bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Analysis of Rifampicin Resistance Conferring Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Tawgozy et al. Fairuz
Published: June 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to rifampicin is mainly mediated through mutations in the rpoB gene. The effects of rpoB mutations are relieved by secondary mutations in rpoA or rpoC genes. This study aims to identify mutations in rpoB, rpoA, and rpoC genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates and clarify their contribution to rifampicin resistance. Seventy isolates were identified by acid-fast bacilli smear, Genexpert assay, and growth on Lowenstein Jensen medium. Drug susceptibility, testing was performed by the proportional method.  DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing were accomplished for the entire rpoA, rpoB, and rpoC genes. Twenty-three isolates (32.85%) showed resistance to rifampicin by either proportion method or Genexpert assay. Sequence analysis of the rpoB gene revealed fourteen different mutation patterns. Inside the rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR), codons: S531L, D516V were highly mutated with frequencies of (21.73%, 17.39%) respectively. Outside the RRDR, there were nine different types of mutations, and M479L was the most prevalent one. Out of 23 RIF resistant isolates, seven isolates (30.43%) carried mutations in the rpoA gene, and twelve isolates (52.17%) harbored a mutation in rpoC. Most of the mutations were identified for the first time in this study. The current study demonstrated that mutations in rpoB, rpoA, and rpoC contributed to RIF resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and this new finding may be relevant to realize how compensatory mutations in the rpoA and rpoC genes restore the fitness cost caused by rifampin resistance-conferring mutations in rpoB.
Investigation of the Quadrupole Moment and Form Factors of Some Ca Isotopes
Authors: Ali Ahmed H
Published: June 2020

Nuclear shell model is adopted to calculate the electric quadrupole moments for some Calcium isotopes 20Ca (N = 21, 23, 25, and 27) in the fp shell. The wave function is generated using a two body effective interaction fpd6 and fp space model. The one body density matrix elements (OBDM) are calculated for these isotopes using the NuShellX@MSU code. The effect of the core-polarizations was taken through the theory microscopic by taking the set of the effective charges. The results for the quadrupole moments by using Bohr-Mottelson (B-M) effective charges are the best. The behavior of the form factors of some Calcium isotopes was studied by using Bohr-Mottelson (B-M) effective charges.
DEO: A Dynamic Event Order Strategy for t-way Sequence Covering Array Test Data Generation
Authors: Younis Mohammed Issam
Published: June 2020

Sequence covering array (SCA) generation is an active research area in recent years. Unlike the sequence-less covering arrays (CA), the order of sequence varies in the test case generation process. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of the SCA strategies, earlier works reported that finding a minimal size of a test suite is considered as an NP-Hard problem. In addition, most of the existing strategies for SCA generation have a high order of complexity due to the generation of all combinatorial interactions by adopting one-test-at-a-time fashion. Reducing the complexity by adopting one-parameter- at-a-time for SCA generation is a challenging process. In addition, this reduction facilitates the supporting for a higher strength of coverage. Motivated by such challenge, this paper proposes a novel SCA strategy called Dynamic Event Order (DEO), in which the test case generation is done using one-parameter-at-a-time fashion. The details of the DEO are presented with a step-by-step example to demonstrate the behavior and show the correctness of the proposed strategy. In addition, this paper makes a comparison with existing computational strategies. The practical results demonstrate that the proposed DEO strategy outperforms the existing strategies in term of minimal test size in most cases. Moreover, the significance of the DEO increases as the number of sequences increases and/ or the strength of coverage increases. Furthermore, the proposed DEO strategy succeeds to generate SCAs up to t=7. Finally, the DEO strategy succeeds to find new upper bounds for SCA. In fact, the proposed strategy can act as a research vehicle for variants future implementation.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression During the Covid-19 Pandemic Among Women in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Xiong Ribo , Liu Yan , Liang Peiqin , Wang Yiding , Shi Si
Published: June 2020

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern. To date, there are limited studies that have investigated the impact of VOVID-19 pandemic on mental health among female population. This is especially pertinent with the emotional health vulnerability surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the prevalence of PPD and it’s related factors among women in Guangzhou, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from 30th March 2020 to 13th April 2020 using anonymous online questionnaire among 864 women at 6-12 weeks postpartum. The Chinese version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a questionnaire regarding associated factors were administered to all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors that were significantly associated with PPD.Results: The prevalence of PPD among women at 6-12 weeks postpartum was 30.0%. A multivariate logistic regression model identified significant factors as: immigrant women, persistent fever, poor social support, concerns about contracting COVID-19 and certain precautionary measures.Conclusions: The findings suggest the need for policies and interventions to not only mitigate the psychological impacts but also targeting disadvantaged sub-groups of women following childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prevalence and risk factors on different degrees of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Shanghai
Authors: Hu Xiao-na , Huang Yi-qin , Wang Jiao-feng , Dong Fang-yuan , Yu Xiao-feng , Chen Jie , Bao Zhi-jun
Published: June 2020

[Background and aims]NAFLD is a common chronic liver disease. The purpose of this study is to carry out a current large-scale epidemiological survey and analyse factors related to the incidence and the severity of NAFLD.[Methods]Three communities of Shanghai were selected by stratified random sampling in 2019.The residents older than 18 years old underwent medical history taking, physical examination, laboratory examination and liver ultrasonography examination. The prevalence of different degrees of NAFLD, the prevalence of metabolic factors, and factors associated with the severity of NAFLD was analysed. [Results]A total of 19250 subjects were enrolled. The total prevalence of NAFLD in Shanghai was 45.55%, 62.00% in males and 27.54% in females. Age, FLI, BMI, WC, ALT, AST, AKP, GGT, CR, FPG, UA, TC, TG and LDL in NAFLD patients were higher than those in non-NAFLD people. The distribution of NAFLD prevalence was different in different age groups. The prevalence of diabetes, obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in the NAFLD group were higher than that in the non-NAFLD group. In males, FLI, weight, WC, ALT, UA, TG, GGT and metabolic syndrome were positively correlated with the severity of NAFLD; while HDL was negatively correlated with it. In females, age, FLI, weight, WC, ALT, FPG, UA, TG, LDL, GGT, AKP and metabolic syndrome were positively correlated with the severity of NAFLD; while HDL was negatively correlated with it.[Conclusions]The prevalence of NAFLD in Shanghai is high. The distribution of NAFLD prevalence was different in different age groups. Many factors are related to the incidence of NAFLD and the severity of NAFLD.
Morbidity, Mortality, and Risk Factors of Emergency Colorectal Surgery among Older Patients in the Acute Care Surgery Service
Authors: Krutsri Chonlada , Sumpritpradit Preeda , Singhatas Pongsasit , Thampongsa Tharin , Phuwapraisirisan Samart , Gesprasert Goragoch , Jirasiritham Jakrapan , Choikrua Pattawia
Published: June 2020

Background: Acute Care Surgery (ACS) is a rapid response system in emergency surgical conditions. Older patients have numerous factors associated with high mortality and morbidity in emergency colorectal surgery. We aimed to identify potentially preventable risk factors, to improve older patients’ outcomes.Methods: A retrospective review of patients over 60 years old undergoing emergency colorectal surgery in the ACS service from 1 August 2017 through 30 November 2019.Results: Data of 92 patients were analyzed, average age 72.41 years. The most common diagnosis was colorectal cancer (76, 83.52%) with locations on the left (37, 41.51%), right (35,39.33%), and rectum (17, 19.10%). Clinical presentations were obstruction without perforation (61, 67.03%), perforation (25, 27.17%), and ischemia (2, 2.17%). Overall mortality was 6.52%. Cause of death included septic shock (3, 50%); respiratory failure (3, 50%); and pulmonary embolism (1, 16.67%). Morbidity from surgical and medical complications were 41.30% and 26.08%, respectively. For all causes, operations included resection with primary anastomosis (62, 71.26%); Hartman procedure (11, 12.64%); loop colostomy (12, 13.79%); and percutaneous drainage with antibiotics (2, 2.3%). Average operative time 159.86 minutes. In emergency colorectal surgery, preexisting heart disease, clinical perforation, and ventilator dependency increased risk of death 7.6-, 16.5-, and 0.08-fold, respectively.Conclusion: Preexisting heart disease and clinical perforation were unmodifiable risk factors for mortality among older patients undergoing emergency colorectal surgery; ventilator dependency is potentially modifiable with advanced surgical critical care. Early, rapid, protocol-driven processes might help reduce mortality in patients with clinical presentation of perforation.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Drugs and Substance Abuse: results from a Household Cross-sectional Survey in Murang’ a County, Kenya
Authors: Were Vincent Omondi , Okoyo Collins Omondi , Araka Sylvie Biyaki , Kanyi Henry Muriuki , Echoka Elizabeth Echoka , Mwandawiro Charles , Njomo Doris Wairimu
Published: June 2020

IntroductionDrugs and substance abuse has adverse health effects and substantial economic burden to the global economies and at the household level. There is, however, limited data on socio-economic inequalities disparities in drugs and substance abuse in low-to-middle income countries such as Kenya. This study aimed to assess the socio-economic inequalities in a selected county of central Kenya.MethodThe study design was cross-sectional, and data collection was conducted between November and December 2017. A total of 449 households with a least one person who uses any drugs or substance of abuse were randomly sampled from 4 purposively selected sub-locations of Murang’ a County, central Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on types of drugs used, economic burden, and gender roles at the household level. Household socio-economic status (SES) was established ( low, middle, and high SES ) using principal component analysis f(PCA) from a set of household assets and characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between SES, gender, and other factors on the uptake of drugs and substance of abuse.ResultsIndividuals in higher SES were more likely to use cigarettes ( OR = 2.13; 95%CI = 1.25–3.61, p = 0.005) or piped tobacco (OR = 11.37; 95% CI, 2.55–50.8; p-value = 0.001) than those in low SES. The wealthier individuals were less likely to use legal alcohol (OR = 0.39; 95%CI = 0.21–0.71, p = 0.002) than the poorest individuals. The use of prescription drugs did not vary with SES. A comparison of the median amount of money spent on acquiring drugs showed that richer individuals spent a significantly higher amount than the poorest individuals (Ksh 1500 vs. Ksh 1000, p = 0.0310). Deaths related to drugs and substance abuse were more likely to occur in middle SES than amongst the poorest households (OR = 2.96; 95%CI = 1.03–8.45).ConclusionSocioeconomic disparities exist in the use of drugs and substance abuse. The low-income individuals are at a higher risk of abuse and thus of economic burden due to catastrophic expenditure in acquiring the drugs. Cases of deaths were likely to occur in middle-income groups. Strategies to reduce drugs and substance abuse must address socio-economic inequalities through targeted approaches to individuals in low-income groups.
Access to health care for gaming disorder: A patient-centred approach to address the continuum of need
Authors: Park Jennifer J , Wilkinson-Meyers Laura , King Daniel L , Rodda Simone
Published: June 2020

Background

Problematic gaming, including its most serious form known as gaming disorder (GD) in the ICD-11, affects approximately 1–3% of the population and can have significant negative impacts on health and wellbeing. Research to determine the optimal health system responses to GD remains limited. This study aimed to identify and describe the key components of a patient-centred approach to prevention, early intervention, and treatment of GD.
Methods

Online interviews were conducted with 20 adults (90% male; Mage=23y) currently seeking help for GD-related issues. The interview protocol was guided by a health care access framework which investigated participants’ experiences and needs related to accessing professional support. Transcripts were analysed in Nvivo using qualitative content analysis to systematically classify participant data into the themes informed by this framework.
Results

Although the characteristics and resultant harms of GD were broadly recognised, participants indicated that these issues may not always be viewed by healthcare providers as a serious problem that requires intervention or that could be addressed through treatment. This highlights a significant barrier to access at the beginning of the patient journey when patients may perceive that they have a legitimate need for care and seek a relevant, tailored, and safe service to meet this need. Participants described the essential components of an effective health service for GD as including: valid and reliable screening tools for GD; practitioners with specialist knowledge of GD that includes, or is strongly informed by, lived experience of peers; and access to a multimodal system of intervention, including web-based and face-to-face options that allow gamers to transition between types and intensity of support.
Conclusion

A comprehensive health care approach for gaming disorder is currently in its infancy and there are numerous service access and delivery issues still to be resolved. This study highlights the importance of involving individuals with GD in developing solutions that are fit for purpose and address the spectrum of intervention needs. These findings recommend a stepped GD healthcare system that adheres to evidence-based practice tailored to each individual and the implementation of standard assessment and routine outcome monitoring.
Covid-19 Social Distancing Interventions by State Mandate and Their Correlation to Mortality
Authors: mccafferty sean , ashley sean
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Evaluate the correlation between state mandated social interventions and Covid-19 mortality

Design

Prospective design and retrospective analysis of Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) state data.

Methods

Twelve European Union countries were selected on April 12, 2020 from IHME data which had clearly defined and dated establishment of statewide mandates for social distancing measures to include: School closures, stay at home orders, severe travel restrictions, and closure of non-essential businesses. The state Covid-19 mortality prevalence was defined as total normalized deaths to the peak daily mortality rate. The state mortality prevalence was correlated to the total number of mandates-days from their date of establishment to the peak daily mortality date. The slope of the maximum daily mortality rate was also correlated to mandate-days.

Results

The slope of standardized mortality per country did have a slight negative correlation to the total mandate days (R2 = 0.083, p= 0.36), though the negative correlation was not statistically significant. The standardized mortality prevalence to the peak mortality rate per country exhibited no discernable statistical correlation to the total mandate days (R2 = 0.004,p=0.85).

Discussion

The analysis appears to suggest a mandate effective reduction in the slope of the mortality rate, but no effective reduction in Covid-19 mortality to its defined initial peak when interpreting the mean-effect of the mandates as present in the data. The study is presented as a potential methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of state mandated social distancing policy.
Characteristics of Subtypes Within Microsatellite Instability-high Gastric Cancer Based on a Gene Signature Related to Immune Microenvironment Components
Authors: Wu Xiaolong , Gao Xiangyu , Xing Xiaofang , Wen Xianzi , Li Ziyu , Ji Jiafu
Published: June 2020

Background: Gastric cancer patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status have a better clinical prognosis and higher response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, recent studies have suggested that some molecular pathways in MSI-H tumors could affect tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) components, thereby leading to immunotherapy resistance. We aimed to establish subtypes based on the TIME components of MSI-H gastric cancer and analyze the characteristics of each subtype. Methods: Cohorts from the Cancer Genome Atlas, the Asian Cancer Research Group, and Peking University Cancer Hospital were used for this study. CIBERSORT software was used to analyze the TIME components. A set of genes based on the TIME component characteristics, which we named the MSI-TIME signature, was defined using k-means cluster and differentially expressed gene analysis. Results: By using the MSI-TIME signature in the aforementioned cohorts for cluster analysis, the TIME subtypes within MSI-H gastric cancer (MSI-S1, MSI-S2) were established; the differences between the subgroups were reflected in multiple aspects. The MSI-S1 subtype was characterized by a high density of CD8+ T cells, high expression levels of immune checkpoint molecules including PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4, and a high T-cell inflammation level. Patients with the MSI-S1 subtype could also benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. In contrast, the WNT/β-catenin pathway was enriched in the MSI-S2 subtype. Conclusion: We found that patients with MSI-H gastric cancer showed very different TIME characteristics and could be divided into two subtypes accordingly. These results might benefit MSI-H gastric cancer patients developing individualized treatment strategies in the future.
A preliminary study of quantitative analysis of tissue perfusion using contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of the severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Li Liang , Xu Xin , Wang Guangxia , Cui Yunfeng
Published: June 2020

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a lethal disease with high mortality. Early diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of pancreatitis is crucial for the prevention a treatment of AP. The clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis by quantitative analysis of the tissue perfusion and the areas of pancreatic parenchymal necrosis is little known.
Methods

60 acute pancreatitis patients (AP group) and 30 volunteer (control group) were selected, the AP group was further divided into subgroup, the mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) group and the severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group. All received CEUS examination, the differences of the parameters of time-intensity curve (TIC) between group AP and Control were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of CEUS in diagnosing AP and SAP were drew, then calculated the best cut-off point of CEUS for the diagnosis of AP.
Results

Compared to group Control, there was a marked increase in AT and TTP, while a dramatic decrease in PI and AUC in group AP (all P < 0.05), no significant difference of WT and S was observed. After analysis of PI and AUC of those two subgroup AP patients, it was much higher in MAP group than SAP group, in contrast, the TTP decreased markedly(all P < 0.05), no significant difference of AT,WT and S was found. Next, we found that the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic coincidence rate were 96.7%, 73.3% and 85.0% respectively, when the AUC ≤ 727.2dBs was used as the standard for the diagnosis of AP; and the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic coincidence rate were 93.3%, 73.3%, and 83.3%, respectively when PI ≤ 11.41 dB was used as the standard for the diagnosis of SAP. Finally, we found that there was no significant difference in the detection of pancreatic parenchymal necrosis between CEUS and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT).
Conclusions

CEUS could provide an objective and powerful basis for the early diagnosis of SAP, and also detect necrotic areas of pancreatic parenchyma early, quickly and accurately, which provide an available tool for clinic to early detection and assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis.
Influence of Fossil Shell Flour Supplementation on Feed Preference, Body Condition Scores and Wool Parameters of Dohne Merino Wethers
Authors: Ikusika Olusegun , Mpendulo Conference Thando , Fon Fabian Nde , Zindove Titus Jairus , Okoh Anthony
Published: June 2020

Background: The abundance of fossil shell flour (FSF) globally has resulted in an increased interest in its use as a feed additive in sheep diets. This study evaluated the effects of varying inclusion levels of FSF on feed preference, body condition scores and wool parameters of Dohne Merino (DM) wethers. Methods: Twenty-four wethers, weighing 20 ± 1·5 kg on average were fed dietary food-grade fossil shell flour in a completely randomized design of four treatment with six wethers in each treatment. The wethers were fed a basal diet without FSF addition (control, 0%), or with the addition of FSF (2%, 4% or 6%) into the diet for 105 days.Results: Average daily weight gain and body condition score of 2%, 4% and 6 % FSF inclusion levels were higher (P < 0.05) than the control 0%. Wool yield, staple length, coefficient variation of the fibre diameter and fibre <15% of wethers supplemented with FSF were higher (P < 0.05) compared to the diet without FSF. Fibre diameter of the wethers supplemented with FSF were the same (P>0.05) as the control.Wethers preferred FSF supplemented diets to the control. The inclusion of FSF in the diet of DM wethers up to 6% DM showed improvement in the average daily gain and body condition scores, feed intake through preference, wool yield, and quality. Conclusion: The addition of FSF in the diets could be advantageous in Dohne-Merino wethers performance and production with the potential of increasing both the quantity and quality of wool.
Perianal and Perineal Rhabdomyosarcomas - A Retrospective Multicenter Study of 35 Cases
Authors: Guo Yaoyu , Hu Bang , Huang Dandan , Wang Xinhua , Li Juan , Zhang Di , Li Xueying , Chen Gong , Ren Donglin
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Perianal/perineal rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) is rare, easy to be misdiagnosed and has poor prognosis. This study was designed to analyze the clinical, diagnostic, pathological and prognostic features of PRMS, and to explore its therapeutic modality.Methods: Clinical data of PRMS patients in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital and the Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University and related Chinese literatures published between 1987 and 2018 were described and analyzed. Chi-square test was used to test the differences between groups. The Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate and compare survival rates.Results: 35 patients, 20 identified in the Chinese literatures and 15 of our center from 1997 to 2019, were included in this study. 34 cases presented as perianal mass and one presented as inguinal mass. 20 patients complained about pain and 16 cases were misdiagnosed as perianal abscess, in which pain was found related to misdiagnosis (p＜0.05). The average time from symptoms to pathological diagnosis was 3.1 months. 13 cases were categorized into IRS group III/IV and 20 cases into stages 3/4. 14 Cases were diagnosed as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma pathologically and 9 as alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Five patients survived for more than two years, three of them survived for more than five years. The overall survival rates of two years and five years were 32% and 24% respectively, in which misdiagnosis contributes to poor prognosis (p＜0.05). MRI showed that PRMS was closely related to external anal sphincter in 10 cases. Conclusion: PRMS is easy to be misdiagnosed, which could lead to worse outcome. Patients with painful perianal mass should be evaluated to exclude PRMS. MRI shows PRMS is closely related to external anal sphincter. Comprehensive therapy including radical operation and chemotherapy is recommended.
Association Between Dietary Diabetes Risk Reduction Score and Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Asghari Golaleh , Mirmiran Parvin , Ramezan Marjan , Farhadnejad Hossein , Tahmasebinejad Zhaleh , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2020

Aims: To examine the association of dietary diabetes risk reduction score (DDRRS) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) among an Iranian population.Methods: We followed-up 2076 ≥ 20 years old participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006-2008), who were initially free of CKD for 5.98 years. Dietary diabetes risk reduction score was calculated on the basis of scoring eight components using a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire. CKD was deﬁned as estimated glumerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess association between the quartiles of DDRRS and incidence of CKD.Results: Mean ± SD age of the study population (53% women) was 37.6 ± 12.61 years. A total of 357 incident cases of CKD were reported. The median (25-75 interquartile range) of DDRRS was 20 (18-22). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, total energy intake, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, eGFR, and physical activity, individuals in the highest versus lowest quartile of DDRRS were 33% less likely to have CKD (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48-0.96, P for trend: 0.043).Conclusion: Our findings suggest an inverse association between DDRRS and risk of incident CKD in the fourth versus first quartile of DDRRS.
The magnitude and associated factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among adult dyspeptic patients attending Bokoji Hospital, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Kenea Dagaga , Negawo Mesfin , Lemessa Firaol , Tejineh Solomon
Published: June 2020

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection and there were approximately 4.4 billion individuals with H pylori infection worldwide. Among those, hundreds of millions of people develop peptic ulcer disease during their lifetime and still tens of millions might progress to gastric cancer. Hence, early information is very important to prevent upper gastrointestinal complications. Consequently, the current study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among adult dyspeptic patients attending Bokoji hospital, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 348 adult dyspeptic patients attending Bokoji hospital was carried out from July 16 to October 31, 2019. About 50 mg of fresh stool and 60 µl of capillary blood were collected from each dyspeptic patient and analyzed for detection of Helicobacter pylori antigens, presence of intestinal parasites and ABO blood grouping respectively. Data were entered using Epi Info 7 and Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall magnitude of Helicobacter pylori infection was 47.7%. The magnitude of H. pylori infection was almost two times higher in patients who do not have a habit of handwashing after toilet visit than those who wash their hand's habit of handwashing after visiting toilet (AOR 2.241, 95% CI (1.410, 3.563) and alcohol drinking habit (AOR 1.796, 95% CI (1.087, 2.968). Conclusions: The magnitude of H. pylori was high in the study area and associated with handwashing habits after toilet use and alcohol drinking habits. Therefore, the community could be educated on the handwashing habit to minimize H. pylori infections.
A Novel Five-gene Signature Predicts Overall Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Pan Leyu , Guo Deliang , Luo Xiaofeng , Tang Jie , Yang Weihua , Gu Yang , Pan Yuxuan
Published: June 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common challenges for public health worldwide. Due to its complex molecular and great heterogeneity, the effectiveness of existing HCC risk prediction models is unsatisfactory. Hence, more accurate prognostic models are pressingly needed. Materials and methods: Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) between HCC and normal tissues were identified after downloading GSE1450 from gene omnibus (GEO) database. We randomly divided all patients into training and testing sets. Univariate Cox regression, lasso Cox regression and multivariable Cox regression analysis were used to constructed the prognostic gene signature in training set. Our study utilized Kaplan-Meier plot, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), multivariable Cox regression analysis with clinical information, nomogram and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the predictive ability for overall survival of the novel gene signature in training, testing and whole sets. We also validated the prognostic capacity of the five-gene signature in an external validation set. The information of mutation of each gene was explored on cBioPortal online website. We performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to explore underlying mechanisms in the high and low risk group. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to validate the expression tendency between 12 paired HCC and adjacent normal tissues. Results: Our study constructed a novel five-gene signature (CNIH4, SOX4, SPP1, SORBS2 and CCL19) for predicting overall survival of HCC. Time-dependent ROC curve indicated admirable ability in survival prediction in two datasets. Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that both this five-gene signature and TNM stage were two independent prognostic factors for overall survival of HCC patients. Combined with TNM stage clinical pathological parameters, the predictive capacity of nomogram had a decent improvement. The mutation of the five genes had no obvious variation. Plenty pathways were enriched by GSEA, including cell cycle and various metabolism. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of these five genes had signiﬁcantly diﬀerent expressions between HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. Conclusions: A five-gene prognostic model and nomogram were constructed and validated for predicting prognostic of HCC patients. And the five-gene risk score with TNM stage models might help various HCC patients to customize individual therapies.
The Formation of Florists’ Social Media–Based Brand Communities and Its Causal Relationship with Users’ Knowledge, Personal Experience, and Florists’ Brand Equity
Authors: Huang Li-Chun
Published: June 2020

As social media penetration has reached more than half of the eligible populations for most of the countries in the world, many florists are thinking of ways of converting their social media fan base into a virtual brand community that can bring numerous benefits to the florists. As relevant topics are rarely investigated in the academic domain of floriculture, this study seeks to address this deficiency. The objectives of this study were 1) to examine the possibility of converting the florists’ social media fan base into a virtual brand community, and 2) to investigate the influence of users’ knowledge of and personal experience with the florist on the formation of the florists’ social media–based brand communities, as well as the subsequent influence on the florists’ brand equity. The statistical results of the descriptive statistical analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) indicate that the florists’ social media fan base has revealed the markers of brand communities, demonstrating the potential that exists for building the florists’ virtual brand communities from their social media fan base. These statistical results also show that the users’ knowledge of the florist is one of the key elements assisting in the conversion of the florist’s fan base into a virtual brand community for the florist, and subsequently enhances the users’ commitment toward the florist’s brand. Even though the influence of the users’ personal experience with the florist on the formation of the florist’s social media–based brand community is not proved, it is found to be highly correlated with the users’ knowledge of the florist. Based on the study’s findings, strategies for driving the formation of florists’ social media–based brand communities are also provided.
Purposeful collaboration: Enriching lives for people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Carroll Vincent , Deutschmann Kirsten , Andrews Jessica
Published: June 2020

This project was presented at the 2018 ANNA conference. Funding to support the author’s conference attendance was received from Parkinson’s New South Wales and Mid North Coast Local Health District.

Background: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have more hospital admissions, longer hospital stay, more complications and worse outcomes compared with similar patients without PD. Limited understanding about PD among healthcare professionals and medication management are key issues for individuals with PD.

Methods: This study presents a collaborative clinical practice improvement project that was implemented in a hospital in New South Wales, Australia (September 2015 to May 2018) to resolve issues for patients with PD on admission to hospital. Innovative interventions were implemented to address specific issues identified in the study setting, including an emergency department patient tracking icon, early referral to pharmacists and measures to ensure on-time medication administration and avoidance of contraindicated medications. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through focus group discussions with PD support group members, surveys involving nurses and patients/carers and a chart audit. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: These initiatives resulted in practice improvements including identification of 100% of patients with PD presenting/admitted to hospital within 4 hours of presentation/admission, a 19% increase in patients receiving medications on time, an 89% reduction in prescription of contraindicated medications and reduced length of hospital stay. In addition, 80% of patients/carers reported they were very satisfied with their medication management.

Conclusion: Patient safety was improved and clinical staff expressed satisfaction with care provision. The initiatives were also standardised across the hospital in a clinical guideline for the care of patients with PD.
Adsorptive removal of gallic acid from aqueous solution onto magnetic ion exchange resin
Authors: Ding Lei , Guo Changjin , Zhu Yunhua , Ma Jiangya , Kong Yanli , Zhong Meiying , Cao Qiongxi , Zhang Huiwen
Published: June 2020

Finding an appropriate adsorbent with high adsorption capacity, quick adsorption kinetics and easy regeneration was crucial to the removal of gallic acid (GA) from water and wastewater. Our aims were to investigate whether a magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resin had the three merits mentioned above, and investigate the feasibility of GA adsorption on MIEX resin, and the adsorption kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, regeneration and mechanism using batch tests. The uptake of GA increased with increasing GA concentration. The GA concentration influenced the time needed to reach equilibrium, but the adsorption could be completed within 120 min. Elevating temperature facilitated the GA removal. The removal percent remained above 95.0% at pH 5.0–11.0. Carbonate and bicarbonate promoted the GA removal; conversely chloride, sulfate and nitrate restrained the GA removal significantly. The adsorption kinetics could be fitted well with the pseudo second-order model, and the film diffusion governed the whole adsorption rate. The equilibrium data followed the Redlich–Peterson isotherm model. The adsorption was a spontaneous, endothermic and entropy driven process. The ion exchange dominated the removal mechanism. The spent MIEX resin was well regenerated by sodium chloride. Therefore, MIEX resin is a potential adsorbent for removing GA quickly and efficiently from water and wastewater.
Development of mesh-type Fenton-like Cu/Fex/γ-Al2O3/Al catalysts and application for catalytic degradation of dyes
Authors: Qian Huang , Qianwen Shao , Qi Zhang , Yanhui Ni , Yongqiang Wu
Published: June 2020

The application of nanoparticle heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts is limited due to the requirement of filtration after reaction and possible secondary pollution. In this work, a novel mesh-type monolithic Fenton-like Cu/Fex/γ-Al2O3/Al catalyst was developed for the degradation of dyes. The Cu and Fe species are uniformly dispersed on the mesh-type anodic monolithic γ-Al2O3 supports, and the results of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry analysis show that Fe can reduce the particle size of Cu over γ-Al2O3. The activity results show that the degradation rate of rhodamine B (RhB) reached 99.5% within 1 h using 4 × 6 cm Cu12.0/Fe2.0/γ-Al2O3/Al catalyst with 1,200 ppm H2O2 at 50 °C. The important role of •OH as a reactive oxidant was confirmed through electron spin-resonance spectroscopy and radical scavenging experiment. The hydrogen temperature programmed reduction suggests the high redox ability of Cu/Fe bimetallic catalyst is beneficial to the production of •OH. The Cu/Fe bimetallic catalyst shows excellent recyclability in a 10-cycle experiment, the degradation rate of RhB was maintained at 98% and the leaching amount of metals was lower than 0.7 mg/L. The mesh-type catalyst will be easily applied for the continuous wastewater treatment because it does not need filtration for recovery.
On Improving the Range and Economic Efficiency of Hotel Services
Authors: Aksenova Anastasiia Sergeevna
Published: June 2020

The article discusses the basic terms and concepts associated with hotel services and their economic indicators. The article also deals with the problem of inefficient sales of additional services by hotel enterprises due to mismatch with consumer demand. For this problem, the author has proposed a solution, which has been tested in hotels of St. Petersburg.
Internal Organizational Policy for the Formation of Communication Methods Including Staff in Medical Structures
Authors: Radeva Svetlana
Published: June 2020

In this article, the issue of creating an effective organizational policy in a medical facility is considered. Each organization should build its own strategy for managing the organization, based on implementing (depending on its field of work) a number of methods for creating channels of communication with its employees. Organizing each activity requires allocating tasks and resources among participants and coordinating their efforts by implementing a clear system of rules. Building a good organizational culture regulates relationships in the organization. Organizational culture is a philosophy embedded in the organization’s policies, rules of play and behavior, and the feelings or climate that accompany the physical existence of the organization itself. The culture of work, relationships, and attitude to various contractors inform and enable the exchange of opinions, experiences, positions, and beliefs. It reveals a system of beliefs and values discovered, established and developed by the team, formed teams, and employees of the hospital structure that determine how everything is done in principle, rather than specific relationships related to the implementation of a specific task. Effective communication with employees is also achieved by organizing and encouraging regular meetings between managers and employees, regarding issues related to the workflow, organization of activities, ergonomics in the workplace and, finally, creating effective communication channels and forms of communication. Communication is a management tool for achieving goals and objectives in a highly competitive environment, such as hospital care.
Service Insurance as a Subject of Activity of Export Credit Agencies in the EAEU
Authors: Shipilova Evgeniia Pavlovna , Ivanova Iulia Iurevna , Lesnichenko Anna Sergeevna
Published: June 2020

This article discusses the role of development banks and export credit agencies in the EAEU and their comparative characteristics. The authors analyze functions and directions of export credit agencies in the EAEU particularly. The analysis showed export risks, which export credit agencies insured by providing various types of services.
Social Networks as an Innovative Technology for Positioning in the Beauty Industry
Authors: Radina Oksana Ivanovna , Vasenev Sergei Leonidovich , Poverennaia Daria Iurevna
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article is to identify the existing trends in the advertising of beauty salons in social networks, to substantiate the importance of using social networks as a technology for positioning the beauty industry and its services, as well as to develop the idea of developing a social network designed to offer and promote beauty salon services online. The methods of using social networks are analyzed, such as targeting an audience, designing an account page, publishing content, attracting users of social networks, and launching commercial advertising.
Modern Problems of the Institute of Inheritance in the Russian Federation
Authors: Volkov Aleksei Leonidovich
Published: June 2020

This scientific article discusses controversial issues and shortcomings of the theoretical and practical basis of the Russian inheritance law.
Marketing Evaluation of Distribution Channels in the Cosmetic Goods Market
Authors: Radina Oksana Ivanovna , Skrynnikova Irina Anatolievna , Uvarova Mariia Viktorovna
Published: June 2020

The primary purpose of this study is to identify market opportunities and factors affecting the development of channels for the distribution of cosmetic products on the Russian market. The authors analyze the factors that influence the existing market situation of the channels of distribution of cosmetic products. According to the results of the marketing research, it is revealed that the distribution channels of the cosmetic products market may have possible advantages, which in the near future may take a leading position in the market segments, namely the use of innovative ingredients that provide skin nutrition; satisfaction of consumer expectations; price concessions as opposed to competitors, a wide range of products.
Study of the Features of Readiness for School Education of Preschool Children with Mental Retardation
Authors: Marfenko Oksana Vasilevna
Published: June 2020

The article describes a diagnostic study of readiness for school in children with mental retardation by the method of N. Y. Semago, M. M. Semago.
Role and Principles of Animation in UI Design
Authors: Yu Xi
Published: June 2020

Animation effects are an important part and an indispensable tool in the development of UI. The article considers the role of animation in interaction, analyzes the principles of animation design in UI, and discusses directions for interface animation research.
Emerging Proof of Protein Misfolding and Interactions in Multifactorial Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Uddin Md. Sahab , Al Mamun Abdullah , Rahman Md. Ataur , Behl Tapan , Perveen Asma , Hafeez Abdul , Bin-Jumah May N. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, characterized
by the extracellular accumulations of amyloid beta (Aβ) as senile plaques and intracellular aggregations
of tau in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in specific brain regions. In this review, we
focus on the interaction of Aβ and tau with cytosolic proteins and several cell organelles as well as associated
neurotoxicity in AD.

Misfolded proteins present in cells accompanied by correctly folded, intermediately folded,
as well as unfolded species. Misfolded proteins can be degraded or refolded properly with the aid of
chaperone proteins, which are playing a pivotal role in protein folding, trafficking as well as intermediate
stabilization in healthy cells. The continuous aggregation of misfolded proteins in the absence of
their proper clearance could result in amyloid disease including AD. The neuropathological changes of
AD brain include the atypical cellular accumulation of misfolded proteins as well as the loss of neurons
and synapses in the cerebral cortex and certain subcortical regions. The mechanism of neurodegeneration
in AD that leads to severe neuronal cell death and memory dysfunctions is not completely understood
until now.

Conclusion:

Examining the impact, as well as the consequences of protein misfolding, could help to
uncover the molecular etiologies behind the complicated AD pathogenesis.
Evidence on the New Drug Lumateperone (ITI-007) for Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders
Authors: Mazza Marianna , Marano Giuseppe , Traversi Gianandrea , Sani Gabriele , Janiri Luigi
Published: June 2020

:

Lumateperone (ITI-007) is a tosylate salt with binding affinities to receptors implicated in
the therapeutic actions of antipsychotic medications, including the serotonin 5HT2A receptors, dopamine
D2 and D1 receptors and the serotonin transporter. It has a unique mechanism of action because it
simultaneously modulates serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate neurotransmission, implicated in serious
mental illness. It can be considered a multi-target-directed ligand and a multifunctional modulator
of serotoninergic system with possible precognitive, antipsychotic, antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
Lumateperone has been investigated as a novel agent for the treatment of schizophrenia, but it
represents a new potential option for other psychiatric and neurological diseases, such as behavioural
symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disturbances, bipolar depression. Besides, it has
demonstrated a favourable safety profile without significant extrapyramidal side effects, hyperprolactinemia
or changes in cardiometabolic or endocrine factors versus placebo. Additional studies are warranted
to confirm and examine the benefit of lumateperone and possible therapeutic targets. This paper
is a comprehensive and thorough summary of the most important findings and potential future role of
this particular compound in personalized treatments.