bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-demographic risk factors of esophageal carcinoma: A case control study in a tertiary care hospital, Kabul Afghanistan
Authors: Saadaat Ramin , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid , Atta Nooria , Ali Tazeen Sayed
Published: May 2020

Introduction Esophageal cancer (EC) is 7th most common cancer in world in term of incidence and 6th common cancer in term of mortality. In Afghanistan, EC is the most common cancer in males. The socio-demographic status has been known as associated factor for EC. We carried out this study to determine the associated risk factors with EC in a tertiary hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methodology Unmatched case control study of socio-demographic risk factors and EC was conducted at French Medical Institute for Mother and Children (FMIC). We enrolled and analyzed 132 EC cases and 132 normal controls to find out the associated risk factors for EC Result In current study Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) was the predominant EC type (75.8%). The mean age of the case group is 59.48 ± 9.9 years and in control group is 48.05 ± 11.02, (OR: 1.070, 95% CI, p-value <0.001). Majority of the cases group are male (69.6%) (OR: 3.538, 95% CI, p-value 0.022). Participants living in rural areas have the 25-times higher risk of EC than living in urban regions. Un-educated and lower education are highly associated with the risk of EC (OR: 11.21, 95% CI, p-value: <0.001) as well as, having low Socioeconomic status was also highly associated with the increased risk of EC (OR: 14.08, 95% CI, p-value: <0.001). Having family history in first degree family highly associated with the risk of EC (OR: 4.581, 95% CI, p-value <0.001). Although, the majority of the EC patients were unemployed (93.3%) of which 75% were farmer comparing to control which comprises 55.3% of unemployed statistically in multivariate analysis it showed no significant association with EC. In addition, living area according country zones and provinces, weight and height and ethnicity showed no significant association with EC. Conclusion The study concluded that EC is common cancer in older age groups and, predominance in males. In addition, living in rural areas, being un-educated or having lower education, belonging to low socioeconomic status, and having positive family history in first degree relatives are associated with high risk of EC in our study.
Maximal lymph nodal diameter in staging system of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Pan Xin-Bin , Qu Song , Li Ling , Chen Long , Liang Shi-Xiong , Zhu Xiao-Dong
Published: May 2020

Background: The value of maximal lymph nodal diameter in staging system of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not well established.Methods: NPC patients were extracted from SEER database between 2004 and 2016. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared among three groups based on the maximal lymph nodal diameter: ≤3.0 cm, >3.0-6.0 cm, and >6.0 cm. Included patients were randomly divided into training set and validated set with 1:1 ratio. In training set, X-tile plots were created by dividing maximal lymph nodal diameter into three populations. All possible divisions of the maximal lymph nodal diameter were assessed. Two cut-off values were calculated by the X-tile plots in training set. The two cut-off values were evaluated in validated set.Results: The 10-year OS and CSS were different between the three groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that maximal lymph nodal diameter >6.0 cm was an independent risk prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR]=1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.43; P<0.001) and CSS (HR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.51-2.61; P<0.001). The cut-off values of maximal lymph nodal diameter were 1.3 cm and 5.0 cm using X-tile plots in the training set. In the validated set, the maximal lymph nodal diameter >5.0 cm was a risk prognostic factor for OS and CSS.Conclusions: The maximal lymph nodal diameter of 5.0 cm may be a reasonable cut-off value for N stage.
Serum surfactant protein A and D may be novel biomarkers of COVID-19 pneumonia severity
Authors: Saito Atsushi , KURONUMA KOJI , Moniwa Keigo , Kodama Kentaro , Takahashi Satoshi , Takahashi Hiroki , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: May 2020

Background: COVID-19 is currently undergoing a pandemic worldwide, including in Japan, and many lives have been lost. So, there is an urgent need to develop new biomarkers for estimating progression or prognosis of COVID-19 patient. Lung-specific serum biomarkers, SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 have been used clinically for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILDs), but their use in COVID-19 has not been investigated. To determine whether serum levels of SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 correlate with the severity of COVID-19 as indicated by clinical symptoms and radiological findings. Methods: In a cohort of 46 consecutive COVID-19 patients, laboratory data including serum SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 concentrations of 82 blood samples were analyzed and compared between severe and non-severe cases. In addition, the disease severity as indicated by these markers and chest HRCT images were compared.Results: Serum SP-A was significantly elevated from the early stage of pneumonia. In addition, serum SP-A and SP-D were significantly higher in severe than in non-severe cases. KL-6 was also significantly higher in severe-cases, but its mean was below the cut-off level for ILDs. AUC and their cut-off levels to detect severe cases in patients with COVID-19 infection were 0.796 for 94.9 ng/ml of SP-A, 0.827 for 116 ng/ml of SP-D and 0.640 for 275 U/ml of KL-6. HRCT image severity scores showed moderate correlations with SP-A (ρ=0.5996, p<0.001), SP-D (ρ=0.6268, p<0.001), and weak with KL-6 (ρ=0.3489, p<0.001). In the typical course of patients whose pneumonia worsened from non-severe to severe, the serum SP-A and SP-D levels increased nearly in parallel with clinical findings and HRCT images.Conclusions: Lung-specific serum SP-A and SP-D level increased with symptom and radiological findings. These elevations can be detected from relatively early pneumonia. These results indicated that these might become a novel biomarker in COVID-19 pneumonia.
Impact of Lockdown on Chain Break of Pandemic COVID-19: The Current Status and Forecast
Authors: Prasad P. Siva , Prasad P. Hari
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an outbreak of epidemic disease origin in Wuhan city, China. The virus transmits rapidly in worldwide and the rate of fatality also elevated by passing each day. But, action taken by World Health Organization failed to stop outbreak of COVID-19. Wuhan city in China has controlled the pandemic disease with lockdown strategy and present all other countries also followed the same strategy for a month. Hence, present study has been designed to observe the impact of lockdown on COVID-19 in worldwide population and future prophecy with present circumstances. Online database ( www.channelnewsasia.com) was used to ensure that number of COVID-19 cases, death and recovery are recorded in the period of 20 days lockdown (6th - 26th April 2020) in worldwide and as well as country wise population. The data shows significant elevation of COVID-19 cases was observed since 71447, on Feb 18th to 1.3 million by 6th April and then to 2.96 million by 26th April 2020 in worldwide. The fatality rate of COVID-19 were shown to be increased from 2.48% on Feb 18th to 5.51% by 6th April and then to 6.95% on 26th April 2020 in worldwide. We have found increased morbidity (2.21 folds) and fatality (6.95%) of COVID-19 in worldwide and country wise population. In fact lockdown might help to reduce register new cases, but not made zero. However, present situation demands continuation of lockdown and social distance should be maintained with strict rules otherwise probabilities are more to reach unimaginable number of cases in coming days.
Multi-attribute Group Decision-making for Online Education Live Platform Selection Based on Linguistic Intuitionistic Cubic Fuzzy Aggregation Operators
Authors: Liu Hao bin , Liu Yi , Xu Lei , Abdullah Saleem
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to propose a multi-attribute group decisionmaking (MAGDM) method for online education live platform selection based on proposed novel aggregation operators (AOs) under linguistic intuitionistic cubic fuzzy set (LICFS). Firstly, the Archimedean coupla and co-coupla are extended to handle linguistic intuitionistic cubic fuzzy information (LICFI) and the operational law of linguistic intuitionistic cubic fuzzy variables (LICFVs) based on extended copula (EC) and extended co-copula (ECC) are given. In addition, linguistic intuitionistic cubic fuzzy copula weighted average (LICFCWA) operator and linguistic intuitionistic cubic fuzzy copula weighted geometric (LICFCWG) operator are proposed based on EC and ECC under LICFI; Meanwhile, some special forms of LICFCWA/LICFCWG have been obtained by different types generators of ECs and ECCs. Thirdly, a novel MAGDM approach based on proposed LICFCWA/LICFCWG is constructed to solve the selection problem of the online education live platform in the period of the COVID-19, and a detailed parameter analysis was carried out. Fourthly, LICFS will degenerate into linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy set (LIFS) and intuitionistic cubic fuzzy set (ICFS), respectively, under different situations. Finally, some comparisons are carried out with other existing proposed MAGDM approaches. By comparing different types of experiments, the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed approach are also showed.
Relationship Between Door-to-Embolization Time and Clinical Outcomes After Transarterial Embolization in Trauma Patients With Severe Pelvic Fracture
Authors: Kim Hohyun , Jeon Chang Ho , Kim Jae Hun , Kwon Hoon , Kim Chang Won , Kim Gil Hwan , Lee Chan Kyu , Lee Sang Bong , Jang Jae Hoon , Kim Seon Hee , Yeom Seok Ran
Published: May 2020

Background: While transarterial embolization (TAE) is an effective way to control arterial bleeding associated with pelvic fracture, the clinical outcomes according to door-to-embolization (DTE) time are unclear. This study investigated how DTE time affects outcomes in patients with severe pelvic fracture.Methods: Using a trauma database between November 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019, trauma patients undergoing TAE were retrospectively reviewed. The final study population included 204 patients treated with TAE. The relationships between DTE time and patients’ outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analyses, multivariate linear regression analyses, and multivariate Cox hazard proportional regression analyses were performed to estimate the impacts of DTE time on clinical outcomes.Results: The median DTE time was 150 min (interquartile range, 123–186). The mortality rates at 7 and 28 days and overall were 8.3%, 13.7%, and 15.7%, respectively. DTE time served as an independent risk factor for mortality at 7 and 28 days (adjusted odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–2.30, p = 0.007; adjusted odds ratio = 1.48, CI = 1.05–2.07, p = 0.023, respectively). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio of DTE time for mortality at 28 days was 1.28 (CI = 1.08–1.30, p = 0.005). In addition, there was a positive relationship between DTE time and requirement for packed red blood cell transfusion during the initial 24 h and a negative relationship between DTE time and ICU-free days to day 28.Conclusions: Shorter DTE time was associated with better survival at 7 and 28 days, as well as other clinical outcomes, in patients with severe pelvic fracture who underwent TAE. Efforts to minimize DTE time are recommended to improve the clinical outcomes in patients with pelvic fracture treated with TAE.
The Cardiac Injury in Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Lu Sen , He Hongli , Liu Rong an , Wu Yaqiu , Deng Lei , Wang Pin , Huang Weiwei , Peng Yong , Xiao Hongwen , Li Gang , Huang Xiaobo
Published: May 2020

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic since December 2019, while the date on the relationship between cardiac injury and mortality in patients with COVID-19 is limited.Methods: All consecutive lab-confirmed critically ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit of Wuhan Red Cross Hospital from December 30, 2019 to March 18, 2020, were enrolled. Data of patients were collected. The prevalence of cardiac injury and its association with in-hospital mortality was analyzed.Results: Among the 50 ICU patients, 36 patients (72.0%) were complicated with cardiac injury and 14 patients (28.0%) without cardiac injury. Patients with cardiac injury had higher white blood cell counts, values of d-dimer, levels of lactate concentration, APACHE II score and lower PaO2/FiO2 at the time of admission than those without cardiac injury. The in-hospital case fatality ratio was higher in the cardiac injury than non-cardiac injury group (75.0% vs 21.4%;p=0.002).Multivariable-adjusted logistic proportional hazard regression analysis showed that a significantly higher risk of death in patients with cardiac injury than those without cardiac injury (OR, 5.876; 95% CI, 1.039–33.228).Conclusions: Cardiac injury is a common compilation and associated with higher risk of in-hospital death in patients with severe COVID-19.
Dynamic Gill and Mucous Microbiomes Track an Amoebic Gill Disease Episode in Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Birlanga Victor Blasco , McCormack Grace , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , McCarthy Eugene , Smith Cindy , Collins Gavin
Published: May 2020

Background Amongst gill disorders in Atlantic salmon, amoebic gill disease (AGD) is currently one of the most common and virulent, resulting in large losses for the aquaculture industry. However, our understanding of the role of the gill microbiome during AGD development is limited. Thus, we undertook a longitudinal study with the main objective of characterising the microbiome of gill, and mucous, samples from farmed Atlantic salmon before, and during, an AGD episode. Using a newly optimised DNA extraction protocol, we sequenced rRNA genes from 90 Atlantic salmon gill microbiomes from a fish farm (West coast of Ireland) over the course of a summer season. The first aetiological agent of AGD, Neoparamoeba perurans , was quantified using PCR targeting 18S rRNA genes. The same analyses were done using mucous samples as suitable, non-lethal alternatives to gill samples. Microbiome features across the sampling campaign were distinguished, focusing on patterns before and during the AGD episode. Results The richness and balance of the prokaryotic community on gills were trending upwards prior to the first appearance of AGD symptoms. The microbiome changed significantly, with reduced diversity and balance, after the AGD episode was confirmed, and the changing bacterial community was driven by competitive exclusion. However, this trend was reversed with the application of a first, and a second, freshwater bath treatment. Mucous samples behaved similarly. The variance of the entire prokaryotic community from both gill and mucous samples was significantly affected by the abundance of N. perurans . Rubritalea sp. were abundant in every gill and mucous sample; however, other genera ( Dyadobacter, Shewanella and Pedobacter ) were maximally abundant in gill and mucous samples 12 days prior to the first detection of AGD symptoms. Conclusions Gill and mucous microbiomes changed significantly after the first AGD symptoms were evident, correlating with N. perurans concentrations and supporting a connection between the development of the AGD and the gill microbiome. Those changes, however, were reversed by the application of multiple freshwater treatments, which returned gills to a more healthy state. Despite differences between microbiome features from gill and mucous samples, the data establish mucous scrapings as suitable, non-lethal substitutes for partial characterisation of the whole prokaryotic community from fish gills. The genus Shewanella was widely present, and significantly more abundant, immediately before the first AGD symptoms than during the AGD episode, marking this out as a feasible, putative target in identifying proxies for early detection of AGD.
Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate Reduced Intestinal Morbidities Requiring Surgery in Preterm Infants With Extremely Low Gestational Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Seh Hyun , Kim Yoo-Jin , Shin Seung Hyun , Cho Hannah , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk , Hong Subeen , Lee Seung Mi
Published: May 2020

Background Antenatal magnesium sulfate is widely used as a tocolytic, for maternal seizures, and for seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia. Recent studies have suggested that antenatal magnesium sulfate use is associated with favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. However, there are concerns regarding the neonatal effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate, especially regarding gastrointestinal morbidities. This study aims to explore the effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate on intestinal morbidities requiring surgery in preterm infants.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 181 preterm infants who were born at less than 28 weeks of gestational age. Subjects were categorized as infants exposed to antenatal magnesium sulfate and those not exposed to antenatal magnesium sulfate.Results Antenatal magnesium sulfate was associated with a lower incidence of surgical conditions of the intestine (OR 0.393, 95% CI 0.170–0.905). Multivariate analysis showed that the duration of antenatal magnesium sulfate use was associated with surgical conditions of the intestine (adjusted OR 0.766, 95% CI 0.589–0.997). In the < 26 weeks of gestational age subgroup, use of antenatal magnesium sulfate was significantly associated with decreased intestinal morbidities requiring surgery (adjusted OR 0.234, 95% CI 0.060–0.922).Conclusion Antenatal magnesium sulfate use appears to have a protective effect on intestinal morbidities requiring surgery in preterm infants in a duration-dependent manner. Association of antenatal magnesium sulfate use and decreased intestinal morbidities requiring surgery was more distinct in preterm infants < 26 weeks of gestational age.
Genetic Engineering of Pseudomonas Chlororaphis Lzh-T5 to Enhance Production of Trans-2,3-Dihydro-3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid
Authors: Li Ling , Li Zhenghua , Zhang Xuehong , Wang Wei , Huang Yujie , Wang Ruiming , Wang Tengfei , Liu Kaiquan
Published: May 2020

Background: Trans-2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (DHHA) is a cyclic β-amino acid used for the synthesis of non-natural peptides and chiral materials. It is an intermediate product of phenazine production in Pseudomonas spp . Lzh-T5 is a P. chlororaphis strain isolated from tomato rhizosphere found in China. It can synthesize three antifungal phenazine compounds. Results: Disrupting the phzF gene of P. chlororaphis Lzh-T5 results in DHHA accumulation. Several strategies were used to improve production of DHHA: enhancing the shikimate pathway by overexpression, knocking out negative regulatory genes, and adding metal ions to the medium. In this study, three regulatory genes ( psrA , pykF, and rpeA ) were-disrupted in the genome of P. chlororaphis Lzh-T5, yielding 4.55 g/L of DHHA. When six key genes selected from the shikimate, pentose phosphate, and gluconeogenesis pathways were overexpressed, the yield of DHHA increased to 6.89g/L. Fe 3+ was added to the medium for DHHA fermentation. This genetically engineered strain increased the DHHA production to 10.45g/L. Conclusions: P. chlororaphis Lzh-T5 could be modified as a microbial factory to produce DHHA by inactivating phzF , disrupting negative regulatory genes, overexpressing key genes, and adding metal ions to medium for fermentation.
Pre-Incubation with Kisspeptin Improves the Adverse Effects of Freeze-Thawed Human Ejaculated Sperms
Authors: Kermani Tayebeh , Hossein Seyede Fatemeh , Talaei-Khozani Tahereh , Aliabadi Elham
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Sperm cryopreservation reduces sperm quality. Kisspeptin (KP), as an antioxidant, has beneficial effects on the sperm functions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to use kisspeptin in order to mitigate detrimental effects of the sperm freeze-thawing process and compare it with Glutathione (GSH), as positive control. Materials and methods: 30 normal semen samples, prepared by swim-up procedure, were divided into 3 aliquots: negative control with no treatment; positive control receiving 1mM GSH; and experimental aliquot treated with 10 µM KP for 30 min. All aliquots were cryopreserved, and then thawed after 48 hr. Sperm motility was assessed according to WHO guidelines. Acrosomal reaction and capacitation were evaluated by Fluorescein Isothiocyanate-Conjugated Peanut Agglutinin (FITC-PNA), Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), and Concanavalin A (ConA); percentage of positive cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Sperm DNA quality was evaluated by Acridine Orange (AO), Aniline Blue (AB), Chromomycin A3 (CMA3), and TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) staining methods. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and LSD.Results: Results of the study showed that, KP supplementation improved motility and led to an increase in the percentage of capacitated and acrosome-intact sperms compared to both controls. Freeze-thaw procedure damaged the DNA integrity severely, and KP pre-treatment significantly reduced frequency of apoptotic sperms as well as those with histone-protamine substitution impairment. Conclusion: Pre-exposure of the sperms to KP can protect the sperm quality including motility and DNA integrity against detrimental influence of freeze–thaw cycle. Therefore, it can be considered as a good pre-additive substance to control the sperm quality during freezing and thawing procedure.
Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Si Yueqiao , Fan Wenjun , Han Chao , Liu Jingyi , Sun Lixian
Published: May 2020

Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are strongly associated with atherogenesis of the coronary artery. This study aimed to investigate the association of the AIP, TyG index, and MLR with subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluate their ability to predict subclinical CAD.Methods: A total of 697 asymptomatic patients were enrolled in this study and assigned to the subclinical CAD group (n=332) and control group (n=365). The clinical data, coronary artery calcification score, and calculated AIP, TyG index, and MLR were collected by graduate students in the cardiology division. Multivariate logistic regression models were set up to assess the risk factors for subclinical CAD.Results: The AIP, TyG index and MLR values were higher in the subclinical CAD group than in the control group (all P<0.05). In addition to the classic independent clinical risk factors, increased AIP, TyG index and MLR values were all independent risk factors for subclinical CAD (all P<0.05). The AUCs were higher after combining clinical risk factors than the AIP, TyG index, or MLR alone (all P<0.05).Conclusions: The AIP, TyG index and MLR are independent risk factors for subclinical CAD, which can be useful for improving the diagnosis and prevention of CAD.
Improvements in the Ecological and Nutritional Aspects of Down's Syndrome
Authors: Aljerf Loai , Aljurf Mazen
Published: May 2020

Background and aims: Down's syndrome patients are suffering from such gastrointestinal and metabolic complications which affect their prolongation for survival and this could be attributed to the malnutrition system. To reduce the risk factors for mortality, the paper has focused on the assessment of the socioeconomic, clinical, physical, biophysiological, and biochemical characteristics of them which can be affected by the type of nutrition system, toxicity, and ecological footprint.Methods: Patients were males with trisomy 21 diagnosed by karyotype test and assessed by clinical examinations. The clinical observations, medical interventions, and oral diseases associated with DS have been defined and oral treatment is explored. Samples collected from different biofluids. The physicochemical analyses of the biomatrix samples were performed and these properties had compared to findings of healthy males and age-matched controls. In specific, trace elements which could be originated from environmental resources were assessed in saliva, blood, urine, and hair.Results: Duraphat application was proved effective for their oral treatment and saliva was the optimum biomarker for detecting malnutrition. The patients were hypersensitive to Cu while the Mn content in blood and hair was considered an expression to the degree of epileptic condition and chronic seizure development. The ecological footprint was 5.6 gha and carbon footprint was recognised in food poverty habits. These can be reduced by eating more plant-based proteins and fibre-rich foods with low saturated fats and sodium.Conclusions: The current findings provide an up-to-date reference for expected developmental outcomes in children with DS in terms of biophysicochemistry. The genetically sensitive intervention is affected by heredity factor and sensitivity to toxics. Down's syndrome is encouraged to live green-hipster life. Besides, doctors are recommended to order the physicochemical analyses for early detection of this special intervention.WHO Clinical Trial Registry: Study ID number: DRKS00014074 Title page of the study: Down's syndrome in children males – biochemical characterisations in different media using non-randomised trial and systematic study Website of Clinical Trial Registry: http://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00014074
Psychiatry during the Covid-19 Pandemic: a survey on Mental Health Departments in Italy
Authors: Carpiniello Bernardo , Tusconi Massimo , Zanalda Enrico , Sciascio Guido Di
Published: May 2020

Background To date, very little knowledge is available with regard to the way in which mental health systems worldwide are facing the current global health emergency. The present paper reports the data emerging from a survey conducted to study the impact of the current emergency on the functioning of the Italian Departments of Mental Health (MHD).Methods Heads of MHDs received a 40-item multiple choice questionnaire relating to Community Mental Health Centres (CMHC) and related facilities, and a 30-item questionnaire focused on General Hospital Psychiatric Wards (GHPW). Statistical analysis was carried out by means of Chi Square test with Yates correction or the Fisher Exact test, as needed.Results: 71 questionnaires returned from the 134 MHDs (52.9%) and 107 of the 318 (32.6%) GHPWs. Less than 20%of CMHCs have been closed; approximately 25% have restricted access hours. The usual mode of operation in CMHCs changed substantially. Urgent psychiatric consultations are continuing as usual, in the same way as interventions for compulsory treatments, and prison consultations. All other activities have been reduced to some extent. Remote contacts with users have been set up in approx. 75% of cases. Cases of COVID positivity were reported amongst both staff members (approx. 50 % of CHMCs), and facility users (52% of CHMCs). 20% of CMHCs reported cases of increased aggressiveness or violence, among community patients, although only 8.6% regarding severe cases. Major issues in the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff members were reported. A reduced number of GHPWs (-12%), beds (approx.-30%) and of admissions was registered (87% of GHPWs). 8% of GHPWs reported an increase in compulsory admissions, and an increased rate of violence toward self or others among inpatients. Patient swabs were carried out in 50% of GHPWs. 60% of GHPWs have reported the admission of symptomatic, COVID+ psychiatric patients to General COVID-19 Units; severely ill and non-collaborative COVID+ patients are generally admitted to specific “COVID-19” GHPWs, or to purpose-adapted isolated areas of the wards. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has heralded a radical change in the mental health system of Italy, and a consequent series of challenging issues.
Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Findings and Semiquantitative Scoring of 60 Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Retrospective Imaging Analysis Combining Anatomy and Pathology
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Xu-jing , Liu Xiao-hua , Ma Hong , Zhang Ya-hong , Rao Yue , Li Lin , Xu Hai-yan , Lyu Fa-jin
Published: May 2020

In this study, we ascertained the chest CT data of 60 patients admitted to 3 hospitals in Chongqing with confirmed COVID-19. We conducted anatomical and pathological analyses to elucidate the possible reasons for the distribution, morphology, and characteristics of COVID-19 in chest CT. We also shared a semiquantitative scoring of affected lung segments, which was recommended by our local medical association. This scoring system was applied to quantify the severity of the disease. The most frequent imaging findings of COVID-19 were subpleural ground glass opacities and consolidation; there was a significant difference in semiquantitative scores between the early, progressive, and severe stages of the disease. We conclude that the chest CT findings of COVID-19 showed certain characteristics because of the anatomical features of the human body and pathological changes caused by the virus. Therefore, chest CT is a valuable tool for facilitating the diagnosis of COVID-19 and semiquantitative scoring of affected lung segments may further elucidate diagnosis and assessment of disease severity. This will assist healthcare workers in diagnosing COVID-19 and assessing disease severity, facilitate the selection of appropriate treatment options, which is important for reducing the spread of the virus, saving lives, and controlling the pandemic.
Guidelines and practice recommendations on Obstetric care of pregnant patients with Covid-19 infection: Scoping review.
Authors: Jeldu Wondimu Gudu , Tolu Lemi Belay
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The Management of pregnant women with Covid-19 infection is usually based on limited evidence from care reports and expert opinions. The aim of this scoping review is to identify available guidelines and practice recommendations on obstetric care of pregnant women with COVID-19.Methods: We searched guideline databases and websites of professional associations and international organizations working on sexual and reproductive health. We looked for guidelines, protocols, consensus statements and practice recommendations on management of pregnant women with COVID-19. Additionally, we searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Data extraction was done by two independent reviewers using a customized tool that was developed to record the key information of the source that’s relevant to the review question.Results: The antenatal care for covid-19 positive mothers should be delayed until they test negative twice. Anatomic scanning may be considered in women who had the infection in the first trimester. Growth monitoring is recommended every 2-4wks. Antenatal corticosteroids can be administered in those women with preterm pregnancy (<34 wks) and mild illness. Low dose Aspirin can be continued safely. Tocolytics, particularly NSAIDs should be used cautiously. Covid-19 infection is not an indication for delivery. Termination is recommended in those with organ failure and in pts with severe respiratory failure. A single, asymptomatic or screen negative birth partner be permitted to stay with the woman. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring in labor is recommended. Cesarean delivery only in those with severe respiratory distress on ventilators & organ failure. Shortening of the second stage is considered in Covid-19 parturients who are on face masks. There are no consistent recommendations on immediate cord clamping and options of breast feeding. Universal isolation of mother from the neonate is not a standard of practice. Postpartum care can be provided with telemedicine.Conclusions: Obstetric care provision for Covid-19 infected mothers is primarily based on limited experience from case reports and expert opinions. Updated guidance for clinical practice are imperative as new scientific evidence emerges.
In silico screening of hundred phytocompounds of ten medicinal plants as potential inhibitors of nucleocapsid phosphoprotein of COVID-19: An approach to prevent virus assembly
Authors: Rolta Rajan , Yadav Rohitash , Salaria Deeksha , Sourirajan Anuradha , Dev Kamal
Published: May 2020

Currently, there is no specific treatment to cure COVID-19. Many medicinal plants have antiviral, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, wound healing etc. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to screen for potent inhibitors of N-terminal domain (NTD) of nucleocapsid phosphoproteinof SARS-CoV-2. The structure of NTD of RNA binding domain of nucleocapsid phosphoprotein of SARS coronavirus 2 was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank (PDB 6VYO)and the structures of 100 different phytocompoundswere retrieved from Pubchem. The receptor protein and ligands were prepared using Schrodinger’s Protein Preparation Wizard. Molecular docking was done by using the Schrodinger’s maestro 12.0 software. Drug likeness and toxicity of active phytocompounds was predicted by using Swiss adme, admetSAR and protox II online servers. We have identified three potential active sites (named as A, B, C) on receptor protein for efficient binding of the phytocompounds. We found that, among 100 phytocompounds, emodin, aloe-emodin, anthrarufin, alizarine, and dantron of Rheum emodi showed good binding affinity at all the three active sites of RNA binding domain of nucleocapsid phosphoprotein of COVID-19.The binding energies of emodin, aloe-emodin, anthrarufin, alizarine, and dantron were -8.299 , -8.508, -8.456, -8.441, and -8.322 Kcal mol-1 respectively (site A), -7.714, -6.433, -6.354, -6.598, and -6.99 Kcal mol-1 respectively (site B), and -8.299, 8.508, 8.538, 8.841, and 8.322 Kcal mol-1 respectively (site C).All the active phytocompounds follows the drug likeness properties, non-carcinogenic, and non-toxic. Theses phytocompounds (alone or in combination) could be developed into effective therapy against COVID-19.
Novel miniature CRISPR–Cas13 systems from uncultivated microbes effective in degrading SARS-CoV-2 sequences and influenza viruses
Authors: Xu Chunlong , Zhou Yingsi , Xiao Qingquan , He Bingbing , Geng Guannan , Wang Zikang , Cao Birong , Wang Xiang , Zhou Dongming , Yuan Tanglong , Huo Xiaona , Yang Hui
Published: May 2020

Recently emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a global pandemic, with millions of infections and over 200, 000 deaths1. However, development of effective anti-coronavirus treatments has lagged behind. Competitive co-evolution between microbes and viruses has led to the diversification of microbe’s CRISPR/Cas defense systems against infectious viruses2,3. Among class-2 single effector systems, Cas13 is effective in combating RNA phages4. Previous studies have discovered novel Cas9 and Cas12 systems from metagenomic sequence of natural microbes5-7. Here we report the identification of two additional compact Cas13 families from natural microbes that are effective in degrading RNA viruses in mammalian cells. Using metagenomic terabase data sets, we searched for previously uncharacterized Cas13 genes proximal to the CRISPR array with a customized computational pipeline, and identified two most compact families (775 to 803 amino acids) of CRISPR-Cas ribonucleases, named hereafter as CRISPR/Cas type VI-E and VI-F. Out of seven Cas13 proteins, we found that Cas13e.1 was the smallest and could be engineered for efficient RNA interference and base editing in cultured mammalian cell lines. Moreover, Cas13e.1 has a high activity for degrading SARS-CoV-2 sequences and the genome of live influenza A virus (IAV). Together with a minimal pool of 10 crRNAs, Cas13e.1 could target over 99% of all known 3,137 coronavirus genomes for achieving antiviral defense. Overall, our results demonstrated there exist untapped bacterial defense systems in natural microbes that can function efficiently in mammalian cells, thus potentially useful for preventing viral infection in humans such as COVID-19.
A Hydroponics Assay Distinguishes between S-metolachlor-tolerant and -sensitive Sweetpotato Cultivars
Authors: Cutulle Matthew A. , Campbell H. Tyler , Farfan Monica , Wadl Phillip A.
Published: May 2020

Weed management is an important component of sweetpotato production. Currently, S-metolachlor is the only herbicide registered in sweetpotato that has some suppressive effect on nutsedge species (Cyperus spp.). It is integral that the release of any new germplasm from sweetpotato breeding programs be tolerant to S-metolachlor. Screening for thousands of experimental clones for S-metolachlor in a field trial would be cumbersome. Therefore, screening for tolerant lines might be streamlined in an hydroponics system. Research was conducted to determine whether a hydroponics assay could detect differences in S-metolachlor response between a known sensitive sweetpotato cultivar (Centennial) and a tolerant sweetpotato cultivar (Beauregard) in 10 days. Results of the study show that ‘Beauregard’ was ≈50 times more tolerant to S-metolachlor than ‘Centennial’ when accessing injury at the 25% threshold. No differences were detected in S-metolachlor response between cultivars in the soil-based assay. This assay could be used for screening for S-metolachlor tolerance in a sweetpotato breeding program.
Effect of Wetting Agent on Nutrient and Water Retention and Runoff from Simulated Urban Lawns
Authors: Chang Baoxin , Wherley Benjamin , Aitkenhead-Peterson Jacqueline , Ojeda Nadezda , Fontanier Charles , Dwyer Philip
Published: May 2020

Wetting agents have been widely used in the turf industry for ameliorating hydrophobic soil conditions and improving water use efficiency. However, limited information is available regarding potential benefits of wetting agents on fine textured soil lawns where wettable soils are commonly found, because most prior studies have been conducted in sand-based turf systems. This 2-year field study evaluated the potential for wetting agents to improve turf quality, as well as to reduce runoff losses of water and nutrients from st. augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] lawns. Over two seasons, turfgrass quality, percent green cover, and soil moisture in plots were evaluated in response to wetting agent and fertilizer treatments. During precipitation events, total runoff volumes were measured, as well as total export of nutrients including NO3-N, NH4-N, total dissolved N, dissolved organic N, dissolved organic C, and PO4-P. No runoff was detected from any treatments when precipitation was less than 13 mm. St. augustinegrass turfgrass quality and soil moisture were slightly improved by wetting agent and fertilizer treatments during the study, but no significant effects of either of the treatments were found on runoff volumes or nutrient exports. Although turf was managed under deficit irrigation levels of 0.3 × reference evapotranspiration, irrigation events were not withheld due to rainfall, and thus, little to no drought stress was observed during the study.
First report of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) infecting Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) in Florida, USA
Authors: Moore M. R. , Brito J. A. , Qiu S. , Roberts C. G. , Combee L. A.
Published: May 2020

Samples of galled roots, resembling those induced by root-knot nematodes, and rhizosphere soil were collected from potted plants of Ulmus parvifolia cvs. Allee and Drake in Lake County, Florida. Nematode species were identified using both molecular analysis and morphology of perineal patterns. Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. javanica were identified from U. parvifolia cv. Allee. Meloidogyne arenaria and M. javanica were identified from U. parvifolia cv. Drake. This is a first report of these nematode species infecting Chinese Elm in Florida.
Online Portfolio Optimization with Exponential Gradient and Time Varying CAPM
Authors: Yamim João Daniel Madureira , Cristiano Hasenclever Borges Carlos , Resende Fonseca Yuri , Fonseca Neto Raul
Published: May 2020

Since Harry Markowitz's seminal work in 1952, which initiated modern portfolio theory, portfolio allocation strategies have been intensely discussed in the literature. With the development of online optimization techniques, dynamic learning algorithms have proven to be an effective approach to build portfolios. The purpose of this paper was to implement a new version of the Exponential Gradient algorithm in which important information about the risk of stocks are considered in the algorithm's projection step. The portfolios built were compared with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJIA) and Best Constant Rebalanced Portfolio (BCRP). We used DJIA data from January 2000 to December 2017 with daily observations. The EG beta algorithm outperformed the DJIA in all tests performed, and it was very close to BCRP in periods of market upturn and was able to outperform it in downturns.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR TO SHEAR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS REINFORCED WITH CARBON FIBERS BONDED WITH EPOXY ADHESIVE
Authors: Quindeler de Paula Azevedo Thalles Manoel , De Souza Salgueiro Ferreira Danilo , Sanchez Dominguez Joel , Martins Sampaio Eduardo , Teixeira de Assis Joaquim
Published: May 2020

In Brazil, the concrete structure is widely used in civil construction. In this field, there is a common need to reinforce the structural elements, either by increasing the load, for calculation errors, flaws in the execution or modifications of use conditions. This experimental work aims to compare two reinforcement techniques with carbon fiber blanket on reinforced concrete beams submitted to shear stress. The tests will compare the results of reinforced concrete samples without any reinforcement, with shear reinforcement using carbon fiber blanket with techniques and materials popularly spread on the market. In this case using the structural adhesive S&P 220, and with shear reinforcement using carbon fiber blanket glued with structural adhesive NVT 201E.
INFLUENCE OF REYNOLDS NUMBER IN SEABED PROXIMITY IN STUDY OF FLOW AROUND A CIRCULAR CYLINDER
Authors: Rodrigues Leonardo Luiz Veiga , Hallak Patrícia Habib
Published: May 2020

Flexible risers, widely used in offshore engineering, are long multilayer tubes designed to carry fluid — such as oil and natural gas — from the seabed to the sea platforms. In this work, the fluid passage was evaluated in a uniform flow around the cross-section of the tube in a two-dimensional analysis. The seasonality and variation of sea currents over time make it necessary to study different flow regimes. Therefore, a variation of Reynolds number and type of flow is applied, thus obtaining results for the laminar regime. In the flow around an obstacle is interesting the study of the vortex shedding, fluid oscillations, drag and lift force and Strouhal number. Therefore, these parameters for two Reynolds numbers in the laminar regime are obtained through modeling using computational fluid dynamics software, ANSYSR© Fluent, and then compared with the results of other models in the literature. The influence of seabed proximity, that is, the vertical position of the riser was investigated.  Thus, the coefficients are obtained as a function of the distance. It could be observed that as the cylinder approaches the seabed, the values of coefficients varied significantly for both Reynolds number values studied, with some difference between them.
A SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATION OF ONE-AT-A-TIME SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS IN ODE SYSTEMS
Authors: Galvão Matheus Fajardo , Lobosco Marcelo
Published: May 2020

Sensitivity analysis is a widely used tool in computing modeling, being used fordistinct purposes, such as a better understanding of the relationship between parameter values in amathematical model and its results, and the identification of parameters whose change in their valuesimplies in a larger variation in the results of a model, among others purposes. Several approachescan be used to perform sensitivity analysis. One of the simplest is one-at-a-time, which analyzes theimpact of changing a single parameter on a model while keeping the others one fixed. Depending onthe number of parameters and the variations adopted, the sensitivity analysis of a large model maygenerate a large volume amount of results and it can be hard to identify the most sensitive parametersof the model. This paper presents a tool that automates the identification of these parameters.
A SOCIAL SPIDER ALGORITHM FOR PRICING A FINANCIAL OPTION: A FORWARD APPROACH BY MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors: Leite Igor Michel Santos , Duarte Grasiele Regina , Da Fonseca Leonardo Goliatt
Published: May 2020

An option is a type of financial derivative that creates an opportunity for a market player to minimise your risk exposure in the negotiation. The main objective is pricing this derivative. The options classified as American is quite challenging to pricing and one of the most popular options considered in the market. This paper proposes the adoption of the Social Spider Algorithm (SSA) to optimise the parameters of the optimal-stopping with the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) for pricing the options classified as American. The experiments were performed using a set of options values/characteristic available in the literature. The results showed the accuracy of the combination SSA+MCS when compared with reference values.
Pregnancy Wastage Due to Fetal Congenital Malformations
Authors: Sangwan Vijayata , Khandelwal Shivani , Mahendru Rajiv , Lakra Pinkey , Siwach Sunita
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES: To study the pattern of various congenital anomalies in rural Haryana.STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study conducted over 1 and ½ years (from January 2015 to June 2016) in a tertiary care center in Haryana, India.RESULTS: Out of 11,178 births, 227 babies had gross congenital malformations 2.03%. In literature, the most common birth defect reported in western countries is cardiovascular anomalies while in India and eastern countries, it’s the neural tube defect. In our study also, neural tube defects were the most common congenital anomalies accounting for 64.31% of total anomalies. They were more common in unbooked patients (70%) and the rural population. So, the main cause appears to be a lack of awareness and illiteracy.CONCLUSION: There is a need for increased awareness and folic acid supplementation routinely in the periconceptional period to decrease the incidence of congenital anomalies.
Statistical modelling of French drinking water pipe inventory at national level using demographic and geographical information
Authors: Renaud Eddy , Husson Alain , Vacelet Alice , Le Gat Yves , Stricker Anne-Emmanuelle
Published: May 2020

At the request of the French Ministry for Ecological and Inclusive Transition (MTES) and the French Biodiversity Agency (AFB), INRAE carried out a study focusing on the creation of a national asset knowledge base for drinking water networks, operating at Water Agency (WA) scale. Our study involved the creation of a number of statistical models. These models combine data relating to network characteristics (gathered from a sample of utilities) with geographical and demographical data collected from all municipalities in France. The SISPEA database, along with GIS data from a sample covering around half of the total French drinking water network, were used to configure multi-linear pipe models by diameter, installation period and type of material. On the basis of these models, the total length of drinking water pipes in mainland France was estimated to be 875,000 km. Networks are quite young (60% of the total length was laid after 1970), small diameter pipes are the majority (70% of the pipes have a diameter less than or equal to 100 mm) and the materials used are linked on geographic areas (pipes are mainly made of PVC in the west of France while cast iron pipes predominate in the other regions).