bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Piroplasm Diversity Circulating in Wildlife and Cattle of the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, Zambia
Authors: Squarre David , Nakamura Yukiko , Hayashida Kyoko , Kawai Naoko , Chambaro Herman , Namangala Boniface , Sugimoto Chihiro , Yamagish Junya
Published: August 2020

Background: Piroplasms are vector-borne intracellular haemoprotozoan parasites that infect wildlife and livestock. Wildlife species are reservoir hosts to a diversity of piroplasms and play an important role in the circulation, maintenance and evolution of these parasites. The potential for likely spillover of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic piroplasms from wildlife to livestock is underlined when common ecological niche is shared in the presence of a competent vector. Method: To investigate piroplasm cryptic variation and diversity in parasite community in wildlife and cattle population of the greater Kafue ecosystem, we utilized PCR to amplify the 18S rRNA V4 hyper-variable region and meta-barcoding strategy using illumina MiSeq sequencing platform and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) based bioinformatics pipeline to generate high resolution data which discriminate sequences down to a single nucleotide difference. Results: A parasite community of 45 ASVs and 23 piroplasm species consisting of 4 genera of Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon and Colpodella was identified in wildlife and cattle population from the study area. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrates the usefulness of illumina MiSeq sequencing to describe the area specific parasite composition, which is critical in the application and establishment of disease control strategy options of ideal diagnostic tools to employ and area specific vaccine development.
18S rDNA Sequence-Structure Phylogeny of The Trypanosomatida (Kinetoplastea, Euglenozoa) with Special Reference on Trypanosoma
Authors: Borges Alyssa R , Engstler Markus , Wolf Matthias
Published: August 2020

Background: Parasites of the order Trypanosomatida are known due to their medical relevance. Trypanosomes cause African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease in South America, and Leishmania Ross, 1903 species mutilate and kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. However, human pathogens are very few when compared to the great diversity of trypanosomatids. Despite the progresses made in the past decades on understanding the evolution of this group of organisms, there are still many open questions which require robust phylogenetic markers to increase the resolution of trees. Methods: Using two known 18S rDNA template structures (from Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 and Trypanosoma brucei Plimmer & Bradford, 1899), individual 18S rDNA secondary structures were predicted by homology modeling. Sequences and their secondary structures, automatically encoded by a 12-letter alphabet (each nucleotide with its three structural states, paired left, paired right, unpaired), were simultaneously aligned. Sequence-structure trees were generated by neighbor joining and/or maximum likelihood.Results: With a few exceptions, all nodes within a sequence-structure maximum likelihood tree of 43 representative 18S rDNA sequence-structure pairs are robustly supported (bootstrap support >75). Even a quick and easy sequence-structure neighbor-joining analysis yields accurate results and enables reconstruction and discussion of the big picture for all 240 18S rDNA sequence-structure pairs of trypanosomatids that are currently available.Conclusions: We reconstructed the phylogeny of a comprehensive sampling of trypanosomes evaluated in the context of trypanosomatid diversity, demonstrating that the simultaneous use of 18S rDNA sequence and secondary structure data can reconstruct robust phylogenetic trees.
Tumor microenvironment subtypes and immune-related signatures for the prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Han Yiqun , Wang Jiayu , Xu Binghe
Published: August 2020

To better understand the heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) and establish a prognostic model for breast cancer in clinical practice, the leukocyte infiltrations of 22 cell types of interest from 2620 breast cancer patients were quantitatively estimated using deconvolution algorithms, and three TME subtypes with distinct molecular and clinical features were identified by unsupervised clustering approach. Then, we carried out systematic analyses to illustrate the contributing mechanisms for differential phenotypes, which suggested that the divergences were distinguished by cell cycle dysfunction, variation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes activity. Next, through dimensionally reduction and selection based on random-forest analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and uni- and multivariate COX regression analysis, a total of 15 significant genes were proposed to construct the prognostic immune-related score (pIRS) system and, in combinations with clinicopathological characteristics, a predictive model was ultimately built with well performance for survival of breast cancer patients. Comparative analyses demonstrated that proactivity of CD8 T lymphocytes and hyper-angiogenesis could be attributed to distinct prognostic outcomes. In conclusion, we retrieved three TME phenotypes and the curated prognostic model based on pIRS system for breast cancer. This model is justified for validation and optimized in the coming future.
Malawi at the crossroads: Does the fear of contracting COVID-19 affect the propensity to vote?
Authors: Chirwa Gowokani Chijere , Dulani Boniface , Sithole Lonjezo , Chunga Joseph J. , Alfonso Witness , Tengatenga John
Published: August 2020

The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has disrupted ways of life, including political processes. In this paper, we assess the effect of own perceived risk of catching COVID-19 on willingness to vote. The paper draws from a nationally representative survey of adult Malawians (n=1155). Our main method used instrumental variables to account for potential endogeneity. Findings show that 63% of Malawians thought that they are likely to catch COVID-19. Notwithstanding the COVID19 risk, 86% were willing to vote. The regression analysis suggests that an individual’s perceived risk of catching COVID-19 is associated with lower likelihood of voting (β=-0.096; p<0.05). The results suggest that voter turnout in Malawi’s fresh presidential election may have been highly affected by the perceived risk of catching COVID-19. The policy implication is that instituting and enforcing primary preventive measures may help reduce the perceived risk of catching COVID19 and mitigate voter apathy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of lean methods and tools in healthcare services: an alternative to improve care during the pandemic
Authors: Amaral Laryssa Carvalho de , Calado Robisom D. , Teixeira Adriana Melo , Silva Maria Helena Teixeira da , Bourguignon Saulo Cabral , Costa Helder Gomes
Published: August 2020

Background: Lean approach has become a trend due to its credibility achieved in several sectors, including Health services having target at the care and security of patients. This paper aims to map how Lean tools are being used in healthcare and what are their results, including those related to humanization. Methods: A Systematic Literature Review was performed according to the following steps: search for articles approaching the Lean Healthcare theme published in English between 2014 and 2020, selected on the databases of Web of Science, Scopus and Compendex (no other articles were introduced on the literature review), followed by discarding duplicates. The records were screening focusing in the section of articles reporting cases of lean healthcare adopting. No articles were excluded after the screening, which resulted in 48 articles that were deeper analysed through both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Results: Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S and Kaizen were the most used Lean tools in related study, with 24, 14 and 13 occurrences. The simulation and the “5 Whys” were Lean tools less used, with 3 and 2 occurrences. The main benefits found with the use of such tools were a reduction in the service time and an increase in patient satisfaction. The influence of teams and doctors behavior was identified as barrier to Lean implementation. Conclusions: The word "human" was discovered to be the most used word to describe Lean works in healthcare, that was not related in earlier reviews. There was also an increase in the number of Brazilian publications on subject, compared to previous period, in which the United States led on the number of publications. Throughout the study, two related cases added an annual savings of US $ 444,911, with the implementation of Lean Healthcare. The Lean approach has been applied in some health services to reduce the time of attendance and increase patient satisfaction. These results are indicative for expanding its application in the context of pandemics such as COVID-19.
NOM removal and residual Al minimization by enhanced coagulation: roles of sequence dosing with PACl–FeCl3
Authors: Tsai Ming-Han , Hua Lap-Cuong , Huang Kochin , Huang Chihpin
Published: August 2020

To remove higher proportions of natural organic matter (NOM) in water treatment plants, over dosing of Al-based coagulant is frequently applied. However, this leads to the risk of an excess of coagulant residue in the clean water. In this study, sequential coagulation with polyaluminum chloride (PACl) and FeCl3 was proposed to improve the removal of NOM as well as to minimize residual Al. Single dosing with either PACl or FeCl3 in particular was compared with sequential coagulation, with different dosing sequences of PACl–FeCl3 (P–F) or FeCl3–PACl (F–P). At optimum dosage, sequential coagulation P–F showed twice as much dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal from water containing algogenic organic matter, compared to single dosing of PACl and sequential coagulation F–P. However, sequential coagulation F–P was the most effective approach for humic substance removal that improved DOC removal up to >70% compared to other dosing approaches (<60%). Practical treatment with real water also showed the advantages of sequential coagulation with P–F in improving the removal of low SUVA NOM by 18% compared to the traditional single dosing of PACl. As expected, the Al residues found in both sequential coagulation (0.07 mg/L) were significantly reduced compared to single dosing with PACl (0.15 mg/L), indicating the promising application of sequential coagulation for future safe water treatment.
Bias correction demonstration in two of the Indian Himalayan river basins
Authors: Dimri A. P.
Published: August 2020

There is imperative need of robust basin-scale data for climate impact studies over the topographically varying and landuse heterogenous river basins in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Even finer resolution regional climate models’ (RCMs) information is elusive for these purposes. Based on available model fields and corresponding in-situ observed fields, bias correction for precipitation over Upper Ganga River Basin (UGRB) and temperature over Satluj River Basin (SRB) is demonstrated. These chosen river basins are in central and western Himalayas, respectively. Model precipitation (temperature) field from RegCM4.7 (REMO) and corresponding observed precipitation (temperature) field from nine (eight) stations of UGRB (SRB) are considered. Empirical quantile mapping (inverse function method) method is used. It is seen that each model has a distinct systematic bias relating to both precipitation and temperature means with respect to their corresponding observed means. Applying bias correction methods to the model fields resulted in reducing these mean biases and other errors. These findings illustrate handling and improving the model fields for hydrology, glaciology studies, etc.
Climate change impact analysis using bias-corrected multiple global climate models on rice and wheat yield
Authors: Dubey Madhuri , Mishra Ashok , Singh Rajendra
Published: August 2020

Rice and wheat, two staple food grain crops, play a key role in farmers' income and food security. The response of these crops towards climate change is heterogeneous and uncertain. Therefore, it becomes essential to analyse the impact of climate change on these crops. An investigation was performed to analyse the impact of climate change on rice and wheat yield and to quantify the uncertainties in the yield predictions in West Bengal, India. The climatic projections from eight global climate models were used to simulate the rice and wheat yields in all districts of West Bengal. A quantile mapping method was used to correct systematic biases of daily rainfall, solar radiation and temperature. The corrected data were then used for driving crop environment and resource synthesis models for yield simulations. Results reveal that rice yield is expected to reduce by 7–9% in the 2020s, 8–14% in the 2050s and 8–15% in the 2080s, whereas wheat yield is expected to go down by 18–20% in the 2020s, 20–28% in the 2050s and 18–33% in the 2080s. These reductions signify that rice and wheat yield is more likely to decline under the future climate change condition, which may affect the regional food sustainability.
Yellow 2G dye degradation by electro-Fenton process using steel electrode as catalysis and its phytotoxicity effect
Authors: Benhadji Amel , Ahmed Mourad Taleb
Published: August 2020

The heterogeneous electro-Fenton process degradation of Yellow 2G from wastewater was studied using a batch reactor. The COD of the wastewater used in treatment experiments was 163 mg O2·L−1 and the BOD5 was 17 mg O2·L−1 (hardly biodegradable). The treatment of the wastewater at different current densities (2.5 mA·cm−2–12.5 mA·cm−2), solution pH (3 and 6.6), reaction times (5–25 min), electrolyte nature (NaCl, Na2SO4) and electrolyte concentrations (0.15 g·L−1–1 g·L−1) was investigated. According to the results, the heterogeneous electro-Fenton process was suitable for the decolorization of wastewater containing Yellow 2G. The optimum conditions were current density of 12.5 mA·cm−2, initial pH of the wastewater neutral, 25 min of electrolysis treatment using an additive steel electrode as a source of catalysis and in the presence of 1 g NaCl·L−1. We obtained easily biodegradable water with a mineralization rate equal to 85% and non-toxicity confirmed by the pea grain germination test.
Removal of tetracyclines from aqueous solutions by electrocoagulation/pecan nutshell coupling processes: synergistic effect and mechanism
Authors: Xiao Kunkun , Huang Dongmei , Kang Chunli , Sun Siyang
Published: August 2020

The present work compared electrocoagulation (EC)/pecan shell (PS) coupling process with a simple electrocoagulation (EC) process for the removal of tetracyclines (TCs). The results indicated that the addition of appropriate PS could lead to the enhancement of the removal efficiency and decrease of operating time via synergistic influence, including conventional EC process, biomass materials adsorption, charge neutralization and coordination adsorption. The ideal condition for the coupling process was 2.5 mA/cm2 for current density and 3 cm for plate spacing. Based on the optimum condition, when the dosage of PS was 5 g/L, the initial concentration of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) and chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC) was 250 mg/L, the removal rate of PS was 55.90%, 45.10% and 14.98% higher than those of EC process after 40 min treatment. In addition, compared to conventional EC process, the unit energy demand (UED) decreased by 49.62%, 53.2 4% and 26.35% and the unit electrode material demand (UEMD) decreased by 49.80%, 85.65% and 44.37%, respectively, which means more energy conservation and environmental protection.
Fault detection and diagnosis in water resource recovery facilities using incremental PCA
Authors: Kazemi Pezhman , Giralt Jaume , Bengoa Christophe , Masoumian Armin , Steyer Jean-Philippe
Published: August 2020

Because of the static nature of conventional principal component analysis (PCA), natural process variations may be interpreted as faults when it is applied to processes with time-varying behavior. In this paper, therefore, we propose a complete adaptive process monitoring framework based on incremental principal component analysis (IPCA). This framework updates the eigenspace by incrementing new data to the PCA at a low computational cost. Moreover, the contribution of variables is recursively provided using complete decomposition contribution (CDC). To impute missing values, the empirical best linear unbiased prediction (EBLUP) method is incorporated into this framework. The effectiveness of this framework is evaluated using benchmark simulation model No. 2 (BSM2). Our simulation results show the ability of the proposed approach to distinguish between time-varying behavior and faulty events while correctly isolating the sensor faults even when these faults are relatively small.
Inhibition of Efflux Pumps by Monoterpene (α-pinene) and Impact on Staphylococcus aureus Resistance to Tetracycline and Erythromycin
Authors: Freitas Priscilla R. , de Araújo Ana Carolina J. , Barbosa Cristina R. , Muniz Débora F. , Tintino Saulo R. , Ribeiro-Filho Jaime , Siqueira Júnior José P. , Filho José M.B. , de Sousa Gabriela R. , Coutinho Henrique D.M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Infectious diseases have been responsible for an increasing number of deaths worldwide.
Staphylococcus aureus has been recognized as one of the most notable causative agents of severe infections, while
efflux pump (EP) expression is one of the main mechanisms associated with S. aureus resistance to antibiotics.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the potential of α-pinene as an efflux pump inhibitor in species of S.
aureus carrying the TetK and MrsA proteins.

Methods:

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of α-pinene and other efflux pump inhibitors were assessed
using serial dilutions of each compound at an initial concentration above 1024 μg/mL. Solutions containing culture
medium and bacterial inoculums were prepared in test tubes and subsequently transferred to 96-well microdilution
plates. The modulation of ethidium bromide (EtBr) and antibiotics (tetracycline and erythromycin) was investigated
through analysis of the modification in their MICs in the presence of a subinhibitory concentration of α-pinene
(MIC/8). Wells containing only culture medium and bacterial inoculums were used as negative control. Carbonyl
cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was used as a positive control.

Results:

The MIC of ethidium bromide against S. aureus strains RN-4220 and IS-58 was reduced by association with
α-pinene. This monoterpene potentiated the effect of tetracycline against the IS-58 strain but failed in modulating the
antibacterial effect of erythromycin against RN-4220, suggesting a selective inhibitory effect on the TetK EP by α-
pinene.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, α-pinene has promising effects against S.aureus strains, which should be useful in the
combat of antibacterial resistance associated with EP expression. Nevertheless, further research is required to fully
characterize its molecular mechanism of action as an EP inhibitor.
Chloroquine Assisted Delivery of microRNA Mimic Let-7b to NSCLC Cell Line by PAMAM (G5) - HA Nano-Carrier
Authors: Maghsoudnia Niloufar , Eftekhari Reza Baradaran , Sohi Alireza Naderi , Dorkoosh Farid Abedin
Published: August 2020

Aim:

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are attracting interest of the scientists as vehicles
for nucleic acid delivery due to their suitable properties. The highly positive surface charged of
PAMAM enables an adequate interaction with negatively charged microRNAs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-tumor effect of microRNA Mimic let-7b
loaded in PAMAM dendrimers (G5) on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells.

Objective:

In order to increase the anti-tumor effect, chloroquine is employed to enhance the endosomal
escape which is counted as a limitation in the advancement of gene delivery. Nanoparticles (NPs) were
coated with natural polysaccharide "Hyaluronic Acid (HA)" to develop biodegradable carriers with targeting
moiety for over-expressed CD44 receptors on NSCLC cells. The size and zeta potential measurements,
gel retardation, cellular uptake, cell viability and gene expression studies were investigated for
the designed delivery system.

Results:

DLS analysis showed monodispersed small nanoparticles, which was in agreement with TEM
results. Remarkably, NPs in the cells pretreated with chloroquine exhibited the highest cytotoxicity and
were capable of inducing apoptosis. In cellular uptake study, NPs labeled with Fluorescein Isothiocyanate
(FITC), were successfully taken up in cancer cells. Moreover, the expression study of three genes
linked with cancer initiation and development in NSCLC, including KRAS, p-21, and BCL-2 indicated a
decrease in KRAS and BCL-2 (oncogenic and anti-apoptotic genes) and increase in p-21 (apoptotic gene).

Conclusion:

All factors considered, the results declare that application of let-7b-loaded PAMAM-HA
NPs in combination with chloroquine can be a promising therapeutic option in cancer cells inhibition.
This fact has frequently been highlighted by many researchers upon the potentials of micro RNA delivery
in cancer cells.
Transfersomes: The Ultra-Deformable Carrier System for Non-Invasive Delivery of Drug
Authors: Gupta Ritika , Kumar Amrish
Published: August 2020

Vesicular systems have many advantages like prolonging the existence of the drug in the systemic circulation, minimizing the undesirable side-effects and helping the active moieties to reach their target sites using the carriers. However, the main drawback related to transdermal delivery is to cross stratum corneum, which can be overcome by the utilization of novel carrier systems e.g., transfersomes, which are ultra-deformable carrier systems composed of phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) and edge activators (surfactants). Edge activators are responsible for the flexibility of the bilayer membranes of transfersomes. Different edge activators used in transfersomes include tween, span, bile salts (sodium cholate and sodium deoxycholate) and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate. These activators decrease the interfacial tension, thereby, increasing the deformability of the carrier system. Transfersomes can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs into a vesicular structure, which consists of one or more concentric bilayers. Due to the elastic nature of transfersomes, they can easily cross the natural physiological barriers i.e., skin and deliver the drug to its active site. The main benefit of using transfersomes as a carrier is the delivery of macromolecules through the skin by non-invasive route thereby increasing the patient’s compliance. The transfersomal formulations can be used in the treatment of ocular diseases, alopecia, vulvovaginal candidiasis, osteoporosis, atopic dermatitis, tumor, leishmaniasis. It is also used in the delivery of growth hormones, anaesthesia, insulin, proteins, and herbal drugs. This review also focuses on the patents and clinical studies for various transfersomal products.
Recent Advances in Treatment of Lung Cancer: Nanoparticle-based Drug and siRNA Delivery Systems
Authors: Gencer Ayse , Duraloglu Ceren , Ozbay Sena , Ciftci Turkmen T. , Yabanoglu-Ciftci Samiye , Arica Betul
Published: August 2020

Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in both men and women worldwide. Considering
the high mortality rate of lung cancer and inadequacy of conventional treatment methods such
as surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; new treatment strategies are an emerging area of
interest. Nanoparticle-based drug and small interfering RNA delivery systems such as lipid, polymeric,
inorganic, micellar and dendrimer nanoparticles are designed to enhance the bioavailability, stability
and retention of anti-cancer drugs in the targeted regions of the lung. These nanoparticle-based delivery
systems increase the active ingredient half-life and targeting efficiency while reducing the required dose
of the drug. Hence, they have many advantages such as higher therapeutic efficacy and reducedside
effects and adverse events. Combinations of active ingredients, anti-cancer agents and small interfering
RNA can be formulated into nanoparticle-based delivery systems that can be administered by various
routes including inhalation and intravenous. In this review, the development of lipidic and polymeric
nanoparticle-based drug and small interfering RNA delivery systems used in the treatment of lung cancer
is discussed.
MALAT1 as a Versatile Regulator of Cancer: Overview of the Updates from Predatory Role as Competitive Endogenous RNA to Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Legaki Evangelia , Gazouli Maria , Rinaldi Silvia , Berardi Rossana
Published: August 2020

The central dogma of molecular biology, has remained a cornerstone of classical molecular
biology. However, serendipitously discovered microRNAs (miRNAs) in nematodes paradigmatically
shifted our current knowledge of the intricate mechanisms during transitions from transcription
to translation. Thediscovery of miRNA captured considerable attention and appreciation, and
we had witnessed an explosion in the field of non-coding RNAs. Ground-breaking discoveries in
the field of non-coding RNAs have helped in better characterization of microRNAs and long noncoding
RNAs (LncRNAs). There is an ever-increasing list of miRNA targets that are regulated by
MALAT1 to stimulate or repress the expression of target genes. However, in this review, our main
focus is to summarize mechanistic insights on MALAT1-mediated regulation of oncogenic signaling
pathways. We have discussed how MALAT1 modulated TGF/SMAD and Hippo pathways in
various cancers. We have also comprehensively summarized how JAK/STAT and Wnt/β-catenin
pathways stimulated MALAT1 expression and consequentially how MALAT1 potentiated these
signaling cascades to promote cancer. MALAT1 research has undergone substantial broadening.
However, there is still a need to identify additional mechanisms. MALAT1 is involved in the multi-
-layered regulation of multiple transduction cascades, and detailed analysis of different pathways
will be advantageous in getting a step closer to individualized medicine.
Correlation Between Clinical Manifestation and Radiological Findings In Pulmonary Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Patients In Sanglah Hospital, Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Upadhana Putu Satyakumara , Iqra Haikal Hamas Putra , Cahyarini I Gusti Agung Ayu Chintya , Somia I Ketut Agus , Anandasari Pande Putu Yuli
Published: August 2020

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) mono-infection has radiological features and typical clinical manifestation that
are easily recognized by clinicians. These radiological features and clinical manifestation are often found to show atypical
features in subjects coinfected with Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), making TB diagnosis and early
management challenging to establish.

Objective:

This study aims to determine the relationship between clinical and radiological presentation of pulmonary TB patients with HIV coinfection at the Central General Hospital Sanglah, Bali.

Methods:

This research was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional method. A total of 54 TB-HIV coinfected
patients were analyzed to their sociodemographic characteristics, clinical manifestations and chest radiographic features.

Results:

The majority of subjects were of productive age (26-61 years), male (64.8%) and belonged to the heterosexual
group (90.7%). Weight loss (75.9%), cough (64.8%) and oral candidiasis (53.7%) are the most common clinical manifestations found in subjects, especially in subjects with CD4+ >200 cells/mm3. Atypical radiological features such as infiltration/consolidation (59.3%), fibrosis (16.7%) and hillar lymphadenopathy (14.8%) are the most commonly obtained radiological features of the subjects. From the results of the bivariate analysis, it was found that radiological in the form of infiltration/consolidation were more commonly found in subjects with CD4+ <200 cells/mm3(OR=1.254; 95% CI 1.059-1.568).

Conclusion:

Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that there are no typical radiological features and
clinical manifestation in patients with TB-HIV infection.
Synthesis of Some New 1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole, Pyrazole, and Pyrimidine Bearing Thienopyrazole Moieties
Authors: Sophy Mohamed Ahmed Elian , Abdel Reheim Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: August 2020

Aim and Objective:

According to the literature survey, pyrazole is a unique template that is associated
with several biological activities. This article highlighted the research work of many researchers reported in the
literature for synthesis and different pharmacological activities of the pyrazole nucleus. In the present work, pyrazol-
3-one 1 was reacted with cyanoacetic acid hydrazide and elemental sulfur to afford the corresponding
thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-6-carbohydrazide 3 derivatives. The latter compound reacted with some electrophilic reagents
such as DMF-DMA, triethylorthoformate, arylidenemalononitriles and chalcones under neat conditions to
give substituted oxadiazole and pyrazole, respectively. The treatment of compound 3 with active methylene reagents
such as acetylacetone, diethylmalonate, ethyl acetoacetate and ethyl cyanoacetate under suitable conditions
afforded pyrazole derivatives 10, 11, 13, and 15, respectively. Novel pyrazolothienopyrimidine 27 and 30 were
prepared from precursor 26 with carbon disulfide and triethylorthoformate, respectively. The chemical structures
of the newly synthesized compounds were established by elemental and spectral analyses including IR, and 1HNMR
in addition to 13C-NMR and mass spectra.

Materials and Methods:

A novel substituted pyrazole, pyrimidine and pyrazolothienopyrimidine were obtained
via Gewald synthesis of thiophene and fused thiophene and Mannich reactions of 5-amino-3-phenyl-1Hthieno[
3,2-c]pyrazole-6-carbohydrazide.

Results and Discussion:

A series of some newly azoles and azines were prepared via reaction of thieno[3,2-
c]pyrazol-6-carbohydrazide derivative 3 as starting material with some electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents.
The structures of target compounds were established by elemental analyses and spectral data.

Conclusion:

Pyrazole is a unique template that is associated with several biological activities. This article highlighted
the research work of many researchers reported in the literature for synthesis and different pharmacological
activities of the pyrazole nucleus. In the current investigation, we have developed new and efficient methods
for the synthesis of thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-6-carbohydrazide derivatives. In addition, we have explored the preparative
potential of these substances as intermediates for the synthesis of substituted pyrazoles and fused pyrazoles
10-30, respectively.
Impact of Metabolic Surgery on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Mortality: A Review
Authors: Cohen Ricardo , Sforza Noelia S. , Clemente Romina G.
Published: August 2020

Background:

The association between obesity and a reduction in life expectancy is well
established, and cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality. Bariatric surgery has long
been established as the most effective and durable intervention for obesity, and is the only intervention
for obesity that consistently improves multiple comorbidities, reduces cardiovascular disease
and long-term mortality. The purpose of this review is to describe the impact of metabolic/bariatric
surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic parameters, including cardiovascular mortality.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of Pubmed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register
was performed. We included randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, case-control trials, and
cohort studies that contain data on reductions in cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular mortality
in subjects who underwent metabolic/bariatric surgery from January 1, 2005 to June 1, 2020.

Conclusion:

There is sufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials that metabolic/bariatric
surgery is associated with a significant improvement of all cardiovascular risk factors. Although
studies are showing a reduction of macrovascular events and cardiovascular mortality, these findings
come from observational studies and should be confirmed in randomized clinical trials.
Pistachio Green Hull Extract Induces Apoptosis through Multiple Signaling Pathways by Causing Oxidative Stress on Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Koyuncu İsmail , Gönel Ataman , Temiz Ebru , Karaoğul Eyyüp , Uyar Zafer
Published: August 2020

Background:

Pistachio is considered to be one of the fifty foods with the highest antioxidant effect. However, the anticancer effect mechanisms of this plant extracts are unknown.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer effect of different extracts from green hull of pistachio.

Methods:

The cytotoxic effects of different solvent extracts on cancer and normal cells were examined by cell viability assay and flow cytometric analysis. The levels of apoptoticgene and protein were investigated by Western Blot and ELISA,and qPCR. Intracellular free radical exchange was determined by oxidativeand nitric oxide analyses. DNA damage level was measured by 8-OHdG test. Phenolic and free fatty acid components were examined by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively.

Results:

It was determined that n-hexane fraction showed the highercytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Oxidative and cell cycle analyses indicated that the n-hexane fraction arrested cell cycle of HT-29 at the sub-G1 phase by increasing DNA damage through oxidative stress. In addition, gene expression analysis of the HT-29 treated with the n-hexane fraction indicated that apoptotic and autophagic gene expressions were significantly up-regulated. LC-MS/MS analysis of then-hexane fraction revealed the presence of 15 phenolic compounds, containing mainly gallic acid and catechin hydrate, and GC-MS analysis determined presence of the following fatty acids:9-octadecenoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and hexadecenoic acid.

Conclusion:

Based on these grounds, we suggest that the n-hexane fraction of pistachio green hull damages
DNA, arrests the cell cycle at the G1 subphase, and induces apoptosis through oxidative pathways in colon cancer.
OKUL PSİKOLOJİK DANIŞMANLARININ MÜLTECİ ÖĞRENCİLERE YÖNELİK OLARAK SUNDUKLARI HİZMETLERİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: Günlü Aykut , Sağlam Akif , Gürat Cem , Uz Baş Aslı
Published: August 2020

Mevcut çalışmanın amacı, okul psikolojik
danışmanlarının Suriyeli mülteci öğrencilere sundukları hizmetlerin
değerlendirilmesidir. Araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemi ile
gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın katılımcıları amaçlı örnekleme yöntemi ile
belirlenmiş ve on üç okul psikolojik danışmanından oluşmuştur. Veriler yarı
yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği ile toplanmış, verilerin analizi ise içerik
analizi tekniği ile yapılmıştır. İçerik analizi sonucunda elde edilen veriler değerlendirildiğinde,
katılımcılardan dokuzunun daha önceden mültecilere yönelik sunulan hizmetler
ile ilgili herhangi bir eğitime katılmadığı, dördünün ise katıldığı; alınan
eğitimlerin de "travma sonrası stres bozukluğu, yas danışmanlığı ve
psikososyal müdahale" olduğu görülmektedir. Katılımcıların beşi Suriyeli mülteci
öğrencilere yönelik olarak okul rehberlik programını uygulamaktadır. Sunulan hizmet
alanları ise okul ve çevreye uyum, eğitsel başarı, kişiler arası ilişkiler ve
güvenli/sağlıklı hayattır. Ayrıca sunulan hizmetlerin kişisel, sosyal ve mesleki
rehberlik alanlarında; verilen hizmetlerin faaliyet türü bakımından ise önleyici
ve gelişimsel rehberlik alanlarında toplandığı görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak psikolojik
danışmanların mültecilere yönelik olarak uygulamalı hizmet içi eğitim
kurslarına katılmalarının yararlı olacağı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
The social harmony of local religious groups
Authors: Sulistyani Hapsari Dwiningtyas , Rahardjo Turnomo , Rahmiaji Lintang Ratri
Published: August 2020

As a multicultural nation, minority groups are embedded in the discourse of nationality and social harmony in Indonesia. The term social harmony signifies that each race, ethnicity, or religion must be placed in an equal standing/position. The research focuses on understanding the identity negotiation strategies, in establishing the social harmony, that are used by adherents of local religions which are considered minorities in a community where the majority of people believe in formal religions. This study uses the Co-Cultural Theory and employs a phenomenology research method to explores the way in which co-cultural groups' members negotiate their cultural differences with the members of dominant groups. The groups that are chosen as the subject of this research are the religious groups that live in a relatively supportive community (Kawruh Jiwa) and the group that has experienced numerous clashes with other groups in the region (Sapta Darma). The result of the research indicates that communication strategies used by local religious believer groups in establishing social harmony are: educating others, self-censoring, and bargaining. Those three communication strategies create different co-cultural positions. Educating others creates an accommodation position, self-censoring produces surface assimilation, and bargaining strategy generates a situation where marginal groups are in a partial separation.Sebagai negara multikultural, kelompok minoritas berada dalam wacana kebangsaan dan keharmonisan sosial di Indonesia. Istilah harmoni sosial menandakan bahwa setiap ras, etnis, atau agama harus ditempatkan dalam posisi/kedudukan yang sama. Penelitian berfokus pada pemahaman strategi negosiasi identitas, dalam membangun sosial harmoni, yang digunakan oleh penganut agama lokal yang dianggap minoritas dalam sebuah komunitas di mana mayoritas orang percaya pada agama formal. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori co-cultural dan menggunakan metode penelitian fenomenologi untuk mengeksplorasi cara anggota kelompok budaya yang berbeda menegosiasikan perbedaan budaya mereka dengan anggota kelompok dominan. Kelompok-kelompok yang dipilih sebagai subjek penelitian ini adalah kelompok agama yang hidup dalam komunitas yang relatif mendukung (Kawruh Jiwa) dan kelompok yang telah mengalami banyak bentrokan dengan kelompok lain di wilayah tersebut (Sapta Dharma). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi komunikasi yang digunakan oleh kelompok penganut agama setempat dalam membangun kerukunan sosial adalah: mendidik yang lain, menyensor diri sendiri, dan tawar menawar. Ketiga strategi komunikasi itu tercipta posisi co-cultural yang berbeda. Mendidik orang lain menciptakan posisi akomodasi, swasensor menghasilkan asimilasi permukaan, dan strategi perundingan menghasilkan situasi di mana kelompok marginal berada dalam pemisahan parsial.
Front
Authors: Setiawan Benni
Published: August 2020

Front
Niveles de resiliencia y estado de salud general percibido de estudiantes universitarios de psicología víctimas del conflicto armado en Sucre
Authors: Romero-Acosta Kelly Carolina , Doria Dávila Daniela Patricia , Anaya Darlyn , Romero Viviana , Causado Carlos Arturo
Published: August 2020

El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación, fue determinar los niveles de resiliencia y el estado de salud general percibido de estudiantes universitarios víctimas del conflicto en Sucre, se desarrolló bajo el enfoque de investigación cuantitativo, contando con la participación de 47 estudiantes víctimas del conflicto, de igual forma, los instrumentos utilizados fueron: encuesta de datos sociodemográficos, escala de salud general de Goldberg y una escala de resiliencia de adultos, a su vez; Los resultados evidenciaron que el tipo de hecho victimizante más frecuente fue el desplazamiento forzado, concluyendo que pocos estudiantes recibieron ayuda psicológica, sin embargo, la gran mayoría presentó una resiliencia alta y moderada.
Adoption of a Contact Tracing App for Containing COVID-19: A Health Belief Model Approach
Authors: Walrave Michel , Waeterloos Cato , Ponnet Koen
Published: August 2020

Background

To track and reduce the spread of COVID-19, apps have been developed to identify contact with individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 and warn those who are at risk of having contracted the virus. However, the effectiveness of these apps depends highly on their uptake by the general population.

Objective

The present study investigated factors influencing app use intention, based on the health belief model. In addition, associations with respondents’ level of news consumption and their health condition were investigated.

Methods

A survey was administered in Flanders, Belgium, to 1500 respondents, aged 18 to 64 years. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships across the model’s constructs.

Results

In total, 48.70% (n=730) of respondents indicated that they intend to use a COVID-19 tracing app. The most important predictor was the perceived benefits of the app, followed by self-efficacy and perceived barriers. Perceived severity and perceived susceptibility were not related to app uptake intention. Moreover, cues to action (ie, individuals’ exposure to [digital] media content) were positively associated with app use intention. As the respondents’ age increased, their perceived benefits and self-efficacy for app usage decreased.

Conclusions

Initiatives to stimulate the uptake of contact tracing apps should enhance perceived benefits and self-efficacy. A perceived barrier for some potential users is privacy concerns. Therefore, when developing and launching an app, clarification on how individuals’ privacy will be protected is needed. To sustain perceived benefits in the long run, supplementary options could be integrated to inform and assist users.
Applying Machine Learning Models with An Ensemble Approach for Accurate Real-Time Influenza Forecasting in Taiwan: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Cheng Hao-Yuan , Wu Yu-Chun , Lin Min-Hau , Liu Yu-Lun , Tsai Yue-Yang , Wu Jo-Hua , Pan Ke-Han , Ke Chih-Jung , Chen Chiu-Mei , Liu Ding-Ping , Lin I-Feng , Chuang Jen-Hsiang
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Changeful seasonal influenza activity in subtropical areas such as Taiwan causes problems in epidemic preparedness. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control has maintained real-time national influenza surveillance systems since 2004. Except for timely monitoring, epidemic forecasting using the national influenza surveillance data can provide pivotal information for public health response.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop predictive models using machine learning to provide real-time influenza-like illness forecasts.

METHODS

Using surveillance data of influenza-like illness visits from emergency departments (from the Real-Time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance System), outpatient departments (from the National Health Insurance database), and the records of patients with severe influenza with complications (from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System), we developed 4 machine learning models (autoregressive integrated moving average, random forest, support vector regression, and extreme gradient boosting) to produce weekly influenza-like illness predictions for a given week and 3 subsequent weeks. We established a framework of the machine learning models and used an ensemble approach called stacking to integrate these predictions. We trained the models using historical data from 2008-2014. We evaluated their predictive ability during 2015-2017 for each of the 4-week time periods using Pearson correlation, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and hit rate of trend prediction. A dashboard website was built to visualize the forecasts, and the results of real-world implementation of this forecasting framework in 2018 were evaluated using the same metrics.

RESULTS

All models could accurately predict the timing and magnitudes of the seasonal peaks in the then-current week (nowcast) (ρ=0.802-0.965; MAPE: 5.2%-9.2%; hit rate: 0.577-0.756), 1-week (ρ=0.803-0.918; MAPE: 8.3%-11.8%; hit rate: 0.643-0.747), 2-week (ρ=0.783-0.867; MAPE: 10.1%-15.3%; hit rate: 0.669-0.734), and 3-week forecasts (ρ=0.676-0.801; MAPE: 12.0%-18.9%; hit rate: 0.643-0.786), especially the ensemble model. In real-world implementation in 2018, the forecasting performance was still accurate in nowcasts (ρ=0.875-0.969; MAPE: 5.3%-8.0%; hit rate: 0.582-0.782) and remained satisfactory in 3-week forecasts (ρ=0.721-0.908; MAPE: 7.6%-13.5%; hit rate: 0.596-0.904).

CONCLUSIONS

This machine learning and ensemble approach can make accurate, real-time influenza-like illness forecasts for a 4-week period, and thus, facilitate decision making.
Reproducible Machine Learning Methods for Lung Cancer Detection Using Computed Tomography Images: Algorithm Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Kun-Hsing , Lee Tsung-Lu Michael , Yen Ming-Hsuan , Kou S C , Rosen Bruce , Chiang Jung-Hsien , Kohane Isaac S
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Chest computed tomography (CT) is crucial for the detection of lung cancer, and many automated CT evaluation methods have been proposed. Due to the divergent software dependencies of the reported approaches, the developed methods are rarely compared or reproduced.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research was to generate reproducible machine learning modules for lung cancer detection and compare the approaches and performances of the award-winning algorithms developed in the Kaggle Data Science Bowl.

METHODS

We obtained the source codes of all award-winning solutions of the Kaggle Data Science Bowl Challenge, where participants developed automated CT evaluation methods to detect lung cancer (training set n=1397, public test set n=198, final test set n=506). The performance of the algorithms was evaluated by the log-loss function, and the Spearman correlation coefficient of the performance in the public and final test sets was computed.

RESULTS

Most solutions implemented distinct image preprocessing, segmentation, and classification modules. Variants of U-Net, VGGNet, and residual net were commonly used in nodule segmentation, and transfer learning was used in most of the classification algorithms. Substantial performance variations in the public and final test sets were observed (Spearman correlation coefficient = .39 among the top 10 teams). To ensure the reproducibility of results, we generated a Docker container for each of the top solutions.

CONCLUSIONS

We compared the award-winning algorithms for lung cancer detection and generated reproducible Docker images for the top solutions. Although convolutional neural networks achieved decent accuracy, there is plenty of room for improvement regarding model generalizability.