bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-based physical activity in breast cancer patients and cardiorespiratory fitness: during and/or after chemotherapy? A three-arm randomized controlled trial (APAC)
Authors: Vincent Francois , Deluche Elise , Bonis Joelle , Leobon Sophie , Antonini Marie-Thérèse , Laval Caroline , Favard Florent , Dobbels Eloïse , Lavau-Denes Sandrine , labrunie Anaïs , Thuillier Frédéric , Venat Laurence , Tubiana-Mathieu Nicole
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesAdapted physical activity (APA) program is recommended for breast cancer care. However, their modalities have not been defined. The aim of this study was to determine the best time to begin APA. This randomized controlled trial evaluated at 12 months the effect of home-based APA performed during and/or after treatment on cardiorespiratory fitness. The primary endpoint was peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) compared at 12 months (group A vs C and B vs C). Secondary endpoints included the 6-min walking test (6MWT), assessment of muscular strength, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, and depression, and a questionnaire of PA levels. All tests were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.MethodA total of 94 patients with breast cancer were randomized to three different groups: group A, performing 6 months of APA during adjuvant care; group B, 6 months of APA after adjuvant care; and group C, 12 months of APA during and after specific care. The program combined one resistance session and two aerobic sessions per week. Analysis of variance was used for repeated measures, Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables, and χ2 test for binary or categorical variables.Results A total of 81 participants were assessed at 6 months and 73 participants at 12 months. The majority of patients completed more than 85% of the exercise sessions. The baseline for VO2peak and secondary outcomes did not differ among the groups. VO2peak increased during the exercise period and decreased during the chemotherapy period without APA, but at 12 months no significant difference was observed. The same variations were observed in the 6MWT, with a significance at 6 months between A+C vs. B (p=0.04), but no difference among the groups at 12 months. In the three groups, no decrease in other studied parameters were noted, except at 6 months in group B without APA. ConclusionsHome-based APA in breast cancer survivors can decrease some of the negative side effects of cancer treatment and has a positive effect on physical function with no differences based on the timing of this program.TRIAL REGISTRATION﻿ClinicalTrials.gouv.fr (NCT01795612). Registered 20 February 2013,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01795612?term=APAC&draw=2&rank=3
Factors Leading to the Success of Social Participation Promotion Programs for People with Intellectual Disability: A Protocol for A Systematic Review
Authors: Aparicio Andrés , Arango Paulina , Espinoza Rosario , Villate Vicente , Tenorio Marcela
Published: June 2020

Background People with intellectual disabilities have been historically excluded from decision-making processes. Previous literature indicates that social participation may be an effective tool to increase social inclusion, but no systematic review of interventions focused on social participation of people with intellectual disabilities have been conducted. This study aims to identify and organize the factors associated with social participation interventions having a positive impact on social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities; and to provide a set of best of practices for future interventions. Methods/design This systematic review of the literature will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. The databases Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, LILACS and PubMed will be searched for articles between January 1 st , 2004 and December 31 st , 2019; a grey literature search will also be conducted. Randomized control trials, nonrandomized control trials, and controlled before and after studies will be included. If necessary, noncontrolled before and after studies will also be included. Observational or qualitative studies will be excluded. The primary outcome is success of intervention. Secondary outcomes include measures of social participation. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract relevant data and assess the quality of the studies. Discussion This systematic review will add to our understanding of successful social participation interventions for people with intellectual disability. It will allow us to identify and organize which factors lead to an increase in social participation and help us define a set of best practices to be followed by future interventions. Systematic review registration This protocol is submitted to the PROSPERO registry of the University of York (reference number: 189093).
Degree of Coronal Alignment Correction Can’t Predict Knee Function in Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Zhu Shibai , Chen Xi , Wang Yiou , Qian Wenwei , Peng Huiming , Wang Wei , Lin Jin , Jin Jin , Weng Xisheng
Published: June 2020

Background: Whether neutral alignment brings better clinical outcomes is controversial. Consideration of the preoperative knee condition of patients and some limitations of previous studies, we suggested that other index may be more important than a generic target of 0° ± 3° of a neutral axis to reflect changes in coronal alignment after total knee replacement (TKR). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between alignment and functional outcome with a new grouping method and the concept of correction rate. Methods: A new grouping method was adopted to divide patients into three groups based on the degree of correction of mechanical femoral-tibial angle (MFTA): neutral, under and over-correction. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were compared among the 3 groups. In addition, we also attempt to further explore whether the concept of correction rate can predict postoperative functional score. Results: HSS showed significant improvement in all groups. There was no difference in HSS or incremental scores based on the postoperative alignment category for the degree of correction of MFTA. The correlational analyses also didn’t find any relevant results.Conclusion: TKR is a soft tissue procedure and clinical outcome depends on many factors, only reaching neutral alignment after surgery may not mean a good clinical result. Therefore, categorization of optimal coronal alignment after TKR may be impractical. But we still believe that the concept of correction rate and new grouping method are worthy of research which can reflects the preoperative knee condition and the change of coronal alignment. Perhaps it can be better used in TKR in the future. Level of evidence: III.
Association of NAFLD Fibrosis Score with Subclinical Myocardial Remodeling in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Fan Nengguang , Ding Xiaoying , Li Na , Zhen Qin , Gu Liping , Fang Fang , Yan Shuai , Pan Lin , Zhang Aifang , Shen Tingting , Wang Yufan , Peng Yongde
Published: June 2020

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially with liver fibrosis, is associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), a noninvasive marker of advanced fibrosis first developed in patients with NAFLD, has found to be associated with CVD in different populations including with diabetes, regardless of the presence of NAFLD. The aim of the present study was to determine whether NFS is associated with subclinical myocardial remodeling in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in type 2 diabetic patients. NFS derived from available parameters was calculated and the subjects were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of NFS. Subclinical myocardial remodeling was examined by echocardiography and its association with NFS was analyzed.Results: A total of 1878 type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in the present study. Subjects with higher NFS were older, had a longer duration of diabetes and higher levels of body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and serum creatinine (Scr) than those with lower NFS (P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex, age, BMI, LDL-C and HbA1c were independent determiners of NFS in type 2 diabetic patients. Parameters of subclinical myocardial remodeling including left atrial dimension (LAD), interventricular septum thickness (IST), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) were all gradually increased with the increment of NFS. Linear regression analysis further revealed that NFS was positively associated with LAD, IST, LVEDD, LVESD and LVPWT after adjustment for the confounding factors.Conclusions: NFS is independently associated with subclinical myocardial remodeling in type 2 diabetic subjects.
Barriers to Therapeutic Use of Hydroxyurea for Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Chide Okocha Emmanuel , Gyamfi Joyce , Ryan Nessa , Oluwatoyin Babalola , Eno-Abasi Etuk , Chianumba Reuben , Nwegbu Maxwell , Isa Hezekiah , Madu Anazoeze Jude , Adegoke Samuel , Nnebe-Agumandu Uche , Peprah Emmanuel , Nnodu Obiageli
Published: June 2020

Background: Sickle cell disease, the inherited blood disorder characterized by anemia, severe pain and other vaso-occlusive complications, acute chest syndrome, disproportionate hospitalization, and early mortality, has significant financial, social, and psychosocial impacts and drains individuals, families, and health systems globally. Hydroxyurea could improve the health of the 300,000individuals borneach year with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa; however, challenges to adoption and adherence persist. This study assessed the barriersto therapeutic use of hydroxyurea forsickle cell diseasewithin the Nigerian healthcare system, specifically from the level of the patient, provider, and health system.Methods:A cross-sectionalsurvey was administered to physicians (n=70), nurses or counselors (n=17), and patients or their caregivers (n=33) at 13 health centers.Results: The majority of physicians (74.3%) prescribe hydroxyurea, and half stated hydroxyurea is the standard of care. Among clinicians, barriers includedlimited knowledge of the drug, as well as low self-efficacy to prescribe among physicians and to counsel among nurses;perceived side effects;perceived patient preference for traditional medicine;cost for patient and expense of accompanying laboratory monitoring;and limited availability of the drug and equipment for laboratory monitoring. Among patients and caregivers, barriers included lack of knowledge; perceived side effects; cost;religious beliefs of disease causation; and lack of pediatric formulation.Conclusions: Findings suggest that patient, provider, and health systems-level interventionsare needed to improve hydroxyurea uptake among providers and adherence among patients with sickle cell disease in Nigeria. Interventions such as patient education, provider training, and policy change could address the disproportionate burden of sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa and thus improve health equity.
Development and Characterization of a Thermoforming Apparatus Using Axiomatic Design Theory and Taguchi Method
Authors: Nguyen Trieu Khoa , Pham Anh-Duc , Chau Minh Quang , Nguyen Xuan Chien , Pham Hoang Anh Duong , Pham Manh Hung , Nguyen Trung Phi , Nguyen Hai Son
Published: June 2020

In this study, an experimental investigation of the development of a thermoforming apparatus and the thickness uniformity of its samples was performed based on the axiomatic design theory in conjunction with the Taguchi method. Thermoforming is a powerful tool for both consumer product needs and packaging industry. Such traditional technology has been investigated in many aspects for a long time ago. However, there are still needs for the development and characterization of thermoforming devices aiming at shorter construction time and less cost involved. Therefore, an experimental analysis was performed to systematically realize all the functional structures of the device using axiomatic design theory. The combination of orthogonal array (OA) and analysis of variance revealed the influences of the relatival processing factors, showing that the thickness of the plastic sheet and areal draw ratio had crucial roles to play. Furthermore, an optimization process using the Taguchi method was utilized to determine all accurate and optimum processing parameters. The outcomes obviously verified that the present combination method can overcome the current development and optimization method’s limitation and also conclusively give accurate optimal outcomes without using complicated algorithms and software solutions. Therefore, it promises a simple and powerful tool for engineers on-site in medium or small scale manufactories.
Construct Validity of a Dietary Protein Assessment Questionnaire to Explore College Students' Attitudes Towards Dietary Protein
Authors: Ackerman Parker , Warren Cynthia , Miketinas Derek
Published: June 2020

Background: Misconceptions about consuming dietary protein may exist due to unscientific dietary information from the Internet and social media sites, as well as lack of knowledge about evidence-based dietary recommendations. Understanding attitudes towards protein is important for developing effective educational interventions, which may ultimately improve the health of U.S. adults. The objective of this study was to develop a questionnaire to evaluate college students’ attitudes and knowledge towards dietary protein. Methods: The questionnaire had 64 questions, including 8 demographic, 24 knowledge, 14 attitude, and 18 behavior questions. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a principal axis factoring and promax rotation was used to explore the attitude constructs’ dimensionality. Nutrition students’ knowledge responses were compared to non-nutrition students’ responses to assess the knowledge validity. Results: Four hundred seventy participants (87.3% female) provided responses for attitude questions. Fifty-five nutrition and 51 non-nutrition students provided responses for the knowledge questions. Three factors were retained: animal versus plant protein sources relationship with human and environmental health (Factor 1); organic protein sources (Factor 2); and protein RDA adequacy for weight loss and vegetarian diets (Factor 3). Mean knowledge responses were 66.4 + 11.5% and 47.6 + 16.4% for nutrition and non-nutrition students, respectively (t-test p-value for difference < 0.001). Conclusions: Protein attitudes appear multidimensional and correlated. Further testing is needed to confirm the three-factor model and to estimate test-retest reliability.
Educational inequalities in adverse pregnancy outcomes in rural China, 2010-2018
Authors: Wu Yanpeng , Li Lixin , Wu Yanfei , Liao Rui , Liu Zijie , Tan Ming , Zhuang Yan , Chen Pingyan , Wu Ying , You Dingyun
Published: June 2020

Background:

Educational inequalities have been found in adverse pregnancy outcomes, but no previous study has investigated in China. This study examined the patterns of educational inequalities in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in rural China and examined the mediations of birthweight and gestational age in the stillbirth and neonatal mortality.
Methods:

The study population consisted of 217,070 registered pregnancies in Yunnan Province during 2010–2018. Logistic regression models were performed on the association studies between education and adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, neonatal mortality, preterm birth (PTB), and low birth weight (LBW). The subgroup analysis by ethnicity was further carried out.
Results:

Compared to women with mid education, least educated women had a significantly increased risk of stillbirth (Adjusted OR (AOR) 1.36 [95%CI 1.19–1.56]), neonatal mortality (AOR 1.55 [1.29–1.87]), PTB (AOR 1.10 [1.04–1.16]), and LBW (AOR 1.30 [1.19–1.41]). Highly educated women showed a similar risk to least educated women in LBW. The magnitude of these associations differed among ethnic groups, among which education had a larger impact on neonatal mortality of Yi women and a smaller impact on stillbirth of Dai women. Low education level lead to stillbirth and neonatal mortality mainly by acting through birthweight.
Conclusions:

Education had the strongest link to neonatal mortality and the weakest link to PTB. Highly educated women also need concern on LBW. Improving education may reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes especially for Yi women in rural China.
Predictive values of multiple serum biomarkers in women with suspected preeclampsia: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Honghai , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Shenglong , Zheng Yuanyuan , Chen Lu , Zhang Chunhong , Xie Xin , Zhong Junhui , Dong Ying , Liu Jingrui , Lu Yifan , Zhao Zhen , Zhai Yanhong , Zhao Juan , Cao Zheng
Published: June 2020

Background

Early preeclampsia (PE) prediction has been shown to improve the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the PE prediction values of a series of serum biomarkers.
Methods

The singleton pregnant women with PE-related clinical and/or laboratory presentations were recruited and had the blood drawn at their first visits. The prospective cohort was further divided into the PE-positive and PE-negative groups based on the follow-up results. The following markers were tested with the collected serum samples: sFlt-1, PlGF, M, tPAI-C, compliment factors C1q, B, H, BUN, GlyFn, PAPP-A2, BUN, Cre, UA and Cysc.
Results

Totally 196 women suspected for PE were recruited with follow-up medical records. Twenty-five percent of the recruited subjects developed PE before delivery and 75% remained PE-negative. The serum levels of sFlt-1, BUN, Cre, UA, Cysc and PAPP-A2 were significantly elevated and the PlGF was significantly decreased in the PE-positive patients. The AUCs were listed in the order of decreasing values: UA (AUC = 0.73), sFlt-1/PlGF (AUC = 0.67), Cysc (AUC = 0.66), GlyFn/PlGF (AUC = 0.65), PlGF (AUC = 0.64), PAPP-A2/PlGF (AUC = 0.64), sFlt-1 (AUC = 0.63), BUN (AUC = 0.63), Cre (AUC = 0.63), and PAPP-A2 (AUC = 0.60) in the ROC analyses. The Logistic regression analysis showed that UA and PAPP-A2 were independent risk factors for PE development with the odds ratios of 3.3 and 2.2 respectively. Moreover, the PPVs of UA and PAPP-A2 were 48.9%, and 40.4%; the NPVs of UA and PAPP-A2 were 82.1% and 81.9%.
Conclusions

Further studies are warranted to confirm the clinical utilities of the serum markers in PE prediction.
Trends in Malaria Cases and Stratification of Malaria Incidence in the Malaria Elimination Setting, Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Esayas Endashaw , Deribe Kebede , Massebo Fekadu , Yared Solomon , Tufa Asefa , Dillu Dereje , Bogale Eyuel Asemahegn
Published: June 2020

Background: Ethiopia has shown a notable progress in reducing the burden of malaria over the last two decades. Based on the progress, the country shifted from control to elimination of malaria. This study was conducted to analyse trends in malaria cases and stratification of malaria incidence in the malaria elimination setting in eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A retrospective malaria data recorded from 2013 to 2019 were reviewed from Harari Region, eastern Ethiopia. In addition, three years malaria data were used to assess the sub-district (kebele) level stratification of malaria incidence.Results: A total of 44,882 (46.9%) malaria cases were detected from 95,629 malaria-suspected outpatient diagnosed in Harari Region from 2013 to 2019. Of these, 41,046 were confirmed malaria cases (microscopically and rapid diagnostic test) while 3,836 were reported as clinical cases. In the region, malaria trend was fluctuating year to year, the high peak was reported in 2016 but malaria cases showed decreasing trend in number of malaria cases from 2017 to 2019. Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infections were accounted for 69.2%, 30.6% and 0.2% of the cases, respectively. The malaria risk appears to be heterogeneous and varies between districts, higher number of malaria cases were recorded in Jenella, Erer and Amir Nur districts, and about 80% of the cases were from these districts. According to the latest (2019) sub-district (kebele) level epidemiological data of malaria stratification, 8.3% of the sub-districts in the Harari region reported no malaria and a majority (61.1%) of sub-districts reported fewer than five cases per thousand population. Furthermore, there were no high malaria strata in the Region. The highest peak of malaria cases in the Region was reported from September to November followed by from April to May.Conclusions: In the Harari Region, the retrospective malaria data showed a significant declining trend. Thus, if this achievement is sustained and scaling-up of the existing malaria prevention and control strategies by focusing on those populations living in the higher malaria transmission districts and sub-districts, planning of malaria elimination from the study area might be feasible.
A retrospective study of noninvasive prenatal testing for chromosome aneuploidies and subchromosomal copy number variations in 24359 single pregnancies
Authors: Liu yuefang , Cheng Longfei , Peng Yuan , Liang Zhe , Jin Xin , Yan Nannan , Pan Qiong
Published: June 2020

Background: With the development of whole-genome sequencing, small subchromosomal deletions and duplications could be found by non-invasive prenatal testing(NIPT). Our study is aimed to review the efficacy of NIPT as a screening test for aneuploidies and subchromosomal copy number variations (CNVs) in 24359 single pregnancies.Methods: A total of 24359 single pregnancies with different clinical features were retrospectively analyzed. Pathogenicity of abnormal NIPT results were assessed according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics(ACMG). Chromosome aneuploidies and subchromosomal CNVs were confirmed by karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA). Results: A total of 442 pregnancies (442/24359,1.9%) were with abnormal NIPT results. The positive predictive value (PPV) for trisomy 21(T21), trisomy 18 (T18), trisomy 13 (T13), and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) was 84.8%, 54.2%, 11.1% an 40.5% respectively. The PPV for subchromosomal CNVs was 59.0% (46/78). The clinical information, prenatal diagnosis results and follow-up results of 46 true positive cases, 6 cases with subchromosomal CNVs inconsistent with NIPT and 1 case of false negative were also demonstrated in detail.Conclusion: Our data have potential significance in demonstrating the significance of NIPT not only for common whole chromosome aneuploidies but also for subchromosomal CNV. Besides, the clinical information, prenatal diagnosis results and follow-up results of 52 cases with subchromosomal CNV and 1 case of false negative would provide important guidance for genetic counseling.
Financial burden reportedly impact quality of life among Lymphatic Filariasis Pathology Patients in Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Samuel Opoku , Amewu Emmanuel Kobla Atsu , Kini Priscilla , Aglomasa Bill Clinton , Forkuor John Boulard , Kwarteng Alexander
Published: June 2020

BackgroundHuman lymphatic filarial pathology is the main cause of disability and poverty among people living with the infection. The second goal of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is to manage the morbidity associated with the disease with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the patients. Consequently, the current study assessed the overall quality of life of lymphatic filariasis (LF) pathology patients in some selected endemic communities in rural Ghana.MethodIn the present study, the Lymphatic Filariasis Quality of Life Questionnaires (LFSQQ) was used to evaluate the effect of lymphatic filariasis on the quality of life of people with the disease in ten (10) communities in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of Ghana where, mass drug administration is being implemented for the past twenty years.ResultsOf the 155 study participants recruited, 115 (74.19%) were females and 40 (25.81%) males. A greater proportion of the study participants (40, 25.8%) were presented with stage two (2) lymphedema while only 2 patients had stage seven (7) lymphedema. The average of the overall quality of life scores of study participants was 68.24. There was a negative Pearson correlation (r = -0.504, p-value < 0.0001) between the stage of lymphedema (severity of the disease) and the quality of life of the LF patients. In addition, a clear pattern of positive correlation (r = 0.71, p-value < 0.001) was observed between the disease burden and pain/discomfort domains of the study participants. Whereas, the highest domain specific score (85.03) was observed in the domain of self-care, we noted that the environmental domain, which consist of the financial status was the lowest (45.94) among the study participants.ConclusionOur findings support previous works on the reduced quality of life among lymphatic filariasis patients with pathology. In this study, our results reveal a depressing financial condition among people presenting with late stages of LF pathologies, which eventually reduces their wellbeing.
Akkermansia Muciniphila and Environmental Enrichment Reverse Cognitive Impairment Associated With High-fat High-cholesterol Consumption Through the Gut-brain Axis
Authors: Higarza Sara G. , Arboleya Silvia , Arias Jorge L. , Gueimonde Miguel , Arias Natalia
Published: June 2020

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. A high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet leads to an early NASH model. It has been suggested that gut microbiota mediates the effects of diet through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, modifying the host’s brain metabolism and disrupting cognition.Results: Here, we target NASH-induced cognitive damage by testing the impact of environmental enrichment (EE) and the administration of either Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or Akkermansia muciniphila CIP107961 (AKK). EE and AKK, but not LGG, reverse the HFHC-induced cognitive dysfunction, including impaired spatial working memory and novel object recognition; however, whereas AKK restores brain metabolism, EE produces an overall decrease. Moreover, AKK and LGG did not induce major rearrangements in the intestinal microbiota, with only slight changes in bacterial composition and diversity, whereas EE entailed an increase in Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia members.Conclusions: Our findings illustrate the interplay between gut microbiota, the host’s brain energy metabolism, and cognition, and they suggest intervention strategies, such as the administration of AKK, for the management of the cognitive dysfunction related to NASH.
COVID 19 Pandemic: A Real-time Forecasts & Prediction of Confirmed Cases, Active Cases using the ARIMA model &Public Health in West Bengal, India.
Authors: Sarkar Dibash
Published: June 2020

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease which has been declared a Pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 2020. This pandemic has spread over the world in more than 200 countries. India is also adversely affected by this pandemic, and there are no signs of slowing down of the virus in coming time. The absence of a vaccine for COVID-19 is making the situation worse for the already overstretched Indian public health care system. As economic burden makes it increasingly difficult for our country to continue imposing control measures, it is vital for states like West Bengal to make predictions using time series forecasting for the upcoming cases , test kits , health care and estimated the requirement of Quarantine centers, isolation beds, ICU beds and ventilators for COVID-19 patients .Objective: This study is forecasting the confirmed and active cases for COVID-19 until August, using time series ARIMA model & Public Health in West Bengal, India.Methods: We used ARIMA model, and Auto ARIMA model for forecasting confirmed and active cases till the end of August month using time series data of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal, India from March 1, 2020, to June 4, 2020.Discussion and Conclusion: This forecasts show a very crucial situation for West Bengal in coming days and, the actual numbers can go higher than our estimates of confirmed case as Lockdown 5.0 & Unlock 1.0 will be implemented from 1st June 2020 in India, West Bengal will be observing a partial lift of the lockdown and in that case, there will be a surge in the number of daily confirmed and active cases. The requirement of Health care sector needs to be further improved isolation beds, ICUs and ventilators will also be needed to increase in that scenario. Inter State & Intra State Movement restrictions are lifted. Hence, Migrants returning to their homes due to loss of livelihood and income in the lockdown period may lead to a rise in the number of cases, which could not be accounted for in our projections. We suggest more of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the health sector to accommodate COVID-19 patients adequately and reduce the burden of the already overstretched Indian public health care system, which will directly or indirectly affect the States in the time of crisis.
Pharmacists’ perceived barriers towards delivering their emergency roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived policymakers’ responsibilities 
Authors: Basheti Iman , Nassar Razan , Barakat Muna , Alqudah Rajaa , Farha Rana Abu , Muqatash Tareq , Thiab Samar , Saini Bandana
Published: June 2020

Rational: In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus infectious disease as a pandemic referred to as COVID-19. As an essential service, community pharmacists have been enacting a key role in patient counseling and supply of essential medicines and protective equipment. Objectives: To investigate pharmacists’ perspectives of the role of educational institutes and professional pharmacy organizations in supporting them to take on roles during COVID-19 pandemic and to identify barriers to be able to support themselves and their patients. Methods: This descriptive mixed-method study was conducted via a cross-sectional online survey distributed to pharmacists/pharmacy students in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak (15-30 March 2020) using an online questionnaire, followed by an online focus group. Questionnaire items related to participants’ perspectives in being prepared for and supported in their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and items were tested for face validity. Data were descriptively analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and triangulated with focus group findings.Results: Considering that fear and anxiety are a consequence of mass social distancing/quarantine, study participants (n=726, age=26.9 (SD=8.0) years, 71.9% females), reported needing training on mental healthcare to be able to support themselves and people during pandemics (90.2%). Most respondents agreed/strongly agreed (59.7%) with the statement around pharmacy educators/educational institutes having a key role in preparing pharmacists for practice during epidemics/pandemics, and agreed that their faculties should add a course regarding pandemic preparedness in their curriculum (89.9%). Results were similar regarding roles for the pharmaceutical associations. Focus group findings (n=7) mirrored the survey findings to a large extent.Conclusions: Most participants believed that Pharmacy Educators and pharmaceutical associations have a role in preparing them to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic through online educational workshops/webinars. Online education on mental healthcare is specifically needed.
A through process modeling using multi-assistant software applied to radial fatigue life predication of a 356-T6 wheels
Authors: Duan Yongchuan , Zhang Fangfang , Tian Le , Guan Yingping , Hu Jinhua
Published: June 2020

In order to solve the problem of isolated design in multi-process using multi-assistant software, a through-software radial fatigue life prediction model was established, the effects of shrinkage cavity, SDAS and mean stress on fatigue life were considered. The casting process of the aluminum alloy wheel was simulated based on ProCast, and the data of SDAS and porosity of different parts were predicted based on the solidification process; The data mapping algorithm between tetrahedral mesh elements was developed to realize the unidirectional transformation of microcosmic data from a cast model to a static mechanical model, the radial loading mechanical analysis model of a wheel containing microcosmic information was established; The fatigue life prediction model was established by Fesafe based on the specific mechanical and fatigue parameters of each node. Based on the self-developed TCD software, the integrated coupling method of the three software prediction models was realized. The application of this method on the virtual fatigue prediction experiment of unidirectional tensile specimen reduce the result dispersion between virtual and physical experiment, and the predicted life result error is reduced from 51% to 16%. The proposed method lays a solid foundation of the optimization design and lightweight design of aluminum alloy wheels.
Identifying pathways and networks associated with the SARS-CoV-2 cell receptor ACE2 based on gene expression profiles in human tissues
Authors: Feng Qiushi , Li Lin , Wang Xiaosheng
Published: June 2020

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a host cell receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has infected more than six million people worldwide and has caused more than 370,000 deaths as of May 31, 2020. An investigation of ACE2 expression in human tissues may provide insights into the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified pathways associated with ACE2 expression and gene co-expression networks of ACE2 in pan-tissue based on the gene expression profiles in human tissues. We found that the pathways significantly associated with ACE2 upregulation were mainly involved in immune, stromal signature, metabolism, cell growth and proliferation, and cancer and other diseases. The number of genes having a significant positive expression correlation with ACE2 in females far exceeded that in males. The estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and androgen receptor (AR) genes had a significant positive expression correlation with ACE2 in pan-tissue. Meanwhile, the enrichment levels of immune cells were positively associated with the expression levels of ESR1 and ESR2, while they were inversely associated with the expression levels of AR in pan-tissue and in multiple individual tissues. It suggests that females are likely to have a more robust immune defense system against SARS-CoV-2 than males, partially explaining why females have better clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections than males. Our data warrant further investigation for understanding the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Summary of the COVID-19 epidemic in China: When and how to launch an emergency response
Authors: Tao Junwen , Ma Yue , Luo Caiying , Huang Jiaqi , Zhang Tao , Yin Fei
Published: June 2020

In December 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected in Hubei Province and spread rapidly around the world. Summarizing the development of COVID-19 and assessing the effect of control measures are very critical to China and other countries. A heatmap was used to find the highest concentration of the COVID-19 outbreak and the areas with initial imported cases. A logistic growth curve model was employed to compare the development of COVID-19 before and after the emergency response took effect. We found that the number of confirmed cases peaked 9-14 days after the first detection of an imported case, but there was a peak lag in the province where the outbreak was concentrated. The average growth rate of cumulative confirmed cases decreased by approximately 50% after the emergency response began. Areas with frequent population migration have a high risk of outbreak. The emergency response taken by the Chinese government was able to effectively control the COVID-19 outbreak. Our study provides references for other countries and regions to control the COVID-19 outbreak.
Psychometric Characteristics of Written Response Instruments Used in Postgraduate Theses Completed in Special Education
Authors: SARIKAŞ Gamze , BİLİCAN DEMİR Safiye
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the written response instruments used in postgraduate theses completed in the field of special education in Turkey between 2015 and 2018 and explore the psychometric profiles of these instruments. In the study, a total of 137 master's theses and 37 dissertations were reviewed using the Data Collection Instrument Review Form. Categorical and frequency analyses were used in the analysis of the data. Also, the relevant categories were discussed by citing remarkable examples of errors or deficiencies. According to the research findings, a total of 387 written response instruments were used in the theses reviewed. Most of the written response instruments were developed by the researchers themselves and of these instruments, the most frequently used were the personal information forms and scales. In the theses, most of the written response instruments were not introduced or only partly introduced and the validity and reliability of these instruments were either not reported or only partly reported. The results of the research showed that there were crucial deficiencies and errors in reporting the basic methodological information about the written response instruments used in the theses and this situation was repeated in the theses. In parallel with the results of the research, the related problems and their causes were discussed, and suggestions offered.
COMPARAÇÃO DOS CUSTOS DO SETOR DE NUTRIÇÃO E DIETÉTICA DE UM HOSPITAL PÚBLICO E DE UM PRIVADO
Authors: Abbas Katia , Negrelli da Silva Beatriz , Leoncine Maury
Published: June 2020

Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar os custos do setor de nutrição e dietética de um hospital público e de um privado e analisar a viabilidade de oferecer ou terceirizar o serviço.

Método: Para o cálculo do custo das refeições (café da manhã, almoço, café da tarde e jantar) foi utilizado o método do custeio por absorção, que considera os custos diretos (mão de obra das cozinheiras, auxiliares de cozinha e copeiras); e os custos indiretos de produção (serviços de manutenção, água, energia elétrica, telefone, depreciação dos equipamentos, e gás).

Fundamentação teórica: Foi abordada a gestão de custos em hospitais, ressaltando a importância da apuração e o controle de custos para tomada de decisão, bem como a terceirização de custos em hospitais.

Resultados: Os resultados evidenciam que o valor obtido para café da manhã e da tarde, tanto para o hospital público quanto para o privado, respectivamente, foram de R$2,99 e R$15,59. Para almoço e jantar, com carne bovina, foram de R$15,69 e R$21,72; com carne de frango R$13,89 e R$21,32; e dieta leve R$10,45 e R$19,55. 

Conclusões/contribuições: Desse modo, observa-se que o hospital privado tem maior custo em relação ao público, devido, principalmente, à diferença dos itens dos cardápios. Foram comparados os valores encontrados com o de empresas terceirizadas constatando-se a inviabilidade tanto para o hospital público quanto para o privado terceirizar o serviço.
CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE COBERTURA DA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA E TAXA DE IMUNIZAÇÃO: EVIDÊNCIAS PARA AS CAPITAIS DO NORDESTE.
Authors: Oliveira Jr João Paulo de , Correia Rocha Filho Gilberto , Santa Rita Luciana , Levino Natallya
Published: June 2020

A atenção básica de saúde e a estratégia de saúde da família ganharam força a partir da criação do Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS e foram ampliadas paulatinamente através da adesão dos municípios. São políticas que se propõem a garantir uma maior proximidade com as populações envolvidas, acolhendo suas necessidades e definindo estratégias com bases epidemiológicas. O presente artigo busca analisar a correlação existente entre cobertura da atenção básica e taxa de imunização no âmbito das capitais dos Estados da região nordeste do Brasil. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo descritivo, exploratório e documental, através da utilização de dados disponíveis nos sistemas de informação do ministério da saúde, DATASUS e o e-Gestor AB dos quais foram coletados as variáveis relativa à cobertura da tenção básica, a cobertura da estratégia da saúde da família, a taxa de imunização e de abandono vacinal do período de 2016 a 2019. Com isso, verificou-se que nas cidades avaliadas existe uma baixa correlação entre a cobertura da atenção básica e a taxa de imunização. No entanto, nos munícios onde a atenção básica esteve mais presente a taxa de abandono do programa vacinal foi menor. Isso mostra uma correlação negativa entre as duas variáveis e vem reforçar a importância da busca pelos municípios por uma cobertura total do programa aos usuários, facilitando o acesso aos serviços e, principalmente com equipes de estratégia de saúde da família, por buscar ativamente as pessoas que iniciaram a programação vacinal com vistas a cumprir o protocolo de imunização.
Social Distancing, Lockdown Obligatory, and Response Satisfaction During COVID-19 Pandemic: Perception of Nigerian Social Media Users
Authors: Olagunju Olalekan Seun , Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Babalola Tesleem Kayode
Published: June 2020

Background: Pandemics are challenging for clinical and public health agencies and policymakers because of the scientific and medical uncertainty that accompanies novel viruses like COVID-19 makes an increase of morbidity and mortality prominent. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate the public perception of social distancing, lockdown obligatory, and response satisfactory during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey used an anonymous online google based questionnaire to collect data from respondents via social media platforms. The online survey was conducted among social media users from 1st to 30th April 2020. A snowball sampling technique was employed to recruit respondents for the survey. A total of 1,131 respondents responded across the country. Results: Nine out of every ten respondents believed that social distancing is an effective measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Also, 8 out of every ten respondents agreed with the lockdown measures. However, just 36.8% think their government is doing enough to stop the outbreak, and only 25% of the respondents were satisfied with the country’s response to the worldwide epidemic. The age of respondents was found to be significantly associated with satisfaction with emergency response during pandemics. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Nigerian public accepted social distancing as an effective way of curbing the spread of COVID-19 and general acceptance on lockdown obligatory; however, more than half of respondents expressed non-satisfactory with government and other agencies responses during the pandemics.
Potential use of ash from sugarcane bagasse to produce passion fruit seedlings
Authors: Favare Henrique Guimarães de , Preisigke Sandra da Costa , Neves Leonarda Grillo , Araújo Kelly Lana , Serafim Milson Evaldo , Rocha José Renato Maurício da
Published: June 2020

The production of good quality passion fruit seedlings depends on substrates with adequate physical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of doses of ash from burning of sugarcane bagasse on improvement of traits of the substrate "gully soil". The experiment was set up in a greenhouse and arranged in randomized block design, in a 2x7x2 factorial scheme. The following factors and their respective levels were studied: (i) soil structure,- aggregating between 4 and 10 mm and <2 mm; (ii) ash doses - 0; 1.5; 3; 6; 12; 24; and 48 t ha-1; (iii) families of passion fruit - F29 and F48. The use of ash combined to the soil with structure <2mm significantly increased the production of shoot fresh mass and shoot dry mass for both families studied. The density of the substrate obtained by the mixture of ash and gully soil (soil) decreased as ash doses increased, regardless of the size of the aggregates and the family studied.
Sustainable crop production to ensuring food security under climate change: A Mediterranean perspective
Authors: Hossain Akbar , Sabagh Ayman EL , Barutcular Celaleddin , Bhatt Rajan , Çiğ Fatih , Seydoşoğlu Seyithan , Turan Nizamettin , Konuskan Omer , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Abdelhamid Magdi , Soler Cecilia M. Tojo , Laing A.M. , Saneoka Hirofumi
Published: June 2020

The global population is predicted to expand to 9.1 billion by 2050. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea are predicted to achieve a combined population of 529 million by 2025. The current major challenge confronting sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean region is climate change which has directly affected the extent and frequency of rain events, floods, and droughts, which in turn has influenced land and water productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. The present review highlights the major consequences of climate change for sustainable crop production in the Mediterranean region and evaluates different mitigation strategies for improving agricultural land productivity and water use efficiency along with their impact on farmers’ livelihoods.
Biocidal potential of some organic by-products on sanitary and physiological quality of red and white fava beans seeds
Authors: Sousa Maria Josilene de Oliveira , Almeida Fernandes Antonio de , Leite Maria Lucia Tiburtino , Fonseca Wéverson Lima , Lopes Kilson Pinheiro , Gomes Camile Dutra Lourenço , Sampaio Erik Gomes , Santos Elidayane da Nobrega , Gondim Ancélio Ricardo de Oliveira
Published: June 2020

Fava bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), is a rustic species and has great adaptability to arid regions of Brazil and stands out for its social importance and high levels of protein. Even so, the culture presents low productivity due to several factors, such as the quality of the seed. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the fungitoxic action of organic products, namely vinasse, cassava wastewater and agave extract, isolated and mixed, for treatment of beans seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial 8 x 2 (eight byproducts x two seed groups) with five replications. The seeds were evaluated for hysiological and sanitary quality, properly incubated in Petri plates on a triple layer of filter paper, sterilized and moistened with distilled water, where the assessments of the incidence of plant pathogens were performed after 7 days of incubation. Through the results, it is observed that the seeds of red fava bean were the most tolerant to organic products, without compromising the physiological quality. In general, the byproducts have significantly reduced the incidence of fungi identified in red and white fava bean.