bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A heuristic model for collaborative practice – Part 2: An elaboration of theoretical perspectives and strategies in community mental health and substance abuse care
Authors: Sundet Rolf , Kim Hesook Suzie , Karlsson Bengt , Borg Marit , Sælør Knut Tore , Ness Ottar
Published: April 2020

Background Various models for collaborative practice in mental health care incorporating the perspectives of service-user participation and collaboration in the care have been developed. However, the emphasis in these practice models has not been on identifying specific features of “how” collaboration and service-user participation can occur and be nurtured. This suggests a need for a collaborative practice model that specifies essential strategies operationalizing the tenets of service-user participation and collaboration applicable in mental health and substance abuse (MHSA) care. Methods A double helix approach of coalescing theoretical ideas and empirical findings to develop a practice model that is applicable in MHSA practice. A theoretical analysis is carried out to identify the critical, foundational elements for collaborative practice in MHSA practice, and has identified the philosophical-theoretical orientations of Habermas’ theory of communicative action, Bakhtin’s dialogicality, and the philosophy of personhood as the foundational features of collaboration. This base is juxtaposed with the results of a qualitative meta-analysis of 18 empirical articles on collaboration in MHSA to advance a collaborative practice model specifically in the domain of service user/professional collaboration.Results “The collaborative, dialogue-based clinical practice model” (CDCP Model) for community mental health care is proposed, within the structure of four main components. The first specifies the framework for practice that includes person-centered care, recovery-orientation, and a pluralistic orientation and the second identifies the domains of collaboration as service user/professional collaboration, inter-professional collaboration, and service sector collaboration. The third identifies self-understanding, mutual understanding, and shared decision-making as the essential principles of collaboration. The fourth specifies interactive-dialogic processes, negotiated-participatory engagement processes, and negotiated-supportive processes as the essential strategies of collaboration applicable in service user/professional collaboration which were extracted in the empirical work. An illustration of the CDCP Model in a clinical case is given.
Isolation and Characterization of WUPyV in Polarized Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Wei Tianli , Huang Yiman , Xie Zhiping , Song Jingdong , Chen Aijun , Zheng Lishu
Published: April 2020

Background Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) is a novel human polyomavirus detected in patient with acute respiratory infection. However, the relationship between WUPyV and respiratory diseases has yet to be established for lacking of a suitable in vitro culture system. Methods To isolate WUPyV with human airway epithelial (HAE) cells, the positive samples were incubated in HAE, and then the nucleic acid, VP1 protein and virions were detected using real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy respectively, and the whole genome sequence was obtained by Sanger sequencing. Results The result showed that WUPyV could replicate effectively in HAE cells and virions with typical polyomavirus characteristics could be observed. Additionally, the entire genome sequence of the isolated strain (BJ0771) was obtained and phylogenetic analysis indicated that BJ0771 belongs to gene cluster I. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated clinical WUPyV strain was successfully isolated for the first time in the world and this will help unravel the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of WUPyV in respiratory infection diseases.
Effects of high temperature stress during anthesis and grain filling periods on photosynthesis, lipids and grain yield in wheat
Authors: Djanaguiraman Maduraimuthu , Narayanan Sruthi , Erdayani Eva , Prasad P.V. Vara
Published: April 2020

Background : Short episodes of high temperature (HT) stress during reproductive stages of development cause significant yield losses in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Two independent experiments were conducted to quantify the effects of high temperature (HT) during anthesis and grain filling periods on photosynthesis, leaf lipidome, and yield traits in wheat. In experiment I, wheat genotype Seri82 was exposed to optimum temperature (OT; 22/14 °C; day/night) or HT (32/22 °C) for 14 d during anthesis stage. In experiment II, the plants were exposed to OT or HT for 14 d during grain filling stage. During the HT stress, chlorophyll index, thylakoid membrane damage, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and leaf lipid composition were measured. At maturity, grain yield and its components were quantified. Results : HT stress during anthesis or grain filling stage decreased photosynthetic rate (17 and 25%, respectively) and grain yield plant -1 (29 and 44%, respectively), and increased thylakoid membrane damage (61 and 68%, respectively) compared to their respective control (OT). HT stress during anthesis or grain filling stage increased the levels of less unsaturated lipid species [36:5- monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG)]. However, at grain filling stage, HT stress decreased the levels of more unsaturated lipid species (36:6- MGDG and DGDG). There was a significant positive relationship between photosynthetic rate and grain yield plant -1 , and a negative relationship between thylakoid membrane damage and photosynthetic rate. Conclusions : The study suggests that maintaining thylakoid membrane stability, and seed-set percent and individual grain weight under HT stress can improve photosynthetic rate and grain yield, respectively.
Immune prognostic implications of PSMD14 and its associated genes signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tian Chuan , Abudoureyimu Mubalake , Lin Xinrong , Zhou Hao , Chu Xiaoyuan , Wang Rui
Published: April 2020

Background PSMD14 played a vital roles initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, PSMD14 and its-related genes for the immune prognostic implications of HCC patients have rarely been analyzed. Therefore, we aimed to explore gene signatures and immune prognostic values of PSMD14 and its-related genes in HCC. Method Analyzed the expression of PSMD14 in multiple databases, and clinicopathologic characteristics associated with PSMD14 overall survival using Wilcoxon signed-ranktest, logistic and Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier method. An immune prognostic signature (including RBM45, PSMD1, OLA1, CCT6A, LCAT and IVD) was constructed and validated using the co-expression and cox regression analyses in TCGA, ICGC and TIMER datasets. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed using TCGA data set. Results Increased PSMD14 expression in HCC was significantly associated with poor prognosis and clinicopathologic characteristics (grade, histologic stage, surgical approach and T stage, all p-values < 0.05). A total of six PSMD14-related genes were detected, which markedly related to overall survival and immune infiltrating levels in HCC patients. Using cox regression analysis, the PSMD14 and its-related genes were found to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC survival. Calibration curves confirmed good consistency between clinical nomogram prediction and actual observation. Immune prognostic model suggests that patients in the high‐risk group shown significantly poorer survival than patients in the low‐risk group. Conclusion We screened potential immune prognostic genes and constructed and verified a novel PSMD14-based prognostic model of HCC, which provides new potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets and lays a theoretical foundation for immunotherapy of HCC.
Promotion of ubiquitination-dependent survivin destruction contributes to xanthohumol-mediated tumor suppression and overcomes radioresistance in human oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ming , Gao Feng , Yu Xinfang , Zhao Qiung , Zhou Li , Liu Wenbin , Li Wei
Published: April 2020

Background: Overexpression of survivin plays a crucial role in the maintaining unlimited cell growth, apoptosis suppression, and correlates with poor prognosis in human malignancies. Methods: A natural product library was used for natural compound screening through MTS assay. The expression of survivin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the inhibitory effect of xanthohumol (XN) on OSCC were examined through methods of anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays, immunoblot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical staining, ubiquitination analysis, co-immunoprecipitation assay, CRISPR-Cas9-based gene knockout, and xenograft experiment. Results: Survivin is highly expressed in OSCC cells and patient-derived tissues, and required for OSCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo . With a natural compound screening, we identified that xanthohumol exhibited a significant anti-tumor effect against OSCC cells through inhibiting survivin protein. Xanthohumol suppressed anchorage-dependent and independent cell growth and delayed in vivo tumor development of OSCC cells. Xanthohumol inhibited the Akt-Wee1-CDK1 signaling, which in turn decreased survivin phosphorylation on Thr34, and facilitated E3 ligase Fbxl7-mediated survivin ubiquitination. Xanthohumol alone or in combination with radiation overcame radioresistance in OSCC xenograft tumors. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that targeting survivin for degradation might a promising strategy for OSCC treatment. Keywords: Oral squamous cell carcinoma; Xanthohumol; Ubiquitination; Fbxl7
Health-related publications on fragile states in the alert zone: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sweileh Waleed
Published: April 2020

Background Vulnerable and fragile settings is global health challenge. Assessing health research activity can help identify neglected health domains in fragile settings. The objective of the current study was to assess and describe health research activity on fragile states in the alert zone. Method A bibliometric method was applied using SciVerse Scopus. Research articles published on fragile states in the alert zone were retrieved and analyzed. The Fragile State Index (FSI) score was used for selection of states in the alert zone. The analysis was limited to one year; 2018. Results The search query found 2299 research articles giving an average of 2 research articles per one million people per year in the selected fragile states. The number of research articles per one million population was not significantly correlated (p=0.053; r= - 0.349) with FSI scores. However, it was significantly correlated with the extent of international research collaboration (P<0.01, r=065). Research on communicable diseases was the largest research domain (763 articles; 33.2%) followed by maternal/women’s health (430 articles; 18.7%), non-communicable diseases (291 articles; 12.7%), health system/policy (271 articles; 11.8%) and psychosocial and mental health (89; 3.9%). The top ten cited articles were mainly on infectious diseases, particularly on malaria and Lassa fever. Of all the retrieved documents, 727 (31.6%) research articles appeared in national/regional journals while the remaining appeared in international journals. The World Health organization was the most active funding organization for research on fragile states. Top ten active institutions were mainly based in fragile states with the lowest FSI score, specifically Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Conclusion Research on fragile states was relatively low. Research on mental health and health system/policy should be encouraged. Collaboration and funding might help academic institutions in fragile states to make health problems in these countries more visible
Peer navigation for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jail: a randomized trial study protocol
Authors: Hailemariam Maji , Weinstock Lauren M , Johnson Jennifer E.
Published: April 2020

Background: Serious mental illness (SMI) is a prevalent public health problem affecting 25% of individuals in jail. Re-entry to the community following incarceration is a vulnerable time for justice-involved individuals with SMI. SMI requires prompt and ongoing access to mental health and other healthcare services.Methods: The study will: 1) develop a Mentoring And Peer Support (MAPS) intervention for post-release mental health and other service connection among jailed individuals with SMI, and 2) pilot-test the MAPS intervention to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the MAPS intervention. The primary outcomes will be to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed recruitment methods and research design, of the intervention training methods, of delivering the enhanced peer-navigator and control interventions. Study samples include (focus groups, open trial), and a randomized pilot trial in a sample of 40 individuals with SMI re-entering the community after jail release. Secondary outcomes will include post-release enrollment in mental health, medical care, and substance use services. We will also evaluate reduction in psychiatric symptoms, improvements in functioning, adherence to psychiatric medications, fewer substance using days, fewer hospitalizations and suicide attempts, nights unstably housed, and time until rearrest.Discussion: This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a peer navigation intervention for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jails. The study will serve as a formative work for a larger randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of peer navigator intervention for (include the primary outcome) in this population.
Are supplemental appraisal/reimbursement processes needed for rare disease treatments? An international comparison of country approaches
Authors: Nicod Elena , Whittal Amanda , Drummond Mike , Facey Karen
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND There is increasing recognition that conventional appraisal approaches may be unsuitable for assessing the value for money of rare disease treatments (RDTs). This research examines whether supplemental appraisal processes for RDTs are needed, and if so, what form should these take. A qualitative research design was used that included (1) documentation of country appraisal/reimbursement processes for RDTs via questionnaires, desk research and iterative interactions with country experts to produce country vignettes, and (2) a cross-country analysis of these processes to identify and characterise countries with supplemental processes for RDTs, and compare them to countries without supplemental processes. RESULTS Thirty-two of the 37 invited countries participated in this research. Forty-one percent (13/32) use supplemental processes for RDTs. Their level of integration within standard processes ranged from low to high, characterised by whether they are separate or partially separate from the standard process, adapted or accelerated standard processes, or standard processes that account for rarity. They are characterised by features implemented throughout the appraisal process. These features are mechanisms that allow application of different standards to assess the value of the medicine, support to the appraisal/decision-making process, overcome the issues of lack of cost-effectiveness, or exempt from part of/the full HTA process. They apply to ultra-RDTs and/or RDTs, and are often combined. They increase the likelihood of reimbursement by adjusting and/or foregoing part of the assessment process, or accepting to pay more for the same added benefit as for common conditions, which is likely to lead to accepting high prices. A large proportion of countries with standard processes include one or more of these features (formally or informally) or are discussing potential changes in their systems. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest revealed preferences to treat RDTs differently than conventional medicines. Some of the challenges around uncertainty and high price remain, but supplemental process features allow for more adapted and consistent decision-making. Many of these processes are new and countries continue to adjust as they gain experience. These results do not outline what an ideal process for RDTs looks like, but identify some key features that can be implemented to facilitate this process.
Randomized clinical trials in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a systematic analysis of the WHO - International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.
Authors: IUDICI Michele , Puéchal Xavier , Brigante Alejandro , Atal Ignacio , Gabay Cem
Published: April 2020

Background. The analysis of the main features of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) can inform future study design.Methods. We searched within the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform all registered RCTs on AAV from October 2008 to December 2018. Two reviewers selected studies according to pre-specified eligibility criteria. We retrieved information including countries, funding, design, sample sizes, eligibility criteria, primary outcomes (POs), and treatments.Results. Among the 40 RCTs identified, 22 (38%) were conducted in Europe, 29 (72%) in a single country, 14 (35%) were industry-funded. The median number of patients planned to enrol was 68 (IQR 36-138). Only 28% of RCTs targeted a single vasculitis and ANCA negative patients were not included in 40% of studies. Interventions investigated were mainly drugs given to induce (40%) or maintain (32%) remission. Eighty-five percent of POs were considered being ‘patient-important’, but discrepancies in definition of disease states such as remission or relapse were observed. Glucocorticoids use was part of the PO in <25% of studies. The number of trials targeting a single disease, non-industry funded, incorporating glucocorticoids in PO, as well as the planned sample size increased over time.Conclusion. Despite the important achievements in the field, the design of RCTs on AAV could be further improved.
Clinical effect of unilateral transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor as evaluated by functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kong Dongsheng , Zong Rui , Zhang Tingyu , Pan Longsheng , Yu Xinguang
Published: April 2020

Background: Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) surgery is a noninvasive thermal ablation therapy for neurological conditions such as essential tremor (ET). However, most studies on the therapeutic mechanisms of this technique are limited to the visualization of brain structure and network activities with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to investigate the effect of tcMRgFUS on the cortical level of the motor network using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).Results: Two sample paired t-tests revealed that only channel 6 (left primary motor and somatosensory cortices), and channel 45 (right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) were significantly activated in the writing task after MRgFUS treatment compared to the task before MRgFUS treatment (CH6: t(6) = 3.42, p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 1.29; CH45: t(6) = 2.47, p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.93).Conclusions: We identified changes in relevant cortical activity after surgery and found that fNIRS can provide an important supplement to objective assessment of the clinical efficacy of tcMRgFUS.
Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis of hip joint
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Li Ji , Ma Ning , An Mingyang , Gao Feng , Hu Bo , Zhang Boqing , Wang Zhigang , Liu Yujie , Li Chunbao
Published: April 2020

Purpose ：This retrospective study summarized the clinical, radiographic and arthroscopic manifestation of synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the hip, along with the post-operative effect to discuss the curative effect of arthroscopic management of hip SC. Methods : 21 patients underwent arthroscopic surgery from the same surgeon for hip SC were followed up for an average of 45 months. T-shaped capsulotomy was routinely performed in each case. Visual analog scale, range of motion, modified Harris Hip score and International Hip Outcome Tool score were collected preoperatively and at the time of the latest follow-up. All patients’ demographics, radiographs and arthroscopic images were collected to summarize and conclude the similarities and differences of their manifestation. Results : Large wedged clumps of loose bodies demonstrated distinguishable radiographic, arthroscopic appearance and demanded different surgical strategy. Postoperative scores were all significantly improved. One case of residual pain and two cases of residual loose bodies with no symptom related were reported at the final follow up. All but one patients were satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion : Arthroscopy treatment of hip SC with T-shaped capsulotomy has demonstrated good result in terms of clinical outcome score, recurrence rate and complication rate. On the basis of this study, we concluded the clinical performance of large wedged clumps of loose bodies of hip SC.
Rietveld refinement and diffuse phases transition of Ba1-XBixTi0.8Fe0.2O3 ceramics at x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 prepared by solid state method.
Authors: Gouitaa Najwa , Taj-dine LAMCHARFI , BOUAYAD Mfadal , Farid ABDI , Haddad Mustapha
Published: April 2020

The effect of substitution of Baryum by Bismut in site A and titanium by iron in site A on structural, physical and electrical properties of Ba1-xBixTi0.80Fe0.20O3 ceramics at (x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) was investigated by X-ray diffraction, Scaning Electron Microscopy (SEM) as well as dielectric characterizations. The crystal phase was studied by using rietveld refinement. The result of rietveld refinement of X-ray powders diffraction of Ba1-xBixTi0.80Fe0.20O3 shows that these compounds crystallize in tetragonal (P4mm) and hexagonal (P63mmc) for x=0.00 and 0.05 while at x=0.10 and 0.15 the hexagonal phase disappears and the tetragonal phase is stabilized. The structural parameters and the R-factors of these ceramics were succefully determined by the rietveld refinement. The Raman spectra confirms the disappearance of hexagonal phase in benefit of tetragonal phase as the Bi substitution increases. The dielectric measurements as function of temperature are studied and showed tree diffuse phase transitions transition from the ferroelectric rhombohedral phase to the ferroelectric orthorhombic TR-O phase and the second one is from the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase to the ferroelectric TO-T tetragonal phase. While the third one at high temperatures is the phase transition from the ferroelectric tetragonal phase to the paraelectric cubic phase Tm. These phases transition were displaced to the lower temperature with increasing of Bi substitution. And the value of dielectric permittivity increases gradually with increasing of Bi2+ contents. All these phase transitions showed a diffused phenomenon which can be well described by fitting the modified Ushino relation, 1/ε’r = 1/ε’r,max [ 1+ ((T-Tm)/2δ)γ]. The complex impedance Cole–Cole plots showed negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTCR) behavior of the Ba1-xBixTi0.80Fe0.20O3 for x=0.05 to 0.15 materials and decrease in grain and grain boundaries resistivity. The relaxation behavior in the test materials is found to be of Debye type.
Longitudinal Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adults with Alström Syndrome: Silent Progression of Diffuse Interstitial Fibrosis.
Authors: Baig Shanat , Dowd Rory , Edwards Nicola C , Hodson James , Fabritz Larissa , Vijapurapu Ravi , Liu Boyang , Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Steeds Richard P
Published: April 2020

Background Alstrom syndrome (ALMS) is a rare ciliopathy characterised by early onset insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidaemia and is a model for diseases that have huge social, health and economic impact. Dilated cardiomyopathy develops in the majority, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, the definitive feature of which is the presence of coarse replacement fibrosis and diffuse myocardial fibrosis (DIF). The pathogenesis of heart failure is thought to involve fibroblast accumulation and expansion of the extracellular matrix with excess protein deposition, leading to distorted organ architecture and impaired contractile function. Consecutive adults with genetically proven ALMS attending the National Centre for Rare Disease in Birmingham, England were studied. All patients underwent serial CMR, echocardiography and venous blood sampling following standard clinical practice, with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) performed to assess severity of CAD. The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate longitudinal changes in DIF by cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue characterization in ALMS; 2) to examine whether changes in DIF are associated with alteration in systolic or diastolic function; and 3) to evaluate the frequency and severity of coronary artery disease as a confounder for progression of ischaemic versus non-ischaemic fibrosis. Results In total, 30/32 adults (63% male; 67% White British) participated. The median age at first scan was 21.3 years (interquartile range: 19.0-32.6) and participants were followed for a maximum of 67 months. Only 4 patients had flow limiting disease on post-mortem, invasive or CTCA. Mid short axis myocardial T1 times, myocardial extracellular volume, and left ventricular mass increased significantly over time, by an average of 21.8ms (95% CI 17.4 – 26.1; p<0.001), 0.011 (0.006 – 0.016, p<0.001), and 2.8 g/m 2 (1.9 – 3.7; p<0.001) per year, respectively. These changes were not associated with significant deterioration in myocardial structure or function. Conclusions This is the first comprehensive longitudinal study demonstrating progression of DIF in ALMS over time, although no structural or functional consequences were noted within a median three and a half years’ follow up. Further study is warranted to define whether DIF is a by-stander or the driver to impaired contractile function, heart failure and death.
Prediction of potential inhibitors of the dimeric SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase through the MM/GBSA approach
Authors: Bello Martiniano
Published: April 2020

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, to date, no effective antiviral drug has been approved to treat the disease, and no vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is available. Under this scenario, the combination of two HIV-1 protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, has attracted attention since they have been previously employed against the SARS-CoV main proteinase (Mpro) and exhibited some signs of effectiveness. Recently, the 3D structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was constructed based on the monomeric SARS-CoV Mpro and employed to identify potential FDA-approved small inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, allowing the selection of 15 drugs among 1903 approved drugs to be employed. In this study, we performed docking of these 15 approved drugs against the recently solved X-ray crystallography structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) in the monomeric and dimeric states; the latter is the functional state that was determined in a biological context, and these were submitted for MD simulations coupled with the MM/GBSA approach to obtain insight into the inhibitory activity of these compounds. Similar studies were performed with lopinavir and ritonavir coupled to monomeric and dimeric SARS-CoV Mpro and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to compare the inhibitory differences. Our study provides the structural and energetic basis of the inhibitory properties of lopinavir and ritonavir on SARS-CoV Mpro and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, allowing us to identify two FDA-approved drugs that can be used against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. This study also demonstrated that drug discovery requires the dimeric state to obtain good results.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Contamination in Air and Environment in Temporary COVID-19 ICU Wards
Authors: Cai Ying , Wu Xiaojing , Zhang Yi , Xia Jingen , Li Min , Feng Yingying , Yu Xin , Duan Jun , Weng Xing , Chen Yan , Cheng Zhenshun , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: April 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently spread worldwide partly through environmental and airborne contamination. The number of patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU)-based healthcare services exceeds the available negative-pressure isolation ICU room capacity. Some general wards of Wuhan hospitals have been temporarily converted into COVID-19 ICU wards and pose safety concerns. We explored the safety of these temporary COVID-19 ICU wards.Methods: Fifteen air samples and 128 environmental surface swabs were collected from 14 patients in 4 departments with temporary COVID-19 ICU wards. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) methods confirmed the existence of COVID-19 pathogens.Results: Four of the 15 air samples were obtained during aerosol-generating medical procedures (1 tracheostomy, 1 high-flow nasal cannula [HFNC], 1 HFNC+nebulization, 1 non-invasive positive pressure ventilation). Five patients were administered invasive positive pressure ventilation through tracheostomy. All air samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Viruses were detected on the surface of a patient’s gastric tube, and an anal tube swab tested positive. Five days later, the anal swab of the patient remained positive, although viral RNA of the nasopharyngeal swap turned negative.Conclusions: Establishing temporary isolation COVID-19 ICU wards is a safe and effective method to increase surge capacity in a hospital. SARS-CoV-2 sheds from the enteric canal after viral clearance in the respiratory tract. Reinforcing disinfection of tubes and circuits given to the patients is essential in COVID-19 isolation wards to decrease nosocomial transmission.
The G-quadruplex/helicase world as a potential antiviral approach against COVID-19
Authors: Panera Nadia , Tozzi Alberto , Alisi Anna
Published: April 2020

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed within guanine-rich sequences regions of DNA or RNA. G4 sequences/structures have been detected in human and in viral genomes, including Coronaviruses Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Here, we evaluated in silico the presence of putative G4 sequences in SARS-CoV-2 genome. This finding confirm that G4 ligands and inhibitors may exert some antiviral activity reducing viral replication and may represent a potential therapeutic approach to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also evaluated how repositioning of Food and Drug Administration approved drugs against helicase activity of other viruses, could represent a rapid strategy to limit deaths associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
Colored Bell Pepper Yields from Cultivars Grown in High Tunnels in Northern New England
Authors: Sideman Rebecca Grube
Published: April 2020

High tunnels can facilitate production of ripe colored bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) in locations with short growing seasons by extending the length of the growing season and protecting fruit from biotic and abiotic stressors. We grew 10 cultivars of bell pepper over 3 years in a high tunnel in Durham, NH. Yields of marketable colored fruit ranged from 1576 to 2285 g/plant in 2015, from 1194 to 1839 g/plant in 2016, and 1471 to 2358 g/plant in 2017. Significant differences in marketable yield among cultivars existed only in 2015 and 2017. Of the 10 cultivars evaluated, those developed for controlled environments produced greater marketable yields than those developed for production in the field or unheated tunnels (P < 0.0001). The seasonal production patterns were similar among cultivars in all 3 years: a single peak in production occurred between 159 and 175 days after seeding, followed by much lower but steady production until frost ended each growing season. Our results demonstrate that reasonable yields of colored bell peppers can be produced in high tunnels in locations with short growing seasons. We suggest that further work may be needed to identify optimal pruning and canopy management strategies to maximize yields and fruit quality.
Communication tools as drivers of employees’ knowledge sharing: evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Matošková Jana
Published: April 2020

For many organizations, knowledge sharing is essential to keep their competitive ability. As characteristics of available communication media might influence knowledge flows in the organization, this study examines if the frequency of some communication media usage and their perceived usefulness relate to the extent of knowledge sharing. The study applied a quantitative research design and used opinion-based questionnaires. In total, 178 participants from the Czech Republic were involved, mainly from manufacturing industry. Significant positive correlations between “how often employees use the defined instruments for gathering and communicating information in work” and “how useful employees find the defined instruments for gathering and communicating information in work” to “the extent of knowledge sharing in the organization” were identified. Additionally, the frequency of the use of communication media predicted the extent of knowledge sharing in the organization. Specifically, the frequency of the use of meetings significantly predicted the extent of knowledge sharing (β = .54, p < .001). Moreover, perceived usefulness of communication media projected the frequency of the use of communication media. The findings confirm that if employees see the offered communication tools as being useful, they are willing to use them more often, and it has a positive effect on the extent of knowledge sharing. Therefore, the design of communication tools should take into account the needs and requirements of the workforce who will use it. Additionally, organizations should organize effective meetings if they want to enhance knowledge sharing in the organization. AcknowledgmentThis work was supported by Tomas Bata University in Zlín [grant numbers RO/2016/07, RO/2018/04].
Magnetic field enhanced denitrification efficiency of immobilized bacterial particles
Authors: Hou Liangang , Liu Yang , Fan Sa , Li Jun
Published: April 2020

The effect of the magnetic field on denitrification process in immobilized bacteria particles was investigated in this study. The magnetic field could enhance the denitrification efficiency, especially for wastewater with low C/N ratios, and the average removal efficiencies of NO3–-N increased by 6.58%. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the magnetic field had substantial impacts on the stability of microbial community structure and relative abundance in immobilized bacteria particles, which was beneficial for the stability of denitrifying bacteria. Through the research in this paper, we suggest that magnetic field can be used to improve the denitrification performance of immobilized bacteria particles in the wastewater treatment industry.
Mixed carbon source improves deep denitrification performance in up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactor
Authors: Xiao Hong , Wu Jiaojiao , Peng Hong , Jiang Zhongyao
Published: April 2020

To investigate the advantages of mixed carbon source over a single one in deep denitrification, sodium acetate, glucose and their mixture were used as carbon sources in present study. Denitrification performance, effluent pH, microbial community and carbon source cost were taken into account. With the same influent NO3–-N concentration of 50 mg/L and the same C/N ratio of 1.5, the NO3–-N removal rate with the mixed carbon source (96.53%) was slightly lower than that with sodium acetate (98.15%), but significantly higher than that with glucose (74.69%). The specific denitrification rates of the sodium acetate, glucose and sodium acetate/glucose reactor were 47.7, 29.7 and 45.4 mg N/g VSS d, respectively. The effluent pH with sodium acetate varied in the range of 9.13–9.60, exceeding the discharge standard limit of 9.0, whereas the sodium acetate/glucose reactor could keep pH in the range of 7.80–8.23. The 16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing revealed that carbon sources determined the microbial community structure and the sludge Shannon index with the mixed carbon source was the highest. Furthermore, cost estimation indicated that the mixed carbon source was the cheapest. This study is significant as it tests reasonable selection of carbon sources for deep denitrification in practice.
Artemia species: An Important Tool to Screen General Toxicity Samples
Authors: Ntungwe N Epole , Domínguez-Martín Eva M. , Roberto Amilcar , Tavares Joana , Isca Vera M. S. , Pereira Paula , Cebola Maria-João , Rijo Patrícia
Published: April 2020

Medicinal plants are a good source of novel therapeutic drugs, due to the phytochemicals present.
Artemia, commonly known as brine shrimp, is a tiny halophilic invertebrate belonging to class Crustacean, which
plays an important role in saline aquatic and marine eco-systems. Besides its usage in aquaculture, it is also
highly valued for its application in toxicity detection and it is used in areas such as Ecology, Physiology, Ecotoxicology,
Aquaculture and Genetics. Furthermore, Artemia based lethality assay (brine shrimp lethality assay,
BSLA) is rapid, convenient and low cost. Presently, brine shrimp lethality assays are enormously employed in
research and applied toxicology. It has been used in the study of natural products as a preliminary toxicity assay
to screen a large number of extracts and compounds for drug discovery in medicinal plants. The aim of this review
paper is to collect, organize, select and discuss the existing knowledge about the different uses of Artemia
salina as a bench-top bioassay for the discovery and purification of bioactive natural products.
Cancer Stem Cells and Combination Therapies to Eradicate Them
Authors: Tang Qi , Yin Dan , Wang Yao , Du Wenxuan , Qin Yuhan , Ding Anni , Li Hanmei
Published: April 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) show self-renewal ability and multipotential differentiation, like normal stem or progenitor cells, and which proliferate uncontrollably and can escape the effects of drugs and phagocytosis by immune cells. Traditional monotherapies, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, cannot eradicate CSCs, however, combination therapy may be more effective at eliminating CSCs. The present review summarizes the characteristics of CSCs and several promising combination therapies to eradicate them.
Antibacterial Assessment of Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles againstStreptococcus pyogenesandAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Morshedtalab Zeinab , Rahimi Ghasem , Emami-Nejad Asieh , Farasat Alireza , Mohammadbeygi Azita , Ghaedamini Nahid , Negahdary Masoud
Published: April 2020

Background:

Due to the appearance of resistant bacterial strains against the antimicrobial drugs and the reduced efficiency of these valuable resources, the health of a community and the economies of countries have been threatened. Objective: In this study, the antibacterial assessment of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) against Streptococcus pyogenes and Acinetobacter baumannii has been performed.

Methods:

ZnS NPs were synthesized through a co-precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000). The size and morphology of the synthesized ZnS NPs were determined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and it was found that the average size of the applied NPs was about 70 nm. In order to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the synthesized ZnS NPs, various concentrations (50μg/mL, 100 μg/mL and 150 μg/mL) of ZnS NPs were prepared. Antibacterial assessments were performed through the disc diffusion method in Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) culture medium and also the optical density (OD) method was performed by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in Trypticase™ Soy Broth (TSB) medium. Then, in order to compare the antibacterial effects of the applied NPs, several commercial antibiotics including penicillin, amikacin, ceftazidime and primaxin were used.

Results:

The achieved results indicated that the antibacterial effects of ZnS NPs had a direct relation along with the concentrations and the concentration of 150 μg/mL showed the highest antibacterial effect in comparison with others. In addition, the ZnS NPs were more effective on Acinetobacter baumannii.

Conclusion:

The findings of this research suggest a novel approach against antibiotic resistance.
Protective Effects of Pomegranate in Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Delgado Nathalie T.B. , Rouver Wender N. , dos Santos Roger L.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Punica granatum L. is an infructescence native of occidental Asia and Mediterranean Europe, popularly referred to as pomegranate. It has been used in ethnomedicine for several applications, including the treatment of obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and the regulation of blood lipid parameters. Thus, pomegranate has been linked to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that have endothelial dysfunction as a common factor acting mainly against oxidative stress due to its high polyphenol content. Its biocomponents have antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote cardiovascular protection through the improvement of endothelial function.

Methods:

Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to uncover the literature of interest.

Conclusion:

This review article presents updated information on the role of pomegranate in the context of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that pomegranate, or rather its components (e.g., tannins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, alkaloids, etc.), have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, improving parameters such as oxidative stress and the enzymatic antioxidant system, reducing reactive oxygen species formation and acting in an anti-inflammatory way. Thus, this review may contribute to a better understanding of pomegranate's beneficial actions on endothelial function and possibly to the development of strategies associated with conventional treatments of cardiovascular diseases.
Association of the Clinico-Demographic and Laboratory Profile with Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Nawaz Alam , Nayak Manel Arjun , Mahadevappa Samarth , Kamath Ashwin
Published: April 2020

Background:

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a significant public health problem, especially in the developing and underdeveloped countries; its treatment is relatively expensive, of longer duration, and associated with more adverse effects.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to report the treatment outcomes in patients with DR-TB and determine if a few selected clinico-demographic parameters and baseline laboratory values, done as part of the pre-treatment evaluation, have any impact on sputum culture conversion and outcomes. The aim was to identify the potential factors associated with unfavourable outcomes prior to starting the treatment.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of data of patients diagnosed with DR-TB admitted at our centre from January 2015 to May 2016 was done. Of the 114 patients included, culture reports were available in 85 and 72 patients at the end of the third and sixth month, respectively. The clinicodemographic and laboratory parameters were compared with the sputum culture report at the end of the third and sixth month and final treatment outcomes.

Results:

Favorable outcome (cured) was seen in 33.3% (38/114) patients. Female gender was associated with delayed sputum culture conversion at three months (P = 0.020). A positive culture at the end of the sixth month was significantly associated with unfavourable outcomes (P = 0.002). A low body mass index (BMI) (15.86 [IQR, 14.10-18.11]) and a higher platelet count (358 × 109/L [IQR, 282-4.85]) at the initiation of treatment were independently and significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusion:

Patients with a low BMI and high platelet count are more likely to have unfavourable treatment outcomes. Identifying patients with these risk factors during the pre-treatment phase, more intensive follow-up during the treatment course could be advocated.
Breast Cancer Detection and Classification using Traditional Computer Vision Techniques: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zahoor Saliha , Lali Ikram Ullah , Khan Muhammad Attique , Javed Kashif , Mehmood Waqar
Published: April 2020

Breast Cancer is a common dangerous disease for women. Around the world, many women
have died due to Breast cancer. However, in the initial stage, the diagnosis of breast cancer
can save women's life. To diagnose cancer in the breast tissues, there are several techniques and
methods. The image processing, machine learning, and deep learning methods and techniques are
presented in this paper to diagnose the breast cancer. This work will be helpful to adopt better
choices and reliable methods to diagnose breast cancer in an initial stage to save a women's life. To
detect the breast masses, microcalcifications, and malignant cells,different techniques are used in
the Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems phases like preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction,
and classification. We have reported a detailed analysis of different techniques or methods
with their usage and performance measurement. From the reported results, it is concluded that for
breast cancer survival, it is essential to improve the methods or techniques to diagnose it at an initial
stage by improving the results of the Computer-Aided Diagnosis systems. Furthermore, segmentation
and classification phases are also challenging for researchers for the diagnosis of breast
cancer accurately. Therefore, more advanced tools and techniques are still essential for the accurate
diagnosis and classification of breast cancer.