bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Reproductive Outcomes Associated with Teenage Pregnancy in three Maternity Hospitals in Asmara, Jan 01 – DEC 31, 2018
Authors: Asrat Daniel Tikue , Beloweden Eden Hagos , Teklay Hana Andeberhan , Tesfamaryam Luwam Solomon , Weldemaryam Ruth Zeragaber , Teweldebrhan Samuel Sibhat , Gebreweldi Frezghi Hidray , Gebregziabher Nahom Kiros , Giliu Samson Mehari
Published: June 2020

Background: The highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the world is in sub Saharan Africa. Thus, out of the twenty countries with the highest rate of teen marriage, Eritrea ranked fourteenth. This aim of this study was to assess adverse outcomes associated with teenage pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was followed for 424 nulliparous pregnant women between the age of 14 and 24 years. The maternity clinical record was used to review data on maternal spontaneous abortions, preterm birth, method of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, perineal laceration, baby weight, Apgar score at 5 minute and congenital anomalies were taken as our variables of interest. Moreover, face-to-face interview was conducted to enlighten the socio demographic characteristics, circumcision status of the mother and antenatal care visits during their last pregnancy. Descriptive and inferential data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression were also used.Results: The socio demographic characteristic of the study shows that the educational status of teenage mother was low compared to adult mothers; in addition unmarried teenage mothers were high compared to adult mothers. In this study teenage mothers had significantly higher anemia, preterm delivery, Post partum hemorrhage and low birth weight babies as compared to the adult mothers. Also the study revealed that compared to adult mothers, teenage mothers had significantly higher abnormal delivery mode with low Apgar score among teenage mothers.Conclusions: In this study adolescent pregnancy was found to be associated with increased outcomes of anemia, preterm birth, low birth weight, abnormal delivery and post-partum hemorrhage. Even though preeclampsia and Apgar score were not significantly different between adolescents and adult mothers this should not be ignored and just bypass it not as adverse outcomes of teenage.
Expanding the Reach. Traditional Ecological Knowledge And Technological Intensification in Beekeeping Among The Ogiek of Mau Forest, Kenya
Authors: Zocchi Dauro Mattia , Volpato Gabriele , Mutiso Duncan Chalo , Mutiso Patrick Chalo , Fontefrancesco Michele Filippo
Published: June 2020

BackgroundInitiatives for the promotion and intensification of beekeeping through the introduction of modern beehives are taking place in East Africa and elsewhere where beekeeping has been a long-standing livelihood practice. When innovations are introduced into people’s livelihoods and culture, they can trigger multiple changes, aligned or not with the original intentions. We carried out fieldwork in the Eastern part of the Mau Forest Complex, focusing on beekeeping activities among Ogiek beekeepers involved in a project aimed at promoting honey production through the modernization of the apiculture sector. The main aim of the study was to explore the relationships, tensions and complementarity of traditional and modern knowledge and practices and the ways in which they are employed in beekeeping strategies among the Ogiek, as well as to reflect on the changes that this intensification process triggers in the livelihoods of the Ogiek and in their relationship with Mau ForestMethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews and free listing exercises with 30 Ogiek beekeepers. Other methods included guided field walks in apiaries and participant observation. We collected ethnobotanical data about the flora used in beekeeping and ethnographic information on traditional practices of apiary management and honey harvesting and storing.Results We report 66 species that are important for beekeeping purposes in 6 main use categories, namely melliferous species, and species used for making hives, placing hives, attracting bees, harvesting and storing honey. Our study reveals that the Ogiek still possess detailed knowledge of the forest’s flora and its importance and uses. At the same time, they have moved beekeeping out of the forest into open areas of pasture and crop fields, adopting modern beekeeping techniques. The two beekeeping systems have complementary roles in the livelihoods of the Ogiek and rely on different paths of knowledge transmission and on different plant species. We highlight that modern and traditional beekeeping respond to the challenges and requirements of different ecological settings.ConclusionsOur study indicates a complementarity of traditional and modern beekeeping and associated knowledge and practices within the livelihoods of the Ogiek, but it also suggests that the process of honey production intensification, by decoupling beekeeping from the forest, may weaken the relationship between the Ogiek and the forest, thus impairing the Ogiek’s role as guardians of the forest, and eroding beekeeping-associated TEK. Further studies should target the promotion of forest beekeeping via the intensification of log hive production and valorisation of forest honey and associated TEK as well as floristic diversity.
Measuring Patient Satisfaction in an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. What Factors Play a Role?
Authors: Romanowicz Magdalena , Oesterle Tyler , Croarkin Paul E. , Sutor Bruce
Published: June 2020

IntroductionPatient satisfaction is defined as the perception that one’s general health care needs are being met. Prior research suggests that positive patient satisfaction with health care facilitates the physician-patient relationship and enhances the quality of life. Unfortunately, little is known about what factors play a role in influencing patient satisfaction. Objective The primary purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction (as measured by the PSQ-18 Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire) of patients seen by general psychiatry residents and to examine what factors might impact patient satisfaction. A secondary purpose was to explore the effects of (three one hour sessions) mentalization skills training on the physician-patient relationship and patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that depressive and anxiety symptoms would negatively impact patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that patients’ satisfaction scores would improve if care was provided by residents who completed mentalization training.MethodsThis was a prospective case-control study, enrolling adult patients (n = 157) referred for psychiatric assessment in a psychiatric resident outpatient clinic. The Short Form PSQ-18 for patients was the primary outcome variable and was compared to Patient Health Questionaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale (GAD-7) questionnaires. Outcome data from the PSQ-18 was compared among residents who either had or had not completed mentalization training. The data were analyzed with univariate analyses and to test multiple linear regression. ResultsOverall the patients were satisfied with clinician communication and interpersonal manner (PSQ-18 average scores of 4.21 +/- 0.66 and 4.15+/-0.69 respectively). The patients score on PHQ-9 was inversely related to their scores on time spent (TS) [p = 0.01] and accessibility/convenience (AC) [0.0009] subscale of patient satisfaction. GAD-7 score was inversely related to patients scores on AC subscale (p = 0.01). In regards to mentalization training, there was no difference in IRI (Interpersonal Reactivity Index) scores between the groups aside from Perspective taking (PT) subscale ( p = 0.029). Conclusions Our study reveals that depression and anxiety can negatively impact PSQ-18 patient scoring in psychiatric outpatients seen for the first time in a resident clinic. However, this study failed to show that a brief mentalization- based training could improve patient satisfaction scores that were already quite high at baseline.
Examining Long-Term Effects of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Recommendation Messages: A 4-Month Follow-up Survey of a Randomized Controlled Study in Japan
Authors: Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Hirono , Ueno Haruka , Okada Hiroko , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: June 2020

Background: We previously conducted a randomized controlled study to examine persuasive messages recommending HPV vaccination to mothers with daughters in September 2017 in Japan. Our previous study showed that the three types of intervention message used (statistical information only, a patient’s narrative in addition to statistical information, and a mother’s narrative in addition to statistical information) all significantly improved mothers’ intention to have their daughter(s) receive the HPV vaccine, in comparison with mothers who received no messaging. The present study is a follow-up survey to assess the long-term effect of the intervention in our previous study.Methods: Four months after the initial study, in January 2018, participants in the previous study were contacted and queried about their current intention to have their daughter(s) receive the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis was conducted using the paired t-test and analysis of variance.Results: A total of 978 mothers participated in the current survey. Vaccination intention 4 months after intervention had decreased to a level that did not differ significantly from the level prior to intervention in all three intervention conditions. The amount of change in vaccination intention 4 months after intervention did not differ significantly among the three intervention groups (p=0.871).Conclusions: A single exposure to messaging was insufficient to produce a persistent intervention effect; repeated exposure to messaging coupled with other interventions may be important.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Mortality for Young Adults with Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Yanjiao , Huang Zhenli , Wang Meijia , Tang Kun , Wang Shanshan , Gao Pengfei , Xie Jungang , Wang Tao , Zhao Jianping
Published: June 2020

Background and objective: Little is yet known whether pathogenesis of COVID-19 is different between young and elder patients. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and provide predictors of mortality for young adults with severe COVID-19.Methods: A total of 77 young adults with confirmed severe COVID-19 were recruited retrospectively at Tongji Hospital. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. The prognostic effects of variables were analyzed using logistic regression model.Results: In this retrospective cohort, non-survivors showed higher incidence of dyspnea and co-existing laboratory abnormalities, compared with young survivals in severe COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lymphopenia, elevated level of d-dimer, hypersensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-CTnI) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were independent predictors of mortality in young adults with severe COVID-19. Further analysis showed that severely young adults with two or more factors abnormalities above would be more prone to death. The similar predictive effect of above four factors had been observed in all-age patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusion: Lymphopenia, elevated level of d-dimer, hs-CTnI and hs-CRP predicted clinical outcomes of young adults with severe COVID-19.
Analysis of microbial changes in the rhizosphere of unplanted and planted Atractylodes lancea via high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Xu Yan , Niu Junfeng , Chen Lijun , Wu Xiaoqiang , Dong Zhongmin , wang zhezhi
Published: May 2020

Background

Atractylodes lancea is a traditional Chinese medicine, which typically requires more than 3–4 years of continuous cropping to obtain the underground medicinal components. With continuous cropping years, the quality and yields of A. lancea medicinal materials decrease, while pests and diseases increase. These aspects are intimately correlated with rhizospheric microorganisms.
Methods

This research paper employed high-throughput sequencing for its detection in soil that was cultivated for three years and never cultivated to clarify the relationship between the microbial diversity of the rhizosphere and continuous A. lancea cropping.
Results

The rhizosphere microbial community was altered following the continuous cropping of A. lancea. The bacterial diversity and richness were observed to decrease, while the fungal community diversity increased, and richness decreased. The total OUTs of the soil bacteria and fungi of unplanted and planted A. lancea were 59.58% and 37.65%, respectively. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi decreased, whereas the relative abundance of Mortierellomycota increased. At the genus level, Bradyrhizobium, Striaticonidium, Dactylonectria, Sphingomonas, Burkholderiaceae, Rhodanobacter, Arthrobacter, Scleroderma, Mortierella and Penicillium were significantly different between the two sample groups.
Conclusions

Our results revealed that following the cultivation of A. lancea, the rhizospheric microbial community was altered. This study preliminarily determined the
Development and optimization of HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of four terpene trilactones in Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts based on Quality by Design principles
Authors: Zhang Sijie , Wu Linlin , Wang Xiaoping , Gong Xingchu , Qu Haibin
Published: May 2020

Background

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGBL) is one of the most commonly used and most studied herbal medicines around the world. Taking into account that previously reported HPLC-ELSD methods for terpene trilactones determination in EGBL are time-consuming with complicated sample preparation, it is reasonable and meaningful to developing a simple, sensitive and robust HPLC-MS method based on a novel analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach.
Methods

Firstly, analytical target profile (ATP) and systematic risk analysis were carried out to identify potential critical method attributes (CMAs) and critical method parameters (CMPs). Secondly, CMPs were identified using a standard partial regression coefficient method. Thirdly, Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to establish the quantitative relationship between CMAs and CMPs. Fourthly, the Monte Carlo simulation method was used to build hypercube design space. Then, the verification experiments were performed. Fifthly, the optimized method was validated and utilized. Finally, the paired t test was used to compare the developed method with HPLC-ELSD.
Results

After the screening experiments, flow rate of mobile phase, the proportion of formic acid in the mobile phase, gas flow rate and gas temperature were identified as CMPs. Models to quantitatively describe the relationship between CMAs and CMPs were built. The operational hypercube design spaces of the HPLC-MS method for terpene trilactones analysis in EGBL were successfully calculated and found to be robust, which led to the analytical control strategy. The verification experiments were successfully performed within the design space and model was found to be accurate. The method had been successfully used for quality analysis of development batches of EGBL and obtained almost identical results to data determinated using HPLC.
Conclusions

In this work, an analytical control strategy for HPLC-MS method for terpene trilactones analysis in EGBL was developed using AQbD concepts, which is promising for application to other Chinese medicines. The developed HPLC-MS method is an alternative method for quantification of terpene trilactones in commercial EGBL and will be applicable throughout the life cycle of the product.
Ambient PM2.5 induces brain injury through PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway
Authors: Song Liying , Pan Kun , Du Xihano , Jiang Shuo , Zeng Xuejiao , Zhang Jia , Lei Lei , Zhang Mengdi , Zhang Yuwen , Zhou Ji , Xie Yuquan , Zhao Jinzhuo
Published: May 2020

Background Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 )-induced neurological and mental diseases, such as cognitive impairment and stroke, tend to cause disability. In this study, we plan to find the appropriate biological indicators reflecting the early effects of PM 2.5 exposure and explore the toxicity of inhaling PM 2.5 along with its pathological mechanism on nervous system. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 6 groups and exposed to concentrated PM 2.5 or filtered air for 2, 4 and 6 months, respectively. Their performances of ethology were tested by Morris water maze, elevated plus maze and buried food pellet test. Weight of whole brain and olfactory bulbs were recorded when the mice were sacrificed and the brain structure was observed by HE staining. ROS, SOD, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, BDNF, β-hydroxybutyric, IgG, albumin, fibrinogen and plasminogen were tested. The mRNA expressions of the cortex were detected by RNA sequencing and real-time PCR, and the corresponding proteins were detected by Western blot. Results The spatial learning memory ability were impaired and the mice performed anxiously after PM 2.5 exposure. Relative brain weight decreased along with age and PM 2.5 inhaled exposure exceeded the process. But neuronal morphology, inflammatory cytokines, ROS, β-hydroxybutyric, BDNF, IgG and fibrinogen did not change. Intriguingly, SOD and albumin decreased, while plasminogen increased after PM 2.5 exposure. PI3K-AKT-FoxO1 pathway was activated after 6-month PM 2.5 exposure. Conclusion Albumin, A/G value and plasminogen are main serum indicators of early-stage (2 month) PM 2.5 exposure, and long-term (6 month) PM 2.5 exposure induced brain injury potentially through the activation of PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway.
A knowledge based hierarchical reliability allocation (HIRAL) approach for shipboard systems
Authors: Cicek Kadir
Published: May 2020

Reliability has become a greater concern in ship-board systems due to increasing technology, system complexity and multiple design demands. Enhancement the reliability of ship-board systems promotes to ensure safe and continuous operation onboard a ship. To enhance the reliability of ship-board system, it is essential to figure out each individual component reliability. Within this scope, reliability allocation analysis turns into an onerous task to enhance the reliability of ship-board systems through identification of possible component-based design, construction and operation optimizations. This study proposes a hybrid reliability allocation methodology based on hierarchical structure with the integration of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), data envelopment analysis (DEA) and feasibility of objectives (FOO) methods. The proposed methodology provides reliability allocation analysis for systems with any number of components. Also, the study figures out the usefulness of the adaptation of AHP-DEA into reliability allocation analysis. To demonstrate the applicability of proposed methodology, a case study on steering gear system is presented.
Hybrid Grid Generation for Viscous Flow Simulations in Complex Geometries
Authors: Ye Hongfei , Liu Yang , Chen Bo , Liu Zhiwei , Zheng Jianjing , Pang Yufei , Chen Jianjun
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present a hybrid grid generation approach for viscous flow simulations by marching a surface triangulation on viscous walls along certain directions. Focuses are on the computing strategies used to determine the marching directions and distances since these strategies determine the quality of the resulting elements and the reliability of the meshing procedure to a large extent. With respect to marching direction, three strategies featured with different levels of efficiencies and robustness performance are combined to compute the initial normals at front nodes to balance the trade-off between efficiency and robustness. A novel weighted strategy is used in the normal smoothing scheme, which evidently reduce the possibility of early stop of front generation at complex corners. With respect to marching distances, the distance settings at concave and/or convex corners are locally adjusted to smooth the front shape at first; a further adjustment is then conducted for front nodes in the neighbourhood of gaps between opposite viscous boundaries. These efforts, plus other special treatments such as multi-normal generation and fast detection of local/global intersection, as a whole enable the setup of a hybrid mesher that could generate qualitied viscous grids for geometries with industry-level complexities.
Polymorphisms in the airway epithelium related genes CDHR3 and EMSY are associated with asthma susceptibility
Authors: Zhang Miao miao , Chen Guo , Wang Yu , Wu Shou quan , Sandford Andrew J , He Jian-Qing
Published: June 2020

Background: As a main line of defense of the respiratory tract, the airway epithelium plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. CDHR3 and EMSY were reported to be expressed in the human airway epithelium. Although previous genome-wide association studies found that the two genes were associated with asthma susceptibility, similar observations have not been made in the Chinese Han population. Methods: A total of 300 asthma patients and 418 healthy controls who were unrelated Chinese Han individuals were enrolled. Tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (Tag-SNPs) were genotyped and the associations between SNPs and asthma risk were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the A allele of rs3847076 in CDHR3 was associated with increased susceptibility to asthma (OR = 1.407, 95% CI: 1.030-1.923). For the EMSY gene, the T alleles of both rs2508746 and rs12278256 were related with decreased susceptibility to asthma (additive model: OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.536-0.961; OR = 0.558, 95% CI: 0.332-0.937, respectively). In addition, the GG genotype of rs1892953 showed an association with increased asthma risk under the recessive model (OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 1.104-2.518) and the GATCTGAGT haplotype in EMSY was associated with reduced asthma risk (P = 0.037). Conclusions: This study identified novel associations of rs3847076 in CDHR3, as well as rs1892953, rs2508746 and rs12278256 in EMSY with adult asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. Our observations suggest that CDHR3 and EMSY may play important roles in the pathogenesis of asthma in Chinese individuals. Further study with larger sample size is needed.
Covid 19 pandemic: Paranasal diagnostic imaging in patients with olfactory loss
Authors: Yıldız Erkan , Balcı Aydın , Selendili Okan , Kuzu Selçuk
Published: May 2020

Objective: COVID-19; It is an infectious disease that starts with cold symptoms and causes Acute Respiratory Failure, causing deaths all over the world. Besides the common symptoms of the disease such as fever, dyspnea and cough, recently, a “sudden loss of smell” has been added as a diagnostic symptom.Materials and Methods: Clinical and demographic features, Tomography results, and odor test scores of 40 patients diagnosed as sudden olfactory loss using Connecticut (CCCRC) Olfactory Test ”will be evaluated together, and odor disorder and clinical and radiological findings will be compared.Results: There was no significant difference in smell loss in terms of gender. No relationship was found between smoking and degree of smell disorder. (p> 0.05) When we evaluated the paranasal CTs taken from our patients with odor loss, 2 patients' CT showed pathological findings (p <0.05). As the patients' illness worsened, an increase in the degree of odor loss was observed (p <0.05). Between the CCCRC score and presence of PNS CT findings, a significant statistical relationship was found (p = 0.0012)Conclusion : Olfactory loss was not related to age, gender, smoking. PNS CT findings were significantly correlated with the degree of olfactory loss. In patients with olfactory loss, evaluation with a PNS CT may be diagnostic in terms of COVID-19. However, in order for this examination to be diagnostic, a larger patient series is needed.
An Autonomic Approach to Enhance Web Application Availability
Authors: Fakhouri Hussam N.
Published: May 2020

Autonomic computing is one of the fascinating features that enable the system to automatically manage itself, diagnose itself, detect the error that cause the failure, then recover and reconfigure the system. The concept of software, systems and web self healing is widely used in many software such as windows operating system which restores and recover tools. Since of the aim of the self healing software feature is to fast recover the application and keep running it and available for 24/7 as optimal as possible then it will a suitable to apply this capability to the web applications to fast recover from any unexpected change that may happen. This paper proposes a self-healing system that monitor, diagnose, check and heal web applications automatically and immediately with unnoticeable recovery time. To test the practical applicability of the proposed methodology, an application has been developed to demonstrate the methodology and apply it for real time web applications. The results of experiments performed on different scenarios demonstrated the ability of the proposed approach to heal web applications and to increase its availability.
Higher prevalence of ESBL producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli among Diabetic patients from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Kathmandu
Authors: Nayaju Tulsi , Upreti Milan Kumar , Ghimire Alina , Shrestha Basudha , Maharjan Basanta , Joshi Rajesh Dhoj , Lekhak Binod , Shrestha Upendra Thapa
Published: June 2020

Background: The increased rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) in immunocompromised patients especially diabetic patients is a major public health problem in adults. Moreover, the infection with multidrug resistant strains producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) is a key obstacle in disease management among such vulnerable population. An immediate proper treatment depends on rapid diagnosis of UTI and screening of antimicrobial resistant pattern with highly sensitive methods which also reduces the possible urinary complications among the diabetic patients. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the occurrence of antibiotic resistant genes for β-lactamases; blTEM and blaCTX-M in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from UTI suspected diabetic and non-diabetic patients. attendingMethods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu Model Hospital in association with Central Department of Microbiology, TU from June to December 2018. A total of 1267 non-duplicate mid-stream urine specimens from diabetic and non-diabetic patients were obtained and processed immediately for isolation of uropathogens. The isolates were subjected for antibiotic susceptibility testing and ESBL confirmation. Finally, blaTEM and blaCTX-M ESBL genes were screened by using specific primers.Results: The overall prevalence of the urinary tract infection UTI was found to be 17.20%(218/1267) , out of which diabetic patients were significantly more infected with UTI accounting for 32.29%(31/96) as compared to non-diabetic persons, 15.97%(187/1171). A total of 221 bacterial were from 218 culture positive specimens in which E . coli was a most predominate one; 67.9%(150/221.). Forty-four percent (66/150) of the total E. coli was MDR and 37.33%(56/150) were ESBL producers. Among 56 isolates, 92.3%(12/13) from diabetic patents and 83.0% (44/53) were from non-diabetic patients. Furthermore, 84.85% of the screened ESBL producers were confirmed to possess either single or both of the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes . The blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes were detected in 53.57% and 87.5% of the phenotypically ESBL confirmed E. coli .Conclusions: The UTI infection is an increasing problem in diabetic patients and infection with multidrug resistant strains specially ESBL producing uropathogens are causing a huge problem in disease management leading to high rate of mortality and morbidity of diabetic patients.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Interleukin-17 and Hormonal Receptors in Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Ali Eman , Masri Mai , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Muneer Mohamed , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Edris Ali Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

Objectives:IL17 is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in inflammation, multidrug resistance and growth persistence pathways in cancer. This study is aiming at studying the expression of IL17 and hormonal receptors expressionin benign and malignant breast lesions using immunohistochemical staining methods.Results:A total of 137 cases of breast lesions were studied,97 (70.8%) were malignant and 40 (29.2%) were benign cases. Age range for malignant and benign cases were between 26 to 80 years [mean age 50±2 years], and 20 to 70 years[mean age 41±4 years], respectively, Odds ratio= 2.3 [1.78-1.99, 95% CI].The majority of the histopathological diagnosis of the benign and malignant lesions were 21 (15.3%) fibro-adenomas and 87 (63.5%) invasive ductal carcinoma, respectively. Expression of IL17 and age were insignificantly negatively correlated for both groups; benign cases [r= -0.054, P value 0.742] and malignant cases [r= -0.080, P value 0.444]. IL17 expression was showing insignificant association with age group, P value 0.065. IL17 expression showed a statistical significance based on the different histopathological diagnosis, P value 0.035. Expression levels of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal receptors were showing insignificant difference among IL17 expression categories, P values 0.678, 0.623, and 0.361, respectively.
Identification of Key Genes and MicroRNAs in Gastric Cancer via miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network
Authors: Huang Chao , Zhu Xiaojian , Zhao Jiefeng , Bu Fanqin , Huang Jun , Zhu Zhengming
Published: June 2020

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with high mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in various biological processes and disease pathogenesis by targeting messenger RNA (mRNA). The purpose of this study was to identify potential prognostic molecular markers of GC and to characterize the molecular mechanisms of GC.
Methods

A gene expression profiling dataset (GSE54129) and miRNA expression profiling dataset (GSE113486) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A miRNA-mRNA interaction network was established. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) using FunRich, the clusterProfiler package, and DIANA-mirPath. Survival analysis of key molecular markers was performed using the online tool Kaplan-Meier Plotter and the database OncomiR. Finally, experiments were carried out to verify the expression levels and biological functions of a key gene.
Results

A total of 390 DEMs and 341 DEGs were identified. Ultimately, 45 genes and 31 miRNAs were selected to establish a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Four hub genes (ZFPM2, FUT9, NEUROD1 and LIPH) and six miRNAs (hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-miR-23b-3p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-133b, hsa-miR-130a-3p and hsa-miR-124-3p) were identified in the network. DEGs and DEMs were associated with ECM-receptor interactions and metabolic pathways. Two genes (ZFPM2 and LIPH) and two miRNAs (hsa-miR-23a-3p and hsa-miR-130a-3p) were observed to be related to the prognosis of GC. ZFPM2 was highly expressed in GC tissues and various GC cell lines and could promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells.
Conclusion

The expression levels of ZFPM2, LIPH, hsa-miR-23a-3p and hsa-miR-130a-3p were closely related to the prognosis of GC. ZFPM2 may serve as a potential molecular marker and therapeutic target for GC. ECM receptor interactions and metabolic abnormalities play a critical role in the GC progression.
Mathematical model of transmission dynamics with mitigation and health measures for SARS-CoV-2 infection in European countries
Authors: Sankhwar Shweta , Kumar Narender , Dohare Ravins
Published: May 2020

The pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continue to pose a serious threat to global health resulting in disease COVID-19. No specific drug or vaccine is available against this infection. Therefore, the prevention is only way to reduce the spread of infection. The pandemic needs an enhanced mathematical model, therefore, we propose a SEIAJR compartmental mathematical model to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0 ) and the transmission dynamics of four European countries (Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Spain). The proposed mathematical model incorporates mitigation and healthcare measures as recommended by ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). The simulation of proposed model is done in two phases. First-phase simulation estimates basic reproduction number and mitigation rate according to active infected cases in all four European countries. R0 estimate 2.82 - 3.3 for considered European countries. Second-phase simulation predicts the dynamics of infection on the estimated R0 with varying mitigation rate and constant healthcare rate. This study predicts that no more mitigation is required to invade the infection. The current mitigation and healthcare measures are enough to stop the propogation of infection, however, infection would last by end of July 2020. The developed mathematical model would also be applicable to portray the infection trasmission dynamics for other geographical regions with varying parameters.
Severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura in critical COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Lévesque Valérie , Milaire Émilie , Corsilli Daniel , Rioux-Massé Benjamin , Carrier François Martin
Published: May 2020

Purpose: COVID-19 is a new disease with many undescribed clinical manifestations. Material and methods: We report herein a case of severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in a critical COVID-19 patient.Results: A patient presented a severe episode of immune thrombocytopenia (< 10 x 109/L) 20 days after admission for a critical COVID-19. This thrombocytopenia was associated with a life-threatening bleeding. Response to first-line therapies was delayed as it took up to 13 days after initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin and high dose dexamethasone to observe an increase in platelet count. Conclusion: COVID-19 may be associated with late presenting severe ITP. Such ITP may also be relatively resistant to first-line agents. Hematological manifestations of COVID-19, such as the ones associated with life-threatening bleeding, must be recognized.
Revisiting the role of vitamin D levels in the prevention of COVID-19 infection and mortality in European countries post infections peak
Authors: Singh Samer , Kaur Rajinder , Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2020

Various studies are underway to identify protective variables for the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that if indeed the Vitamin D levels would be protective in the European population, as recently proposed, the correlation would become more robust when the countries had passed the infection peak as on May 12, 2020, compared to April 8, 2020, when the majority had not. Comparative analysis of data from the mentioned stages indicated a significant increase in negative correlation of vitamin D levels with COVID-19 cases per million population in later stage (r(20): -0.5504; R2=0.3029; p-value: 0.0119 vs r(20): -0.4435; R2=0.1967; p-value: 0.0501) whereas the correlation with deaths per million population became insignificant (r(20): -0.3935; R2=0.1549; p-value: 0.0860 vs r(20): -0.4378; R2=0.1917; p-value: 0.0535). Considering divergence of vitamin D levels from the mean in subgroups, e.g. children, women, aged, dedicated exploratory studies with carefully chosen matched target groups is advisable.
Evolution of effective serial interval of SARS-CoV-2 by non-pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Ali Sheikh Taslim , Wang Lin , Lau Eric H. Y. , Xu Xiao-Ke , Du Zhanwei , Wu Ye , Leung Gabriel M. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: June 2020

Studies of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have reported varying estimates of epidemiological parameters such as serial intervals and reproduction numbers. By compiling a unique line-list database of transmission pairs in mainland China, we demonstrated that serial intervals of COVID-19 have shortened substantially from a mean of 7.8 days to 2.6 days within a month. This change is driven by enhanced non-pharmaceutical interventions, in particular case isolation. We also demonstrated that using real-time estimation of serial intervals allowing for variation over time would provide more accurate estimates of reproduction numbers, than by using conventional definition of fixed serial interval distributions. These findings are essential to improve the assessment of transmission dynamics, forecasting future incidence, and estimating the impact of control measures.
Structural characterisation of a nanobody derived from a naïve library that neutralises SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Huo Jiangdong , Bas Audrey Le , Ruza Reinis R. , Duyvesteyn Helen M.E. , Mikolajek Halina , Malinauskas Tomas , Tan Tiong Kit , Rijal Pramila , Dumoux Maud , Ward Philip N. , Ren Jingshan , Zhou Daming , Harrison Peter J. , Radeke Julika , Zhao Yuguang , Gilbert-Jaramillo Javier , Knight Michael , Carrique Loic , Shah Pranav N.M. , James William , Townsend Alain , Stuart David I. , Owens Raymond J. , Naismith James H.
Published: June 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is more transmissible than previous coronaviruses and causes a more serious illness than seasonal flu. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Spike protein binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor as a prelude to viral entry into the cell. Using a naïve llama single chain nanobody library and PCR maturation we have produced a nanobody, H11-D4, with a KD 9 nM for RBD that blocks the binding of RBD to the ACE2. Single particle cryo-electron microscopy revealed that H11-D4 binds to each of the three RBDs in the Spike trimer. The 1.8 Å crystal structure of the H11-D4 – RBD complex has illuminated the molecular interactions that drive the high affinity. H11-D4 binds to an epitope on RBD that overlaps with the ACE2 binding, explaining the blocking of ACE2 binding. The nanobody showed potent neutralising activity against live SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Effect of Ethyl Methanesulfonate on Induced Morphological Variation in M3 Generation of Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum
Authors: Purente Nuananong , Chen Bin , Liu Xiaowei , Zhou Yunwei , He Miao
Published: June 2020

Mutation breeding is considered to be economic and efficient in plant improvement, and the use of chemical mutagens such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) can potentially address plant breeding challenges. The aim of this study was to induce morphological mutants in C. indicum var. aromaticum using EMS treatments with different doses, and to analyze the morphological and physiological traits of obtained mutants in expectation of finding favorable mutants. Results revealed significant effects of EMS doses on seed germination. The sample germination rate significantly decreased with increasing of EMS doses. The obtained morphological mutants were two viable types, containing leaf and stem mutants. Overall leaf size was significantly larger as a result of EMS treatments. And the height of mutant plants was significantly higher. Anatomical characteristics exhibited changes in both leaves and stems of the mutant plants. The puncture strength of the bent stem from the mutant plants was low, with weak penetration resistance. The total lignin and cellulose contents of mutant plants stem decreased significantly as a result of the EMS treatments. These results demonstrate the efficiency of EMS to induce mutations in C. indicum var. aromaticum, and this method can be useful in the future to assist breeding of this plant.
Oral Care for Neuroscience patients in New Zealand – A national survey
Authors: Woon Caroline
Published: June 2020

Aims: To understand the experience and knowledge of neuroscience nurses working in acute ward settings in New Zealand regarding oral care.

To determine what educational requirements were needed to standardise oral care.

Data sources: A systematic review of articles was conducted using Cinahl, PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar between 2007-2019.

Methods: An online survey using Survey Monkey with three out of five units participating from the north and South Island of New Zealand using qualitative and quantitative data.

Results: 34% of nurses completed the survey from three different neuroscience wards. Oral hygiene education was provided to the majority of respondents during their initial nursing training, however this was considered inadequate and most nurses did not receive oral hygiene education since their training. It was considered that there was a lack of oral care assessment tools and guidelines available in New Zealand. A lack of evidence-based practice existed. Therefore, inconsistencies over products and frequency of care was problematic. Barriers to effective oral care included the uncooperative patient, lack of access to the mouth and a perceived lack of time to provide oral care.

Conclusion: The experience and knowledge of neuroscience nurses in this study was varied. An opportunity existed to implement an oral assessment tool and guideline which could improve the oral care of the neuroscience patient and standardize care throughout New Zealand. Oral hygiene education should be provided and available for nursing students, registered nurses, health care assistants, patients and family to ensure consistent effective oral care.

Impact: As a result of this study, a guideline and assessment flowchart were created with an online e-learning experience. This was distributed to a number of hospitals nationwide to ensure standardization of care across all neuroscience wards.
Pergulatan Kelompok Civil Islam Arus Utama dan Sempalan dalam Ranah Private, Public, Market, dan State: Pendekatan Sosiologis
Authors: Adeni Adeni , Hamid Nur
Published: May 2020

The presence of the new Islamic civil society movement, which is generally represented by the salafism ideology, is a challenge for mainstream Islamic organizations such as NU and Muhammadiyah. The new Islamic civil group called the splinter moves massively in four main social domains, namely private, public, market, and state. By using a qualitative method based on the sociological approach, this article will answer how the struggle between the mainstream Islamic civil groups and splinter civil groups in these four domains. This study concludes that the discourse of Islamic civil society in Indonesia today is very complex. Discourse does not only occur between state and non-state, but also between fellow Islamic civil groups. They contest each other in developing the private sphere, showing their existence in the public sphere, controlling and developing economic/market resources, and involving themselves in government/politics. Each group has their respective strategies in displaying their role so that it often causes friction. This condition requires open communication, mutual understanding and cooperation between all Islamic civil groups.
Strategi Pengembangan Bisnis Wisata Syariah Pada Masyarakat Pluralis di Kabupaten Ponorogo
Authors: Wati Ika Susila
Published: May 2020

The development of sharia tourism has a multidimensional impact. One of them is employment and poverty alleviation, especially in Ponorogo, considering that is the 11th largest city contributing to Indonesian migrant workers. The development of the sharia tourism business is increasingly attractive, because the Ponorogo community is a pluralistic society, which embraces a variety of cultures, religions and creeds. So that the role of local government as a leading sector is needed to determine the planning and development of regional sharia tourism. For that we need the right strategy in the development of Islamic tourism in accordance with the characteristics of Ponorogo. In the formulation of the right strategy, data from Muslim, non-Muslim and local government communities is needed. The data is analyzed by the SWOT technique which is supported by internal and external factors. With the result has the potential in the development of sharia tourism considering there are still many natural tourism objects that have not been touched and developed by the community or local government. The development of Islamic tourism is approved by Muslim, non-Muslim communities, while maintaining their respective religious sites. The strategy generated from the SWOT analysis formed a map diagram of the development of sharia tourism business in Ponorogo.
Effect of human urine application on cabbage production and soil characteristics
Authors: Alemayehu Yitayal Addis , Demoz Assefa Adane , Degefu Mekonnen Amberber , Gebreeyessus Getachew Dagnew , Demessie Sintayehu Fetene
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of human urine on soil quality and salinity through repeated applications, and compare it with the effects of synthetic fertilizer and non-fertilized treatments. Six different fertilizer mixtures were applied to pots of head cabbage: 100% tap water, 100% urine, 1:1 urine and tap water, 1:2 urine and tap water, 1:3 urine and tap water, and synthetic fertilizer. The study design was completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications of pot-based experiments. The growth and yield parameters of producing head cabbage (Brassica oleracea) among treatments were compared. Soil residual test of the optimum treatment was also conducted for the optimum treatment to examine the effect on its characteristics. The optimum yield was obtained from the application of 1:3 of urine and water, and comparable to the synthetic fertilizer (F = 21.78; p = 0.964). The difference in the electrical conductivity of soil was statistically significant (F = 2.324; p = 0.049) after three rounds of applications which should be considered during urine fertilizer utilization. Generally, urine contains nutrients, which can substitute synthetic fertilizer, at a dilution factor of three. However, education should be delivered to enhance public acceptance and to create awareness on urine collection, storage and application for sustainable utilization.
Integrated water management recommendations in practice: coexistence of old and new ways in Arizona
Authors: Berger Lena , Henry Adam Douglas , Pivo Gary
Published: May 2020

Integrated water management (IWM) is widely regarded as a key strategy in achieving a variety of urban sustainability goals. Despite the promise of this strategy, however, uptake of IWM practices has generally been slow. A central reason for this lies in the divergence of action recommendations in the literature and actual water management praxis. In this paper, we explore how action taken by governments relate (or not) to IWM dimensions found in the literature. We do this by combining a corpus of actions taken by local governments in Arizona with a systematic review of the IWM literature. More precisely, we identify a confined set of IWM action dimensions particularly relevant to current praxis and apply these to water management practices reported by local governments in Arizona. We find that governments in the state systematically use IWM strategies to complement or enhance traditional water management approaches. Uptake differs across management spheres in terms of magnitude and form and is informed by contextual characteristics. Overall, our study indicates that transition may be guided by bottom-up experimentation, context-sensitive selection, and incremental change. This is in contrast to how IWM is often understood in the literature – as sharp shift and break with old traditions.