bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of tumor and T cell intrinsic mechanisms of sensitization to checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Litchfield Kevin , Reading James L. , Puttick Clare , Abbosh Chris , Bentham Robert , Watkins Thomas B. K. , Rosenthal Rachel , Biswas Dhruva , Lim Emilia , AL-Bakir Maise , Turati Virginia , Guerra-Assunção José Afonso , Conde Lucia , Furness Andrew J.S. , Saini Sunil Kumar , Hadrup Sine R , Herrero Javier , Rowan Andrew , Enver Tariq , Hellmann Matthew D. , Larkin James , Turajlic Samra , Quezada Sergio , McGranahan Nicholas , Swanton Charles
Published: September 2020

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) augment adaptive immunity. Systematic pan-tumor analyses may reveal the relative importance of tumour cell intrinsic and microenvironmental features underpinning CPI sensitization. Here we collated whole-exome and transcriptomic data for >1000 CPI-treated patients across eight tumor-types, utilizing standardized bioinformatics-workflows and clinical outcome-criteria to validate multivariate predictors of CPI-sensitization. Clonal-TMB was the strongest predictor of CPI response, followed by TMB and CXCL9 expression. Subclonal-TMB, somatic copy alteration burden and HLA-evolutionary divergence failed to attain significance. Discovery analysis identified two additional determinants of CPI-response supported by prior functional evidence: 9q34.3 (TRAF2) loss and CCND1 amplification, both independently validated in >1600 CPI-treated patients. We find evidence for collateral sensitivity, likely mediated through selection for CDKN2A-loss, with 9q34.3 loss as a passenger event leading to CPI-sensitization. Finally, scRNA sequencing of clonal neoantigen-reactive CD8-TILs, combined with bulk RNAseq analysis of CPI responding tumors, identified CCR5 and CXCL13 as T cell-intrinsic mediators of CPI-sensitisation.
Sexual assault examination and COVID-19: risk reduction strategies in conducting forensic medical examinations of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive patient in Melbourne hospital hot zones
Authors: Rowse Janine , Cunningham Nicola , Parkin Jo Ann
Published: September 2020

The rapidly evolving context of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated profound modifications to the provision of health care services on a global scale. The concomitant requirements of lockdowns and social isolation has had marked ramifications for vulnerable individuals at risk of violence. This ripple effect of the pandemic has been observed globally. It is crucial that clinical forensic medical units continue to provide quality and timely essential services to those affected by interpersonal violence. As such, processes in this field must be modified as COVID-19 cases present and knowledge about the disease changes. The experiences of conducting sexual assault forensic examinations of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 positive (S/COVID-19) patients in a hospital hot zone are presented, and additional forensic issues specific to the emerging COVID-19 context are discussed.
Quality and readability of web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19: Infodemiology study
Authors: Halboub Esam , Al-Akhali Mohammed Sultan , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M , Alhajj Mohammed Nasser
Published: September 2020

Objective: The study sought to assess the quality and readability of the web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19. Methods: Selected search engines were searched on 13 April 2020 for specific Arabic terms on COVID-19. The first 100 consecutive websites from each engine were obtained. The quality of the websites was analyzed using the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and the DISCERN benchmarks instrument. The readability was assessed using an online readability calculator tool. Results: Overall, 36 websites were found eligible for quality and readability analyses. Only one website (2.7%) was HONcode certified. No single website attained a high score based on the DISCERN tool; the mean score of all websites was 31.5±12.55. Regarding JAMA benchmarks, a mean score of 2.08±1.05 was achieved by the websites; however, only 4 (11.1%) websites achieved all JAMA criteria. The average grade levels for readability were 7.2±7.5, 3.3±0.6 and 93.5±19.4 for Flesch Kincaid Grade level, SMOG, Flesch Reading Ease, respectively. Conclusion: Most of the available web-based Arabic health information on COVID-19 doesn’t have the required level of quality, irrespective of being easy to read and understand by most of the general people.
Metformin Affects Cancer Regulation and Metabolism of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Partially Through Upregulation of H3K27ac 
Authors: Liu Shan , Shi Congyu , Hou Xiaoru , Li Chunjie , Ma Xiangrui , Wang Xiaoyi , Gao Pan
Published: September 2020

Objectives Metformin, a first-line drug that has been used for type 2 diabetes treatment, recently attracts broad attention for its therapeutic effects on diverse human cancers. However, its effect and underlying mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are not well known. Materials and Methods OSCC cells were used to detect the effect of metformin on cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle and migration in vitro. Tumor growth of nude mice was conducted to detect the effect of metformin in vivo. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the effect of metformin on the expression of histone modification in vitro and vivo. The combined effect on cell proliferation and histone modification of metformin and downregulation of EZH2 was detected by CCK8 and western blotting. Additionally, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of metformin in OSCC.Results Metformin could inhibit OSCC cell proliferation and tumor growth with the increased acetylation at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27ac) in vitro and vivo. The underlying mechanisms were related to cancer regulation and cancer metabolism, affected by the increased H3K27ac. Additionally, metformin could synergize with siRNA-EZH2 to inhibit OSCC cell proliferation independent on the increased H3K27ac.Conclusions Metformin could play anti-cancer role in OSCC progression, with the reprogramming of cancer regulation and metabolism partially regulated by the increased H3K27ac.
Externalizing Behavior Problems and Influencing Factors Among Hui Nationality Left-behind Children in Rural Areas of China
Authors: Yu Xue , Wang Ling ling , Liu Miao miao , Li Qiu li , Dai Xiu ying
Published: September 2020

Background: Externalizing behavior problems (EBP) is being increasingly viewed as a public health problem. Few studies have addressed EBP in Chinese hui nationality left-behind children (LBC). The aims of this current study to explore the prevalence of EBP and its influencing factors among hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students from the southern rural areas in Ningxia, China (2012-2013). The general self-made questionnaire, Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ for Children), Piers-Harri Children's Self-concept Scale (PHCSS) and Achenbach's Child behavior Checklist (CBCL for parents) were used to investigate the related information. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were conducted. Results: The prevalence of EBP in hui nationality LBC and non-left-behind children(non-LBC) were 12.01% (46/383) and 8.57% (49/572), respectively, and there was no significant difference between them (χ2 = 3.037, P=0.081). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low self-concept of behavioral (OR =13.709), introversion (OR =11.188) and intermediate personality (OR =9.349) were risk factors for EBP of hui nationality LBC, while the intermediate type of mother refusal and denial (OR =0.430) was their protective factor. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration is a risk factor for EBP among hui nationality LBC in rural China. And measures should be taken from self-concept development, personality development, and family education for the prevention of EBP of hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.
Metabolic Consequences Of Obesity On The Hypercoagulable State Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Risk For Severe SARS-Cov-2 Infection?
Authors: M Abu Saleh Md , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Diboun Ilhame , Elrayess Mohamed , Butler Alexandra E , Atkin Stephen L
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women have a hypercoagulable state and are also at high risk for severe COVID-19 leading to thromboembolic complications and increased mortality; however, whether this is intrinsically due to PCOS or, alternatively, a consequence of its metabolic complications is unclear. Methods: We determined plasma coagulation pathway protein levels in PCOS (n=146) and control (n=97) women recruited to a PCOS biobank. Circulating levels of a panel of 18 clotting pathway proteins were determined by Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement.Results: Cohorts were age matched, though PCOS had elevated body mass index (BMI)(p<0.001), insulin (p<0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP)(p<0.0001). Eight pro-coagulation proteins were elevated in PCOS: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)(p<0.0001), fibrinogen (p<0.01), fibrinogen gamma chain (p<0.0001), fibronectin (p<0.01), von Willebrand factor (p<0.05), D-dimer (p<0.0001), P-selectin (p<0.05), and plasma kallikrein (p<0.001). However, two anticoagulant proteins, vitamin K-dependent protein-S (p<0.0001) and heparin cofactor-II (p<0.001) were elevated and prothrombin was decreased (p<0.05). CRP, as a marker of inflammation, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) correlated with 11 and 6 of the clotting proteins, respectively (p<0.05). When matched for BMI<25 (16 PCOS, 53 controls) HOMA-IR remained elevated (p<0.05) and heparin cofactor-II was increased (p<0.05). In a multivariate analysis accounting for inflammation, insulin resistance and BMI, there was no correlation of PCOS with any of the coagulation proteins.Conclusion: The hypercoagulable State in PCOS can be fully accounted for by BMI, inflammation and insulin resistance suggesting that only obese PCOS women would be predisposed to an enhanced risk for severe COVID-19-related disease.
A fractional order approach to modeling and simulations of the novel COVID-19
Authors: Owusu-Mensah Isaac , Akinyemi Lanre , Oduro Bismark , Iyiola Olaniyi S.
Published: September 2020

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2.) has emerged and spread at fast speed globally; the disease has become an unprecedented threat to public health worldwide. It is one of the greatest public health challenges in modern times, with no proven cure or vaccine. In this paper, our focus is on a fractional order approach to modeling and simulations of the novel COVID-19. We introduce a fractional type Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) model to gain insight into the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. Our proposed model incorporates transmission rate, testing rates, and transition rate (from asymptomatic to symptomatic population groups) for a holistic study of the coronavirus disease. The impacts of these parameters on the dynamics of the solution proles for the disease are simulated and discussed in detail. Furthermore, across all the different parameters, the effects of the fractional order derivative are also simulated and discussed in detail. Various simulations carried out enable us gain deep insights into the dynamics of the spread of COVID-19. The simulation results confirm that fractional calculus is an appropriate tool in modeling the spread of a complex infectious disease such as the novel COVID-19. In the absence of vaccine and treatment, our analysis strongly supports the significance reduction in the transmission rate as valuable strategy to curb the spread of the virus. Our results suggest that tracing and moving testing up has an important benefit. It reduces the number of infected individuals in the general public and thereby reduce the spread of the pandemic. Once the infected individuals are identified and isolated, the interaction between susceptible and infected individuals diminishes and transmission reduces. Furthermore, aggressive testing is also highly recommended.
Virtual Screening of Phytochemical Compounds as Potential Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Kothandan Ram , Rajan Cashlin Anna Suveetha Gnana , Arjun Janamitra , Raj Rejoe Raymond Michael , Syed Sowﬁa
Published: September 2020

Background: The present pandemic situation due to coronavirus has led to the search for newer prevention, diagnostic and treatment methods. The onset of the corona infection in a human results in acute respiratory illness followed by death if not diagnosed and treated with suitable anti-retroviral drugs. With the unavailability of the targeted drug treatment, several repurposed drugs are being used for treatment, However, the side-eﬀects of the drugs urges us to move to a search for newer synthetic or phytochemical based drugs. The present study investigates the use of various phytochemicals virtually screened from various plant sources in Western Ghats, India and subsequently molecular docking studies were performed to identify the eﬃcacy of the drug in retroviral infection particularly coronavirus infection.Results: Out of 57 phytochemical screened initially based on the structural and physicochemical properties, 39 were eﬀectively used for the docking analysis. Finally 5 lead compound with highest hydrophobic interaction and number of H-bonds were screened. Results from the interaction analysis suggests, Piperolactam A to be pocketed well with good hydrophobic interaction with the residues in the binding region R1. ADME and toxicity proﬁling also reveals Piperolactam A with higher LogS vlaues indicating higher permeation and hydrophilicity. Toxicity proﬁling suggests that the 5 screened compounds to be relatively safe.Conclusion: The insilico methods used in this study suggests that the compound Piperolactum A to be the most eﬀective inhibitor of S-protein from binding to the GRP78 receptor. By blocking the binding of the S-protein to the CS-GRP78 cell surface receptor, they can inhibit the binding of the virus to the host.
COVID-19 outbreak and control in Kenya- Insights from a mathematical model
Authors: Mbogo Rachel Waema , Orwa Titus Okello
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID -19) pandemic reached Kenya in March 2020 with the initial cases reported in the capital city Nairobi and in the coastal area Mombasa. As reported by the World Health Organization, the outbreak of COVID -19 has spread across the world, killed many, collapsed economies and changed the way people live since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, in the end of 2019. As of May 25,2020 It had led to over 100,000 confirmed cases in Africa with over 3000 deaths. The trend poses a huge threat to global public health. Understanding the early transmission dynamics of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures is crucial for assessing the potential for sustained transmission to occur in new areas. We employed a SEIHCRD mathematical transmission model with reported Kenyan data on cases of COVID -19 to estimate how transmission varies over time. The model is concise in structure, and successfully captures the course of the COVID -19 outbreak, and thus sheds light on understanding the trends of the outbreak. The next generation matrix approach was adopted to calculate the basic reproduction number ( $R_0$ ) from the model to assess the factors driving the infection . The results from the model analysis shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions over a relatively long period is needed to effectively get rid of the COVID -19 epidemic otherwise the rate of infection will continue to increase despite the increased rate of recovery.
Critical speed, D’ and pacing in swimming: Reliability of a popular critical speed protocol applied to all four strokes
Authors: Scott Benjamin E. , Burden Richard , Dekerle Jeanne
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The validity of the critical speed (CS) concept has been investigated in front crawl swimmers using protocols involving multiple performance trials. The reliability and practical feasibility of CS protocols with strong face validity remain unknown in all four swimming strokes. This study aimed to assess reliability and practical feasibility of a widely used CS protocol in all four strokes. Methods: 32 national-level swimmers (butterfly n=7, 19 ± 2 years old; backstroke n=8, 18 ± 2 years old; breaststroke n=7, 18 ± 2 years old; front crawl n=10, 17 ± 2 years old) performed three 200-m and three 400-m performance trials in their specialist stroke over a three-week period. CS and supra-CS distance capacity (D’) were modelled from the linear relationship between distance and time. At the end of the three weeks, all swimmers were asked whether they felt they could or would want to complete an 800-m performance trial as part of a CS protocol. Results: CS derived from 200-m and 400-m performance trials is reliable (typical error ≤ 0.04 m.s-1; coefficient of variation < 4% for all strokes) while D’ is not (typical error between 4 to 9 m; coefficient of variation 13-45%) . Response rate to the follow-up questions was 100%. Only a few butterfly swimmers would want to (14%) or felt they could (29%) complete an 800-m performance trial with more positive responses for breaststroke (57% and 71%), backstroke (75% and 100%), and front crawl swimmers (90% and 100%).Conclusion: Using 200-m and 400-m performance trials is a reliable and practical method for determining CS in backstroke, breaststroke and front crawl swimmers. Including an 800-m performance trial would not be practical with butterfly swimmers, would be challenging with breaststroke swimmers, but would be feasible with front crawl and backstroke swimmers.
Differential serological and neutralizing antibody dynamics after an infection by a single SARS-CoV-2 strain
Authors: Billon-Denis Emmanuelle , Ferrier-Rembert Audrey , Garnier Annabelle , Cheutin Laurence , Vigne Clarisse , Tessier Emilie , Denis Jessica , Badaut Cyril , Rougeaux Clémence , Depeille Anne , Timera Hawa , Boutin Laetitia , Drouet Isabelle , Verguet Noémie , Nolent Flora , Gorgé Olivier , Ferraris Olivier , Tournier Jean-Nicolas
Published: September 2020

BackgroundWe report here the case of two coworkers infected by the same SARS-CoV-2 strain, presenting two different immunological outcomes. CaseOne patient presented a strong IgG anti-receptor-binding domain immune response correlated with a low and rapidly decreasing titer of neutralizing antibodies. The other patient had similar strong IgG anti-receptor-binding domain immune response but high neutralizing antibody titers. Discussion and ConclusionThus, host individual factors may be the main drivers of the immune response varying with age and clinical severity.
ECIEN-2020 Study: the effect of COVID-19 on admissions for NON-COVID diseases
Authors: Ramos-Lacuey Beatriz , Moreno-Galarraga Laura
Published: September 2020

Introduction: The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has had great effects on health systems worldwide, not only in relation to COVID-19 cases, but also affecting patients with other pathologies.Material and methods: ECIEN-2020 is an observational study conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in Navarra, Spain to describe the effect of COVID-19 in pediatric admissions for NON-COVID diseases. Admissions during March-June 2020 (first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain) are described and compared with the same period in 2019. A sub-analysis was performed delving into epidemiology. Patient characteristics (age, sex, medical history), disease characteristics (symptoms, duration of symptoms, previous consultation in Primary Care Health Center) and admission characteristics (place and average stay) were analyzed.Results: A 33% reduction in the number of admissions was observed, decreasing from 529 in 2019 to 353 in 2020, highlighting a 48% reduction in patients admitted for pulmonary diseases. There were no significant changes in age, average stay, admissions for other reasons, or Intensive Care Unit admissions. Percentage of patients admitted among those seen in the emergency department rose from 5.1% in 2019 to 10.9% in 2020, whereas the total number of consultations in the emergency department decreased a 68%.Conclusions: The pandemic and the measures adopted due to SARS-CoV-2 have significantly decreased pediatric admissions for NON-COVID diseases, especially due to a reduction in hospitalization for respiratory diseases.
Incidence of “new-onset” constipation and associated factors during lockdown due to the coronavirus-19 pandemic.
Authors: Remes-Troche Jose María , Coss-Adame Enrique , Amieva-Balmori Mercedes , Velasco José Antonio Velarde-Ruiz , Gómez-Castaños Paulo César , Flores-Rendón Ricardo , Gómez-Escudero Octavio , Rodríguez-Leal María Celina , Durán-Rosas Cristina , Pinto-Gálvez Samanta Mayanin , Priego-Parra Bryan Adrián , Triana-Romero Arturo
Published: September 2020

Background: A minimum of physical activity and low liquid intake are factors that have been associated with constipation. The health emergency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in adopting behavior, such as sheltering-in-place (less mobility) and dietary changes, creating a scenario we believe to be an adequate model for examining the appearance of symptoms of constipation and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on an open population, applying an electronic survey (4 weeks after lockdown due to COVID-19 in Mexico) to evaluate: demographic characteristics, physical activity, water and fiber intake, appearance of constipation symptoms (including stool consistency), and quality of life.Key results: Out of 678 subjects evaluated, 170 (25%, 95% CI 21.7-28.4) developed symptoms of “new-onset” constipation, with a significant decrease in the number of daily bowel movements (p<0.05) and hardness of stool consistency (p<0.05) during lockdown. The multivariate analysis (logistic regression) showed that female sex (p=0.001), water intake (p=0.039), and physical activity (p=0.012) were associated with “new-onset” constipation. Conclusions: Reduced physical activity and less water intake due to mobility restrictions imposed for epidemiologic reasons, such as a pandemic, can lead to symptoms of “new-onset” constipation.
A New Dynamical Modelling of the Epidemic Diseases to Assessing the Rates of Spread of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: SEIRQ Model
Authors: Youssef Hamdy , Alghamdi Najat , Ezzat Magdy , El-Bary Alaa , Shawky Ahmed
Published: September 2020

A new model of critical epidemic dynamics for the emergence of the new coronavirus COVID-19 is being established in this paper. A new approach to the assessment and control of the COVID 19 epidemic is given with the SEIRQ pandemic model. This paper uses real knowledge on the distribution of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia for mathematical modeling and dynamic analyses. The reproductive number and detailed stability analysis are provided in the SEIRQ model dynamics. In a Jacobian method of linearization, we will address the domain of the solution and the equilibrium situation based on the SEIRQ model. The equilibrium and its importance have been proven, and a study of the stability of the equilibrium free from diseases has been implemented. The reproduction number was evaluated in accordance with its internal parameters. The Lyapunov theorem of stability has proven the global stability of the current model's equilibrium. The SEIRQ model was contrasted by comparing the results based on the SEIRQ model with the real COVID-19 spread data in Saudi Arabia. Numerical evaluation and predictions were given. The results indicate that the SEIRQ model is a strong model for the study of the spread of epidemics, such as COVID-19. At the end of this work, we implemented an optimum protocol that can quickly stop the spread of COVID-19 among the Saudi populations.
Effect of Arbidol on COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nojomi Marzieh , Yasin Zainab , Keyvani Hossein , Makiani Mahin Jamshidi , Roham Maryam , Laali Azadeh , Dehghan Nasir , Navaei Mehrnaz , Ranjbar Mitra
Published: September 2020

Background: The treatment of patients with COVID-19 included supportive care to relief the symptoms mainly. Although WHO mentioned there is not any effective treatments for COVID-19, but there is some reporting about the use of some antiviral drugs. The aim of current study is to determine the effect of Arbidol (ARB) on COVID-19 disease. Methods: Using an open label randomized controlled trial, effectiveness of ARB on COVID-19 disease was conducted in a teaching hospital. One hundred eligible patients with diagnosis of Covid-19 recruited in the study and assigned randomly to two groups of either Hydroxychloroquine followed by Kaletra (Lopinavir-ritonavir) or Hydroxychloroquine followed by ARB. The primary outcome was hospitalization duration and clinical improvement 7 days after admission. The criteria of improvement were relief of cough, dyspnea and fever. Time to relieving fever was assessed across two groups too. Without any drop out, 100 patients were entered to final analysis with significant level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.6 (17.8) and 56.2 (14.8) in ARB and Kaletra groups respectively. Majority of patients were male across two groups (66% and 54%). The duration of hospitalization in ARB group was less than Kaletra arm significantly (7.2 versus 9.6 days; P=0.02). Time to relief fever was almost similar across two groups (2.7 versus 3.1 days in ARB and Kaletra arms respectively). Peripheral oxygen saturation rate was different after seven days of admission across two groups significantly (94% versus 92% in ARB and Kaletra groups respectively) (P=0.02). Based on multiple linear regression analysis, IHD, Na level and oxygen saturation at the time of admission and type of therapy were the independent adjusted variables that determined the duration of hospitalization in patients with COVID-19.Conclusion: Our findings showed that Arbidol, compared to Kaletra, significantly contributes to clinical and laboratory improvements, including peripheral oxygen saturation, requiring ICU admissions, duration of hospitalization, chest CT involvements, WBC, and ESR. We suggest further studies on ARB using larger sample size and multicenter design.Trial registration: IRCT20180725040596N2 on 18 April 2020.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in peritoneal fluid from patients with kidney disease and COVID-19: report of two cases
Authors: Ibarra-Hernandez Margarita , Alcantar-Vallín María de la Luz , Cabrera-Silva Rodolfo I. , Sánchez-Reyes Karina , Alvarez-Zavala Monserrat , Arcos-Jiménez Judith C. De , González-Hernández Luz A. , Ruiz-Herrera Vida V. , Aguirre-Díaz Sara A. , García-Salcido Roxana , García-García Guillermo , Andrade-Villanueva Jaime F.
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has a broad clinical presentation, involving multiple organs besides the respiratory system. Currently, there is little evidence available on the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in peritoneal fluid (PF). In this study, we describe the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the PF of two patients with COVID 19 and kidney disease.Case presentation: Case 1: A 71-year-old woman with a history of end-stage kidney disease who presented with a 15-day evolution of progressive dyspnea, accompanied by dry cough and fever; IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected on admission. Real-time SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the PF was positive. Three days after admission the patient's respiratory distress improved and she was discharged after 8 days of hospitalization.Case 2: A 78-year-old woman, with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, a 15-day history of polypnea, and a 5-day onset of fever and dyspnea. IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected on admission, as well as a positive nasopharyngeal qRT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. During hospitalization she developed acute kidney injury, requiring peritoneal dialysis, SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in PF by qRT-PCRConclusions: These two cases highlights the importance of increasing the level of awareness for the presence and possible SARS-CoV-2 transmission through non-respiratory routes, like peritoneal fluid.Emphasis should be given to appropriate preventive strategies for minimizing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from patients on peritoneal dialysis in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
USO DE DETERGENTE À BASE DE CARQUEJA (BACCHARIS TRIMERA) COMO ALTERNATIVA PARA A LIMPEZA DE EQUIPAMENTOS DA ORDENHA
Authors: Kehl Anelise , Guerra Divanilde , Lanzanova Mastrangello Enivar , Da Silva Danni Maisa , De Souza Eduardo Lorensi , Bohrer Robson Evaldo Gehlen , Senh Talia Talita
Published: September 2020

No Brasil à qualidade do leite vem se destacando em toda a cadeia produtiva, desde o produtor até o consumidor final. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o uso do detergente alcalino e desinfetante à base de carqueja (Bacharis Trimera) como alternativa para a limpeza e sanitização diária dos equipamentos de ordenha em comparação ao detergente alcalino químico. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no Município de Bom Progresso/RS no período de julho de 2015 a agosto de 2016 em quatro propriedades rurais, sendo os agricultores denominados como Agricultor 1 (A1), Agricultor 2 (A2), Agricultor 3 (A3) e Agricultor Testemunha (T). A metodologia consistiu na avaliação da Contagem de Bactérias Total (CBT) do leite cru, a qual ocorreu pelo acompanhamento dos boletins de análise do leite fornecidos mensalmente pelas indústrias comerciantes. Como resultado, observou-se que o detergente à base de carqueja é um produto que possui propriedades de limpeza e sanitização semelhantes aos produtos convencionais. Portanto, o detergente a base de carqueja pode ser uma alternativa nos sistemas de produção de leite.
EFICIÊNCIA DE DIFERENTES ADUBOS ORGÂNICOS NA ADUBAÇÃO DO MILHO
Authors: Macan Giovana Prado Fortuna , Pinto Diego Fontebasso Pelizari , Homma Sérgio Kenji
Published: September 2020

Devido à carência de insumos orgânicos capazes de disponibilizar a quantidade requerida de nitrogênio às culturas, a avaliação de novas fontes orgânicas de nutrientes se faz necessária. Esse trabalhoteve como objetivo avaliar a resposta do milho à utilização de diferentes materiais orgânicos na absorção do N e desenvolvimento das plantas. Para isso, o experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, adotando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram farinha depenas (FP), composto orgânico fermentado bokashi (BK), mistura de farelos vegetais (FV), farinha de penas + bokashi (PB), farinha de penas + farelos vegetais (PF) e testemunha representada somente pelo solo (TE). Aos 45 dias após a emergência do milho, as características avaliadas foram: massa fresca e seca da parte aérea (g), massa fresca da raiz (g), altura de planta (cm), circunferência do colmo (cm) e teor de N foliar (g kg-1). Os melhores resultados foram obtidos nos tratamentos BK e FV, com uma disponibilização efetiva deN para o desenvolvimento do milho. Já a utilização do FP apresentou sinais de toxicidade com desenvolvimento reduzido das plantas. Porém, sua aplicação junto ao bokashi ou com a mistura de farelos vegetais foi capaz de reduzir seu efeito tóxico, apresentando resultados superiores aos tratamentos FP e TE. Pode-se notaro potencial desses materiais orgânicos na utilização como fertilizantes orgânicos no desenvolvimento do milho, resultando em benefícios não só agronômicos como também ambientais ao se reaproveitar materiaisde descarte da agroindústria.
Viabilidade de implementação do e-commerce em uma cooperativa de biojoias
Authors: Macedo Marcia Thiely de , Itoz Clarete De , Sousa Kléber Abreu
Published: September 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade de implementação do e-commerce, em uma cooperativa de produção de biojoias, que fica na cidade de Xambioá, no Tocantins. O modelo de viabilidade utilizado é o de marketing internet bullseye, que é composto por trinta fatores que podem ser usados para prever o sucesso potencial de vendas via internet de um produto ou serviço em particular. No texto, conceitua-se o mercado de biojoias; a contratação eletrônica de produtos e serviços; o e-commerce, seus benefícios, práticas e procedimentos; e, a estratégia no comércio eletrônico pelo modelo marketing internet bullseye. O estudo de caso como metodologia, de caráter qualitativo e descritivo, permitiu observar o cenário atual da cooperativa para análise de dados na construção da pesquisa. Os resultados apontaram a probabilidade de 78% (setenta e oito por cento) de sucesso no comércio eletrônico, mas permitiram, também, conhecer a realidade da formação profissional dos cooperados. Durante o levantamento, foi constatada a necessidade de ofertar curso de formação aos cooperados, para atender procedimentos básicos do comércio eletrônico, que é o manuseio de computadores.
Presenting a Four-Lump Dynamic Kinetic Model for Methanol to Light Olefins Process Over the Hierarchical SAPO-34 Catalyst Using Power Law Models
Authors: Azarhoosh Mohammad Javad , Azarhoosh Ali Reza
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

A four-lump dynamic kinetic model on the hierarchical SAPO-34 catalyst in the methanol to light olefins (MTO) process has been presented using the power law models. Since decreased catalyst activity in the MTO process is common, for the applicability of the proposed model, the function of catalyst activity was computed as a function of the coke percentage deposited on the catalyst.

Materials and Methods:

The reactant and products were divided into four lumps, including methanol and dimethyl ether (DME), light olefins (ethylene and propylene), light paraffin (methane, ethane, and propane) and heavier hydrocarbons from C4. The one-dimensional ideal plug reactor was used for the simulation of the MTO reactor. The kinetic parameters and the catalyst activity function were predicted using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.

Results:

The comparison of product distribution in the experimental model and the results of the kinetic model indicated the high accuracy of the presented model. The effect of operational parameters such as temperature and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) on the mole percent of light olefins was investigated using the proposed kinetic model. The optimized value of temperature and WHSV to reach the maximum yield of light olefins was respectively 460 ˚C and 4.2 h-1.

Conclusion:

The passive kinetic coefficients were estimated in the reaction rate constant and catalyst activity function with the help of the PSO optimization algorithm. The mole fraction of different products and the reactant arising from modeling at the reactor outlet was compared with experimental results, which indicated the high accuracy of the presented kinetic model. The results also revealed that the selection of high and low temperatures and WHSV decreases the yield of light olefins and the lifetime of the catalyst.
Rapid Differentiation of Chondroitin Sulfate Isomers by Gas-phase Hydrogen-deuterium Exchange
Authors: Alonge Kimberly M. , Harkewicz Rick , Guttman Miklos
Published: September 2020

Chondroitin sulfate (CS)-glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear, negatively
charged polysaccharides attached to CS proteoglycans that make up a major
component of biological matrices throughout both central and peripheral tissues. The
position of their attached sulfate groups to the CS disaccharide is predicted to influence
protein-glycan interactions and biological function. Although traditional immunohistochemical
analysis of CS-GAGs in biological tissues has provided information
regarding changes in GAG abundance during developmental and disease states,
quantitative analysis of their specific sulfation patterns is limited due to the inherent
complexity of separating CS isomers. While methods have been developed to analyze
and quantify sulfation isomers using liquid phase separation, new techniques are still
needed to elucidate the full biology of CS-GAGs. Here, we examine ion mobility
spectrometry and gas-phase hydrogen-deuterium exchange to resolve positional
sulfation isomers in the most common sulfated 4S- and 6S-CS disaccharides. The
mobilities for these two isomers are highly similar and could not be resolved effectively
with any drift gas tested. In contrast, gas-phase hydrogen-deuterium exchange showed
very different rates of deuterium uptake with several deuterium exchange reagents,
thereby presenting a promising novel and rapid approach for resolving CS isomers.
Osteomyelitis: Focus on Conventional Treatments and Innovative Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Gallarate Marina , Chirio Daniela , Chindamo Giulia , Peira Elena , Sapino Simona
Published: September 2020

Osteomyelitis is a bone marrow infection which generally involves cortical plates and
which may occur after bone trauma, orthopedic/maxillofacial surgery or after vascular insufficiency
episodes. It mostly affects people from the Third World Countries, the elderly and patients affected
by systemic diseases e.g. autoimmune disorders, AIDS, osteoporosis and microvascular disease.
The highest percentage of osteomyelitis cases (almost 75%) is caused by Staphylococcus spp.,
and in particular by Staphylococcus aureus (more than 50%). The ideal classification and the diagnosis
of osteomyelitis are two important tools which help the physicians to choose the best therapeutic
strategies. Currently, common therapies provide an extensive debridement in association
with intravenous administration of antibiotics (penicillin or clindamycin, vancomycin and fluoroquinolones
among all for resistant microorganisms), to avoid the formation of sequestra. However,
conventional therapeutic approach involves several drawbacks like low concentration of antibiotics
in the infected site, leading to resistance and adverse effects due to the intravenous administration.
For these reasons, in the last years several studies have been focused on the development of drug
delivery systems such as cements, beads, scaffolds and ceramics made of hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium
phosphate (CaP) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) which demonstrated to be biocompatible,
poorly toxic and capable to allow osteointegration and a prolonged drug release. The aim of
this review is to provide a focus on current therapies and latest developed drug delivery systems
with particular attention on those based on CaP and its derivatives, hoping that this work could allow
further direction in the field of osteomyelitis.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Volumes and Ejection Fraction from Gated Myocardial Perfusion SPECT Processed with “Myovation Evolution”: Comparison of Three Automated Software Packages using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance as Reference
Authors: Calandri Enrico , Guana Francesca , Pultrone Mirco , Leuzzi Stefano , Chiorino Giovanna , Soligo Eleonora , Frantellizzi Viviana , Gallina Sonya , Liberatore Mauro , De Vincentis Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Backgound:

The development of resolution recovery (RR) algorithms has made it possible
to preserve the good quality of cardiac images despite a reduced number of counts during
study acquisition.

Objective:

Our purpose was to evaluate the performance of three different software packages in the
quantification of left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV),
and ejection fraction (EF) from gated perfusion SPECT, applying a resolution recovery (RR) algorithm
(GE Myovation Evolution), with respect to cardiac MRI (cMRI) as a gold standard.

Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled 21 patients, with suspected or known coronary heart disease.
Images at rest were reconstructed by filtered back projection (FBP) and by an iterative protocol
with the RR algorithm. EDV, ESV, and LVEF were automatically computed employing Quantitative
Gated SPECT (QGS), Myometrix (MX), and Corridor 4DM (4DM). Any difference in EDV,
ESV, and LVEF calculation between cMRI and the three packages (with FBP and iterative reconstruction
with RR) was tested using Wilcoxon or paired t-test, with the assumption of normality assessed
using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Agreement between imaging reconstruction algorithms and between
gated-SPECT software packages and cMRI was studied with Pearson’s (r) or Spearman’s
(R) correlation coefficients and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCC).

Results:

Intra-software evaluation always revealed very strong correlation coefficients (R, r ≥ 0.8)
and excellent LCC coefficients (LCC > 0.95), except for the LCC coefficient between MX-FBP
and MX-RR in EDV evaluation, nevertheless considered very good (LCC = 0.94). EDV and ESV
had significantly lower value when calculated with the RR algorithm with respect to FBP reconstruction
in QGS and MX. LVEF estimation did not show significant differences for QGS-FBP,
QGS-RR, MX, and 4DM-RR with respect to cMRI.

Conclusion:

All reconstruction methods systematically underestimate EDV and ESV, with higher
underestimation applying only the RR. No significant differences were observed between 4DM -
RR and 4DM-FBP, for each parameter, when the 4DM package was used.
Meta-heuristic Techniques to Train Artificial Neural Networks for Medical Image Classification: A Review
Authors: Priyanka  , Kumar Dharmender
Published: September 2020

:

Medical imaging has been utilized in various forms in clinical applications for better diagnosis
and treatment of diseases. These imaging technologies help in recognizing body's ailing region
easily. In addition, it causes no pain to the patient as the interior part of the body can be examined
without difficulty. Nowadays, various image processing techniques such as segmentation, registration,
classification, restoration, contrast enhancement and many more exist to enhance image quality.
Among all these techniques, classification plays an important role in computer-aided diagnosis for
easy analysis and interpretation of these images. Image classification not only classifies diseases with
high accuracy but also analyses which part of the body is infected. The usage of Neural networks
classifier in medical imaging applications has opened new doors or opportunities to researchers stirring
them to excel in this domain. Moreover, accuracy in clinical practices and the development of
more sophisticated equipment are necessary in the medical field for more accurate and quicker decisions.
Therefore, keeping this in mind, researchers started using meta-heuristic techniques to classify
the methods. This paper provides a brief survey on the role of artificial neural networks in medical
image classification, various types of meta-heuristic algorithms applied for optimization purposes,
and their hybridization. A comparative analysis showing the effect of applying these algorithms on
some classification parameters such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity is also provided. From
the comparison, it can be observed that the usage of these methods significantly optimizes these parameters
leading us to diagnose and treat a number of diseases in their early stage.
Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Roman-Torres Caio Vinicius G. , de Melo Quintela Marcelo
Published: September 2020

Background:

The rampant spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide increases the likelihood that
dental health care professionals will treat this subset of the patient population. Due to the characteristics
of the profession and the virus, two situations deserve attention: the disinfection of surfaces that can be
contaminated during dental treatment and the presence of the virus in the oral cavity and the countless
possibilities of microbial interaction with microorganisms in the oral cavity.

Objective:

The objective of this review was to point out the current stage of the discussion on dental biosafety
involving professionals, the work team and patients.

Methods:

The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, USA -
NLM), Lilacs, Scielo, Embase, Web of Science and Google Academic with the keywords COVID-19
and dental practice, dentistry, oral conditions, mouthrinses.

Results:

Disinfection of surfaces has always been paramount and the protocol to prevent the spread of
SARS-CoV-2 seems to be established. SARS-CoV-2 is vulnerable to oxidation, it is recommended to
use a mouth rinse containing oxidizing agents.

Conclusions:

Dentists are among the professionals who are most at risk of COVID-19 infection, and they
must have extra attention during this period, biosafety measures must be reinforced and patients must be
motivated to maintain a strict oral hygiene routine so that there is no accumulation of biofilm and this
may somehow interfere with their systemic condition.
Utilizing Zebrafish Animal Model as a Helping Hand for COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Singh Yashbir , Patel Heenaben , Chaudhary Amit , Deepa S.
Published: September 2020

Background:

The Zebrafish animal model has the potential use to study COVID19 infection
in-depth due to its genetic similarity with humans. It has antiviral property. As we know, SARS-CoV-2
is an RNA virus, which has a high genetic mutation rate, therefore difficult to understand its structure. It
is a great way to understand the genetic dynamics of Zebrafish, which is related to orthologous human
genes.

Objective:

The study aims to validate the possible role of the Zebrafish animal model in the COVID19
diagnosis.

Methods:

We have reviewed a lot of literature towards the Zebrafish model and tried to explore the possible
connection in the diagnosis of COVID19.

Results:

We observed a very close bridge between the Zebrafish model and COVID19 towards possible
drug discovery diagnosis.

Conclusion:

This research will be helpful to unlock the mechanism clues, finding new therapeutic targets,
and understanding adaptability to host.
Can Cannabinoids Suppress the Cytokines Cascade in Patients with Coronavirus Disease COVID-19? A Mini-Review
Authors: Zaki Hanane , Bouachrine Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, started in Wuhan, China in
December 2019 and became a global pandemic. According to WHO, more than fourteen million cases
were reported and thousands of casualties worldwide (until July 18, 2020). Most of the COVID-19 patients
have symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people may also experience body
aches, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and diarrhea. So far, doctors have been using treatment to relieve
symptoms and give patients' immune systems time to regain control of this virus. Many studies have highlighted
the important role of cytokine cascades in the death rate in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, inhibition
of this phenomenon has become a very important target in the clinical management of this disease.
With this idea, in this mini-review, we will focus on the potential role of cannabinoids in the suppression
of cytokines cascades in patients with COVID-19 and their importance in the clinical management of this
disease.