properties against L. tropica pathogens.
Effect of Aqueous Extract Cyperus rotundus Tubers as Antioxidant on Liver and Kidney Functions in Albino Males Rats Exposed to Cadmium Chloride Toxic
Authors: Et al. Aldulaimi
Published: March 2020

The experiment was conducted in two stages: first stage: determination of the most effective dose of Cyperus rotundus tubers aquatic extract in male rats for 5 days, which was concentrated as (200 mg/kg body weight). The second stage was designed to observe and test the protective effects of C. rotundus tubers aquatic extract in the liver and kidney functions of male rats exposed to cadmium chloride poisoning (5 mg/kg bw) for 30 days. The animals were divided into (4) groups within each group (5) animals weighted (200-220g). The results of oral dose of cadmium chloride showed a significant increase of (P˂0.05) in the activity of both enzymes Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, urea, uric acid, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). And a significant decrease (P˂0.05) in the values ​​of total protein, albumin, globulin and glutathione (GSH) compared with the control group. The oral dosage of the C. rotundus tubers aquatic extract resulted in a significant increase in GSH. The values ​​of each were not significantly different ALT, AST, ALP, Glucose, urea, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, MDA and peroxy nitrite Compare with control group. The results of the oral dosage with (C. rotundus tubers aquatic extract + cadmium chloride) showed a positive effect on these values ​​compared with the control group and cadmium chloride. It is concluded that the C. rotundus tubers aquatic extract has protective effects and reduces the effects that cadmium chloride can cause in rats liver and kidney functions through its antioxidant activity and removal of free radicals.
Assessing of Some Toxic Heavy Metals Levels and Using Geo Accumulation Index in Sediment of Shatt Al-Arab and the Iraqi Marine Region
Authors: Et al. Abdulnabi
Published: March 2020

Mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead, were measured in sediment samples of river and marine environmental of Basra governorate in southern of Iraq. Sixteen sites of sediment were selected and distributed along Shatt Al-Arab River and the Iraqi marine environment. The samples were distributed among one station on Euphrates River before its confluence with Tigris River and Shatt Al-Arab formation, seven stations along Shatt Al-Arab River and eight stations were selected from the Iraqi marine region. All samples were collected from surface sediment in low tide time. ICP technique was used for the determination of mercury and arsenic for all samples, while cadmium and lead were measured for the same samples by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results for all the measurements in Shatt Al-Arab sediment showed the values at extent: (0.0611-0.1233 µg/g), (0.5490-46.2052µg/g), (2.3356-4.7773 µg/g), (51.3309-107.0358 µg/g) for concentration of mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead respectively.While the concentrations in marine sediment were recorded at range: arsenic (0.3510 - 46.0110 µg/g), cadmium (3.5136 - 5.5905 µg/g) and lead (43.68974-75.37045µg/g). The statistical analysis for all stations was studied by using the software SPSS v-20.0. It shows there are no significant differences in the concentrations between stations at P≥0.05 level and also the geo accumulation index was calculated for metals in all stations.
Estimating the Reliability Function of (2+1) Cascade Model
Authors: Et al. Khaleel
Published: March 2020

This paper discusses reliability R of the (2+1) Cascade model of inverse Weibull distribution. Reliability is to be found when strength-stress distributed is inverse Weibull random variables with unknown scale parameter and known shape parameter. Six estimation methods (Maximum likelihood, Moment, Least Square, Weighted Least Square, Regression and Percentile) are used to estimate reliability. There is a comparison between six different estimation methods by the simulation study by MATLAB 2016, using two statistical criteria Mean square error and Mean Absolute Percentage Error, where it is found that best estimator between the six estimators is Maximum likelihood estimation method.
Anxiety, Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies in Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Descriptive Study
Authors: Onieva-Zafra María Dolores , Fernández-Muñoz Juan José , Fernández-Martínez Elia , García-Sánchez Francisco José , Abreu-Sánchez Ana , Parra-Fernández María Laura
Published: March 2020

Background: Clinical training is recognized as being a stressful experience for many nursing students. The levels of stress and anxiety may increase or decrease during their educational training depending on coping behavior strategies and other factors. The objective of this was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, perceived stress and coping strategies used by nursing students during their clinical training. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational descriptive study. The sample consisted of 190 nursing students enrolled in the Nursing Faculty of Ciudad Real University in Spain. Participants provided data on background characteristics and completed the following instruments: the Perceived Stress Scale; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Coping Behavior Inventory. Relationships between scores were examined using Spearman’s rho.Results: The mean age of participants was 20.71± 3.89 years (range 18-46 years). One half of the students (47.92%) indicated a moderate level of stress with a mean PSS score of 22.78 (±8.54). Veteran nursing students perceived higher levels of stress than novice students. The results showed a significant correlation for perceived stress and state anxiety (r= 0.463, p<.000) and also for trait anxiety (r=0.718, p<.000). There was also a significant relationship between the total amount of perceived stress and the following domains of the Coping Behavior Inventory: problem solving (r =-.452, p<.01), self-criticism(r =.408 p<.01), wishful thinking(r =.459, p<.01), social support(r =-.220, p<.01), cognitive restructuring(r =-.375, p<.01), and social withdrawal(r =.388, p<.01). In the current study, the coping strategy most frequently used by students was problem-solving, followed by social support and cognitive restructuring.Conclusions: Nursing teachers and clinical preceptors/mentors should be encouraged to develop programs that could help prepare nursing students to cope with the challenges they are about to face during their clinical placements.
Husband’s Willingness-to-Pay for HIV and Syphilis Screening at Antenatal Care Clinic under the Thai Universal Coverage Scheme
Authors: Anunsittichai Orawan , Pongpirul Krit , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Roowicha Koranit , Kaewprasert Jirarat , Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Chaithongwongwattana Surasith
Published: March 2020

Background Screening for sexually transmitted infection (STI) especially HIV as early detection and treatment have been financially supported under the Thai Universal Coverage (UC) scheme since 2009 (THB140 for HIV). However, the implementation has not been evidence-based, strategic risk-based, nor economically evaluated whereas husbands who accompanied the pregnant women are likely to have a lower risk than those who did not come along. This study is aimed to determine the husband’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) for his HIV and syphilis screening tests and potential factors affecting STI screenings at the antenatal care (ANC) clinic of a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Methods A pilot open-ended interview was conducted among 50 participants to estimate the mean and standard deviation of WTP prices for HIV and syphilis screening tests. A questionnaire was developed to obtain demographics, STI knowledge and screening history, as well as two contingent valuation methods (bidding and payment scale), using the mean WTP prices identified from the pilot study as a starting WTP with ¼SD step-up/down. The survey of 200 randomly selected husbands of pregnant women was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from April to June 2018. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results During the study period, 597 pregnant women received their first ANC. Of 368 accompanying husbands, 200 were enrolled in the study. Their median age was 31 (IQR 27-36) years old and 67% had a first child. Eighty-eight percent of the participants were willing to test for the STIs. Based on the bidding method, WTP prices for HIV and syphilis screening tests were US$14.5 (IQR 12.4-14.5) and US$9.7 (IQR 10-12), respectively. The payment scale method suggested approximately three-quarters of the WTP prices from the bidding method. Conclusions The husbands who accompanied their pregnant wives to the ANC clinic showed positive behaviors according to the propitious selection theory. They tend to cooperate well with STI testing and are willing to pay at least two times the price of the STI screening tests. The financial support to promote STI screenings should be reconsidered to cover other groups with higher sexual behavior risks and less WTP.
Mental distress, perceived need and barriers to receive professional mental health care among university students
Authors: Negash Assegid , Ahmed Matloob , Medhin Girmay , Wondimagegn Dawit , Araya Mesfin
Published: March 2020

Context: There is limited evidence on the extent of the perceived need for professional mental health care and barriers to the delivery of mental distress services among university students in low and middle-income countries. Objective: The current study was designed to assess the prevalence of mental distress, perceived need for professional mental health care and barriers to the delivery of the service for regular undergraduate university students. Methods: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 1135 regular undergraduate university students. Symptoms of mental distress were evaluated using the Self-Reported Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and a score of eight and above was used to identify positive cases. The perceived need for professional mental health care was assessed using one question with binary responses, whereas barriers to mental health care were assessed using Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-30) tool. The association of demographic variables with total mean scores of BACE-III sub-scales was modeled using multiple linear regression. Results: The prevalence of mental distress symptoms was 34.6% and the perceived need for professional mental health care was 70.5%. The top five barriers to receiving professional mental health service were (a) thinking the problem would get better by itself, (b) being unsure where to go to get professional care, (c) wanting to solve the problem by own, (d) denying mental health problem, and (e) preferring to get alternative forms of mental care. Conclusions: The high prevalence of mental distress, mental health care gap, and the report of barriers to professional mental health care among Ethiopian regular undergraduate students is a call for action.
A Virtual Reality based intervention for surgical patients: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Georgescu Raluca , Dobrean Anca , Silaghi Cristina Alina , Silaghi Horațiu
Published: March 2020

Background: Pain after surgery is normal, and treatments, including both pharmacological and psychological components, are fundamental for a proper postoperative care. While several trials have investigated the analgesia analgesic effect of traditional non-pharmacological treatments, such as Cognitive Behaviors Therapies, the newer ways of delivering psychological interventions for pain after surgery are scarcely investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine if delivering the psychological content through Virtual Reality (VR) along with the standard pharmacological treatment return better pain relief outcomes than standard care in adults patients following surgery.
Methods: This is a protocol of a parallel RCT conducted in one community hospital. In order to test the efficacy of VR environments for reducing pain intensity, in the following day after surgery, adults (18 to 65 years) will be randomly assigned to either (1) standard treatment after surgery (control group) or (2) VR based intervention along with standard treatment. It is intended that a minimum of 27 patients be recruited in each group. For estimating the intensity of pain, both self-report and physiological measures will be used. Repeated measures of pain outcomes will be taken before and after the intervention. Moreover, for allowing an in-depth investigation on of the effect of VR environments, the primary outcome will be complemented with measures of the adverse effects, level of immersion, and level of presence in the VR environment.
Keywords: pain; postsurgical pain; virtual reality; psychological interventions; VR-based interventions;
Trial registration status: ClinicalTrials, NCT03776344 . Retrospectively registered in December 14, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03776344 .
Efficacy of a training programme to support the application of the guideline evidence-based health information: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lühnen Julia , Berger-Höger Birte , Haastert Burkhard , Hinneburg Jana , Kasper Jürgen , Steckelberg Anke
Published: March 2020

Background
The evidence-based guideline entitled guideline evidence-based health information emerged from the German Network for Evidence-based Medicine (DNEbM) and was published in February 2017. The guideline addresses providers of health information and its goal is to improve the quality of health information. In addition, we explored the competences of providers of health information and developed a training programme.
Aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a training programme addressing providers of health information to support the application of the guideline evidence-based health information. We expected the intervention to improve the quality of health information in comparison to the provision of the guideline on its own.
Methods
The trial uses a superiority randomised control group design with ten months follow-up. 26 providers of health information (groups with up to ten members) will be enrolled to compare the intervention (guideline & training programme) with usual care ( a publicly available guideline). The 5-day training programme comprises an evidence-based medicine training module and a module to prepare the application of the guideline. The primary outcome parameter is the quality of the health information. Quality is operationalised as the extent of adherence to the guideline’s recommendations. Each provider will prepare a single health information informing a health-related decision on a topic freely chosen before randomisation. The quality of this information will be rated using the Mapping Health Information Quality (MAPPinfo) checklist. An accompanying process evaluation will then be conducted.
Discussion
The study results will show whether the efficacy of the intervention justifies implementation of the training programme to enhance health information developers’ competences in evidence-based medicine and to ensure high-quality EBHI in the long-term.
Trial registration ISRCTN registry, registration number: ISRCTN96941060, Date: 7 March 2019, URL: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN96941060 Keywords
health information; guideline implementation, training programme; evidence-based medicine; guideline evidence-based health information
H19/miR-194/E2F3 regulating loop promotes gastric cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Qin Wanxiang , Shi Ying , Zhu Dan , Chen Yaohua , Li Yuping , Cui Jian
Published: March 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent malignant digestive tumors and second fatal cancer. This study was to investigate whether lncRNA-H19 can regulate E2F3 expression through competitive binding to microRNA-194 (miR-194), thus regulating GC growth and metastasis. Methods: H19, miR-194, and E2F3 expression levels in GC tissues and cell lines were investigated using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of H19 and E2F3 in gastric cancer tissues were also analyzed through the GEPIA web tool. The binding condition of miR-194 with H19 and E2F3 was investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The regulatory effects of H19 on proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of AGS cells and SGC-7901 cells were detected by transwell assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Genes involved in proliferation, migration, and invasion (PCNA, Vimentin, and N-cadherin) were determined using QRT-PCR and western blot. The regulatory interaction between H19 and miR-194, miR-194, and E2F3 were investigated using rescue experiments. Results: The results revealed that H19 was highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines than those of controls. Downregulated H19 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS cells and SGC-7901 cells. H19 was demonstrated that being the molecular sponge of miR-194 in regulating the growth of the GC cells. The level of E2F3 expression was also found significantly higher in GC tissues and cell lines than those of controls. And then, the mimics of miR-194 inhibited the expression of E2F3 in the GC cells. CCK-8 assay showed decreased proliferative ability induced by miR-194 mimics were reversed by E2F3 overexpression. Transwell assays showed decreased migratory and invasive ability induced by miR-194 mimics were reversed by E2F3 overexpression. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that H19 promotes GC growth and metastasis by regulating E2F3 via competitive binding to miRNA-194.
Title: Monitoring intrapartum fetal heart rates by mothers in labour in two public hospitals: an initiative to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in Liberia
Authors: Borzie Korpo , Jasper Noah , Southall David , MacDonald Rhona , Kola Adeyemo Abass , Dolo Obed , Magnus Asinya , Watson Diane , Casement Maire , Dahn Bernice , Jallah Wilhelmina
Published: March 2020

Background: In low-resource settings with few health workers, Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring in labour can be inconsistent and unreliable. An initiative to improve fetal monitoring was implemented in two public hospitals in rural Liberia; the country with the second lowest number of midwives and nurses in the world (1.007 per 10,000 of the population). The initiative assessed the feasibility of educating women in labour to monitor their own FHR and alert a midwife of changes detected.Methods: 474 women admitted in labour without obstetric complications were approached. 461 consented to participate (97%) and 13 declined. Those consenting were trained to monitor their FHR using a sonicaid for approximately one minute immediately following the end of every uterine contraction and to inform a midwife of changes. If changes were confirmed, standard clinical interventions for fetal distress (lateral tilt, intravenous fluids and oxygen) were undertaken and, when appropriate, accelerated delivery by vacuum or Caesarean section. Participants provided views on their experiences; subsequently categorized into themes. Neonatal outcomes regarding survival, need for resuscitation, presence of birth asphyxia, and treatment were recorded.Results: 461 out of 474 women gave consent, of whom 425 (92%) completed the monitoring themselves. 387 of 400 women who gave comments, reported positive and 13 negative experiences. 28 participants reported FHR changes, confirmed in 26 cases with meconium stained liquor in 17. Fetal death was identified on admission during training in one mother. 13 neonates required resuscitation, with 12 admitted to the neonatal unit. One developed temporary seizures suggesting birth asphyxia. All 26 neonates were discharged home apparently well. In 2 mothers, previously unrecognized obstetric complications (cord prolapse and Bandl’s ring with obstructed labour) accompanied FHR changes. Resuscitation was needed in 8 neonates without identified FHR changes including one of birth weight 1.3 Kg who could not be resuscitated. There were no intrapartum stillbirths in participants. Conclusions: Women in labour were able to monitor and detect changes in their FHR. Most found the experience beneficial. The absence of intrapartum stillbirths after admission and the low rate of poor neonatal outcomes are promising and warrant further investigation.
Contemporary public image of the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elmorshedy Hala , AlAmrani Abrar , Hassan Mona Ahmed , Albrecht Susan Ann , New Amel Ahmed Fayed
Published: March 2020

Background: In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the nursing profession faces significant challenges including failure to recruit high school students into nursing education; poor nursing identity, and lack of awareness about the nursing profession. Exploring the level of awareness about the nursing profession and Understanding factors that influence the nursing image is crucial for planning effective intervention programs to recruit and retain students into nursing education, and to improve nurses' sense of identity. Methods: The purpose of the present study was to explore the public image of the nursing profession. A descriptive cross-sectional study included 502 adults; 106 males and 396 females, their mean age was 22.93 ± 6.76 years. Data collected included; socio-demographic data, gender preference in getting nursing care, knowledge, and perceived barriers to pursue a nursing career. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Only 32.5 % preferred to get nursing care by Saudis. The nursing profession was not viewed as a respected job as 71.5% of participants would be ashamed of having a nurse in their families. The study revealed a low median knowledge score (50.0, IQR: 50.0-66.7)). The study highlighted a number of sociocultural barriers to pursue a nursing career including; the mixed working environment (35.9%), delayed marriage of female nurses (20.3%), and the negative effect of nursing profession on social life (64.5%).Conclusions: Poor knowledge and sociocultural perceived barriers are the main factors contributing to the negative public image of the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the underlying factors of negative public image about the nursing profession could contribute to implementing focused intervention to improve the negative stereotype of the nursing profession among Saudis.
Amygdalin promotes the activity of T cells to suppress the progression of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Dong , Sun Kewei , Peng Jianping , Zhu Wenfang , Yin Sihan , Tang Dan , Wu Yunan
Published: March 2020

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a high-risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cellular immune responses are essential for HCC development, and the CD4+ and CD8+ T subtypes are identified as the primary anti-tumor immune cells. In the study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of amygdalin in the cellular immune response in HBV-related HCC and HCC progression.Methods: The cell proliferation was examined by MTT analysis. Cells metastasis ability was detected by Invasion and migration assays. Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed with Flow cytometer assay. The protein levels of p-STAT3, STAT3, p-JAK2, JAK2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 were detected by performing immunoblotting assays.Results: We demonstrate that amygdalin treatment could rescue the HBV-T cell viability and IFN-γ and TNF-αproduction. In HBV-T cells, the MFI levels of CD8+ are lower than that in NC-T cells. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and JAK2 are higher in HBV-T cells, compared to those in NC-T cells, and then reduced by amygdalin treatment. Co-culture with HBV-T cells could reduce IFN-γ and TNF-α, production while increase IL-6 and IL-10 production in HepG2.2.15 cells; these alterations could be partially reversed by amygdalin pretreatment. Finally, co-culture with HBV-T cells significantly promoted the cell viability, inhibited the apoptosis, and promoted the migration of HepG2.2.15 cells, and these alterations could be partially reversed by amygdalin treatment. Conclusion: Our findings provide a rationale for further studies on the functions and mechanism of amygdalin inhibiting HBV-related HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via T cell-mediated tumor immunity.