bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From SARS-CoV-2 hematogenous spreading to endothelial dysfunction: clinical-histopathological study of cutaneous signs of COVID-19
Authors: Patrì Angela , Vargas Maria , Buonanno Pasquale , Annunziata Maria Carmela , Russo Daniela , Staibano Stefania , Servillo Giuseppe , Fabbrocini Gabriella
Published: July 2020

Background: To date, very few studies on clinical-histopathological correlations of cutaneous disorders associated with COVID-19 have been conducted. Case presentation: The Case 1 was a 90-year-old man, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from a nasopharyngeal swab. Two days later, he was hospitalized and after eleven days transferred to Intensive Care Unit. A chest CT showed bilateral ground-glass opacities. Just that day, an erythematous maculo-papular rash appeared on trunk, shoulders and neck, becoming purpuric after few days. Histological evaluations revealed a chronic superficial dermatitis with purpuric aspects. The superficial and papillary dermis appeared edematous, with a perivascular lympho-granulocytic infiltrate and erythrocytic extravasation. At intraepithelial level, spongiosis and a granulocyte infiltrate were detected. Arterioles, capillaries and post-capillary venules showed endothelial swelling and appeared ectasic. The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir-ritonavir and tocilizumab. Regrettably, due to severe lung impairment, he died.The Case 2 was a 85-year-old man, admitted to Intensive Care Unit, where he was intubated. He had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from a nasopharyngeal swab two days before. A chest RX showed bilateral atypical pneumonia. After seven days, a cutaneous reddening involving trunk, upper limbs, neck and face developed, configuring a sub-erythroderma. Histological evaluations displayed edema in the papillary and superficial reticular dermis, and a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the superficial dermis. The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir-ritonavir and tocilizumab. Sub-erythroderma as well as respiratory symptoms gradually improved until healing. Conclusions: The endothelial swelling detected in the Case 1 could be a morphological expression of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesize that cutaneous damage could be initiated by endothelial dysfunction, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells or induced by immune system activation. The disruption of endothelial integrity could enhance microvascular permeability, extravasation of inflammatory cells and cytokines, with cutaneous injury. The Case 2 developed a sub-erythroderma associated with COVID-19, and a non-specific chronic dermatitis was detected at histological level. We speculate that a purpuric rash could represent the cutaneous sign of a more severe coagulopathy, as highlighted histologically by vascular abnormalities, while a sub-erythroderma could be expression of viral hematogenous spreading, inducing a non-specific chronic dermatitis.
Probing the transformation paths from aluminum (oxy)hydroxides (boehmite, bayerite, and gibbsite) to metastable alumina: A view from high-resolution 27Al MAS NMR
Authors: Kim Hyo-Im , Lee Sung Keun
Published: July 2020

Detailed knowledge of the structural evolution of diverse aluminum (oxy)hydroxides with varying temperatures up to ~300 °C provides insights into the dehydration processes involving transitions among metastable phases on Earth's surface and in the crust. Here, we report the high-resolution solid-state 27Al NMR spectra for three different types of aluminum (oxy)hydroxides (i.e., boehmite, bayerite, and gibbsite) with varying annealing temperatures up to 300 °C, revealing the effect of distinct precursor minerals on the stability of metastable alumina. 27Al MAS NMR results allow us to obtain the quantitative fractions and NMR parameters for each phase during transformation. The results demonstrate that each aluminum (oxy)hydroxide phase follows a unique transformation path to metastable alumina. The 27Al MAS and 3QMAS NMR spectra of boehmite show that a minor but observable [4]Al signal (~2%) is detected at ~50 °C, and the [4]Al fraction gradually increases up to 300 °C (~16%), indicating that the phase transformation from boehmite to γ-/η-Al2O3 occurs at a temperature as low as ~50 °C, significantly lower than earlier estimations based on XRD. Together with the [4]Al fraction, the [5]Al fraction increases from <1% at 50 °C to ~2.3% at 300 °C, whereas the NMR results of bayerite and gibbsite do not show the presence of [5]Al. In addition, the 27Al 3QMAS NMR spectra resolved the [6]Al site in boehmite and that in γ-/η-Al2O3, which could not be uniquely determined from 1D NMR spectra. The population of bayerite abruptly decreases from 100% (at 150 °C), through ~47% (at 200 °C), to 0% (at 250 °C), indicating that the phase transition from bayerite to boehmite + γ-/η-Al2O3 occurs within a narrow temperature range. As for gibbsite, while [4]Al is not observed in the spectra up to 200 °C, the [4]Al fraction of ~2% is observed in the spectra for gibbsite annealed at 250 °C, and the [4]Al fraction increases rapidly to ~15% as the annealing temperature increases to 300 °C, suggesting that the phase transformation into γ-/η-Al2O3 occurs at ~250 °C. The results confirm that the phase transformation paths (gradual vs. dramatic) depend on the type of precursor minerals. Particularly, the onset temperature of the phase transformation from boehmite to metastable alumina (~50 °C) is lower than those from other precursor minerals (>150 °C). Furthermore, the phase transformation from boehmite to γ-/η-Al2O3 occurs gradually within broad temperature ranges from ~50 °C. This is due to their configurational disorder as evidenced by the presence of [5]Al. The observed structural evolution in aluminum (oxy)hydroxides in the low-temperature range facilitates our understanding of the nature of phase transformation and dehydration of oxides and hydroxides in the Earth's surface environments.
Yield of sorghum silage intercropped with pigeon pea and marandu grass in two spacings and chemical composition before and after ensiling
Authors: Vicente Elcio Ricardo José de Sousa , Kuwahara Frank Akiyoshi , Feba Luanda Torquato , Silva Paulo Claudeir Gomes da , Moro Edemar
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate yield of sorghum grown either solely (monoculture) or intercropped with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and pigeon pea cv. BRS Mandarin in two spacings. The experiment was carried out in field condition and the experimental design was in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme with four replications. The treatments consisted of two sorghum spacings, combined with four forms of cultivation as follows: (T1) sorghum as a monoculture (SOR); (T2) sorghum intercropped with marandu grass (SMG); (T3) sorghum intercropped with pigeon pea (SPP); and (T4) sorghum intercropped with marandu grass and pigeon pea (SMP). The evaluated traits were: sorghum height, stem diameter of sorghum, number of sorghum leaves, and a ratio sorghum/pigeon pea /marandu grass. The data were submitted to the statistical program SISVAR, and averages compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The 0.45 m spacing between rows provided higher silage yield in relation to 0.90 m between sorghum rows. The highest silage yield was produced at 0.45 m spacing between rows for single sorghum and triple intercropped (T4). The triple intercropped (sorghum + pigeon + marandu grass brachiaria) did not affect silage yield with the advantage of 10% of a legume in the final composition.
Phenological-metric algorithm for mapping soybean in savanna biome in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Bernard S. de , Ferreira Manuel E. , Coutinho Alexandre C. , Esquerdo Júlio C. D. M.
Published: July 2020

Agricultural expansion in Brazil is still intense for commodities (such soybeans and corn), mostly cultivated over large portions of the Cerrado biome. Therefore, the development and application of techniques based on remote sensing to map crop areas at a regional level, in a dynamic and more precise way is urgently necessary. In this context, the objective of this study is the improvement of techniques for mapping soybean crops in Brazil, through an analysis of the Centro Goiano mesoregion of Goiás state (a core area of Cerrado), using a time series of Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) images provided by TERRA/MODIS orbital sensor, in a test period between 2002 and 2010. Despite their proven quality, MODIS EVI images already contain atmospheric interferences inherent to the acquisition process, such as the presence of clouds. Thus, a set of methods to minimize such artifacts was applied to the data of this study. In general, the methodological procedures comprise of (1) the application of the pixel reliability band aiming to remove pixels contaminated by clouds; (2) the use of contaminated pixel estimates (excluded from the time series); (3) application of an interpolation filter to fill the void pixels in each scene, obtaining continuous and smoothed spectral-temporal profiles for each land use classes; and (4) the classification of agricultural areas using a specific algorithm for crops in the Cerrado region of Goiás. The areas reconstituted in the images matched neighboring pixels, maintaining good coherence with the original data. Likewise, areas mapped with soybeans had a high correlation with official IBGE census data, with a global accuracy value of 78%, and Pearson Correlation coefficient of 0.64. The application of this technique to other imagery sensors (such as RapidEye, Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2) is highly encouraged due a better spatial and temporal resolution (when applied together in a temporal image cube), ensuring more efficient crop monitoring in Brazil.
Development of a core collection for Sri Lankan cinnamon germplasm based on morphological characterization using an eco-geographic survey
Authors: Azad Rumana , Jayasekara L. , Ranawaka R.A.A.K. , Senanayake Gamini , Kumara K.L. Wasantha , Pushpakumara D.K.N.G. , Geekiyanage Sudarshanee
Published: July 2020

Cinnamomum verum is the most important spice produced by Sri Lanka. This study was carried out to fill the gap of knowledge on diversity of Sri Lankan cinnamon through morphological characterization. Therefore, an eco-geographic survey in major growing areas followed by the development of a core collection and vegetative propagation of the total collection for ex-situ conservation were carried out. Two hundred and sixty nine cinnamon accessions were collected. The average shoot regeneration frequency of 269 accessions was 47.76% after one month of vegetative propagation. The collection was established at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna for further studies. The collection was characterized for 15 quantitative and qualitative characters of leaf, stem and inflorescence among which, a wide variation was detected for leaf characters mainly. Leaf length positively correlated with Leaf width (+0.643) and Petiole length (+0.483). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that there were 3 dimensions of PCA explaining 88.85% of total variance. In Hierarchical cluster analysis based on above characters, 269 accessions were grouped into five clusters at rescaled distance of 0.1. A representation of 10% accessions was randomly selected from each cluster to develop a core collection with 33 accessions. The core collection of 33 accessions was clustered into five groups according to the same method at rescaled distance of 0.075. The core collection is a representation of the total collection as clusters of the two dendograms could be overlapped. Morphological characterization and core collection development during this study will be useful for germplasm management, conservation and varietal improvement through breeding programmes.
Production of partially gelatinized cassava starch: effects of preheating temperature and starch concentration on physicochemical characteristics during the spray-drying process
Authors: Santos Thais Paes Rodrigues dos , Franco Célia Maria Landi , Mischan Martha Maria , Fernandes Daiana de Souza , Bem Marília Sbragia Del , Leonel Magali
Published: July 2020

Starch has application in several industrial sectors, such as food, textile, paper, pharmaceutical, among other industries. To meet this demand, native starches have been modified by chemical, physical and enzymatic methods. Cassava is the second source of starch. Furthermore, understanding the effects of spray-drying modification on the structural and physicochemical characteristics of its starch is important. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the main interfering factors in the process of spray-drying on the characteristics of cassava starch, aiming at increasing the industrial applicability of this starch. A Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD) was employed to assess the experimental data. Experimental design included four factorial points, four axial points and three replicates of the central point. The starch concentration ranges from 5 to 11 % and preheating temperature ranges from 54 to 60 °C. Results showed influence of the variable factors on the characteristics of cassava starch. The processing conditions that allowed obtaining pregelatinized starches with higher viscosity at room temperature, higher resistance to hot and agitation, lower retrogradation tendency, and with partial solubility, desired quality parameters for this product were: 6 % of starch concentration (wet basis) and 60 ᵒC of preheating temperature.
Environmental impact of toxic metals on water and soil by agrochemicals, emerging pollutants and remediation methods
Authors: Lorenzetti Eloisa , Carvalho Jeferson Carlos , Carvalho Leidiane Coelho , Martins Claudecir Castilho , Junior Affonso Celso Gonçalves , Tartaro Juliano , Treib Elizana Lorenzetti , Calixto Guilherme Borghetti , Ritt Adrieli Luisa , Neto Alfredo José Alves , Silva Vanusi Camilo da
Published: July 2020

This review article has aimed at environment and impact of different pollutants, define, classify, analyze and cite methods of remediation according to Brazilian environmental legislation. Concerns about the preservation of the environment is extensively debated nowadays, with a view mainly to the production of effluents in agriculture, toxic metals, emerging pollutants and excessive use of agrochemicals. However, some impacts are necessary to meet the needs of economic development and social to ensure they are carried out rationally. Furthermore, application of remediation methods reduce the impact of these pollutants as small as possible. In this sense, the environment's definition, the main current impacts, the size and consequences of these and some remediation methods, as well as Brazilian environmental legislation will be addressed.
Improving the communication with stakeholders: the infrastructure degradation index and the infrastructure histogram
Authors: Estruch-Juan E. , Cabrera E. , Gómez E. , del Teso R.
Published: July 2020

Water infrastructures are rapidly ageing without being properly replaced. Communicating the state of the network and the sector’s needs to stakeholders is key for guaranteeing the sustainability of water and sewage systems. The infrastructure value index (IVI) is becoming a standard in the water industry as a communication tool; however, as a single value metric, it can mask key information. The complementary use of the infrastructure degradation index (IDI) and the infrastructure histogram (Hi) can provide a better understanding of the network's state while maintaining the simplicity of the analysis needed for public dissemination. The IVI is focused on the value of the infrastructure, the IDI on its median remaining life. The HI provides a detailed but simple picture of the network's remaining life, providing a clear idea of the magnitude of the investments needed in the future for maintaining the infrastructure.
Could Targeting HMGB1 be Useful for the Clinical Management of COVID-19 Infection?
Authors: Çelebier Mustafa , Haznedaroğlu İbrahim Celalettin
Published: July 2020

Since the high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) molecule had been recognized as a proinflammatory
cytokine, which mediates endotoxin lethality of mice, there have been lots of papers
about targeting the HMGB1 within the contexts of infection, inflammation, and cancer. The pathogenic
impact of HMGB1 to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and disease management
with herbal formulations targeting this unique protein have already been proposed. However,
the failure of the numerous current anti-viral therapies on the ongoing viral infections casts reappraisal
of the possible interrelationships regarding the HMGB1 and SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 pandemic
due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a currently ongoing challenging global health crisis. There
is still not any proven exact treatment of COVID-19 with high level of evidence. In this paper, we
focused on the potential usage of external and/or inhalation preparation of antiviral/antibacterial
herbal products capable of targeting HMGB1 for the clinical management candidates of the ongoing
COVID-19 infection.
Privileged Pharmacophore of FDA Approved Drugs in Combination with Chalcone Framework: A New Hope for Alzheimer’s Treatment
Authors: Mathew Bijo
Published: July 2020

Multi-functional design of ligands emerged as a new drug design paradigm of
Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the complexity of AD, the molecules showing dual inhibition of
monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with neuroprotective properties
could prevent the progressive neural degeneration effectively. Numerous studies documented that
chalcone is a privileged structural framework for the inhibition of both MAO and AChE. The
recent studies suggested that the development of chalcone candidates endowed with
pharmacophores of FDA approved drugs may become an active molecules in the field of current
AD research. The current perspective described the recent updates of chalcone moiety linked with
the pharmacophores of flurbiprofen and rivastigmine hybrids as selective ChE/MAO-B inhibitors
for the prophylactic agents for AD.
Withdrawal Notice: Drug Repurposing for Prospective Anti-Cancer Agents Along with the Clinical Status of the Repurposed Drug
Authors: Sabale Anjali S. , Patel Unnati M. , Gorhe Ankita A. , Bodhankar Vinayak R. , Shinde Mahesh N. , Sonawane Gaurav A. , Raotole Hitesh S. , Pande Rohit Y. , Kulkarni Abhijeet D.
Published: July 2020

The article has been withdrawn by the Editorial office of the journal Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal
Chemistry; because of the lack of clarity and obscurity in the content regarding language.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be
simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published
elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and
by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action
against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the
copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
In Vivo Biological Evaluation of Ethyl 4-(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoquinolin-1- ylamino)-coumarin-3-carboxylate as an Antitumor Agent
Authors: Mohammed Faten Z. , Rizzk Youstina W. , Abdelhamid Moustafa S. , El-Deen Ibrahim M.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Hybridization of coumarin moiety with additional antitumor pharmacophores is an auspicious stratagem to afford precious therapeutic interference for the medication of cancer.

Objective:

The present study aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity of ethyl 4-(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2- oxoquinolin-1-ylamino)-coumarin-3-carboxylate against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells in the peritoneal cavity of female mice.

Methodology:

Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between the test compound and the receptor of breast cancer mutant 3HB5-oxidoreductase, as well as the viability of tumor cells and life span prolongation. The total anti-oxidant capacity was evaluated in the liver and kidneys. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, albumin, total protein, creatinine, and urea were estimated. The concentrations of Bcl-2 and Bax were measured in the liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues was also carried out.

Results:

EAC-bearing mice injected with the test compound showed a highly significant decrease in tumor cell viability by 100%, compared to the EAC control. Also, it exhibited significant anti-oxidant and apoptotic agents through the results of total anti-oxidant capacity and apoptosis assays. Confirmed by histological examination, the results of the liver and kidney function tests revealed that the test compound had no harmful effect on either of the organs.

The docking investigation disclosed an auspicious interaction between the test compound and the receptor (3HB5). To confirm these results, correlations between different parameters were carried out. It was found that there were significant positive and negative correlations between the parameters.

Conclusion:

Hybrid molecules containing coumarin and quinolinone exhibited a potential antitumor effect against EAC cells by the induction of apoptosis and anti-oxidant activities. Results of liver and kidney function tests and the histopathological study revealed that the administration of the test compound nullified most of the pathological alterations induced by EAC cells in mice. Based on these findings, the test compound can be developed as an effective chemotherapeutic agent.
The Effects of Melatonin on the Oxidative Stress and Duration of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barati Saghar , Jahangirifard Alireza , Ahmadi Zargham H. , Tavakoli-Ardakani Maria , Dastan Farzaneh
Published: July 2020

Background:

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common complication following Coronary artery
bypass graft (CABG) Surgery, which may be due to oxidative stress, necrosis and inflammation during
CABG and can lead to increases the length of hospital stay and the risk of morbidity and mortality.
Melatonin is a hormone with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the cardiovascular system.
This study assessed the efficacy of sublingual consumption of melatonin in reducing necrosis and
inflammation, in patients undergoing CABG with respect to C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Creatine
Kinase-Muscle-Brain subunits (CK-MB) and cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) levels.

Methods:

One hundred and two patients were enrolled and twenty-six patients were excluded during
the study process and finally seventy-six patients undergoing CABG surgery randomly assigned to
melatonin group (n = 38, 12 mg sublingual melatonin the evening before and 1 hour before surgery, or
the control group which did not receive Melatonin, n = 38). Three patients in the melatonin group and
three patients in the control group were excluded from the study because of discontinued intervention
and lost to follow up. The samples were collected before and 24 hours after surgery. hs-CRP, CK-MB,
and cTnT levels were measured in all patients with the Elisa method.

Results:

There was no significant difference in influencing variables among the groups at the baseline.
The incidence of AF following CABG surgery was not statistically significant between the two groups,
(p-value = 0.71). However, the duration of AF (p-value = 0.01), the levels of hs-CRP (p-value = 0.001)
and CK-MB (p-value = 0.004) measured, 24 hours after surgery were significantly lower in the melatonin
group. cTnT levels measured 24 hours post-CABG did not show any significant difference in
both groups (p-value = 0.52).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that the administration of melatonin may help modulate oxidative
stress, based on the reduction of the levels of hs-CRP, CK-MB, and the duration of AF following
CABG surgery.
Self-Reported Physical Complaints are Reduced Upon Regular Use of an In-Home Water Filter System (AcalaQuell®): A Prospective, Controlled, Documentation Study
Authors: Schneider Rainer
Published: July 2020

Background:

The emerging public concern regarding the quality of drinking water has
led to an increased interest in household water treatment systems. Many systems reduce contaminants
effectively in laboratory tests, at least to some degree, but for the vast majority, their effects
in actual use are not investigated.

Objective:

To test the effectiveness of an in-home water filter system (AcalaQuell® Swing) in reducing health problems
under real life conditions.

Methods:

Twenty participants suffering from cardiovascular ailments, gastrointestinal issues, or fatigue/
exhaustion symptoms were enrolled in the study. In the control condition (three weeks), they
consumed 35ml of tap water per kg of body weight daily. After an intermission of one week, they
drank the same amount of filtered water in the following three weeks.

Results:

There was a large reduction in physical complaints after consumption of the filtered water
(d = 1.4), and an increase in resiliency to physical and mental stress, cognitive performance, and affectivity
(d = 1.0).

Conclusion:

The AcalaQuell® Swing water filter effectively mitigates health complaints. The effect
is not due to expectation, increase in water consumption, decrease of life stress, or spontaneous
symptom remission.
A Short Review on the Important Aspects Involved in Preparation, Characterization and Application of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Kadam Tanvi , Agrawal Surendra
Published: July 2020

Background:

The development of modern medical and pharmaceutical science
has garnered lots of attention due to the development of targeted therapy and precision
medicine. The current focus of the researchers is on developing strategies which provide
the maximum therapeutic benefits with minimal adverse effects. In this scenario,
nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have gained prominence because of their ability to
improve the therapeutic properties of the drugs.

Objective:

In this review, we focus on some of the important methods involved in the
preparation and characterization of the NLCs. We also discuss the application of NLC as
a drug delivery system through different routes of administration and its role in overcoming
the physiological and anatomical barriers.

Methods:

The literature was collected from different scientific browsers like sciencedirect,
google scholar, pubmed and a total of 155 articles were read and analysed for the
content.

Results:

The NLC improve the solubility and bioavailability of the drug, prolong the release
and residence time and delay clearance. They also protect the drugs from enzymatic degradation
and allow them to pass through different anatomical and physiological barriers.

Conclusion:

Though the use of NLCs has been reported across different therapeutic indications
through various routes of administration, this success at the laboratory level has
not gone to the next stage. One of the reasons for the failure of NLC formulations to progress
to the next level could be due to toxicity caused by the accumulation of NLCs in
organs. Hence, in order to utilize this strategy to its maximum potential, further research
is inevitable.
Through the Lens of a Millennial: Opening the Aperture of Millennials’ Views of Leaders
Authors: Sadler Allison , Grabianowski Julianna , Ashley Greg
Published: July 2020

As more women joined the workforce in the last few decades, scholars have continued to research why women do not occupy more senior levels of leadership. While many variables have been researched, a pervasive theory is that women are expected to act in communal ways, but leadership is described as agentic; typically attributed to male behaviors. Namely, women in more senior roles must display male, agentic behaviors to be perceived as a credible leader, yet still maintain their communal traits to avoid being perceived as duplicitous. With more females in the workplace, acting as new exemplars for the millennial workforce, have the views of leadership changed to be less agentic?

This quantitative study investigated; whether male millennials in the workforce maintain as agentic a view of leadership as their predecessors, whether female millennials in the workforce maintain as agentic a view of leadership as their predecessors, and whether the presence of women in leadership roles has influenced leadership behaviors in either gender. In this study, millennials are surveyed regarding the most important leadership characteristics and how gender undulates through the perceived effectiveness. The researchers found that leadership descriptors are more gender-agnostic, influencing a broader view of how leadership is seen across both genders. The implications for this finding are that millennials are softening the more traditional view of agentic leadership and expanding leadership to include more communal traits.
Blockchain Systems and Their Potential Impact on Business Processes
Authors: Heister Stanton , LoRusso Vince , Yuthas Kristi
Published: July 2020

Blockchain technologies introduce fundamental changes in the mechanisms for verifying identity, transferring wealth, securing records, and tracing the movement of assets. The technology is poised to profoundly affect business processes and models in industry, government, and the social sector. Because graduating business students are likely to work in businesses that deploy or interact with blockchain and blockchain-related technologies, business programs must prepare them by introducing the intellectual foundations of this emerging technology and the operating practices it enables. This paper introduces a paper-based assignment designed to provide students this valuable opportunity.
Place-Based Advantages in Entrepreneurship: How Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Coordination Reduces Transaction Costs
Authors: Roundy Philip T. , Fayard Dutch
Published: July 2020

Academics and practitioners are increasingly lauding the economic and community benefits of entrepreneurial ecosystems: the inter-related forces that promote and support entrepreneurship in geographic areas. Most researchers examining entrepreneurial ecosystems have sought to identify their core attributes rather than isolating the concrete mechanisms by which entrepreneurial ecosystems influence entrepreneurs. We address this omission in ecosystems research by theorizing about a specific set of economic forces through which ecosystems influence the entrepreneurship process: cost-reduction mechanisms. We integrate and extend insights from transaction cost economics and develop a framework for understanding the cost-reducing effects of ecosystems on entrepreneurial activities. We synthesize the fragmented research on entrepreneurial ecosystem coordination and theorize that as coordination increases three types of costs – search, negotiation, and enforcement – decrease, which improves ecosystem participants’ ability to engage in entrepreneurship. Our theorizing contributes to research at the management and entrepreneurship interface and produces actionable insights for entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders.
Новый подход к расчету проводимости Капицы между твердыми телами
Authors: Хвесюк В.И. , Лю Б. , Баринов А.А.
Published: July 2020

In connection with the development of various nanosystems (computer electronic circuits, thermoelectric devices, quantum cascade lasers, etc.), the problem of calculating the Kapitza conductance between various materials is very acute. An improved acoustic mismatch model for calculating the Kapitza conductance is proposed. The disadvantage of the currently existing model is that it uses the Debye approximation. This limits the applicability of the model to the low temperature region. It is shown that taking into account the dispersion of the waves ensures good agreement between the theory and experiment in a much wider temperature range than with modern models.
A Novel Device for Smartphone-Based Fundus Imaging and Documentation in Clinical Practice: Comparative Image Analysis Study
Authors: Wintergerst Maximilian W M , Jansen Linus G , Holz Frank G , Finger Robert P
Published: July 2020

Background

Smartphone-based fundus imaging allows for mobile and inexpensive fundus examination with the potential to revolutionize eye care, particularly in lower-resource settings. However, most smartphone-based fundus imaging adapters convey image quality not comparable to conventional fundus imaging.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel smartphone-based fundus imaging device for documentation of a variety of retinal/vitreous pathologies in a patient sample with wide refraction and age ranges.

Methods

Participants’ eyes were dilated and imaged with the iC2 funduscope (HEINE Optotechnik) using an Apple iPhone 6 in single-image acquisition (image resolution of 2448 × 3264 pixels) or video mode (1248 × 1664 pixels) and a subgroup of participants was also examined by conventional fundus imaging (Zeiss VISUCAM 500). Smartphone-based image quality was compared to conventional fundus imaging in terms of sharpness (focus), reflex artifacts, contrast, and illumination on semiquantitative scales.

Results

A total of 47 eyes from 32 participants (age: mean 62.3, SD 19.8 years; range 7-93; spherical equivalent: mean –0.78, SD 3.21 D; range: –7.88 to +7.0 D) were included in the study. Mean (SD) visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.48 (0.66; range 0-2.3); 30% (14/47) of the eyes were pseudophakic. Image quality was sufficient in all eyes irrespective of refraction. Images acquired with conventional fundus imaging were sharper and had less reflex artifacts, and there was no significant difference in contrast and illumination (P<.001, P=.03, and P=.10, respectively). When comparing image quality at the posterior pole, the mid periphery, and the far periphery, glare increased as images were acquired from a more peripheral part of the retina. Reflex artifacts were more frequent in pseudophakic eyes. Image acquisition was also possible in children. Documentation of deep optic nerve cups in video mode conveyed a mock 3D impression.

Conclusions

Image quality of conventional fundus imaging was superior to that of smartphone-based fundus imaging, although this novel smartphone-based fundus imaging device achieved image quality high enough to document various fundus pathologies including only subtle findings. High-quality smartphone-based fundus imaging might represent a mobile alternative for fundus documentation in clinical practice.
Digital Cognitive Behavior Therapy Intervention for Depression and Anxiety: Retrospective Study
Authors: Venkatesan Aarathi , Rahimi Lily , Kaur Manpreet , Mosunic Christopher
Published: July 2020

Background

Digital mental health interventions offer a scalable solution that reduces barriers to seeking care for clinical depression and anxiety.

Objective

We aimed to examine the effectiveness of a 12-week therapist supported, app-based cognitive behavioral therapy program in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety within 9 months.

Methods

A total of 323 participants with mild to moderately severe depression or anxiety were enrolled in a 12-week digital cognitive behavior therapy program. The analysis was restricted to participants who provided at least one follow-up assessment after baseline. As a result, 146 participants (45.2%) were included in the analysis—74 (50.7%) participants completed assessments at 3 months, 31 participants (21.2%) completed assessments at 6 months, and 21 participants (14.4%) completed assessments at 9 months. The program included structured lessons and tools (ie, exercises and practices) as well as one-on-one weekly video counseling sessions with a licensed therapist for 12 weeks and monthly check-in sessions for 1 year. The clinically validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Linear mixed-effects modeling was employed to examine changes in depression and anxiety over time.

Results

We observed a significant positive effect of program time on improvement in depression (β=–0.12, P<.001) and anxiety scores (β=–0.10, P<.001). At the end of the 12-week intervention, we observed an average reduction of 3.76 points (95% CI –4.76 to –2.76) in PHQ-8 scores. Further reductions in depression were seen at program month 6 (4.75-point reduction, 95% CI –6.61 to –2.88) and program month 9 (6.42-point reduction, 95% CI –8.66 to –6.55, P<.001). A similar pattern of improvement emerged for anxiety, with a 3.17-point reduction at the end of the 12-week intervention (95% CI –4.21 to –2.13). These improvements were maintained at program month 6 (4.87-point reduction, 95% CI –6.85 to –2.87) and program month 9 (5.19-point, 95% –6.85 to 4.81). In addition, greater program engagement during the first 12 weeks predicted a greater reduction in depression (β=–0.29, P<.001)

Conclusions

The results suggest that digital interventions can support sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it appears that strong initial digital mental health intervention engagement may facilitate this effect. However, the study was limited by postintervention participant attrition as well as the retrospective observational study design.
Smartphone and Mobile Health Apps for Tinnitus: Systematic Identification, Analysis, and Assessment
Authors: Mehdi Muntazir , Stach Michael , Riha Constanze , Neff Patrick , Dode Albi , Pryss Rüdiger , Schlee Winfried , Reichert Manfred , Hauck Franz J
Published: July 2020

Background

Modern smartphones contain sophisticated high-end hardware features, offering high computational capabilities at extremely manageable costs and have undoubtedly become an integral part in users' daily life. Additionally, smartphones offer a well-established ecosystem that is easily discoverable and accessible via the marketplaces of differing mobile platforms, thus encouraging the development of many smartphone apps. Such apps are not exclusively used for entertainment purposes but are also commonplace in health care and medical use. A variety of those health and medical apps exist within the context of tinnitus, a phantom sound perception in the absence of any physical external source.

Objective

In this paper, we shed light on existing smartphone apps addressing tinnitus by providing an up-to-date overview.

Methods

Based on PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched and identified existing smartphone apps on the most prominent app markets, namely Google Play Store and Apple App Store. In addition, we applied the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to evaluate and assess the apps in terms of their general quality and in-depth user experience.

Results

Our systematic search and screening of smartphone apps yielded a total of 34 apps (34 Android apps, 26 iOS apps). The mean MARS scores (out of 5) ranged between 2.65-4.60. The Tinnitus Peace smartphone app had the lowest score (mean 2.65, SD 0.20), and Sanvello—Stress and Anxiety Help had the highest MARS score (mean 4.60, SD 0.10). The interrater agreement was substantial (Fleiss κ=0.74), the internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach α=.95), and the interrater reliability was found to be both high and excellent—Guttman λ6=0.94 and intraclass correlation, ICC(2,k) 0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.97), respectively.

Conclusions

This work demonstrated that there exists a plethora of smartphone apps for tinnitus. All of the apps received MARS scores higher than 2, suggesting that they all have some technical functional value. However, nearly all identified apps were lacking in terms of scientific evidence, suggesting the need for stringent clinical validation of smartphone apps in future. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to systematically identify and evaluate smartphone apps within the context of tinnitus.
Alterations of Gut Microbiota and the Brain-Immune-Intestine Axis in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis After Treatment With Oral Cladribine: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: van Pamelen Jeske , van Olst Lynn , Budding Andries E ,   BIA Study Group, de Vries Helga E , Visser Leo H
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Immunological factors are the key to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Conjointly, environmental factors are known to affect MS disease onset and progression. Several studies have found that the intestinal microbiota in MS patients differs from that of control subjects. One study found a trend toward lower species richness in patients with active disease versus in patients in remission. The microbiota plays an important role in shaping the immune system. Recent studies suggest the presence of an association between the gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways in the central nervous system. However, the function of this brain-immune-intestine axis and its possible value for predicting treatment effect in MS patients is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal is to examine if the changes in gut and oral microbiota and simultaneous changes in the immune response are a predictor for the treatment response in subjects with active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who are being treated with oral cladribine.

METHODS

This is a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Eligible subjects are patients with RRMS, between the ages of 18 and 55 years, who will start treatment with oral cladribine. Patients who used probiotics 1 month prior to the start of oral cladribine will be excluded. At baseline (ie, before start) and after 3, 12, and 24 months, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score will be assessed and fecal, oral, and blood samples will be collected. Also, subjects will be asked to register their food intake for 7 consecutive days following the visits. After 24 months, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the brain will be performed. Responders are defined as subjects without relapses, without progression on the EDSS, and without radiological progression on MRI.

RESULTS

Inclusion started in January 2019. A total of 30 patients are included at the moment. The aim is to include 80 patients from 10 participating centers during a period of approximately 24 months. Final results are expected in 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the BIA Study will contribute to precision medicine in patients with RRMS and will contribute to a better understanding of the brain-immune-intestine axis.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/16162
A Novel Device for Smartphone-Based Fundus Imaging and Documentation in Clinical Practice: Comparative Image Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wintergerst Maximilian W M , Jansen Linus G , Holz Frank G , Finger Robert P
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Smartphone-based fundus imaging allows for mobile and inexpensive fundus examination with the potential to revolutionize eye care, particularly in lower-resource settings. However, most smartphone-based fundus imaging adapters convey image quality not comparable to conventional fundus imaging.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel smartphone-based fundus imaging device for documentation of a variety of retinal/vitreous pathologies in a patient sample with wide refraction and age ranges.

METHODS

Participants’ eyes were dilated and imaged with the iC2 funduscope (HEINE Optotechnik) using an Apple iPhone 6 in single-image acquisition (image resolution of 2448 × 3264 pixels) or video mode (1248 × 1664 pixels) and a subgroup of participants was also examined by conventional fundus imaging (Zeiss VISUCAM 500). Smartphone-based image quality was compared to conventional fundus imaging in terms of sharpness (focus), reflex artifacts, contrast, and illumination on semiquantitative scales.

RESULTS

A total of 47 eyes from 32 participants (age: mean 62.3, SD 19.8 years; range 7-93; spherical equivalent: mean –0.78, SD 3.21 D; range: –7.88 to +7.0 D) were included in the study. Mean (SD) visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.48 (0.66; range 0-2.3); 30% (14/47) of the eyes were pseudophakic. Image quality was sufficient in all eyes irrespective of refraction. Images acquired with conventional fundus imaging were sharper and had less reflex artifacts, and there was no significant difference in contrast and illumination (P<.001, P=.03, and P=.10, respectively). When comparing image quality at the posterior pole, the mid periphery, and the far periphery, glare increased as images were acquired from a more peripheral part of the retina. Reflex artifacts were more frequent in pseudophakic eyes. Image acquisition was also possible in children. Documentation of deep optic nerve cups in video mode conveyed a mock 3D impression.

CONCLUSIONS

Image quality of conventional fundus imaging was superior to that of smartphone-based fundus imaging, although this novel smartphone-based fundus imaging device achieved image quality high enough to document various fundus pathologies including only subtle findings. High-quality smartphone-based fundus imaging might represent a mobile alternative for fundus documentation in clinical practice.
The Internet Hospital as a Telehealth Model in China: Systematic Search and Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Han Yangyang , Lie Reidar K , Guo Rui
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The internet hospital is an innovative organizational form and service mode under the tide of internet plus in the Chinese medical industry. It is the product of the interaction between consumer health needs and supply-side reform. However, there has still been no systematic summary of its establishment and definition, nor has there been an analysis of its service content.

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this study was to understand the definition, establishment, and development status of internet hospitals.

METHODS

Data on internet hospitals were obtained via the Baidu search engine for results up until January 1, 2019. Based on the results of the search, we obtained more detailed information from the official websites and apps of 130 online hospitals and formed a database for descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

By January 2019, the number of registered internet hospitals had expanded to approximately 130 in 25 provinces, accounting for 73.5% of all provinces or province-level municipalities in China. Internet hospitals, as a new telehealth model, are distinct but overlap with online health, telemedicine, and mobile medical. They offer four kinds of services—convenience services, online medical services, telemedicine, and related industries. In general, there is an underlying common treatment flowchart of care in ordinary and internet hospitals. There are three different sponsors—government-led integration, hospital-led, and enterprise-led internet hospitals—for which stakeholders have different supporting content and responsibilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet hospitals are booming in China, and it is the joint effort of the government and the market to alleviate the coexistence of shortages of medical resources and wasted medical supplies. The origin of internet hospitals in the eastern and western regions, the purpose of the establishment initiator, and the content of online and offline services are different. Only further standardized management and reasonable industry freedom can realize the original intention of the internet hospital of meeting various health needs.