bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil Percentage and Neutrophil-to-Monocyte Ratio as Independent Risk Factors in the Severity of COVID-19
Authors: Peng Fei , Lei Si , Wu Chenfang , Yu Bo , Zhong Yanjun , Wu Shangjie
Published: August 2020

BackgroundInflammation plays an important role in progression of the various viral pneumonia containing COVID-19, severe inflammatory responses could lead to an imbalance of immune response. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of the white blood count, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission to reflect the clinical severity in patients with COVID‐19.MethodsClinical and laboratory data of adult COVID-19 patients in Changsha, China, were collected and analyzed on admission. A logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the association between the disease severity and related risk factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to analyze the abilities of potential risk factors in the prediction of COVID-19 severity.ResultsCompared with non-severe patients, the severe ones had significantly higher levels of neutrophil percentage (74.9% vs. 62.1%; P < 0.001), NLR (4.1 vs. 2.1; P < 0.001) and NMR (12.4 vs. 8.0; P < 0.001). A regression analysis showed that neutrophil percentage (OR,1.113; 95% CI, 1.020-1.213; P=0.016) and NMR (OR, 1.110; 95% CI, 1.002-1.230; P = 0.046) were significantly associated with severity of COVID-19 patients. ROC curve showed that the area under the curves of neutrophil percentage, NMR and the combination of them were 0.842 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.782-0.902), 0.790 (95% CI, 0.710-0.871) and 0.851 (95% CI, 0.790-0.911), respectively.ConclusionsNeutrophil percentage and NMR may act as independent risk factors in the severity of COVID-19.
HDAC2 Inhibits EMT-Mediated Cancer Metastasis by Downregulating the Long Noncoding RNA H19 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hu Xue-ting , Xing Wei , Zhao Rong-sen , Tan Yan , Wu Xiao-feng , Ao Xiang , Ao Luo-quan , Li Zhan , Yao Meng-wei , Yuan Mu , Guo Wei , Li Sheng-ze , Yu Jian , Xu Xiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step for cancer metastasis, which is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. The role of HDACs-mediated deacytelation remains unclear in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Here, we revealed the biological role and underlying mechanism of histone deacetylase2 (HDAC2) in EMT-mediated CRC metastasis. Methods: The expression of HDACs in CRC was analyzed using the public database Oncomine and TCGA, human colorectal tumor primary sites and paired metastatic tissues, high or low metastatic CRC cell lines (DLD1, HCT116, SW480 and SW620). Microarray analysis was used to detect the gene expression changes in HDAC2 knock out CRC cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were determined using western blot and immunofluorescence. CRC cell metastasis was assessed by transwell assay. To study the underlying mechanism of HDAC2 in EMT-mediated CRC metastasis, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation, promoter activity, co-immunoprecipitation and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assays through using CRC cells and specific siRNAs targeting H19, SP1 and MMP14. Finally, CRC metastasis in vivo was performed using a tail vain injection model. Results: Our data showed that the expression of HDAC2 was reduced in CRC metastatic tissues and and low HDAC2 expression predicted a poor clinical prognosis in CRC patients. HDAC2 deletion or knock down in CRC cells induced EMT and metastasis by upregulating the long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19). HDAC2 decreased histone H3K27 acetylation at the promoter of LncRNA H19 and its expression via a SP1-dependent mechanism. LncRNA H19 functioned as a miR-22-3P sponge to increase the expression of MMP14. Finally, using a tail vain injection model, we showed the HDAC2 loss strongly induces lung metastasis, which is suppressed by LncRNA H19 knockdown. Conclusion: Our study proved that HDAC2 is a negative regulator of EMT-mediated CRC metastasis through regulating H19 and MMP14 expression.
Healthcare Seeking Behaviour of Pregnant Women in rural Amhara, Ethiopia: Perception of Healthcare Providers
Authors: Shiferie Fisseha , Berhane Yemane , Workneh Firehiwot
Published: August 2020

Background

Healthcare services utilization by pregnant women helps to improve the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and even after delivery. Various literatures show the strong association between women’s utilization of antenatal care services and factors such as urban residence, partners’ educational status, quality and cost of services, health beliefs, exposure to mass media, family income and service accessibility.
Methods

The study was conducted in South Gondar and West Gojjam zones in Amhara region of Ethiopia. A qualitative research design using in-depth interviews was employed to explore perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers with healthcare seeking behaviour of pregnant women. Tape recordings were transcribed verbatim in Amharic (the local language in the study area) and translated back to English. Transcripts were coded and data was analyzed manually using thematic content analysis approach.
Results

Pregnant women were found to have a good relationship with healthcare providers. In spite of their good relationship with healthcare providers, pregnant women were not using healthcare services per Ministry of Health recommendation. Although counseling was part of the routine antenatal care service, food taboos, those foods which are strictly forbidden for health, cultural, and religious reasons, has affected women from getting the recommended nutritional requirements during pregnancy. According to the data generated from this study, screening for routine laboratory services such as sexually transmitted infections and Urinary tract infections was performed in health centers. This study has also revealed that women preferred individual antenatal care service over group antenatal care or any form of gatherings like monthly conferences.
Conclusion

The trust built between healthcare providers and pregnant women has impacted the healthcare seeking behaviour of women positively. Healthcare seeking behaviour of women during pregnancy, birth and postpartum was highly influenced by religious and cultural factors. The healthcare seeking behaviour of pregnant women was also highly influenced by lack of transport access to healthcare facilities.
Comparison of respiratory pathogen colonization and antimicrobial susceptibility in people with cystic fibrosis versus non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A systematic review
Authors: Verma Salony , Mathew Joseph L , Ray Pallab
Published: August 2020

Background
Both cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis are characterized by permanent bronchial dilation, leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and development of chronic infections. Although the core airway microbiota in both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis may be similar, particular satellite microbes are associated with specific conditions. Moreover, there are several factors, which may be responsible for the disparity in antibiotic susceptibility profile between the CF and non-CF populations. Hence comparing the microbiota and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in CF bronchiectasis with non-CF bronchiectasis would aid in improved management of both the conditions.
Methods
Two authors will independently search the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE for studies reporting bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract determined by examination of any respiratory tract specimen, by conventional bacterial culture or specialized techniques; and/or antimicrobial susceptibility testing in adults and children diagnosed with bronchiectasis in either CF subjects or non-CF subjects. The authors will independently assess the risk of bias for each included study using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). We will present the data with descriptive statistics and provide pooled estimates of outcome parameters, wherever it is feasible to perform meta-analysis using a random effects model. Heterogeneity in studies will be explored by visual inspection of forest plot as well as using the Higgins and Thompson I2 method. We will contact the corresponding authors of studies where data is/are missing and try to obtain the missing data.
Discussion
To date, there are no locally applicable evidence-based guidelines for antimicrobial treatment of non-CF bronchiectasis patients. In general, treatment in non-CF bronchiectasis is based on extrapolation of clinical trials done in subjects with CF bronchiectasis. An insight into the microbiota and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns against specific organisms in both the conditions would facilitate appropriate rather than empiric therapy, and hopefully reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance created by rampant usage of antibiotics. Therefore, this systematic review is being undertaken to compare the respiratory tract colonization and antibacterial susceptibility pattern in people with cystic fibrosis versus non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Systematic review registration:
The protocol was submitted for publication in PROSPERO on June 26, 2020 (PROSPERO ID: 193859).
Comparison of functional microbial profile between mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste
Authors: Ao Tianjie , Xie Zhijie , Zhou Pan , Liu Xiaofeng , Wan Liping , Li Dong
Published: August 2020

Background

With increasing accumulation of vegetable waste in China, the valorization of vegetable waste becomes an urgent concern. Based on the characteristics of high moisture content and biodegradable organic matter of vegetable waste, anaerobic digestion as an effective technique was selected to reuse this kind of agriculture waste. The anaerobic digestion performance is highly correlated with the functional microbial community. In this study, mesophilic and thermophilic digestions of vegetable waste were conducted, and dynamics of the microbial community were investigated.
Results

The mesophilic and thermophilic collapsed stages occurred at organic loading rates of 1.5 and 2.0 g volatile solid (VS)/(L·d), respectively, due to severe accumulation of volatile fatty acids. The mesophilic digestion exhibited a higher microbial diversity and richness than the thermophilic digestion. Syntrophic acetate-oxidizing coupled with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the dominant pathway in the thermophilic stable system, and acetoclastic methanogenesis in the mesophilic stable system. The dominant acidogens, syntrophus, and methanogens were Candidatus_Cloacamonas, norank_f__Synergistaceae, Methanosaeta, and Methanosarcina in the mesophilic stable stage, and Anaerobaculum, Syntrophaceticus, Methanosarcina, and Methanothermobacter in thermophilic stable stage. Spirochaetae and Thermotogae phyla were the characteristic microorganisms in the mesophilic and thermophilic collapsed stages, respectively.
Conclusions

This study unveiled the distribution of the functional microbial consortia at the stable and collapsed periods of the anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions to providing guidelines for the further research of anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste.
Citrin Deficiency Mimicking Mitochondrial Depletion Syndrome
Authors: Grünert Sarah Catharina , Schumann Anke , Freisinger Peter , Rosenbaum-Fabian Stefanie , Schmidts Miriam , Mueller Amelie J , Beck-Wödl Stefanie , Haack Tobias B , Schneider Hendryk , Fuchs Hans , Teufel Ulrike , Gramer Gwendolyn , Hannibal Luciana , Spiekerkoetter Ute
Published: August 2020

BackgroundNeonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (CD) is a rare inborn error of metabolism due to variants in the SLC25A13 gene encoding the calcium-binding protein citrin. Citrin is an aspartate-glutamate carrier located within the inner mitochondrial membrane.Results We report on two siblings of Romanian-Vietnamese ancestry with citrin deficiency. Patient 1 is a female who presented at age 8 weeks with cholestasis, elevated lactate levels and recurrent severe hypoglycemia. Diagnosis was made by whole exome sequencing and revealed compound heterozygosity for the frameshift variant c.852_855del, p.Met285Profs*2 and a novel deletion c.(69+1_70-1)_(212+1_231-1)del in SLC25A13. The girl responded well to dietary treatment with a lactose-free, MCT-enriched formula. Her younger brother (Patient 2) was born one year later and also found to be carrying the same gene variants. Dietary treatment from birth was able to completely prevent clinical manifestation until his current age of 4.5 months.ConclusionAs CD is a well-treatable disorder it should be ruled out early in the differential diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. Due to the combination of hepatopathy, lactic acidosis and recurrent hypoglycemia the clinical presentation of CD may resemble hepatic mitochondrial depletion syndrome.
Analysis of genomic and non-genomic signalling of oestrogen receptor in PDX models of breast cancer treated with a combination of the PI3K inhibitor Alpelisib (BYL719) and fulvestrant
Authors: Romancer Muriel Le , Jacquemetton Julien , Kassem Loay , Poulard Coralie , Dahmani Ahmed , PLATER Ludmilla De , Montaudon Elodie , Sourd Laura , Morisset Ludivine , Botty Rania El , Chateau-Joubert Sophie , Vacher Sophie , Bieche Ivan , Treilleux Isabelle , Trédan Olivier , Marangoni Elisabetta
Published: August 2020

Background Endocrine therapies targeting oestrogen signalling have significantly improved breast cancer (BC) patient survival, although 40% of ERα-positive BCs do not respond to those therapies. Aside from genomic signalling, oestrogen triggers non-genomic pathways by forming a complex containing methylERα/Src/PI3K, a hallmark of aggressiveness and resistance to tamoxifen. We aimed to confirm the prognostic value of this complex and investigated whether its targeting could improve tumour response in vivo.Methods The interaction of ERα/Src and ERα/PI3K was studied by proximity ligation assay (PLA) in a cohort of 440 BC patients. We then treated patient-derived BC xenografts (PDXs) with fulvestrant or the PI3K inhibitor alpelisib (BYL719) alone or in combination. We analysed their anti-proliferative effects on 6 ERα + and 3 ERα- PDX models. Genomic and non-genomic oestrogen signalling were assessed by measuring ERα/PI3K interaction by PLA or the expression of key oestrogen target genes by RT-QPCR, respectively.Results We confirmed that ERα/Src and especially ERα/PI3K interaction were associated with a trend to poorer survival. In ERα + tumours, the combination of BYL719 and fulvestrant was more effective than fulvestrant alone in 3 models, irrespective of PI3K, PTEN status or ERα/PI3K targeting. Interestingly, in some ERα- models, fulvestrant alone impacted tumour growth and this was associated with a decrease in ERα/PI3K interaction.Conclusions Our results demonstrate that ERα/PI3K may constitute a new prognostic marker, as well as a new target in BC. Indeed, resistance to fulvestrant was clearly associated with a lack of ERα/PI3K targeting in the cytoplasm.
Predictive Parameters for the Worsening Clinical Course of Mild COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Hahm Cho Rom , Lee Young Kyung , Oh Dong Hyun , Ahn Mi Young , Choi Jae-Phil , Kang Na Ree , Oh Jungkyun , Choi Hanzo , Kim Suhyun
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to determine parameters for worsening oxygenation in mild COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia in a single public hospital in South Korea from January to April 2020. Parameters were compared between the two groups on the basis of clinical course: the desaturation group was defined as those with oxygen saturation ≤ 94% on ambient air, or received oxygen or mechanical ventilation (MV) throughout the clinical course versus the nonevent group who were without any respiratory event up to 28 days. The severity and extent of viral pneumonia from an initial single chest CT were calculated using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and measured visually by a radiologist. Results: We included 136 patients with 32 (23.5%) in the desaturation group, of whom two needed MV and one died. Initial vital signs and duration of symptoms showed no difference between the two groups, however, univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a variety of parameters at admission were associated with an increased risk of a desaturation event. In a sex-, age-, and comorbid illness-matched case-control study, ferritin ≥ 280 μg/L (OR 3.600, 95% CI 1.142-11.346; p=0.029), LDH≥ 240 U/L (OR 3.600, 95% CI 1.142-11.346; p=0.029), pneumonia burden (OR 1.010, 95% CI 1.002-1.019; p=0.021), and extent (OR 1.194, 95% CI 1.017-1.401; p=0.030) by AI, and visual severity scores (OR 1.146, 95% CI 1.005-1.307; p=0.042) were the predictive parameters for worsening clinical course with desaturation. Conclusion: Our study presents initial CT parameters measured by AI or visual severity scoring as well as serum markers of inflammation at admission as the best parameters for predicting worsening oxygenation in the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort. Initial chest CT scans may help clinicians diagnose viral pneumonia and evaluate the prognosis in mild COVID-19.
The primo vascular system is the substance of meridians.
Authors: Cha Yongchol , Choe Hyok , Oh Songjin , Cha Zinhwa
Published: August 2020

Background; The primo vascular system (PVS) is new circulatory system. However, the primo vascular system doesn’t achieve now on the valuation criteria on the substance of meridians, so that anyone can't prove that the primo vascular system is the substance of meridians. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to prove clinical-physiologically that the primo vascular system is the substance of acupuncture meridian.Methods: Meridian-like high thermal line (MLHTL) induced by the mineral pulse light stimulus on acupoints, and nephrotic syndrome treated simultaneously without any drug use, were researched and analyzed. Next, the inducing characteristic of meridian-like high thermal lines and, anatomic and electro-physiologic characteristic of PVS were researched and analyzed. Results: The KI, SP meridian-like high thermal line coinciding completely along the classic KI, SP meridian course, were induced by the mineral pulse light stimulus on SP6 acupoints, and simultaneously nephrotic syndrome in kidney, the internal target organ connected along KI meridian from the KI3, SP6 acupoints, was treated without any drug use. And the primo vascular system was basis tissue of MLHTL inducing. Conclusions: The primo vascular system was achieved completely to the valuation criteria on the substance of meridians. Thus, the primo vascular system is the substance of meridians.
Earnings management initiatives and selected characteristics of an entity: a case study of the Visegrad Four
Authors: Siekelova Anna , Valaskova Katarina , Machova Veronika
Published: August 2020

This paper responds to the current issue of Earnings Management (hereafter EM) initiatives in the Visegrad Four. The aim is to identify EM practices and determine a statistically significant relationship between EM practices and firm size, country, or business sector. The paper contains a literature review, bibliometric analysis, and a description of the methods used in the practical part. Many publications containing the term “EM” in scientific databases, a keyword science map for “EM” publications, a science map of the most cited contributions dealing with EM, a science map of countries with the highest number of cited publications with the term “EM”, and a science map of sources with the highest number of publications with the term “EM” are included. The analysis covers the period from 1900 to 2019. The study is focused on detecting the presence of EM initiatives in the Visegrad Four using the modified Jones model. Results confirmed the EM initiatives in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Poland, and Hungary. Using the one-way ANOVA test, a statistically significant relationship was confirmed between EM practices and firm size, country, and business sector. The study uses a sample of 250 financial statements of entities from each Visegrad Four country for the year 2018. The sample is adjusted for outliers using the IQR method. AcknowledgmentThis paper was financially supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency – Grant No. APVV-17-0546 Variant Comprehensive Model of Earnings Management in Conditions of The Slovak Republic as an Essential Instrument of Market Uncertainty Reduction.
O ACESSO À JUSTIÇA EM PONTA GROSSA-PR: UM OLHAR A PARTIR DOS RELATÓRIOS DA CIDH SOBRE ACESSO À JUSTIÇA NO BRASIL
Authors: Pacenko Malucelli Andressa , Milanese Buffara Julia Maria , Moreira Dircéia
Published: August 2020

Nos Estados latino-americanos, marcados majoritariamente por profunda desigualdade social, o acesso à justiça reveste-se de especial importância, uma vez que é principalmente por meio dele que se busca a efetivação dos demais direitos humanos. Com este trabalho objetivou-se analisar os relatórios de mérito emanados da Comissão Interamericana de Direitos Humanos (CIDH) em que o Brasil foi parte, para evidenciar sob quais fundamentos há violação do acesso à justiça neste país. Partindo desta reflexão, correlacionaram-se os resultados de pesquisa feita pelo Núcleo de Pesquisa em Direitos Humanos, Estado e Políticas Públicas do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Sociais Aplicadas da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa. Referida pesquisa desenvolveu-se de forma mista (quantitativa e qualitativa), de agosto a novembro de 2018, sendo um estudo de caso, através do qual coletaram-se dados sobre ações, projetos ou programas existentes em Ponta Grossa que proporcionam acesso à justiça à população local. Neste trabalho adotou-se o método dedutivo. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e formulário de entrevista. Dos relatórios analisados constatou-se que a violação do acesso à justiça suscitada perante a CIDH refere-se primordialmente a homicídios consumados ou tentados, praticados majoritariamente por policiais, sob a predominância de dois fundamentos: morosidade de tramitação processual e falha na coleta de provas. No tocante a pesquisa desenvolvida em Ponta Grossa, verificou-se inexistência de qualquer ação, projeto ou programa que vise coibir as violações apuradas nos relatórios. Concluiu-se pela necessidade de criação de mecanismos eficazes para coibição dessas práticas, bem como superação de profundas desigualdades políticas e sociais.
ENTRE O DIREITO E A EDUCAÇÃO: A AFETIVIDADE EM FOCO
Authors: Scott Junior Valmôr
Published: August 2020

O presente estudo tem como tema, a abordagem da afetividade pelo viés intercultural, tendo como objetivo: compreender, por meio do diálogo intercultural entre o Direito e a Educação, a afetividade por meio das relações sociais em ambas as áreas do conhecimento. Quanto a metodologia, trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, mediante revisão bibliográfica. Na elaboração deste artigo colaboram autores da Educação e do Direito como, por exemplo, Maturana (1998), Santos (2009), Barcelos (2013), Bauman (1999), Bonavides (2005), Dias (2006), Souza (2011), Hilal (1985), Pereira (2006), Leite (2005), entre outros. A afetividade é juridicamente considerada como princípio na relação social entre pais e filhos, sendo também fundamental, em âmbito educacional, na relação social entre professores e estudantes. A concepção de relação social será abordada de acordo com Maturana (1998) e o conceito de afetividade, tanto em âmbito jurídico (família) quanto educacional (instituições educacionais) será apresentado em sua importância como um elo necessário à ligação entre os sujeitos e à formação cidadã em prol da vida em sociedade, no que se refere a temas comuns que sejam ativados por estes sujeitos, nestes espaços.
O CONTROLE DE CONVENCIONALIDADE SOB A PERSPECTIVA DO DIREITO PROCESSUAL CONSTITUCIONAL
Authors: Hoffmam Fernando , Siqueira Lemes Fernanda
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo tem como escopo tratar da intensificação do processo de internacionalização do direito a partir dos direitos humanos e, nessa lógica das modificações impostas ao direito processual constitucional como concebido classicamente. Nesse caminho, o diálogo entre jurisdições também se intensifica numa realidade que passa a englobar controle de constitucionalidade e de convencionalidade em uma mesma prática processual. Sendo assim, o que se nota é que o controle de convencionalidade se coloca como instituto potencializador do processo de internacionalização do direito e do diálogo de jurisdições, tendo como fio condutor a proteção e concretização dos direitos humano-fundamentais em toda a sua amplitude e profundidade.
A EUTANÁSIA COMO FORMA DE GARANTIA DA AUTONOMIA DA VONTADE
Authors: Cardin Valéria Silva Galdino , Moraes Gil Nery Lais
Published: August 2020

O artigo aborda o tema da forma de garantir a autonomia da vontade e a dignidade humana com a eutanásia, com o respeito a morte digna e seguindo a vontade e os preceitos do paciente. Expõe, também, a necessidade de verificar a capacidade de consentir do paciente quando este expressa a sua vontade. Os objetivos consistem em conceituar, de forma concisa, os princípios da dignidade da pessoa humana e da autonomia da vontade; demonstrar que atualmente, no Brasil, em relação a eutanásia, estão sendo suprimidos; definir eutanásia e suas especificidades, juntamente com o contexto mundial a que está inserida. E, por fim, explanar sobre a autonomia da vontade do paciente e a sua capacidade de consentir. A metodologia utilizada consiste em um estudo realizado por meio de revisão bibliográfica e documental, explicativo. Assim, para ter respeitada a autonomia da vontade é preciso investigar a validade e a fidedignidade da manifestação de vontade expressa pelo paciente. Este deve ter a capacidade de consentir integra, além de não estar submetido a qualquer coação irresistível. A autonomia da vontade deve ser real, sem qualquer interferência interna ou externa do paciente.
Integrating storage and spatial variability into shallow groundwater balances: moving towards water security in hard rock coastal areas
Authors: Earon Robert , Olofsson Bo
Published: August 2020

In terrains with limited soil cover and groundwater storage, groundwater resource management is governed by the spatial nature of storage, recharge and distributed local extraction. Local soils act as important groundwater reservoirs for residents who have no other feasible water supply. A novel heuristic methodology is presented which accounts for the spatial distribution of storage and extraction, using existing topographical and geological databases in addition to well data to construct an applied conceptual groundwater model with assumed stratigraphy. The method uses a geographic information systems (GIS) environment and allows for modelling climate and land-use scenarios. Several scenarios were examined, demonstrating that average reservoir volumes meet demand but at the local levels depletion of reservoirs occurs. Groundwater abstraction in excess of 50% of the approximate freshwater storage was observed in the model, particularly near the coast. Soil-filled valleys may act as local hydraulic barriers by maintaining a higher pressure head as they are less susceptible to large-level fluctuations than the hard rock and may aid in preventing contamination from saline water provided no direct hydraulic connection is present. The method demonstrates the importance of a spatial approach in managing groundwater resources and could be used as a tool in increasing water security.
The Human Immune System toward Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mirzaei Rasoul , Ranjbar Reza , Karampoor Sajad , Goodarzi Rezvan , Hasanvand Hamze
Published: August 2020

The immune system is responsible for protecting the host from pathogens, and it has evolved to deal with these pathogens. On the other hand, the co-evolution of pathogenic bacteria with hosts has led to the rise of an array of virulence genes that enable pathogen bacteria to evade or modulate the immune system.Staphylococcus aureusis a significant pathogen of humans that encodes several virulence factors that can modulate or evade from the innate and adaptive arm of the immune system. Overall, the immune reaction towardS. aureuscontributes to stimulate innate and adaptive reactions. A profound understanding of the immune response toS. aureusinfections will be critical for the development of vaccines and novel therapies. In this review, we summarized and discussed the novel information about the human immune system againstS. aureus.
Heterologous Expression of Histidine Acid Phytase From Pantoea sp. 3.5.1 in Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia Pastoris
Authors: Suleimanova Aliya , Bulmakova Daria , Sharipova Margarita
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective:

The major storage form of phosphorus in plant-derived feed is presented by phytates and not digested by animals. Phytases are able to hydrolyze phytates and successfully used as feed additives. Nevertheless, nowadays, there is a constant search of new phytases and expression systems for better production of these enzymes. In this study, we describe cloning and expression of gene encoding histidine acid phytase fromPantoeasp. 3.5.1 using methylotrophic yeastPichia pastorisas the host.

Methods:

The phytase gene was placed under the control of the methanol-inducible AOX1 promoter and expressed inP. pastoris. Experiments of small-scale phytase expression and activity assays were used to test recombinant colonies. Four different signal peptides were screened for better secretion of phytase byP. pastoris. After 36 h of methanol induction in shake flasks, the maximum extracellular phytase activity (3.2 U/ml) was observed inP. pastorisstrain with integrated construct based on pPINK-HC vector andKluyveromyces maxianusinulinase gene signal sequence. This phytase was isolated and purified using affinity chromatography.

Results:

Recombinant phytase was a glycosylated protein, had a molecular weight of around 90 kDa and showed maximum activity at pH 4.0 and at 50°C. Recombinant phytase had excellent thermal stability – it retained high residual activity (100% ± 2%) after 1 hour of heat treatment at 70°C.

Conclusion:

The enhanced thermostability of the recombinant phytase, its expression provided by strong inducible promotor and the effectively designed expression cassette, the simple purification procedure of the secreted enzyme, and the possibility of large-scale expression make the foundation for further production of this bacterial phytase inP. pastorisat an industrial scale.
Presença de dor após o acidente vascular cerebral e sua relação com a função e a qualidade de vida
Authors: Yamane Fernanda de Oliveira , Silva Gabriele Tainá da , Santos Ana Paula
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Avaliar a presença da dor em indivíduos com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e sua relação com o desempenho funcional e a qualidade de vida (QV). Métodos: Estudo transversal onde 50 indivíduos com AVC atendidos em um centro de reabilitação foram avaliados por meio da Escala Visual Numérica (EVN), Questionário de Dor McGill, SF-36 e Índice de Barthel (IB). A estatística inferencial foi realizada por meio do Teste T e do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: A presença de dor foi verificada em 64% da população, com média sete na EVN e expressivo número e intensidade de descritores do McGill. Os pacientes com dor apresentaram piores escores para QV nos domínios saúde mental (p = 0,046), estado geral da saúde (p = 0,021), aspectos emocionais (p = 0,034) e dor (p < 0,0001). A dor no hemicorpo hígido estava presente em 37% dos pacientes. A EVN correlacionou-se com o estado geral da saúde da SF-36 (r = -0,359; p = 0,043); já o McGill com a saúde mental (r = -0,364; p = 0,041), capacidade funcional (r = -0,365; p = 0,039) e aspectos emocionais (r = -0,374; p = 0,035). Não houve relação entre a dor e o IB. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou alta incidência e intensidade de dor em indivíduos com AVC, mesmo em reabilitação. A presença da dor interferiu mais na QV do que na função e o McGill relacionou-se com mais domínios da SF-36 do que a EVN.
Força muscular respiratória de pacientes em pré e pós-operatório de transplante hepático
Authors: Juzo Kéllita , Mauad Cavenaghi Odete , Souza Tamiris Aparecida Castro , Vinicius Camargo de Brito Marcus , Rodrigues Correia Melo Juliana , Ferreira Lucas Lima
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Comparar a força muscular respiratória em pacientes no pré e pós-operatório de transplante de fígado. Métodos: Estudo observacional, prospectivo e quantitativo, realizado no setor de transplantes de um hospital escola entre maio a agosto de 2019, foram incluídos pacientes cirróticos com idade maior ou igual 18 anos. Foram coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas, etiologia da cirrose e o model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). A força muscular respiratória foi avaliada pela manovacuometria, que mensura a pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx). Resultados: Foram incluídos 28 pacientes transplantados, 64% do sexo masculino, com idade média de 57,1 anos, com escore MELD 22,6 em média, 50% dos transplantes foram realizados por cirrose por álcool. Houve diminuição extremamente significativa (p<0,0001) na PImáx (89,1±28,1 versus 52,6±27,7 cmH2O respectivamente) e na PEmáx obtidas (82,6±20,9 versus 38,1±18,5 cmH2O respectivamente) e na PImáx (90,1±27,6 versus 53,5±27,7% respectivamente) e na PEmáx em percentuais do previsto (79,1±16,7 versus 37,3±19,2% respectivamente) entre o pré e pós-operatório. Conclusão: Houve redução na força muscular respiratória entre o pré e pós-operatório nesse grupo de pacientes submetidos a transplante de fígado.
Двух- и трехфотонный линейно-циркулярный дихроизм в полупроводниках кубической симметрии
Authors: Расулов В.Р. , Расулов Р.Я. , Султонов Р.Р. , Ахмедов Б.Б.
Published: August 2020

The linear-circular dichroism of two and three photon absorption of light in semiconductors of cubic symmetry of hole conductivity is theoretically investigated.
The matrix elements of two and three-photon optical transitions occurring between the subbands of the semiconductor valence band are calculated. In this case, transitions associated with both non-simultaneous absorption of individual photons and simultaneous absorption of two photons are taken into account, and the spectral and temperature dependences of the coefficient of two and three-photon absorption of polarized radiation are determined.
Получение гетероперехода Ge-GeS : Nd и исследование спектральной характеристики
Authors: Алекперов А.С. , Дашдемиров А.О. , Исмайылова Н.А. , Джабаров С.Г.
Published: August 2020

Исследованы технология получения гетероперехода Ge-GeS : Nd, а также относительные спектральные характеристики квантовой эффективности полученного гетероперехода при разных дозах γ-облучения. Установлено, что при дозе облучения 30 крад фоточувствительность увеличивается в спектральном диапазоне 0.4-2.0 мкм. С увеличением дозы облучения до 100 крад фоточувствительность гетероперехода значительно уменьшается. Ключевые слова: слоистый монокристалл, гетеропереход, фоточувствительность, γ-излучение, квантовая эффективность, спектральная характеристика.
Si-легированные эпитаксиальые пленки на подложках GaAs(110): морфология поверхности, электрофизические характеристики, спектры фотолюминесценции
Authors: Галиев Г.Б. , Климов Е.А. , Пушкарев С.С. , Зайцев А.А. , Клочков А.Р.
Published: August 2020

Представлены результаты исследований морфологии поверхности, электрофизических характеристик и фотолюминесцентных свойств эпитаксиальных плeнок GaAs, выращенных методом молекулярно-лучевой эпитаксии на подложках GaAs (110) и легированных кремнием. Серия исследуемых образцов была выращена при температуре 580oС при отношении парциальных давлений мышьяка и галлия в диапазоне от 14 до 80. С помощью анализа спектров фотолюминесценции выращенных образцов интерпретировано поведение атомов кремния в GaAs с учeтом занятия ими узлов Ga или As (т. е. возникновение точечных дефектов SiGa и SiAs), а также образования вакансий мышьяка и галлия VAs и VGa. При анализе спектры фотолюминесценции образцов на (110)-ориентированных подложках сравнивались со спектрами фотолюминесценции аналогичных образцов на (100)- и (111)A-ориентированных подложках. Ключевые слова: cпектроскопия фотолюминесценции, молекулярно-лучевая эпитаксия, GaAs, ориентация подложки (110), ориентация подложки (111)А, атомно-силовая микроскопия.
Двухэтапный синтез структурированных микросистем из наностержней оксида цинка с использованием ультразвукового спрей-пиролиза и низкотемпературного гидротермального метода
Authors: Рябко А.А. , Максимов А.И. , Вербицкий В.Н. , Левицкий В.С. , Мошников В.А. , Теруков Е.И.
Published: August 2020

The features of a two-stage synthesis of structured microsystems based on zinc oxide nanorods using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and a low-temperature hydrothermal method with suppression of nucleation in the bulk of the solution are presented. It is shown that the use of two-stage synthesis provides control over the size and aspect ratio of nanorods. It is proposed to control the concentration of intrinsic surface defects by measuring the photocurrent with irradiation through narrow-band interference light filters.
Conversational Agents in Health Care: Scoping Review and Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Tudor Car Lorainne , Dhinagaran Dhakshenya Ardhithy , Kyaw Bhone Myint , Kowatsch Tobias , Joty Shafiq , Theng Yin-Leng , Atun Rifat
Published: August 2020

Background

Conversational agents, also known as chatbots, are computer programs designed to simulate human text or verbal conversations. They are increasingly used in a range of fields, including health care. By enabling better accessibility, personalization, and efficiency, conversational agents have the potential to improve patient care.

Objective

This study aimed to review the current applications, gaps, and challenges in the literature on conversational agents in health care and provide recommendations for their future research, design, and application.

Methods

We performed a scoping review. A broad literature search was performed in MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online; Ovid), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database; Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central with the search terms “conversational agents,” “conversational AI,” “chatbots,” and associated synonyms. We also searched the gray literature using sources such as the OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) WorldCat database and ResearchGate in April 2019. Reference lists of relevant articles were checked for further articles. Screening and data extraction were performed in parallel by 2 reviewers. The included evidence was analyzed narratively by employing the principles of thematic analysis.

Results

The literature search yielded 47 study reports (45 articles and 2 ongoing clinical trials) that matched the inclusion criteria. The identified conversational agents were largely delivered via smartphone apps (n=23) and used free text only as the main input (n=19) and output (n=30) modality. Case studies describing chatbot development (n=18) were the most prevalent, and only 11 randomized controlled trials were identified. The 3 most commonly reported conversational agent applications in the literature were treatment and monitoring, health care service support, and patient education.

Conclusions

The literature on conversational agents in health care is largely descriptive and aimed at treatment and monitoring and health service support. It mostly reports on text-based, artificial intelligence–driven, and smartphone app–delivered conversational agents. There is an urgent need for a robust evaluation of diverse health care conversational agents’ formats, focusing on their acceptability, safety, and effectiveness.
Co-designing an Adaption of a Mobile App to Enhance Communication, Safety, and Well-being Among People Living at Home With Early-Stage Dementia: Protocol for an Exploratory Multiple Case Study
Authors: Davies Karen , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh , Ong Bie Nio , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh , Perryman Katherine , Sanders Caroline
Published: August 2020

Background

There is a growing interest in using mobile apps to support communication, safety, and well-being. Evidence directly from people with dementia regarding the usability, usefulness, and relevance of mobile apps is limited.

Objective

This paper describes the protocol of a study that will evaluate an app designed for supporting communication, safety, and well-being among people living with dementia. The study aims to understand if the app can enhance safety through improved communication among users.

Methods

The study will use participatory qualitative methods over 3 cycles of evaluation with co-designers (service users, their families, and care practitioners). The study will be developed in partnership with a specialist home care service in England. Purposive case selection will be performed to ensure that the cases exemplify differences in experiences. The app will be evaluated in a walk-through workshop by people living with early-stage dementia and then trialed at home by up to 12 families in a try-out cycle. An amended version will be evaluated in a final walk-through workshop during cycle 3. Data will be collected from at least 4 data sources during the try-out phase and analyzed thematically. An explanatory multiple case study design will be used to synthesize and present the evidence from the three cycles, drawing on the Normalization Process Theory to support the interpretation of the findings.

Results

The study is ready to be implemented, but it was paused to protect vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The findings will be particularly relevant for understanding how to support vulnerable people living in the community during social distancing and the period following the pandemic as well as for providing insight into the challenges of social isolation that arise from living with dementia.

Conclusions

Evaluating a mobile app for enhancing communication, safety, and well-being among people living with dementia contributes to the key ambitions enshrined in policy and practice—championing the use of digital technology and supporting people with dementia to live safely in their own homes. The study will involve co-designers living with dementia, so that the voices of service users can be used to highlight the benefits and challenges of assistive technology and shape the future development of apps that enhance safety by improving communication.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/19543
Dental students’ education in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: from reality to virtuality: lessons to be learnt. (Preprint)
Authors: Alhabshneh Sr Rola , Alibrahim Anas , Alibrahim Anas , Alteen Tahani , Hamadah Wiam , Khader Yousef
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major public health challenge for many countries around the world. The global lockdown of educational institutions is going to cause major disruption to students’ learning and cancellation of their yearly assessments. Dental students are particularly at risk, due to the possibility of aerosols produced in many dental procedures that were suggested as a way of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Shifting to online learning is needed in this era.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to review the online learning experience, the effectiveness of tele-dentistry and the importance of implementing dental virtual simulation in preclinical and clinical courses during pandemics. Some suggestions are also provided to widen communication and creativity in the education system. The limitations of online learning and suggested solutions are also discussed.

METHODS

Two independent investigators conducted an electronic comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE for articles published between 2000 and 2020, using the following search terms: “online education”; “Tele-dentistry”; “Education during pandemics”; “Virtual dentistry”; “COVID-19 reshaping education”; and “Dental E-learning.” Studies were selected and classified as included or excluded based on the title and abstract of the articles by the 2 researchers, working independently. Articles included were published in English, related to dentistry and online education. Articles excluded were not published in English or related to conventional education.
It was not possible to analyze included articles, therefore we decided to do narrative review only. Authors’ points of view and suggestions were also added to shed light on the online learning experience and understand its quality and effectiveness during pandemics.

RESULTS

from 150 articles reviewed, only 30 articles were found to qualify for inclusion. All included articles discussed online education based on experience of authors and provided some suggestions so that online learning experience becomes more effective. All included articles found that online education is a useful tool to be invested at times of pandemics and that it needs to be empowered and improved by schools and universities.

CONCLUSIONS

Being successful in riding the wave will take dental learning and teaching into a new era. In the future, every dean and faculty member will understand that online education is not only a potential source for new revenue. Instead, online education will be recognized as an essential core to every educational plan for institutional resilience and academic continuity.
Discourses on Hamlet's Journey in Turkey
Authors: ERKAZANCI DURMUŞ Hilal
Published: August 2020

This study seeks to scrutinize extratextual discourses which frame the Turkish translations and post-translation rewritings of Hamlet as an instrument of national self-imagining and projecting Turkey’s self-image in different socio-political and historical contexts. The study points out that various discourses see image construction as the major motive behind the different versions of Hamlet in Turkey. It also underlines that the extratextual material surrounding the retranslations and rewritings focus on various contextual dynamics that reveal how Turkey is torn between dualities that frame its image in line with the narratives of modernity and tradition, secularism and religion, easternness and westernness. In this context, the study emphasizes that theatre translation, and particularly the translations of Hamlet, formed significant part of the late Ottoman Empire’s and modern Turkey’s westernization efforts. Ultimately, the study concludes that discourses on the Hamlet renderings have foregrounded what is and what is not part of Turkey’s historically constructed self-image by bringing the West alongside the East, centering on how the retranslations and rewritings promote Turkey’s Western (secular and modern) identity against a largely negative representation of its eastern cultural identity.

 

Key words: Hamlet, Turkey, retranslation, post-translation rewriting, image