bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hosomi Yukako , Munekawa Chihiro , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Okamura Takuro , Takahashi Fuyuko , Kawano Rena , Nakajima Hanako , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takafumi , Nakanishi Naoko , Ushigome Emi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki
Published: September 2020

Background: To investigate the acute effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the lifestyle and metabolic parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellites (T1DM). Methods: This retrospective cohort study induced 34 patients who received our hospital from April 16 to May 1, 2020. Data regarding stress levels, sleep time, exercise, and total diet, snack, and prepared food intake were obtained from the questionnaires. To evaluate the pandemic effect on the changes in the body weight or HbA1c levels, we evaluated those differences of the values at the time the questionnaire was administered to those noted 3 months ago and those differences of 12 months ago and 15 months ago using paired t test. Results: Increased stress levels and decreased exercise levels were observed in approximately 60%, and 50% of the participants, during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a negative correlation between stress and exercise (r = -0.407, p = 0.021). Decreased sleep duration were associated with increased body weight (r = -0.40, p = 0.042). Furthermore, compared with 1 years ago, HbA1c was become worse (this year 0.12 [0.33] % in this year vs.-0.09 [0.39] % in 1 years ago, p = 0.027). Conclusions: Many patients experienced stress and decreased exercise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The glycemic control of patients with T1DM was worse than last year. Given that the pandemic is ongoing, we should pay more attention to the management of stress and lifestyle factors in patients with T1DM.
Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: The interplay between protective and risk factors
Authors: Petrocchi Serena , Iannello Paola , Ongaro Giulia , Antonietti Alessandro , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: September 2020

Background. Individuals under quarantine, such as the one caused by SARS-CoV-2, experience severe distress. The present research aimed to test a model of relations to ascertain the determinants of distress. Worry, perceived utility of the lockdown, and health-related information seeking were mediators in the relationships between COVID-19 exposure, risk aversion, and intolerance for ambiguity, on one side, and distress on the other. Method. The study was conducted in Italy during the mandatory lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic on 240 individuals (age range 18-76). Results. COVID-19 exposure was positively associated with worry about COVID-19 and health-related information seeking; risk aversion was positively associated with health-related information seeking and perceived utility of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Worry and health-related information seeking were positively associated with distress, while the perceived utility of the lockdown was negatively associated with distress. Intolerance for ambiguity was directly linked to distress with a positive sign. Conclusions. Our evidence suggests that risk aversion represents both a risk factor and a protective factor based on what kind of variable mediates the relationship with distress. However, intolerance to ambiguity is a risk factor for buster distress.
Development of equine antisera with high neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sapkal Gajanan , Yadav Anil , Deshpande Gururaj Rao , Yadav Pragya D. , Deshpande Ketki , Phagiwala Darpan , Jain Rajlaxmi , Shete Anita , Gupta Nivedita , Ponnuru Sampath , Palakurthi Kamala , Paradkar Vikram , Abraham Prof. Priya
Published: September 2020

The pandemic of COVID -19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is leading to a humongous impact on the mankind with over a million people succumbing to it worldwide. Although there are few drugs approved for the treatment, there is not yet a safe and effective vaccine available for COVID-19. Also, the passive immunization therapy with convalescent plasma, though potentially an effective treatment option for other viral disease has limitation of availability. The prior use of immunoglobulins generated in animals has proven to be effective in several viral and bacterial diseases. Here, we report the development and evaluation of equine hyper immune globulin raised against inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus. Post immunization neutralization titres of the equines demonstrated high neutralizing antibodies. To minimize the adverse effects, the immunoglobulins were digested with pepsin, and purified to obtain the F(ab’)2 fragments. The average nAb titre of the purified bulk was 22,927 and correlated with high IgG binding efficiency in ELISA. The quality control assessments of the different batches proved to have consistent nAb titres. The study provides evidence of the potential of generating highly purified F(ab’)2 from equines against SARS-CoV-2 that can demonstrate consistent and high neutralization activity. Further, in-vivo testing for efficacy of this indigenously developed, cost effective product will pave the way to clinical evaluation.
Severity scores in COVID-19 pneumonia: a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study
Authors: Artero Arturo , Madrazo Manuel , Fernández-Garcés Mar , Miguez Antonio Muñoz , García Andrés González , Vieitez Anxela Crestelo , Guijarro Elena García , Aizpuru Eva María Fonseca , Gómez Miriam García , Manrique María Areses , Cilleros Carmen Martinez , Moreno María del Pilar Fidalgo , Amigo Jose Loureiro , Sánchez Ricardo Gil , Pejenaute Elisa Rabadán , Vázquez Lucy Abella , Navarro Ruth Cañizares , Marquínez Marta Nataya Solís , Sánchez Francisco Javier Carrasco , Moraleja Julio González , Rivas Lorena Montero , Sevilla Joaquin Escobar , Escalante María Dolores Martín , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIdentification of patients on admission to hospital with Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia who can develop poor outcomes have not yet ben comprehensively assessed.ObjectiveTo compare severity scores used for community acquired pneumonia to identify high-risk patients.DesignPSI, CURB-65, qSOFA and MuLBSTA, a new score for viral pneumonia, were calculated on admission to hospital to identify high-risk patients for in-hospital mortality. Area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), sensitivity and specificity for each score were determined and AUROC were compared among them.ParticipantsPatients with COVID-19 pneumonia included in the SEMI-COVID-19 Network.Key resultsWe examined 10,238 patients with COVID-19. Mean age of patients was 66.6 years and 57.9% were males. The most common comorbidities were: hypertension (49.2%), diabetes (18.8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12.8%). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (34.7%) and acute kidney injury (13.9%) were the most common complications. In-hospital mortality was 20.9%. PSI and CURB-65 showed the highest AUROC (0.835 and0.825, respectively). qSOFA and MuLBSTA had a lower AUROC (0.728 and 0.715, respectively). qSOFA was the most specific score (specificity 95.7%) albeit its sensitivity was only 26.2%. PSI had the highest sensitivity (84.1%) and a specificity of 72.2%.ConclusionsPSI and CURB-65, specific severity scores for pneumonia, were the best scores for COVID-19 pneumonia and were better than qSOFA and MuLBSTA. Additionally, qSOFA, the simplest score to perform, was the most specific albeit the least sensitive.
Coping with Depression and Anxiety in Egyptian Physicians during COVID-19 ‎Pandemic
Authors: Khalaf Ola Osama , Khalil Mohamed A. , Abdelmaksoud Reham
Published: September 2020

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is a public health ‎emergency with negative impact on mental health. Health care workers are one of the most vulnerable groups to psychological stress ‎in Pandemics especially COVID -19. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the depression, stress and coping among a sample of Egyptian Physicians using an electronic survey was sent. It included demographic data, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS).Results: We found that the majority of the sample were females (61.2%), medical specialties (51.2%) and (‎92.4‎ %) were living with vulnerable family members. The majority (63%) suffered from severe or extremely severe depression, 77.6% had extremely severe anxiety and 72% suffered from stress. BRCS showed that only 17.1% had high resilient coping. Female physicians were significantly higher in the depression, anxiety and stress scales of DASS than male physicians (p= 0.001, ‎<0.001 and ‎<0.001 respectively). Anxiety scale was significantly higher in those with chronic diseases (p= 0.040) while the stress scale was lower significantly in those with higher academic degree (p= 0.034). Age had significantly negative correlation with DASS anxiety (p= 0.031) and stress scores (p= 0.037). The BRCS score had significantly negative correlation with the depression, anxiety and stress scales of DASS (p= 0.018, ‎0.014 and ‎0.007 respectively). Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on the psychological well-being of the studied Egyptian physicians. Prophylactic measures should be implemented to avoid development of psychiatric symptoms in physicians.
Energy Efficiency and the Role of Financial Development, Trade Openness and Technological Innovation: Exploring the Dynamic Linkages for Pakistan
Authors: Nasreen Samia , Anwar Sofia
Published: September 2020

The study explores the dynamic linkages among financial development, trade openness, technological innovation and energy efficiency in Pakistan utilizing cointegration tests, Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) and Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) model for the period 1980-2017. The results of Johansen cointegration show that variables ae cointegrated. The robustness of cointegration relationship is confirmed by applying Gregory-Hansen structural break cointegration. The empirical findings imply that financial development and technological innovation positively and significantly stimulate energy efficiency while trade openness and economic growth negatively and significantly impact on energy efficiency in long-run. The DAG results explain the evidence of causality from financial development, trade openness, technological innovation and economic growth to energy efficiency. The results of forecast error variance decomposition from SVAR model describe that technological innovation has greater impact on energy efficiency in short-term but its impact gradually decreases with the extension of forecast period. On contrary, the promotion effect of financial development and trade openness on energy efficiency increase gradually over time and become highest in long-run. This finding underlines the relevance of technological innovation and trade openness to policy makers in order to achieve energy efficiency in Pakistan.
Neglected tarlov cysts: A case of a tarlov cyst with spermatorrhea.
Authors: Sun Pan , Xu Wangbing , Ye Yongxiang , Zhong Faming , Wan Xuan , Li Yong
Published: September 2020

Background: Tarlov cysts are a commonly misdiagnosed condition, which can present with many rare symptoms. We report a case of a tarlov cyst with spermatorrhea, and review the pertinent literature.Case presentation: A 42-year-old male patient had a history of spermatorrhea for >10 years, but was incorrectly diagnosed as the patient and the doctors consistently mistook the symptoms for a genitourinary disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that two cysts in the sacral canal. The diagnosis was tarlov cyst. We performed surgery to remove the cyst and the symptoms of spermatorrhea disappeared after operation.Conclusions: This case demonstrates that orthopedics and urologists should improve their understanding of tarlov cysts in order to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
Role of Radiology in Pica Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Yurdaisik Isil
Published: September 2020

Background: Pica syndrome is a mental disorder defined as eating non-food and not-nutritive substances at least for 1 month. The diagnosis of pica syndrome is based on severe anemia which is not compatible with the developmental level, intestinal obstructions, or several conditions depending on content of the substance intaken such as lead poisoning etc. The diagnosis of pica syndrome requires active involvement of pediatrics, psychiatrists, radiologists and patients/family members. Case Presentation: In this report, we present a 50-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and radiologically diagnosed with pica syndrome. Patient’s physical and laboratory investigations were normal, while all abdominal tomography revealed hyper-density areas. It was found in the detailed history of the patient that she was receiving psychiatric therapy and had habit of eating cigarette ashes. Upon this, cigarette ashes soaked in water were radiologically examined, similar hyper-density areas were found, and the diagnosis of pica syndrome was established. Conclusion: This case is the third case of eating cigarette ashes pica presented in the literature, and the first case diagnosed radiologically.
Impacts of interpersonal distancing on-board trains during the COVID-19 emergency: case studies and viewpoints from industry, consultancies and public transportation companies in Italy
Authors: Coppola Pierluigi , Fabiis Francesco De
Published: September 2020

The emergency from COVID-19 and the cities lockdown have had a strong impact on transportation sector. Travel demand, in particular, registered an unprecedented overall contraction, especially in passenger transportation which has dramatically dropped down with peaks of less 90%-95%. In the re-opening phase, travel demand is gradually resuming the levels before the crisis, but some structural changes are observed both in travel behavior and in transportation supply.This paper aims at giving a contribution to the undergoing debate by presenting the results of a study to forecast the impacts of keeping an interpersonal distancing of one-meter between passengers on board (sub-urban and high-speed) trains. The results of the study have been shared and discussed with a panel of chief executives of industries, consultancies in the mobility sector and Public Transportation (PT) companies. It has emerged that interpersonal distancing and the reduced level of capacity on board vehicles are seen as effective to prevent the contagion, but are perceived as not sustainable due to the induced increase in operating costs. This is confirmed by the simulation carried out during the study which have showed the need of new urban policies not only limited to the transportation domain (e.g. changes in the times of schools, commerce and industries) in order to manage the demand peaks at the stations and on-board vehicles.
Multimodal wheeled vehicles construction of forest for forestry Vietnam
Authors: Фам Н.Л.
Published: September 2020

Статья посвящена обоснованию формирования рационального состава МТП лесохозяйственных предприятий Вьетнама применением многооперационных лесных колесных машин многомодульного построения. В качестве объектов исследований рассматриваются машины многомодульного построения, создаваемые на базе распространенных универсальных колесных тракторов традиционной компоновки. Многомодульное построение технических средств является перспективным направлением. Оно дает возможность на базе ограниченного количества энергетических модулей и небольшого количества технологических модулей формировать множество многооперационных колесных лесных машин различного функционального назначения. Применение данных машин во Вьетнаме вызвано сложным многообразием природно-производственных условий заготовки и восстановления леса. Основными достоинствами применения колесных машин многомодульного построения являются улучшение структуры МТП за счет расширения их функциональных возможностей, повышение машинизации технологических процессов всех видов работ, сокращение инвестиций на приобретение технических средств и снижение эксплуатационных затрат на их содержание. Учитывая перспективность многомодульного построения лесных колесных машин, рекомендуется формировать на их основе структуру машинно-тракторных парков предприятий лесного хозяйства Республики Вьетнам.

Article seeks to substantiate the formation of rational structure of the MTP forestry enterprises in Vietnam using multi-operational forest wheeled vehicles multimodal construction. The objects of research are considered a multi-machine build, created on the basis of common purpose wheeled tractors traditional layout. Construction of a multi-hardware is a promising direction. It gives the opportunity on the basis of a limited number of power modules and a small number of process modules to form a plurality of multi- operational wheeled forest machines for various applications. The use of these machines in Vietnam due to complicated variety of natural and production conditions of preparation and restoration of forests. The main advantages of the construction of a multi-wheeled vehicles is to improve the structure of the MTP due to expanded capabilities, increased mechanization of technological processes of all types of work, a reduction in investment in the purchase of hardware and reduce operating costs for their maintenance. Given the prospect of building a multi-forest-wheeled vehicles, it is recommended to form the basis of their structure of the machine and tractor parks forestry enterprises of the Republic of Vietnam.
Effects of Within-row Intercropping with Snow Peas on Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes in an Organic High Tunnel Production System
Authors: Kong Yun , Schiestel Katherine , Llewellyn David , Zheng Youbin
Published: September 2020

Intercropping can increase land use efficiency in high tunnel crop production, but it may also lead to decreases in yield and quality of main crops due to the potential competition for resources. This study evaluated the agronomic viability of intercropping snow pea (Pisum sativum L., ‘Ho Lan Dou’) with cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme ‘Sarina hybrid’) without additional inputs of water and fertilizers on peas in an organic high tunnel production system under Southern Ontario climate conditions in Guelph, Ontario, Canada (lat. 43.5 °N, long. 80.2 °W) during 2015 and 2016. In each 80-cm-wide bed, the tomato crops were planted alternately in double rows spaced 30 cm apart, with in-row spacing of 110 cm, which resulted in a planting density of ≈24,000 plants/ha. The snow pea seeds were sown between the tomato plants (i.e., within the same beds as tomatoes) in holes (two seeds per hole), with four rows in each bed and in-row holes spaced 10 cm and at least 25 cm away from the tomato plants, which resulted in a seeding rate of ≈650, 000 seeds/ha. The same amount of water or fertilizer was applied to the intercropping and nonintercropping plots based on the needs of the cherry tomato plants. Plant growth, fruit yield, and quality were compared between tomato plants with and without intercropping. Intercropping with snow peas did not affect total marketable fruit yield, unmarketable fruit percentage, fruit quality traits (e.g., individual fruit weight, soluble solids content, dry matter content, and postharvest water loss), or early-stage plant growth of the cherry tomato. Therefore, it is at least an agronomical possibility to intercrop snow peas with cherry tomatoes on the same beds without additional inputs of water and fertilizer on snow peas in an organic high tunnel system. The additional yield of pea shoots or pods in the intercropping treatment also increased economic gross returns in the high tunnels, although the economic net return might vary with the costs of seeds and labor involved in snow pea growing.
Greenhouse Carbon Dioxide Supplementation with Irrigation and Fertilization Management of Geranium and Fountain Grass
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Poudel Megha R. , Dunn Bruce , Fontanier Charles , Kakani Gopal
Published: September 2020

Increase in ambient carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is beneficial for plant growth due to increased photosynthesis and water use efficiency. A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate how supplemented CO2 influences optimal irrigation and fertilization management for production of two ornamental plants. Two identical greenhouses were used, with one having CO2 supplementation and the other serving as the control with ambient CO2 concentration. Tensiometer-based irrigation treatments were applied at soil tensions of –5, –10, and –15 kPa with 0-, 3-, 6-, or 9-g controlled-release fertilizer rates applied in factorial with irrigation treatments. Plugs of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ and fountain grass were grown under experimental conditions for 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. The results showed that CO2 supplementation increased the dry weight of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ and fountain grass by 35% and 39%, respectively. Under the two driest irrigation regimes (–10 and –15 kPa), photosynthesis of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ increased with CO2 supplementation compared with the ambient condition. Similarly, for fountain grass, the moderately watered (–10 kPa) treatment had a greater rate of photosynthesis with greater fertilizer rates of 6 or 9 g. CO2 supplementation resulted in increased water use efficiency of both species, whereas rate of transpiration was lower only in fountain grass. Among different fertilizer rates, 6- or 9-g fertilizer rates had greater values for dry weight, number of flowers, and stomatal conductance in both species. Therefore, it can be concluded that CO2 supplementation can help in efficient use of water for greenhouse production of ornamental plants.
Geographic perspectives on urban systems: um capítulo da história da geografia urbana
Authors: Corrêa Roberto Lobato
Published: September 2020

Resenha do livro Geographic perspectives on urban systems, organizado por Brian J. L. Berry e Frank E. Horton (1970).
Rios urbanos: contribuições da Antropogeomorfologia e dos estudos sobre os Terrenos Tecnogênicos
Authors: Pelech André Souza , Peixoto Maria Naíse de Oliveira
Published: September 2020

Os rios urbanos se apresentam atualmente como um desafio para a gestão territorial e ambiental no Brasil. O alto grau de modificação e poluição dos canais fluviais alteram os processos geomorfológicos atuantes, sendo necessárias novas abordagens de análise. Nesse sentido, a antropogeomorfologia associada aos estudos do Tecnógeno são fundamentais para a compreensão da dinâmica fluvial no ambiente urbano. Soma-se a isso a recente incorporação de elementos antropogênicos nas estruturas de classificação de rios e mapeamento de feições geomorfológicas fluviais. Os projetos de restauração dos rios urbanos devem abranger não somente estas novas abordagens de cunho geológico-geomorfológico em ambiente urbano, mas também a necessidade de refuncionalização e ressignificação social, para que a sociedade reconheça, interaja, valorize e preserve estes rios.
Formação de regiões transfronteiriças na América do Sul: um estudo comparado de cadeias produtivas em espaços trinacionais
Authors: Pires do Rio Gisela , Coelho Maria Celia Nunes
Published: September 2020

A formação de regiões transfronteiriças, objeto do presente artigo, tomou por base a noção de cadeia produtiva para elaborar uma análise comparada de duas áreas nas quais identificou-se processos de implantação e expansão de determinadas cadeias que estão na origem de uma dinâmica regional transfronteiriça. A hipótese deste trabalho é a de que cadeias produtivas territorializadas impõem articulação espacial concreta em diferentes níveis.
Tocotrienols Activate Nrf2 Nuclear Translocation and Increase the Antioxidant- Related Hepatoprotective Mechanism in Mice Liver
Authors: Atia Ahmed , Alrawaiq Nadia S. , Abdullah Azman
Published: September 2020

Background:

The most common preparation of tocotrienols is the Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction
(TRF). This study aimed to investigate whether TRF induced liver Nrf2 nuclear translocation and
influenced the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes.

Methods:

In the Nrf2 induction study, mice were divided into control, 2000 mg/kg TRF and diethyl
maleate treated groups. After acute treatment, mice were sacrificed at specific time points. Liver nuclear
extracts were prepared and Nrf2 nuclear translocation was detected through Western blotting. To
determine the effect of increasing doses of TRF on the extent of liver nuclear Nrf2 translocation and its
implication on the expression levels of several Nrf2-regulated genes, mice were divided into 5 groups
(control, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg TRF, and butylated hydroxyanisole-treated groups). After 14 days,
mice were sacrificed and liver RNA was extracted for qPCR assay.

Results:

2000 mg/kg TRF administration initiated Nrf2 nuclear translocation within 30 min, reached a
maximum level of around 1 h and dropped to half-maximal levels by 24 h. Incremental doses of TRF
resulted in dose-dependent increases in liver Nrf2 nuclear levels, along with concomitant dosedependent
increases in the expressions of Nrf2-regulated genes.

Conclusion:

TRF activated the liver Nrf2 pathway resulting in increased expression of Nrf2-regulated
cytoprotective genes.
Effect of Oil Extract from Microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) on the Viability and Apoptosis of Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Sahin Deniz
Published: September 2020

Background:

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor type that starts in bone and occurs most
frequently in adolescents. Traditional techniques are insufficient, especially for metastatic ones. As alternative
treatment techniques, natural products are worthy of examining due to being safe and innovative.
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, have various positive
effects on human health and growth. In addition, some PUFAs show anti-cancer activity by inducing
apoptosis, specifically in cancer cells.

Objective:

Here, the study aims to investigate the time and dose-dependent effects of oil extract from
Schizochytrium sp. against the osteosarcoma cell line.

Materials and Methods:

Human Fetal Osteoblast Cells (hFOB) and osteosarcoma cells (SAOS-2)
were treated with different concentrations of fatty acid samples. GC-FID was performed for fatty acid
composition analysis of Schizochytrium sp. MTT-cell viability and Annexin V-apoptosis assays were
performed to investigate the time and dose-dependent effects of the samples on cell lines.

Results:

Oil extract sample has specific activity against SAOS-2 cancer line and decreases cell proliferation especially at
high dose treatments. Apoptosis assay results indicate that the oil extract sample causes a significant increase in the number
of apoptotic cells in SAOS-2 cell line (71.7% of SAOS-2 cells), which shows its selective activity against bone cancer cell
line as a natural anti-cancer molecule.

Conclusion:

It was observed that Schizochytrium sp. extract has a time and dose-dependent ability to induce apoptosis specifically in SAOS-2 cells.
Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Ovarian Function through Paracrine Mechanisms
Authors: Jiao Wenlin , Mi Xin , Qin Yingying , Zhao Shidou
Published: September 2020

The ovary serves as the source of oocytes for the maintenance of female fertility and is a
major supplier of sex hormones for endocrine homeostasis. Various circumstances such as genetic
defects, autoimmune disorders, natural aging and environmental toxins can damage the ovaries
leading to diminished ovarian function, and there are currently no effective treatment regimens for
such loss of function. Stem cells show promise for treating many refractory diseases, and stem cell
transplantation has been shown to be effective and safe as a new therapeutic method for ovarian injuries
and ovarian aging in both animal models and women with premature ovarian insufficiency.
However, the specific mechanisms that underlie the observed positive outcomes of improving
ovarian function are not well understood. Evidence is mounting that stem cell-derived conditioned
medium, exosomes, and trophic growth factors can also inhibit ovarian damage and alleviate the
age-related fertility decline in female mice, indicating that stem cells exert the paracrine effects.
Further studies to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms, including signaling pathways,
for improving ovarian function and promoting the secretory capacity of stem cells will fill the
bench-to-bedside gap of stem cell therapy in the clinic. Furthermore, in-depth analyses of the stem
cell secretome and identification of the key effective components will underlie a new paradigm in
cell-free therapeutic strategies for ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging.
Anti-Cancer Effect of Melatonin via Downregulation of Delta-like Ligand 4 in Estrogen-Responsive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Rajabi Ali , Saber Ali , Pourmahdi Mahsa , Emami Ali , Ravanbakhsh Reyhaneh , Khodavirdipour Amir , Khodaei Mehran , Akbarzadeh Molood , Abdolahi Sepehr , Hosseinpourfeizi Mohammad Ali , Safaralizadeh Reza
Published: September 2020

Background:

The Notch signaling pathway has a key role in angiogenesis and Delta-Like Ligand 4 (DLL4) is one of the main ligands of Notch involved in cell proliferation in sprouting vessels.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of DLL4 in primary breast tumors and to examine the effect of melatonin on DLL4 expression in vitro.

Methods:

Eighty-five breast tumor and paired adjacent non-tumor tissue samples were collected. Apoptosis assay was performed on breast cancer cells to evaluate melatonin effects. Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR were used to measure DLL4 expression. Then, we investigated the effect of melatonin on the expression of DLL4 in four breast cancer cell lines at RNA and protein levels. We also performed Probabilistic Neural Network analysis to study genes closely associated with DLL4 expression.

Results:

Our results showed a significantly higher expression of DLL4 in tumor tissues as compared to non-tumor tissues (P = 0.027). Melatonin treatment substantially attenuated DLL4 expression in BT474 and MCF-7 cells, but not in SK-BR3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, melatonin induced apoptosis in all four cell lines. Network analysis revealed a set of 15 genes that had close association and interaction with DLL4. DLL4 was overexpressed in breast cancer tissues as compared to the non-tumor tissues.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that melatonin treatment attenuated DLL4 expression only in estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells and is able to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
Physical Activity Level and Motor Aptitude: Motor Domains and Identification Capacity of Brazilian Insufficiently Active Older Adults
Authors: Andreis Lucia M. , de Aguiar Lemos Fernando , de Lima Silva Lorenna W. , Garcia Cassiana L. P. , Veras Gabrielli , Neto Francisco R.
Published: September 2020

Background:

A decrease in the physical activity level in old age is common, which results
in an increase in the number of falls and chronic conditions. Associated with that occurs the
decline in motor skills as a result of the deficit in the interaction of cognitive and motor processes.
Physical activity levels can be associated differently with each motor domain.

Objective:

We analyzed the relationship between physical activity level and motor aptitude and to
identify which motor domains were most sensitive to detect insufficiently active level in older
adults.

Methods:

385 elderly people of both sexes participated in the study. For the evaluation of the subjects,
the International Questionnaire on Physical Activity and the Motor Scale for Older Adults
were adopted.

Results:

The majority of the elderly were active. In comparing motor aptitude between active and
insufficiently active (IAC) elders a significant difference was found in the Global Coordination,
Balance, Body Scheme and General Motor Aptitude. From the analysis of the Area Under the
Curve (AUC), we verified that these domains also were the ones that presented adequate diagnostic
accuracy to identify IAC elderly. Besides that, active elderly have presented the General Motor Aptitude
classified within normality while the IAC below the normal.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that IAC older adults present lower motor aptitude than the active
elderly, especially in the domains of Global Coordination, Balance, Body Scheme and General Motor
Aptitude, and that these domains were sensitive to indicate IAC older adults.
Comment to the Article “The Medium-Term Results of Complex Treatment of the Children with I-II Stage Dysplastic Osteoarthritis”
Authors: Akhtyamov I. F.
Published: September 2020

.
Comment to the Article “Unstable Osteosynthesis of a Humeral Diaphyseal Fracture as a Cause of a Pseudoarthrosis and an Extensive Bone Defect (A Case Report)”
Authors: Belenkiy I. G.
Published: September 2020

.
Assessment of the Patellofemoral Joint Condition and the Possibility of Its Functional Improvement after the Closed Fractures of the Patella
Authors: Golubev G. Sh. , Al-hababi A. A. M. , Khadi R. A.
Published: September 2020

Relevance. The patellar fractures are relatively rare. Their clinical significance is associated with the fact that they can cause the development of severe patellofemoral pain syndrome. Lateral retinaculum release was introduced into clinical practice in 1970s for treating this syndrome and since was widely used. The biomechanical validity of this operation has been proven experimentally, but the role of lateral release in the prevention of patellofemoral arthritis progression and concomitant pain after patellar fractures remains poorly understood. The purpose of the study was to improve the results of the patellar fractures surgery by combining osteosynthesis with lateral retinaculum release. Materials and Methods. This was a non-randomized, cohort, open-label prospective study with retrospective control. The treatment results of the patients with closed patellar fractures were analyzed. The prospective group (n = 45) was formed sequentially during 2018–2019. The retrospective control group (n = 41) was selected from the database of the city center of traumatology according to the inclusion criteria. The difference between both group was that in the patients of the prospective group, open osteosynthesis of the patella with wire segments and a stretching wire loop was combined with minimally invasive release of the lateral retinaculum. The function of the operated knee joint was assessed in 12 months after the surgery by the KOOS. The magnitude of the patellar articular surface discongruence was measured by x-rays; the stage of patellofemoral arthritis was classified by Iwano. The statistical analysis included the calculation of medians, means, absence/presence differences in groups indicators, correlation analysis of the measured variables. Results. The comparing groups were heterogeneous in gender, age, and types of fractures: the prospective group comprised 18 women (49.7±14.7 years), 27 men (45.1±11.2 years), the retrospective 13 women (50.2±12.3 years), 28 men (41.9±10.7 years). In the prospective group, compared with retrospective, the 34-C1, 34-C2 fractures were prevailed. The null hypothesis about the equality of KOOS indicators and the stage of patellofemoral arthritis in both groups was rejected at the p0.05 significance level. The patients of the prospective group had better KOOS indicators. The Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between KOOS scores in the range 0.26 to 0.41 and a negative correlation between the stage of arthritis (-0.29) and lateral release. Conclusion. Testing the null hypothesis that there was no difference between the KOOS scores between the prospective and control groups confirmed its inconsistency. The beneficial effect of lateral release on the knee function was demonstrated in the mid-term results of the patellar fractures osteosynthesis.
Assessment of Internet Hospitals in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: National Cross-Sectional Data Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Xu Xingyan , Cai Yingying , Wu Siying , Guo Jianhui , Yang Le , Lan Jieli , Sun Yi , Wang Bingbing , Wu Jieyu , Wang Tinggui , Huang Shuna , Lin Yawen , Hu Yuduan , Chen Mingjun , Gao Xuecai , Xie Xiaoxu
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Internet hospitals in China are being rapidly developed as an innovative approach to providing health services. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the development of internet hospitals that promote outpatient service delivery to the public via internet technologies. To date, no studies have assessed China's internet hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of China's internet hospitals and assess the health service capacity of these hospitals.

METHODS

Data on 711 internet hospitals were collected from official websites, the WeChat (Tencent Inc) platform, smartphone apps, and the Baidu search engine until July 16, 2020.

RESULTS

As of July 16, 2020, 711 internet hospitals were developed in mainland China. More than half of these internet hospitals (421/711, 59.2%) were established during 2019 (206/711, 29%) and 2020 (215/711, 30.2%). Furthermore, about one-third (215/711, 30.2%) of internet hospitals were established at the beginning of 2020 as an emergency response to the COVID-19 epidemic. The 711 internet hospitals consisted of the following 3 types of hospitals: government-oriented (42/711, 5.91%), hospital-oriented (143/711, 20.11%), and enterprise-oriented internet hospitals (526/711, 73.98%). The vast majority of internet hospitals were traditional hospitals (526/711, 74%). Nearly 46.1% (221/711) of internet hospitals requested doctors to provide health services at a specific web clinic. Most patients (224/639, 35.1%) accessed outpatient services via WeChat. Internet hospitals’ consulting methods included SMS text messaging consultations involving the use of graphics (552/570, 96.8%), video consultations (248/570, 43.5%), and telephone consultations (238/570, 41.8%). The median number of available web-based doctors was 43, and the median consultation fees of fever clinics and other outpatient clinics were ¥0 (US $0) per consultation and ¥6 (US $0.93) per consultation, respectively. Internet hospitals have provided various services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including medical prescription, drug delivery, and medical insurance services.

CONCLUSIONS

The dramatic increase of internet hospitals in China has played an important role in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Internet hospitals provide different and convenient medical services for people in need.
“Ask a Doctor About Coronavirus”: How Physicians on Social Media Can Provide Valid Health Information During a Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Furstrand Dorthe , Pihl Andreas , Orbe Elif Bayram , Kingod Natasja , Søndergaard Jens
Published: September 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the information stream has overflowed with accurate information, misinformation, and constantly changing guidelines. There is a great need for guidance on the identification of trustworthy health information, and official channels are struggling to keep pace with this infodemic. Consequently, a Facebook group was created where volunteer medical physicians would answer laypeople’s questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus. There is not much precedence in health care professional–driven Facebook groups, and the framework was thus developed continuously. We ended up with an approach without room for debate, which fostered a sense of calmness, trust, and safety among the questioners. Substantial moderator effort was needed to ensure high quality and consistency through collaboration among the presently >200 physicians participating in this group. At the time of writing, the group provides a much-needed service to >58,000 people in Denmark during this crisis.
Modeling Runoff and Sediment Yield in Highly Gullied Regions of Kashmir using SWAT Model: A Case Study of Lolab Watershed
Authors: Gull Dar Sarvat , Dar Ayaz Mehmood
Published: September 2020

Soil erosion in highly gullied regions of Kashmir valley is a serious global issue due to its impacts on economic productivity and environmental consequences such as land disintegration and one of the most affected areas is Lolab which is flood-prone and has witnessed several disastrous floods in the past. This means assessment of hydrological behavior should be highly prioritized and the most problematic sub-basins contributing to the erosion and excessive runoff identified to formulate and apply proper management strategies. This study integrated the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with Arc software to simulate the runoff and sediment yield of Lolab Watershed. The method was applied due to its flexibility in inputting data requirements and the capability to model larger catchments and mountainous areas. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis showed the most sensitive four parameters for runoff estimation with the initial soil conservation service curve number II rated to be the highest and two others were found for sediment estimation with channel erodibility factor rated highest. The calibration of the values of these sensitive parameters led to the provision of reliable NashSutcliffe (NSE) and Coefficient of determination(R2) efficiencies which makes SWAT a good analyzing tool to assess the hydrological behavior of highly gullied region and un-gauged basins of Kashmir. These factors were found to be above 0.90 for both runoff and sediment yield and the sediment yield rates were estimated using SWAT at individual sub-basin levels after which a prioritization map was prepared to determine the most problematic sub-basins in the watershed.
Interpretation of Tragedy in Death of a Salesman from the Social Perspective
Authors: Pei GAO
Published: September 2020

Death of a Salesman is the representative work of Arthur Miller, a famous modern American dramatist, which creates the character Willy Loman who arouses the strong aesthetic emotion of tragedy. From the perspective of individual, family and society, Willy’s death reflects the tragic connotation of lost individual self-value, distorted role of family pillar and shattered dreams at the bottom of society in American society.
Enfermedades respiratorias y gastrointestinales en pediatría: ¿cómo las manejan los padres en casa?
Authors: Henao Vega Daniela , Rivera Largacha Silvia , Suescún Vargas José M.
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: identificar cómo los cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos manejan los síntomas respiratorios y gastrointestinales y analizar diferentes aspectos como su arraigo y seguridad; también el posible impacto de dichas prácticas en la comunicación entre cuidadores y pediatras. Métodos: se realizó un estudio cualitativo, narrativo, desarrollado en el Instituto Roosevelt en Bogotá, Colombia, a través de doce entrevistas a cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados que cursaban con sintomatología respiratoria o gastrointestinal de forma aguda. Se indagó sobre el manejo inicial a dichos síntomas y su experiencia al compartir dichas prácticas con el médico tratante. Resultados: el grupo entrevistado incluyó cuidadores entre los veinte y los 42 años, con diferentes niveles de escolaridad; se encontró una variabilidad en el tipo de tratamientos para atender los síntomas respiratorios y gastrointestinales. Dentro de esta variabilidad se identificaron prácticas benéficas, inocuas o riesgosas para el manejo de los síntomas señalados. Respecto a la comunicación, la mayoría de los cuidadores sienten que el médico no brinda un espacio para hablar del tema y en caso de hacerlo hubo un rechazo. Conclusiones: se hallaron, por parte de los cuidadores, prácticas que coinciden con la postura médica, pero otras prácticas tenían alto riesgo para los menores y se deben corregir. Es necesario integrar y validar la narrativa del cuidador para disminuir prácticas peligrosas que pongan en riesgo la salud de los menores.
Elucidation of Practices of Mobile Phone Hygiene and Identification of the Microorganisms: A Perspective Study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlOmani Mohannad A. , Anwer Razique , Sandoqa Abdulelah M. , Alshareef Fahad G. , Almuzayrie Abdulaziz , Alluhadan Omar , AlShammari Abdullah A. , Alghamdi Muath A. , Almarri Firas K. , Abdulrahman Khalid Bin
Published: September 2020

Mobile phones (MPs) have become a tool for the transmission of microorganisms due to lack of personal hygiene and maybe the sharing of the mobile phone by more than one person that which leads it to be a suitable carrier for microbes. This study aimed to draw a bead on the practices of hygiene of MPs among people living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by performing a cross-sectional survey of 204 participants. The response rate of this study was above ~95%. Results showed that 19.6 % of responders clean their MPs once in a day, but the majority (33.8%) never cleaned their MPs. More than a quarter of the respondents (28.4%) use tissue paper to clean MPs. Among the users, ~60% use MPs while eating, 76% realized that their MPs might be resource of transmitting microorganisms. The study was also carried out using standard techniques to identify and count the bacterial contamination using the MPs. A combined number of 75 MPs of the participants in the shopping malls of Riyadh were screened for microorganism identification. From 75 public MPs, 109 bacteria were isolated. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant organisms isolate (76.1%) and with 1.8% by Staphylococcus aureus. Micrococcus sps. was also found (12.8%). A small number of Kocuria sps. were also isolated (4.6%). These results showed that common peoples’ mobile phones were contaminated with various types of microorganisms. The results provide an evidence base for the development and enhancement of hygienic MPs using practices.
Pengaruh Perputaran Modal Kerja Terhadap Profitabilitas Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur LQ-45 Periode 2015-2017
Authors: Amelia Suci Rizky , Cahyono Lukman
Published: September 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis variabel-variabel modal kerja yaitu Perputaran Kas, Perputaran Piutang, dan Perputaran Persediaan terhadap Profitabilitas. Profitabilitas diukur dengan proksi Return On Assets. Populasi penelitian menggunakan data observasi pada sektor manufaktur dengan indeks LQ-45 yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2015-2017 sebanyak 10 perusahaan. Metode penelitian menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda, pengujian asumsi klasik yang meliputi: Uji Normalitas, Multikolinearitas, Heteroskedastisitas serta Uji Autokorelasi, dan Uji Hipotesis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel-variabel Modal Kerja (Perputaran Kas, Perputaran Piutang, dan Perputaran Persediaan) berpengaruh signifikan secara simultan terhadap Profitabilitas. Variabel Modal Kerja yaitu Perputaran Kas yang hanya berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Profitabilitas, sementara Perputaran Piutang dan Perputaran Persediaan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Profitabilitas.