bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saudi Vision 2030 Dynamic Input-Output Table: A Tool for Quantifying the Sustainable Development Targets of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Soytas Mehmet Ali , Havrlant David
Published: June 2020

This paper introduces an approach that combines macroeconomic forecasts with the input-output analysis methods to produce long-term projections of input-output tables (IOTs), with an emphasis on key targets of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for economic diversification and sustainable growth. A significant advantage of the input-output framework is its high sectoral granularity, allowing it to capture the impacts of adjustments to final demand or government policies with respect to individual sectors. Our hybrid approach enables the introduction of different sectoral growth paths, so that Vision 2030’s transformation plan is reflected appropriately in the projected IOTs. The framework is flexible enough to accommodate sudden adjustments with relative ease, such as the introduction of new technologies or entire sectors into the economy. Saudi Vison 2030 includes a set of targets relating to economic diversification into non-oil sectors, improved energy efficiency, the introduction of new technologies, social transformation, and the support of selected emerging sectors. The ultimate aim of the vision is to create an acceleration towards sustainable growth and development in the Saudi economy. Since these policies are expected to have a substantial impact on the economy, quantifying the economic implications of diversification and sectoral shifts require an adequate and flexible tool for projecting and evaluating structural adjustments for a better decision making.
Mitochondria-Related Core Genes in Breast Cancer: Potential Diagnostic, Prognostic Markers and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Yan Li-rong , Wang Ang , Lv Zhi , Yuan Yuan , Xu Qian
Published: June 2020

Background: Mitochondria-nuclear cross talk and mitochondrial retrograde regulation are involved in the genesis and development of breast cancer (BC). Therefore, mitochondria can be regarded as a promising target for BC therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we aimed to seek the potential biomarkers of BC diagnosis and prognosis and also the molecular therapeutic targets from the perspective of mitochondrial dysfunction.Methods: The microarray data of mitochondria-related encoding genes of BC were downloaded from GEO including GSE128610 and GSE72319. GSE128610 was treated as test set and validation sets consisted of GSE72319 and TCGA, which were used for identifying mitochondria-related differential expressed genes (mrDEGs). GO analysis and KEGG mapping of validated mrDEGs was performed by STRING and KEGG mapper, respectively. PPI network was constructed by STRING. MCODE was applied to modeling prediction of PPI and hub mrDEGs were screened by cytohubba. The online tool of Kaplan Meier plotter was adopted to analyze the correlation between hub mrDEGs and the overall survival of BC patients.Results: A total of 23 up-regulated and 71 down-regulated mrDEGs were identified and validated. Enrichment analyses indicated that mrDEGs were associated with several biological processes, including cell migration, cell surface receptor signaling pathway, cell differentiation and cell communication. Meanwhile, these genes were mapped in PI3K-ALT pathway, TGF-beta pathway, evading apoptosis pathway and resistance to chemotherapy pathway. Moreover, 9 hub mrDEGs were identified. Among them, up-regulated hub mrDEGs contained FN1, BGN, EFNA3, COL5A2 and SEMA3F, and down-regulated hub mrDEGs comprised RHOQ, SEMA3A, NRP1 and DDR2. Overall survival analysis suggested that the up-regulated FN1 and SEMA3F and down-regulated DDR2 conferred to poor BC prognosis.Conclusion: The 9 hub mrDEGs, especially FN1, SEMA3F and DDR2, were likely to regulate mitochondrial function and might be novel biomarkers of BC diagnosis and prognosis as well as the therapeutic targets.
Analysis of functional indices indicates multiple organ function damage in patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia
Authors: Feng Shiyan , Wang Fengxin , Cai Zhao , Wu Weibo , Li Yinfeng , Chen Li , Chen Chuming , Cao Mengli , Peng Ling , Jiang Xiao , Zhang Peiyan , Li Jianming , Yang Liuqing , Liu Yingxia , Liu Lei , Yang Liang , Wang Fuxiang
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aims to analyze the changes and significance of organ function indices in patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia for prediction of major organ damages and guiding treatment schemes.Methods: 63 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were selected as the severe group and 73 patients with mild syndromes were selected as the mild group. SAS9.4 software was used for statistical analysis of the data.Results: Levels of ALT, AST, cTnI, Cr, PT, APTT and D-DIC of the severe group were significantly higher while PLT was lower than those of the mild group. The data of all quantitative variables were converted into categorical variables. Significantly higher levels of AST, ALB, D-DIC and higher proportion of bilateral lung involvement were observed from the severe group comparing to those in the mild group, while the difference in the other indices between the two groups was insignificant in statistical perspective.Discussion: There are significant differences in the levels of multiple organ function indices between the severe group and the mild group of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia infection. Through examining the relevant indices, conditions of patients’ multiple organ function damage could be predicted and used as guidance of treatment.
P53/DRAM/ autophagy - a new target for improving the therapeutic effect of anti-VEGF on intraocular neovascularization
Authors: Wang Yi , Yang Yao , Li Rong , Wu Binghui , Lu Huiqin , Cheng Jing , Liu Zhe , Du Junhui
Published: June 2020

Backgroud Recurrence of intraocular neovascularization is a major clinical problem. Anti-VEGF drugs are the main treatment for intraocular neovascularization currently. However, anti-VEGF drugs can activate endothelial autophagy and weaken the therapeutic effect. This study aims to elucidate the effect and mechanism of anti-VEGF drugs on autophagy of vascular endothelial cells. Methods RF/6A cells were randomly divided into five groups: The control group, hypoxia group (1% O2、5% CO2、94% N2), anti-VEGF group(group1:Ranibizumab 100ug/ml; group2: Aflibercept, 400ug/ml; group3: Conbercept, 100ug/ml) and autophagy inhibition group(3-MA or CQ) which was corresponding to anti-VEGF group. Autophagy-related proteins were examined by Western blot. RFP-GFP-LC3 was used to detect autophagy and autophagic flow. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and Tunel was used to detect cell apoptosis. Cell migration and tube formation were assessed by wound assay and matrix method, respectively. Results Ranibizumab and Conbercept can triger autophagy in hypoxia condition in RF/6A cells, while Aflibercept can inhibit autophagy. Conbercept combined with autophagy inhibitor (3-MA or CQ) could inhibit cell migration and tube formation of RF/6A cells more effectively in hypoxia condition. For mechanism, p53 and DRAM proteins paly an important role in Conbercept induced autophagy. Inhibition of P53 can suppressed the autophagy induced by Conbercept. Conclusion Ranibizumab and Conbercept can triger the autophagy of vascular endothelial cells while Aflibercept can inhibit it. The combination of ranibizumab/ Concept and autophagy inhibitor can significantly inhibit the formation of angiogenesis in vitro. The mechanism of autophagy activation is related to the activation of p53 / DRAM pathway.
Oral Pyruvate Protection of Dorsal Root Ganglia in Simulated Weightlessness Rats
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhang Heng , Ren Ning-Tao , Chen Chao , Qi Peng , Zhou Fang-Qiang , Cui Geng
Published: June 2020

Background: Previous studies demonstrate that long-tern microgravity induces multi-organ injury and dysfunction, including the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) damage. This study investigated oral pyruvate protective effects on lumbar 5 (L5) DRG nerve tissues in rats subjected to hindlimb unweighting (HU).Results: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10): control group (Group CON), suspension group (Group SUS), normal saline group (Group SAL) and sodium pyruvate group (Group PYR), respectively. The rats of SUS, SAL and PYR groups were simulated with microgravity by tail suspension of HU for 8 weeks. Rats in Groups SAL and PYR fed with normal saline and pyruvate saline, respectively. Histopathological and immunofluorescence examinations were conducted and levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ATP and ATPase were measured in DRG tissues; L5 spinal cord scans were also carried out in rats following HU. Results showed that the HU resulted in significant alterations in DRG nerve tissues’ structure and function in Groups SUS and SAL, whereas morphological changes were not significantly distinguished between Group PYR and Group CON; GDNF, GFAP, ATP and ATPase levels were mostly preserved in Group PYR, but still worse than in Group CON. The significance of oral pyruvate protection against DRG injury following HU and the dose and formula of oral pyruvate solutions were discussed for use in astronauts’ spaceflight.Conclusions: oral pyruvate effectively protected L5 DRG from pathological alterations and dysfunction induced by the HU in rats. Further studies and clinical trials are warranted.
Increased uptake of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F18-FDG) in the spleen: A novel marker for severe Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease
Authors: Seong Hye , Jeong Yong Hyu , ji Lee Woon , Kim Jun Hyoung , Kim Jung Ho , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Choi Jun Yong , Park Yoon Soo , Yeom Joon Sup , Song Young Goo , Cho Arthur , Ku Nam Su
Published: June 2020

Background: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is an Asian-endemic disease of unknown etiology. Although KFD is usually self-limiting and benign, patients with prolonged systemic symptoms often have frequent hospital visits, long admission durations, and missed workdays. Immune-modulating drugs are used to shorten the clinical course in severe KFD. However, as there are no established severity markers, administration of these drugs is often arbitrary or delayed. We aimed to investigate the role of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F18-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F18-FDG PET/CT) in KFD and to evaluate its performance as a disease severity marker. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 31 adult patients with pathologically confirmed KFD who underwent F18-FDG PET/CT between November 2007 and April 2018 at a tertiary care referral hospital. Disease severity was assessed using the criteria based on clinical manifestations of advanced KFD. The number of systemic activated lymph nodes and severity of splenic activation were determined using semi-quantitative and volumetric PET/CT parameters. Results: The median value of the mean splenic standardized uptake value (SUV mean ) was higher in the 23 patients with severe KFD (1.79±0.99 vs. 2.38±1.18, p =0.058). Patients with severe KFD presented with more systemically activated volume and glycolytic activity than those with mild KFD (total lesion glycolysis: 473.5±504.4 vs 201.6±363.5, p =0.024). Multivariate logistic regression showed that myalgia (odds ratio [OR], 0.035; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001-0.792; p =0.035), total lymph node SUV max (cutoff, 9.27) (OR, 24.734; 95% CI, 1.323-462.407; p =0.032), and spleen SUV mean (cutoff, 1.79) (OR, 37.770; 95% CI, 1.769-806.583; p =0.020) were significantly associated with severe KFD. Conclusions: We suggest that 18 F-FDG PET/CT can be a useful tool for clinical workup in the predicting clinical course of KFD as a complement to laboratory and clinical findings to establish the severity.
Spatial Distribution and Modeling of malnutrition among under-five Children in Ethiopia
Authors: Lemessa Reta , Tafese Ararso , Aga Gudeta
Published: June 2020

Background

Majority of this world is concerned by malnutrition. Ethiopia is one of the Sub Saharan African countries known by poverty, childhood diseases, high mortality and poor infrastructures and technology. The study aimed to examine differences within individuals and between clusters in nutritional status of under-five children and to identify socioeconomic factors using adequate nutrition of children in Ethiopia.
Method:

Data was obtained from Ethiopian 2019 Mini Demographic and Health Survey surveyed by Ethiopian Public Health Institute. A weighted sub- sample of 8768 under-five children was drawn from the dataset. Spatial statistics was used to analysis spatial variations of malnutrition of children in clusters of regional areas of Ethiopia. Multilevel modeling was used to look at demographic, socioeconomic factors at individuals and clusters levels.
Result

At national level the proportion of stunting, underweight and wasting among under-five children were 39.5 percent, 29.8 percent and 15.4 percent respectively. The Global Moran Index’s value for children malnutrition result in Ethiopia was (for stunting I = 0.204, P-value = < 0.0001, for underweight I = 0.195, P-value = < 0.0001 and for wasting I = 0.152, P-value = < 0.0001). Spatial variability of malnutrition of under-five children across the clusters of Ethiopia observed. Result of heterogeneity between clusters obtained was

{X}^{2}=147.25, {X}^{2}=211.43 and {X}^{2}=201.43
respectively for stunting, underweight and wasting with P = < 0.0001 providing evidences of variation among regional clusters with respect to the status of nutrition of under-five children. Multilevel model result revealed that high differences of malnutrition in individual households and regional clusters in the under-five children in Ethiopia.
Conclusion

The model showed that there were spatial variations in malnutrition among clusters in Ethiopia. Child age in month, breast feeding, family educational level, wealth index, place of residence, media access and region were highly significantly associated with childhood malnutrition. Inclusion of explanatory variables in multilevel model has shown that a significant impact on variation in malnutrition among individual households and regional clusters. Accessible resources, promoting education, use media to expand activities regarding nutritional and health services and through health workers and health institutions in Ethiopia is significant.
Analysis of Postural Control in Sitting by Pressure Mapping in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury and Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Reguera-García María Mercedes , Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , Álvarez-Barrio Lorena , Fradejas Beatriz Alonso-Cortés
Published: June 2020

Background: The tools available for the postural control assessment in patients with neurological diseases lack reliability and sensitivity to small changes in patient functionality. The appearance of pressure mapping has allowed quantitative evaluation of postural control in sitting. This study was carried out todetermine the evaluations in pressure mapping and verifying whether they are different between the three sample groups (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and Friedreich's ataxia), and to determine whether the pressure mapping is more sensitive than functional tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a random sample of 10 adult patients with neurological involvement. The tests applied were: pressure mapping, seated Lateral Reach Test, seated Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, Posture and Postural Ability Scale, Function in Sitting Test, and Trunk Control Test.Results: The pressure mapping showed a higher mean pressure in the people with Friedreich's ataxia compared to other groups. The highest values of maximum pressure and the area of contact were found in users with spinal cord injury.Conclusions: People with different neurological pathologies and similar results in functional tests have very different results in the pressure mapping. The relation between the pressure mapping variables and the functional tests were numerous, especially in the multiple sclerosis group.
Clinical severity and epidemiological spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 in children – comparison with influenza
Authors: Pokorska-Śpiewak Maria , Talarek Ewa , Popielska Jolanta , Nowicka Karolina , Ołdakowska Agnieszka , Zawadka Konrad , Kowalik-Mikołajewska Barbara , Tomasik Anna , Dobrzeniecka Anna , Lipińska Marta , Krynicka-Czech Beata , Coupland Urszula , Stańska-Perka Aleksandra , Ludek Małgorzata , Marczyńska Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Data on the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children are limited, and studies from Europe are scarce. We analyzed the clinical severity and epidemiologic aspects of COVID-19 in consecutive children aged 0 – 18 years, referred with a suspicion of COVID-19 between February 1, and April 15, 2020. RT-PCR on a nasopharyngeal swab was used to confirm COVID-19. 319 children met the criteria of a suspected case. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 15/319 (4.7%) patients (8 male; mean age 10.5 years). All of them had household contact with an infected relative. Five (33.3%) patients were asymptomatic. In 9/15 (60.0%) children, the course of the disease was mild, and in 1/15 (6.7%), it was moderate, with the following symptoms: fever (46.7%), cough (40%), diarrhea (20%), vomiting (13.3%), rhinitis (6.7%), and shortness of breath (6.7%). In the COVID-19-negative patients, other infections were confirmed, including influenza in 32/319 (10%). The clinical course of COVID-19 and influenza differed significantly based on the clinical presentation. In conclusion, the clinical course of COVID-19 in children is usually mild or asymptomatic. In children suspected of having COVID-19, other infections should not be overlooked. The main risk factor for COVID-19 in children is household contact with an infected relative.
Potential activity of a selected natural compounds on SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase, and binding affinity of the receptor-binding domain (RBD)
Authors: Altayeb Hisham , Bouslama Lamjed , Abdulhakimc Jawaher Abdualbaqi , Chaieb Kamel , Baothman Othman A. S. , Zamzami Mazin A.
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and represents the causative agent of a potentially lethal disease. COVID-19 has been described as a significant global public health pandemic by the World Health Organization due to its high mortality rate, rapid spread, and the lack of drugs and vaccines for it. Active antiviral drugs are desperately needed to combat the potential return of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).In this study, we selected 39 natural compounds present in plants, algae, and sponges with antiviral activity. Molecular docking was used to screen the compounds’ activity on SARS- CoV-2 RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase, receptor-binding domain (RBD), and the human ACE2 receptor. Compounds with binding energy ≤ -6.5 kcal/mol enter pre-clinical testing using in silco ADME/Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity).We found eight potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors: (glycyrrhizin, rutin, baicalin, 1, 6-di-O- galloyl-beta-D-glucose, pyropheophorbide A, pheophorbide A, beta-Sitosterol, and vitexin). These outcomes indicate that these compounds could be potential candidates to be utilized in lead optimization for the design and production of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug.
Seasonal Variation in Gut Microbiota Composition: Comparative Analysis of Siberian Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) and Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii)
Authors: Su Rina , Erdenedalai Myagmarsuren , Dalai Menggen , Batkhuu L , Chi Chimedragchaa , Hasi Surong
Published: June 2020

Background: Musk deer is famous for its secretion of musk, but due to various factors that the musk deer population has dropped sharply and it is difficult to expand herd sizes. In light of the rapid development of agriculture and technology, as well as the urgent need for wildlife conservation, research on the gut microbiota of musk deer is warranted. The gut microbiota impacts host health is shaped by dietary, environmental, and host factors.Results: We studied the gut microbiota in Siberian musk and Forest musk deer using high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Fecal samples were collected during two seasons to determine associations between community diversity, composition, and seasonal factors. The results show that the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla in both species, their relative abundance was significantly different with species and seasonal factors. The Siberian musk deer population sampled in this study had a wider feeding range and no dietary limitations. Affected by the richness and type of food sources, the microbial α-diversity is higher in summer than winter. In the siberian musk deer have only Tenericutes significant difference with the season change. Conclusions:The gut bacterial composition of these two musk deer is significantly different, and the abundance of core bacteria is affected by seasonal factors. This study is the first to analyze the composition of the gut microflora in Siberian musk deer, and these results provide a foundation for improving feeding for musk deer populations and further studies investigating the environmental impact of musk deer.
Kir6.1 improves cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy via the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Jinxin , Bai Jing , Duan Peng , Wang Hao , Li Yang , Zhu Qinglei
Published: June 2020

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) severely impairs the health of diabetic patients. Previous studies have shown that the expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channel 6.1 (Kir6.1) in heart mitochondria is significantly reduced in type 1 diabetes. However, whether its expression and function are changed and what role it plays in type 2 DCM have not been reported. This study investigated the role and mechanism of Kir6.1 in DCM.Methods: The cardiac function in mice was analyzed by echocardiography, ELISA, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy. The mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes was measured by the oxygen consumption rate and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Kir6.1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting (WB), respectively. The protein expression of t-AKT, p-AKT, t-Foxo1, and p-Foxo1 was analyzed by WB.Results: We found that the cardiac function and the Kir6.1 expression in DCM mice were decreased. Kir6.1 overexpression improved cardiac dysfunction and upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in the DCM mouse model. Furthermore, Kir6.1 overexpression also improved cardiomyocyte dysfunction and upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in cardiomyocytes with insulin resistance. In contrast, cardiac-specific Kir6.1 knockout aggravated the cardiac dysfunction and downregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in DCM mice. Furthermore, Foxo1 activation downregulated the expression of Kir6.1 and decreased the ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes. In contrast, Foxo1 inactivation upregulated the expression of Kir6.1 and increased the ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the Kir6.1 promoter region contains a functional Foxo1-binding site .Conclusions: Kir6.1 improves cardiac dysfunction in DCM, probably through the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the crosstalk between Kir6.1 and the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway may provide new strategies for reversing the defective signaling in DCM.
The role of chest CT quantitative pulmonary inflammatory index in the evaluation of the course and treatment outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Peng Song , Chen Jinqing , Zhang Wendy , Zhang Bangjun , Liu Zhifeng , Liu Lang , Wu Zhaofeng , Fu Rui , Li Xiuhua , Lv Fajin
Published: June 2020

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of chest CT quantitative pulmonary inflammation index (PII) in the evaluation of the course and treatment outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods: One hundred and eighteen patients with COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosed by RT-PCR were analyzed retrospectively. The correlation between chest CT PII, clinical symptoms and laboratory examinations during the entire hospitalization period was compared.Results: The average age of the patients was 46.0 ± 15 (range: 1-74) years. Of the 118 patients, 62 are male (52.5%) and 56 are female (47.5%). Among them, 116 patients recovered and were discharged, 2 patients died, and the median length of hospital stay was 22 (range: 9-41) days. On admission, 76.3% of the patients presented with fever, and the laboratory studies showed a decrease in lymphocyte (LYM) count and an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, C-reactive protein(CRP) levels , and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Within the studies’ chest CTs, the median number of involved lung lobes was 4 (range: 0-5) and the median number of involved lung segments was 9 (range 0-20). The left lower lobe and the right lower lobe were the areas most likely to be involved (89.0% and 83.9%), and 84.7% of the patients had inflammatory changes in both lungs. The main manifestations on chest CT were ground glass opacities (31.4%), ground glass opacities and consolidation (20.3%), ground glass opacities and reticular patterns (32.2%), mixed type (13.6%), and white lungs (1.7%); common accompanying signs included linear opacities (55.9%), air bronchograms (46.6%), thick small vessel shadows (36.4%), and pleural hypertrophy (13.6%). The chest CT at discharge showed complete absorption of lesions in 19 cases (16.1%), but not in the remaining 99 cases. Lesions remained in a median of 3 lung lobes (range: 0-5). Residual lesions remained in a median of 5 lung segments (range: 0-20). The residual lesions mainly presented as ground glass opacities (61.0%), and the main accompanying sign was linear opacities (59.3%). Based on chest CT, the median maximum PII of lungs was 30.0% (range: 0-97.5%), and the median PII after discharge in the patients excluding the two deaths was 12.5% (range: 0-53.0%). PII was significantly negatively correlated with the LYM count and significantly positively correlated with body temperature, LDH, CRP, and ESR. There was no significant correlation between the PII and the white blood cell count, but the grade of PII correlated well with the clinical classification.Conclusion: PII can be used to monitor the severity and the treatment outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia, provide help for clinical classification, assist in treatment plan adjustments and aid assessments for discharge.
REDESAIN INKLUSIF DAN PENINGKATAN AKSESIBILITAS LAYANAN UNTUK BERBAGAI PENGGUNA DI PERPUSTAKAAN UNIVERSITAS KRISTEN PETRA
Authors: Tanuwidjaja Gunawan , Wulandari Dian , Kristanto Luciana
Published: June 2020

Title: Inclusive Design and Service Accessibility Improvement for Various Users in Petra Christian University Library

In the context of Indonesia, Act No. 8 of 2016 actually recognizes the rights of the disabled. Unfortunately, the UNCRPD implementation seems not quite effective. Many educational facilities are not accessible for the disabled or the People with Disabilities. The learning environment has an indirect impact on student achievement, creating a positive attitude, higher motivation for learning and no doubt better performance. The accessibility aspect of learning places is crucial for educational facilities such as university Library. Petra Christian University (UKP) is located in the heart of Wonocolo District, Surabaya, East Java-Indonesia. With the motto "Learning zone that cares ". Library@Petra wants to be a learning center that caters to academics, and practitioners. Library@Petra is the largest and most complete academic library in East Java. On the other hand, many users find accessibility barriers to Library@Petra-owned facilities built in the 1980 's. Accessibility issues for all users are generated from Focus Group discussion (FGD) discussions, involving people with disabilities, elderly, pregnant women following children in accordance with User – Centered Principle. The Library@Petra redesign was submitted based on the principles of inclusive design submitted by Tanuwidjaja (2015). An Equitable Use but Reasonable Principle will be met through providing a help corner for users with special needs, accessible pathways and space to spin, as well as accessible meeting and toilet areas. Simple and Intuitive Use Principle will be filled with braille/visual and directional guides for the blind and other. The principle of requiring Low Physical Effort applied to accessible toilets and assistance to retrieve books in specific areas that are hard to reach, computers for users with special needs (blind users) are provided for reading, to access e-books and catalogs. Prohibition of Usage Error is recommended with the installation of a fence as high as 150 cm around the elevator aisle and anti-slippery floor. These recommendations were found difficult to be addressed because of the limited university's budget and the use of active Library@Petra throughout the year. Therefore, it is proposed a Special Assistance Corner for special users including disability as a first step. This corner is equipped with a dedicated User Service desk, a waiting couch and three computer stations for visual disabilities to read ebook and catalogue sites. Recommendation of this case is the higher nvolvement of People with Disabilites in inclusive design.
Application of Structure-based Methods to Analyze Resistance Mutations for Chemically Diverse Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Tabassum Tasnim , Azeem Syeda M. , Muwonge Alecia N. , Frey Kathleen M.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are used in combination antiretroviral
therapy to suppress viral loads in HIV patients. The chemical design of NNRTIs has changed in recent years in response
to resistance associated mutations (RAMs) and resistance. NNRTIs are chemically diverse compounds that bind an allosteric site of HIV RT. Resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) identified in HIV patients are associated with NNRTI
resistance. RAMs confer amino acid changes that alter both structural and physiochemical properties of the allosteric site.
Ultimately these changes reduce NNRTI affinity. Previously, we used a combination of computational and experimental
methods to analyze and validate RAMs for 3 diarylpyrimidine (DAPY) NNRTIs.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to apply these methods to other chemically diverse, non-DAPY NNRTIs.

Materials and Methods:

We selected MIV-150 (experimental microbicide) and doravirine for this study. A computational and molecular modeling strategy was used to evaluate the effects of RAMs. Calculated changes in drug affinity and
stability (ΔS + ΔA) were used to determine overall resistance levels: susceptible, low, intermediate, and high. The ΔS +
ΔA values for K101P suggest that this mutation confers intermediate/high-level resistance to MIV-150, but remains susceptible to doravirine. Based on the determined resistance levels, we analyzed the models and used Molecular Dynamics
(MD) to compare the interactions of MIV-150/doravirine with RT wild-type (WT) and RT (K101P). From MD, we found
key interactions were lost with RT (K101P), but are retained with doravirine. To experimentally validate our findings, we
conducted a fluorescence-based reverse transcription assay for MIV-150 with RT (WT) and RT (K101P). IC50 values
determined in assays show a 101-fold change in potency for MIV-150, but essentially no change for doravirine.

Results:

Our computational and experimental results are also consistent with antiviral data reported in the literature.

Conclusion:

We believe that this approach is effective for analyzing mutations to determine resistance profiles for chemically diverse NNRTIs in development.
Disk Battery Ingestion: A Simple User-Guide
Authors: Petruzziello Carmine , Soave Paolo Maurizio
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Disk Battery Ingestion (DBI) is a cause of access to the emergency department
(ED), especially in pediatric age. This problem, if not well managed, may lead to serious injuries,
with several complications involving the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to analyze the literature of the last 25 years to make a decisional
flow-chart that may help the emergency physician.

Methods:

For this review, 36 articles have been analyzed (8 articles and 28 case reports), from
1995 to 2019. Data considered from each study included year of publication, type of study, population
studied, type of battery, timing of ingestion, treatment, outcomes, complications.

Results:

A decisional flow-chart has been configured. X-ray should be performed as the first step
in every stable patient, meanwhile CT scan should be performed in unstable patients. When the battery
is still localized in the esophagus, endoscopy should be performed as soon as possible, meanwhile,
when the battery is beyond the esophagus, its diameter should be noted before taking a decision.

Conclusion:

The use of the flow-chart proposed may reduce the risk of worse consequences and severe
injuries for the patients, helping the emergency physician in his decisional process.
Drug Repositioning: Antimalarial Activities of GABA Analogs in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Ayankunle Akeem A. , Wakeel Olayemi K. , Kolawole Oyetunji T. , Oyekale Adesola O. , Ojurongbe Olusola , Adeyeba Oluwaseyi A.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Drug repositioning is becoming popular due to the development of resistance
to almost all the recommended antimalarials. Pregabalin and gabapentin are chemical analogs of gamma-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) approved for the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

Objective:

This study investigates acute toxicities and antimalarial activities of pregabalin and
gabapentin in the murine malarial model.

Methods:

Acute toxicities were assessed using the method of Lorke, while curative activities were
assessed by the administration of serial doses of pregabalin and gabapentin to Plasmodium
berghei infected mice. Pregabalin was further investigated for its prophylactic activity, and curative
potential when combined with either artesunate or amodiaquine. All drugs were freshly prepared
and administered orally. Thin films were collected, stained, and observed under the microscope
for the estimation of parasitemia and calculation of percentage chemoinhibition or chemoprevention.
In pregabalin –artesunate or -amodiaquine combination aspect of this study, survival
day post-infection (SDPI) was recorded, while parasitemia was re-estimated for animals that survived
till day 28.

Results:

The oral LD50 of gabapentin, as well as pregabalin, was >5,000 mg/kg. Gabapentin at 100
and 200 mg/Kg demonstrated 35.64% and -12.78% chemoinhibition, respectively, while pregabalin
demonstrated 75.60% and 100.00% chemoinhibition at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/Kg, respectively.
Moreover, pregabalin at individual doses of 25, 50 mg/Kg, and in combination with either artesunate
or amodiaquine demonstrated 100.00% chemoinhibition. In its prophylactic study, pregabalin was
found to be 100% chemopreventive at individual doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/Kg.

Conclusion:

Both GABA analogs have antimalarial properties, but pregabalin proved to be more
efficacious.
Evolutive Temporal Footprint of an HIV-1 Envelope Protein in an Epidemiologically Linked Cluster
Authors: de Carvalho Lima Elidamar Nunes , Lima Rodrigo Sucupira Andrade , Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Piqueira José Roberto Castilho , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie
Published: June 2020

Background:

The C2V3C3 region of gp 120, encoded by the HIV-1 envelope gene (env), is an important antigenic target, a key determinant for viral evolution and essential for determining epitopes for vaccines.

Methods:

The relationships among genetic sequence diversity, selective pressure, constraints on HIV-1 envelope protein were explored and also correlated this analysis with information entropy; hypermutation; HIV tropism; CD4+ T cell counts or HIV viral load. A total of 179 HIV-1 C2V3C3 sequences derived from cell-free plasma were used, determined from serial samples, in four epidemiologically linked individuals (one infected blood donor, two transfusion recipients and a sexual partner infected by one of the recipients) over a maximum period of 8 years. This study is important because it considers the analysis of patterns in genomic sequences, without drugs and over time.

Results:

A temporal relationship among information entropy, hypermutation, tropism switch, viral load, and CD4+ T cell count was determined. Changes in information entropy were time-dependent, and an increase in entropy was observed in the C2V3C3 region at amino acids G313 and F317-I320 (related to the GPGR-motif and coreceptor tropism), and at amino acids A281 in C2 and A346 in C3, related to immune escape.

Conclusion:

The increase of information entropy over time was correlated with hypermutation and the emergence of nonR5- strains, which are both associated with more variable genomes.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Research, Training, and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Owen Christopher K. , Lieneman Corey C. , McNeil Cheryl B.
Published: June 2020

This research briefly promotes the inclusion of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a continuum of empirically-supported ASD treatments. PCIT is a manualized, short-term intervention that improves child compliance and the caregiver-child bond, and is an empirically-supported treatment backed by over 40 years of research. Caregivers are often unprepared to handle the needs of children with ASD presenting with comorbid behavioral problems. As a result, families frequently require mental health services for their children on the autism spectrum; however, access to empirically supported treatments for these families is limited. Furthermore, many mental health providers feel unequipped to treat this special population. Families with children on the autism spectrum are in desperate need of quality, time-limited, evidence-based treatments targeting disruptive behaviors. PCIT is a well-established treatment for disruptive behaviors that represents a promising treatment for complementing other evidenced-based ASD services. Research shows that after PCIT, children with ASD demonstrate improvements in disruptive behavior, social awareness, adaptability, and positive affect. Currently, the PCIT-ASD literature provides a case for conducting PCIT with preschool children who are in the higher functioning range of the autism spectrum (Levels 1 and 2) and display comorbid behavioral problems. Providing PCIT clinicians with training about the special needs of children with ASD could lead to improved access to services for this population. This paper accomplishes the following objectives: 1) Provides an overview of PCIT, 2) Summarizes the PCIT-ASD research, 3) Reviews PCIT-ASD clinical considerations and training requirements, and 3) Suggests future directions for PCIT-ASD research.
Effect of Herbal Aphrodisiac, Dioscorea Bulbifera on Sperm Parameters, Serum Hormonal Levels and Testicular Histology of Wistar Rats
Authors: Msiska Thomson , Mwakikunga Anthony , Tembo David , Lampiao Fanuel
Published: June 2020

Aim:

The present study was aimed at screening phytochemicals of Dioscorea bulbifera
extracts and evaluating its effects on male rat reproductive system.

Background:

Since ancient times, man has found a lot of health benefits from medicinal plants. According
to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 80% of the world population depends on
traditional medicine, which is 90% plant-based, for their health needs. In respect of this, men in
Africa use herbal medicines in the management of erectile dysfunction and infertility. Amongst
thousands of herbs, folklore has implicated Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils in the treatment of piles, dysentery,
syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, cancer and infertility. Despite such great
health benefits from D. bulbifera, in vitro studies and clinical data in support of its efficacy as an
aphrodisiac are scanty.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts
on Wistar rat sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histology of the testis.

Methods:

Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and were
given different treatments of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts by oral gavage at 200 and 400 mg kg-1
body weight. After 8 weeks, body and reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, hormonal
levels and histological structure of the testis were evaluated. A calorimetric method was used to assess
the quantity of phytochemical constituents.

Results:

Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were
significantly (p<0.05) enhanced whereas prolactin levels were significantly (p<0.05) down-regulated
in the treated groups. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively
motile cells increased compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in
body weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing
all the stages of spermatogenesis.
Phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids,
flavonoids, phenols and saponins.

Conclusion:

Dioscorea bulbifera has secondary metabolites that seem to stimulate androgenic and
anabolic effects. These secondary metabolites appear to be responsible for the positive changes in
testicular architecture, serum hormonal levels, caudal sperm concentration and motility parameters.
This study supports the ethno-aphrodisiac claims that have been made against it.
Team-Based Learning on Teaching Medical and Health Terminology
Authors: Azizam Nor Azmaniza , Maon Siti Noorsuriani , Ali Husin Liatul Izian , Ahmad Siti Nurul Akma , Mat Som Rohana
Published: June 2020

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of TBL teaching and learning Medical and Health Terminology subject. The TBL session has been undertaken in two phases, commencing with the Individual Readiness Test (IRT), and followed the Group Readiness Test (GRT). The outcomes indicated the significance of scoring between the two phases for both components, which are suggestive of TBL implementation, showing a positive response from students. The statistical analysis has also revealed score differences between the Medical and Health Terminology subjects, according to student background. TBL should advocate and actively promoted in all issues for the Health Administration program.   
Keywords: Team-Based Learning, Academic Performance, Universiti Teknologi MARA.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2317
How Situational Factors at the Workplace Affect Work Engagement among Public Administrators: A mediation moderated framework
Authors: Husain Nor Azmawati , Sulaiman Mira Maisarah
Published: June 2020

Situational factors at work may influence work engagement among employees. With 169 respondents from public administrators in the Johor Bahru Tengah Municipal Council, Malaysia, the findings were derived. The survey data from respondents were analyses using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Findings showed that ambiguity and imbalance impaired work engagement. Meanwhile, distributive fairness significantly influences work engagement directly and indirectly. The results suggest that the influence of an ambiguous situation at work decreased work engagement, but can be improved, mainly through distributive fairness. Distributive fairness also moderated the linkage between ambiguous situational at work and work engagement.   
Keywords: Work engagement, Public administrators, Situational factors, Ambiguity, Imbalance, Distributive fairness.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2330
Internet Use, Risk Awareness, and Demographic Characteristics Associated With Engagement in Preventive Behaviors and Testing: Cross-Sectional Survey on COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Li Siyue , Feng Bo , Liao Wang , Pan Wenjing
Published: June 2020

Background

During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, engagement in preventive behaviors and getting tested for the virus play a crucial role in protecting people from contracting the new coronavirus.

Objective

This study aims to examine how internet use, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics are associated with engagement in preventative behaviors and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk from April 10, 2020, to April 14, 2020. Participants’ internet use (in terms of the extent of receiving information pertaining to COVID-19), risk awareness (whether any immediate family members, close friends or relatives, or people in local communities tested positive for COVID-19), demographics (sex, age, ethnicity, income, education level, marital status, and employment status), as well as their engagement in preventative behaviors and testing were assessed.

Results

Our data included 979 valid responses from the United States. Participants who received more COVID-19–related health information online reported more frequent effort to engage in all types of preventive behaviors: wearing a facemask in public (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001), washing hands (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.85, P<.001), covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.52-2.10, P<.001), keeping social distance with others (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.65, P<.001), staying home (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.62, P<.001), avoiding using public transportation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.88, P<.001), and cleaning frequently used surfaces (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001). Compared with participants who did not have positive cases in their social circles, those who had immediate family members (OR 1.48, 95% CI 8.28-26.44, P<.001) or close friends and relatives (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.58-4.03, P<.001) who tested positive were more likely to get tested. Participants’ sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, and employment status were also associated with preventive behaviors and testing.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that the extent of receiving COVID-19–related information online, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics including sex, ethnicity, age, marital status, and employment status are key factors associated with US residents’ engagement in various preventive behaviors and testing for COVID-19.