bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D printed mask extenders: supplement to isolation masks to relieve posterior auricular discomfort
Authors: O’Connor Zachary , Huellewig Daniel , Sithiyopasakul Peeti , Morris Jason , Gan Connie , Ballard David H
Published: May 2020

Purpose
Many commonly used mask designs are secured by elastic straps looping around the posterior auricular region. This constant pressure and friction against the skin may contribute to increased wearer pain, irritation, and discomfort. The purpose of this work is to report a modified 3D printed mask extender to alleviate discomfort and increase mask wearability by relieving posterior auricular pressure from isolation masks.
Methods
Our institutional review board designated this project as non-human research and exempt. As part of resourcing 3D printing laboratories along with individual 3D printers to provide resources to healthcare workers, mask extenders were printed to relieve posterior auricular pressure from individuals wearing isolation masks. The authors modifed an existing mask extender, increasing its length with accompanying peripheral rungs for isolation mask securement. 3D printing was performed with Ultimaker S5 (Ultimaker B.V.; Geldermalsen, Netherlands) and CR-10 (Creality3D; Shenzhen, China) 3D printers using polylactic acid filaments. The author’s modified extended mask extenders were printed and freely delivered to healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, technologists, and other personnel) at the authors’ institution.
Results
The final mask extender design was printed with the two 3D printers with a maximum 7 straps printed simultaneously on each 3D printer. Mean print times ranges from 105 minutes for the Ultimaker S5 printer and 150 minutes for the CR-10. 475 mask extenders were delivered to healthcare workers at the authors’ institution, with the demand far exceeding the available supply.
Conclusion
We offer a modification of a 3D printed mask extender design that decreases discomfort and increases the wearability of isolation mask designs with ear loops thought to relieve posterior auricular skin pressure and ability to control strap tension. The design is simple, produced with inexpensive material (polylactic acid), and have been well-received by healthcare providers at our institution
The Role Of Airborne Moments In The Spread Of The Coronavirus And The Course Of The Pandemic
Authors: Bhaganagar Kiran , BhimiReddy Sudheer
Published: May 2020

A numerical study using Weather Research Forecast model and Lagrangian HYSPLIT dispersion model was conducted to understand the meteorological factors influencing the transport and mixing of the blob of Corona virus-filled micro-particles (of radius 0.12mm) released into the atmosphere due to coughing, sneezing by infected patient. The study is offered as an important contribution demonstrating the role of local atmospheric dynamics in coronavirus spread during the period of March 9 – April 6, 2020 in New York City, the epicenter of the coronavirus in the USA. The results demonstrate that from the initial time of release, the virus can spread up to 30 minutes in air, covering a 200-m radius at a time, moving 1 – 2 km from the original source. Turbulence energy containing large-scale horizontal “rolls” and vertical thermal “updrafts” and “downdrafts” contribute to transport and advection processes, before small-scale turbulent eddies rapidly mix and dilute virus concentration.
Clinical imaging characteristics of inpatients with COVID-19 in Heilongjiang Province, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Jiang Hao , Guo Wei , Jiang Huijie , Zhang Mingyu , Wei Lai , Pan Yongmei
Published: May 2020

Objectjve: To investigate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Heilongjiang Province. Methods: The present study carried out a retrospective analysis of 59 patients with COVID-19, including 44 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 15 patients in the non-intensive care unit. The characteristics of the two groups of patients were compared.Results: ICU care group was older and the incidence was higher than that of non-ICU group. Lymphopenia, neutrophils, and increased D-dimer levels were high-risk causes of COVID-19 patients. Compared to the non-ICU care group, the incidence of pulmonary consolidation and Ground-glass opacity combined consolidation in the ICU care group was significantly higher, all lung lobes were more likely to be involved, and the number of lung lobes involved was greater and the area around the bronchi was more likely to be involved. Of the 59 patients with COVID-19 in this group, 15 received mechanical ventilation. All the intubated patients involved lung lobes, and a large number of lesions were seen in the area around the bronchial vessels. Conclusion: Significant differences were observed in clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and CT features between the ICU and non-ICU care groups.
Clinical Experience with the AKT1 Inhibitor Miransertib in two Children with PIK3CA-related overgrowth syndrome
Authors: Forde Karina , Resta Nicoletta , Ranieri Carlotta , Rea David , Kubassova Olga , Hinton Mark , Irvine Alan D , Dvorakova Veronika
Published: May 2020

Background PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) refers to a group of rare disorders, caused by somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA, resulting in abnormal PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway signalling. Significant associated morbidity is frequently observed, and approved treatments are lacking. Miransertib (ARQ 092) is a novel, orally available, selective pan-AKT inhibitor with proven in vitro efficacy. Following recent results of the use of AKT inhibitors in Proteus syndrome (PS) and AKT-mutant cancers, we investigated its therapeutic use in two patients with severe PROS who had exhausted conventional treatment methods. Results Two patients, one with CLOVES variant (P1) and one with facial infiltrating lipomatosis and hemimegalencephaly (P2), were commenced on miransertib treatment on a compassionate use basis. In patient one, intra-abdominal and paraspinal overgrowth had resulted in respiratory compromise, obstructive uropathy, dysfunctional seating and lying postures, and chronic pain. In patient two, hemifacial overgrowth and hemimegalencephaly had caused difficulties with articulation and oral function, and refractory epilepsy. Miransertib treatment was continued for a median duration of 22 months (range 22-28). In patient one, alleviation of respiratory compromise was observed and functionally, seating and lying postures improved. Serial volumetric MRI analysis revealed 15% reduction in calculated volumes of fatty overgrowth between treatment commencement and end. In patient two, reduction in seizure burden and improved parent-reported quality of life measures were reported. Treatment was discontinued in both patients due to lack of sustained response, and poor compliance in year two of treatment (P2). No significant toxicities were reported. Conclusions We report the first paediatric case series of the use of miransertib in two children with PROS. Objective clinical response was observed in patient one, and improvement in key qualitative outcomes was reported in patient two. Treatment was well tolerated with no significant toxicities reported. This case series highlights the potential therapeutic utility of miransertib in selected paediatric patients with severe PROS, and further demonstrates the potential for re-purposing targeted therapies for the treatment of rare diseases. An open label, Phase 1/2 study of miransertib in children with PROS and PS is underway to more accurately assess the efficacy of miransertib in the treatment of PROS disorder (NCT03094832).
Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sakamoto Teruhisa , Yagyu Takuki , Uchinaka Ei , Miyatani Kozo , Hanaki Takehiko , Kihara Kyoichi , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Tokuyasu Naruo , Honjo Soichiro , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2020

Background Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the impact of sarcopenia in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Methods Seventy-four patients who developed postoperative recurrence of pancreatic cancer after undergoing pancreatectomies were enrolled. Sarcopenia in these patients was defined according to the psoas muscle index (PMI) measured via computed tomography at the third vertebra. Results The mean PMIs at the time of recurrence were 4.47 ± 1.27 cm 2 /m 2 for men and 3.26 ± 0.70 cm 2 /m 2 for women. Of the 74 patients, 65 (87.8%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia with low PMI. The 2-year post-recurrence survival curve in the sarcopenia group was significantly worse than that in the non-sarcopenia group ( P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis revealed that sarcopenia at the time of recurrence was an independent prognostic factor ( P = 0.023) along with a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ( P = 0.004), early recurrence ( P < 0.001) and chemotherapy after recurrence ( P < 0.001) in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) of the combination of sarcopenia and time to recurrence for predicting 2-year survival was 0.763, which was much higher than that of sarcopenia alone (AUC = 0.622). Conclusions Sarcopenia is a useful prognostic factor in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer. The combination of sarcopenia and time of recurrence may more accurately predict post-recurrence survival than can sarcopenia alone.
Study of Economic Management Forecast and Optimized Resource Allocation Based on Cloud Computing and Neural Network
Authors: He Pinzhen
Published: May 2020

As various factors which affect the development of global market economy become increasingly uncertain, economy and commodity will become more and more fluctuating in economic operation. With its strong non-linear mapping capacity, artificial neural network has already been applied in many fields, time series analysis and trend prediction, for instance.Cloud computing can interact fast with service provider at the minimum management cost. This paper proposes an economic forecast and optimized resource allocation model based on cloud computing and BP neural network. Its main goal is to break down a complex prediction task into several sub-tasks, effectively reduce the workload of a single computer and enhance the operating efficiency. Meanwhile, this method can also choose the optimal neural network prediction model at an adaptive learning rate so as to make the prediction and analysis result more accurate.
Complications of femoral neck fracture fixation using a sliding hip screw with a side plate device in patients older than 65 years
Authors: Mitsugi Tatsuya , Miyamoto Hideaki , Izumi Masahiro , Matsui Kentaro , Ishii Keisuke , Suzuki Takashi , Kurozumi Taketo , Sasaki Gen , Kawano Hirotaka , Watanabe Yoshinobu
Published: May 2020

BackgroundA majority of femoral neck fractures are indicated for surgical treatment within the scope of applicable guidelines. However, the reported overall complication rate in elderly patients one year after hip fracture fixation was 33.3%. The purpose of this study was to clarify the incidence of complications one year after femoral neck fracture fixation using a sliding hip screw with a side plate device in elder than 65-year-old patients.MethodsWe studied the results of 115 cases of the internal fixation for femoral neck fractures in patients older than 65 years of age using the Twins device (HOYA Technosurgical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). We could follow up 39 of these 115 cases at one year after fixation and retrospectively investigated complications in these patients. Research outcomes were mortality, surgical site infection (SSI), loss of reduction, aseptic necrosis, late segmental collapse (LSC), nonunion, periprosthetic fracture, reoperation, and recovery of walking ability.ResultsThe patients consisted of 13 men and 26 women (mean age 80.5 years, range 65-104 years). Mortality was observed in four cases (14.2%), SSI in one case (2.5%), loss of reduction in six cases (15.4%), aseptic necrosis in seven cases (17.9%), LSC in three cases (7.6%), nonunion in eight cases (20.5%), periprosthetic fracture in three cases (7.6%), and reoperation was performed in seven cases (17.9%), respectively. In 28 cases, the patients could walk independently before injury; this decreased to 19 cases after injury (67.9%).Conclusions﻿In our study, the incidence of loss of reduction rate and periprosthetic fracture rate were relatively high. Other complications of the Twins device evaluated were equivalent to those reported previously.
Transcriptomics analysis and co-expression network revealing candidate genes for laccase activity of Lenzites gibbosa
Authors: Chen Jie , Chi Yujie , Zhao Qingquan , Hao Xin
Published: May 2020

Background

Lenzites gibbosa is a common white-rot fungus of Polyporaceae in the cold temperate zone which cause spongy white decay of wood.
Results

In this study, the lignin degradation pathway of L. gibbosa at 5-time points under wood treatment was studied by RNA-Req technology. A total of 5232 DEGs were identified from 15 libraries. In 0–3 days, the mycelia are in the adaptive stage, and the mycelia began to proliferate within 3–5 days. After 5 days, the number of DGEs decreased significantly, the mycelium growth entered the platform stage, and the life activity was basically stable. In the secondary metabolism, oxidoreductase such as laccase, 2-oxoglutarate-Fe (II) type oxidoreductase, peroxisomal hydratase-dehydrogenase, dual-functional monooxygenase dominated and increased steadily, and manganese peroxidase appeared in the middle stage. With the accumulation of lignin intermediate products, P450 and ABC transporters were from the inhibition to the activation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that among the 24 modules 6 modules were significantly correlated with laccase activity and the most correlated were turquoise and blue module. The central hub genes were also identified, including gene_7458, gene_61, gene_7458, gene_1741, gene_11087 which were consistent with the DGEs. These genes have high connectivity, module membership, and gene significance in the module. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathway indicated that the genes involved in cell cycle, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, mitochondrial outer membrane, succinate dehydrogenase, carboxypeptidase and exopeptidase activity, flavin adenine dinucleotide binding, oxidoreductase activity, acting on the CH-CH group of donors, quinone or related compound as acceptor pathway were highly related to laccase synthesis pathway. Construction of gene co-expression network and hypothetical L. gibbosa laccase synthesis pathway.
Conclusion

This study focused on the screening of L. gibbosa degradation of lignin-related genes. And, this is the first study reporting co-expression patterns of a gene network in L. gibbosa laccase activity after wood treatment which is helpful to understand the synthesis pathway of laccase and improve the activity of laccase, which can be used to increase the rate of lignin degradation by L. gibbosa in the further.
Drug Use Disorder Following Early Life Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-Contaminated Drinking Water: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aschengrau Ann , Grippo Alexandra , Winter Michael R. , Shea Margaret G. , White Roberta F. , Saitz Richard
Published: May 2020

Background: Many studies of adults with occupational exposure to solvents such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) have shown adverse effects on cognition, mood and behavioral problems. Much less is known about neurotoxic effects in early life at lower exposure levels seen in community settings. We recently reported that illicit drug use was more frequent among adults from Cape Cod, Massachusetts who were exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water during gestation and early childhood than their unexposed counterparts. Using newly collected data from this population-based retrospective cohort study, the current analysis examines whether early life PCE exposure is also associated with drug use disorder over the life course.Methods: Three-hundred and sixty-three subjects with prenatal and early childhood PCE exposure and 255 unexposed subjects were studied. These individuals (median age: 40–41 years) completed self-administered questionnaires on the eleven established diagnostic criteria for drug use disorder and confounding variables. A validated leaching and transport model was used to estimate exposure to PCE-contaminated water.Results: Overall, 23.3% of subjects reported having at least one criterion for drug use disorder over their lifetime. Early life PCE exposure was associated with a modest increase in the lifetime presence of one or more diagnostic criteria for drug use disorder (adjusted RR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). Compared to unexposed subjects, PCE-exposed subjects were more likely to report having most diagnostic criteria of drug use disorder, including neglecting major roles due to drug use, physical and psychological problems related to drug use, and giving up activities due to drug use. No dose-response relationships were observed with increasing levels of PCE exposure.Conclusions: These results suggest that exposure to PCE-contaminated drinking water during early life modestly increases the risk of developing diagnostic criteria for drug use disorder later in life. Because this study has several limitations, these findings should be confirmed in follow-up investigations of other exposed populations with more diverse racial and socioeconomic characteristics.
Validation of the Palliative Competency Tool: An Instrument To Qualify Medical Education (Validation of Palliative Competency Tool)
Authors: Guirro Ursula Bueno do Prado , Perini Carla Corradi , Siqueira Jose Eduardo de
Published: May 2020

Introduction: It is necessary to determine which competencies in Palliative Care (PC) have been acquired and which ones need to be improved. The aim was to develop and validate an instrument to assess the acquisition of competencies in PC care among medical students denominated Palliative Competency Tool (Pallicomp).Materials and methods: It were consisted of developing statements based on the competencies as described by the European Association for Palliative Care. The content was validated by experts, respecting the Delphi methodology. The instrument was applied to a group of medical students (n=71) enrolled at the final of 8th semester and statically validated.Results: Of the 30 questions developed, 24 were refined and approved by experts. The tool was applied to 71 medical students, only 12.7% had excellent performance and four out of ten competencies were underperformed. The statistical validation consisted of Bartlett's sphericity test, which showed adequate correlation for factor analysis (p <0.001); the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test for sample adequacy (0.7), and Conbach's alpha coefficient for the internal consistency (α = 0.7).Conclusions: Can be concluded that it was possible to construct and validate Palliative Competency Tool (PalliComp), an instrument of qualification of competencies acquisition of PC.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Anthrax in Northern Ethiopia: a mixed approach study
Authors: Romha Gebremedhin , Girmay Weldemelak
Published: May 2020

Background

Anthrax is prioritized as the second diseases in Ethiopia based on its negative impacts at the household level by causing disease or production losses in livestock and sever disease in human. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of anthrax in the communities of Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was concurrently conducted with focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) from May 2019 to April 2020. A total of 862 respondents have participated in the questionnaire survey. Of which, 800 were local community members. While 62 were professionals working at animal and human health service institutions. Likewise, qualitative data were collected using six FGDs and 11 KIIs.

Results

sixty two percent (496/800) of the respondents said that they knew the disease anthrax while 38% (304/800) of them did not it. Only 9.3% (74/800) of the respondents reported germ as the causative agent of anthrax. About 56.5% (35/62) of the professional respondents said that the causative agent of the disease was bacteria while 33.9% (21/62) of them did not know it. More than sixty percent (64.1%, 513/800) did not know whether the disease was zoonotic or not. Among the listed clinical signs, 26.3% (210/800) and 36.8% (294/800) of the respondent knew at least one signs in animal and human, respectively while 21.3% (170/800) and 20.1% (161/800) knew one or more transmission routes in animal and human respectively. Moreover, 43.4% (347/800) and 45.6% (365/800) of the respondents mentioned one or more control/prevention method in animal and human, respectively. Fifty two (416/800) and 32.4% (259/800) of the questionnaire participants believed that vaccination of animals could prevent anthrax in animal and human, respectively. But although 4% (32/800) said that they had anthrax ( Megerem ) infected animals, more than 28% (9/32) of them used traditional medication for their animals. Regarding qualitative results, some of the participants knew the disease (in animals) in their own local names, Lalish and Tafia (splenomegaly), and Gulbus (abdominal cramp and shivering). Some had perceived the disease only as human disease while others recognized after they were told its clinical signs in animals and humans.

Conclusion

The KAP of the participants towards anthrax was low. Moreover, there was no similar understanding of the disease among the participants. The study also revealed that the participants did not get consistent, adequate and continuous health messages regarding the disease. Traditional belief and socio-economic factors impacted the KAP of the community towards the disease.
Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among evacuees quarantined at Jaisalmer, India
Authors: Saurabh Suman , Kumar Ritesh , Kumar Nitesh , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Garg Mahendra Kumar , Misra Sanjeev
Published: May 2020

Background

During COVID-19 pandemic, Indian nationals were evacuated from foreign countries to various quarantine facilities in India. Individuals arriving from Iran on 14 March 2020 were quarantined at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. All individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection after completing 14 days of quarantine. Those testing positive were isolated at AIIMS Jodhpur, India. We attempt to describe the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV2 in this cohort.
Methods

Basic SEIR compartmental model was developed using daily stepwise approach in Microsoft Excel. Advanced model using standard differential equations in Python software version 3.6 was used to estimate R0 based on model fit to actual data.
Results

Forty-eight SARS-CoV-2 infections were found among the 474 evacuees. Out of them 44 (92%) were asymptomatic. R0 for the overall duration was found to be 2.29 (95% CI 1.84–2.78). Male gender and age greater than 60 years were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR = 4.33, 95% CI 2.07–9.05 and 5.32, 95% CI 3.13–9.04, respectively). Isolation of infected individuals and stricter quarantine of remaining individuals reduced the R0 from 2.41 initially to 1.17 subsequently.
Conclusion

R0 value was found comparable to the earlier studies indicating similar transmission dynamics among quarantined individuals in India. Further, universal testing and prompt isolation of infected individuals was found effecting in interrupting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Role of asymptomatic individuals in transmission appears to be strong in the context of quarantine of evacuees.
Impact of High-Risk Features for Stage II Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix
Authors: Akce Mehmet , Zakka Katerina , Penley McKenna , Jiang Renjian , Alese Olatunji B. , Shaib Walid L. , Wu Christina , Behera Madhusmita , El-Rayes Bassel F.
Published: May 2020

Background: Clinico-pathological high-risk features are frequently utilized in adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) decisions in stage II colorectal cancer and their utility in stage II appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is not established. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of high-risk features in clinical outcomes and whether high risk features are predictive of AC benefit in stage II AA. Methods: Patients with pathological stage II AA between 2010-2015 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) using ICD-O-3 morphology and topography codes: 8140, 8480 and C18.1. High risk stage II AA was defined as having at least one of the following clinicopathological features: T4 tumor, <12 lymph nodes examined, poorly differentiated histology, positive margins, or lymphovascular invasion. Patients with none of these features were defined as low-risk.Results: A total of 1,040 patients with pathological stage II AA were identified. 51.0% males, 84.5% Caucasian; median age 61 (range, 19-90). 46.4% were determined to have high-risk stage II AA. High-risk status was associated with worse OS compared to low-risk in univariate (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.18-2.02; p=0.001) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03-1.79; p=0.028). High-risk stage II AA patients had significantly worse 5-year OS compared to low-risk patients (67.1% vs. 74.5%, p=0.0013). AC was administered in 34.4% (n=166) of high-risk patients and in 36.5% (n=203) of low-risk patients. Among high-risk patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.59-1.26; p=0.448) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.35; 95% CI 0.90-2.04; p=0.151) compared to no AC. Similarly, among low-risk patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.60-1.39; p=0.679) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.27; 95% CI 0.81-2.02; p=0.299) compared to no AC. For high-risk patients, 5-year OS was 68.3% in patients that received AC vs. 66.5% in patients that did not (p=0.722). For low-risk patients, 5-year OS was 74.0% in patients that received AC vs. 76.3% in patients that did not (p=0.813).Conclusion: High-risk stage II AA patients had significantly worse 5-year OS compared to low-risk patients. AC did not improve survival regardless of high-risk features in stage II AA.
Risk Factors of Sexual Abuse among School going Children in Primary Schools in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Maranga Isabel , Onyango Patrick , Omondi Dickens
Published: May 2020

Child sexual abuse is a public health problem with negative physical, mental, behavioral and learning outcomes to survivors. Recent Kenya Demographic Health Survey showed that 22% of women and 13% of men in western Kenya have experienced sexual abuse compared to 14% women and 6% men nationally. Its burden, predisposing factors and, sources of or reasons for differential exposure for boys are yet unclear. Whereas schools have a major influence on a child’s development and behavior, they have been identified as important settings where child sexual abuse might occur. However, how sexual abuse is patterned by type and location of school remains an open question. The present study investigated risk factors of sexual abuse among school-going children in primary schools in Kisumu County. Using a cross-sectional study design and guided by the ecological model, the study determined association between type of school and sexual abuse; association between location of school and sexual abuse, and spaces that predispose school-going children to sexual abuse in primary schools. A sample of 398 pupils aged between 10 – 16 years randomly identified participants from 37 pre-selected primary schools in Kisumu Central and Kisumu West sub-Counties was used. The schools had been stratified by location (rural and urban) and type (public or private, boarding or day). Parental permission was sought for respective pupils to participate in the study. Data from pupils was collected using self-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions, and key informant interviews from guidance and counseling teachers. The mean age of participants was 13 years. More pupils attended day schools than boarding schools (88% versus 12%; p= 0.017). Forced sex (29%) was the most common type of sexual abuse. More girls than boys had ever experienced any type of sexual abuse 29% versus 20%; p=0.038. Whereas there was no statistical difference in pupils’ experience of sexual abuse by type and location of school x2= 2.044; p>0.05 and x2= 0.823 p>0.05, pupils thought that attending public day schools is associated with higher risk for sexual abuse mainly while walking to and from home. Pupils cited bushes inside school (52%), latrines/toilets (51%) and bushes outside school (50%) as spaces where one is more likely to experience sexual abuse. Being a female pupil was the most significant risk factor for sexual abuse in the primary schools surveyed. This indicates that gendered predisposition plays an important role in occurrence of sexual abuse in primary schools. Though not statistically significant in this study, it is plausible that risky spaces and type of schools might modify female gender predisposition in subtler ways as suggested from the pupils’ perspectives. There is need for a gendered focus in a complex primary schooling environment
Hypertension prevalence, associated factors, treatment, and control in rural Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Simo Larissa Pone , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Noubiap Jean Jacques , Nana Orlin Pagnol , Nkosu Pride Swiri-Muya , Anouboweh Arnold Forlemu Asaah , Ndi Jude Nfor , Mbock Jacques Nguend , Bakari Noel Fils , Tambou Harold Giovani Guifo
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a surge in the burden of hypertension, and rural communities seem to be increasingly affected by the epidemic. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, its associated factors, as well as its awareness, treatment, and control rates in rural communities of the Baham Health District (BHD), Cameroon.Design: A community-based cross-sectional study.Setting: Participants from five health areas in the BHD were recruited from August to October 2018.Participants: Consenting participants aged 18 years or older were included. Results: We included 526 participants in this study. The median age of the participants was 53.0 (IQR = 35 – 65) years and 67.1% were female. The prevalence of hypertension was 40.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.7 – 45.1) were hypertensive with no gender disparity. The overall age-standardised prevalence of hypertension was 23.9% (95% CI = 20.3 – 27.5). Five-year increase in age (adjusted odd’s ratio [AOR] = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.23 – 1.44), family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.37 – 3.60), and obesity were associated with higher odds of hypertension (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.40 – 4.69).The rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were 37.2% (95% CI = 31.0 – 43.9), 20.9% (95% CI = 16.0 – 26.9), and 22.2% (95% CI = 15.2 – 46.5), respectively.Conclusion: The high hypertension prevalence in this rural community is associated with contrastingly low awareness, treatment, and control rates. Age, family history of hypertension, and obesity are the major drivers of hypertension in this community. Veracious policies are needed to improve awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension in this rural community.
Cold Plasma: Clean Technology to Destroy Pathogenic Micro-organisms
Authors: Kar Rajib , Chand Naresh , Bute Arundhati , Maiti Namita , AVSS Narayan Rao , Nagar V. , Shashidhar R. , Patil D.S. , Ghosh S.K. , Sharma A.
Published: May 2020

Atmospheric pressure cold plasma is a promising technology in fighting pathogenic micro-organisms. In times of Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to modify two types of cold plasma devices to study their effectiveness in the killing of pathogenic micro-organisms. Our studies have shown that both the devices are efficient in this purpose. While pencil like microwave based device can destroy Aeromonas bacteria and bacteriophage from 6 cm distance in 2 minutes, the larger (~ 40 cm2) RF plasma based device could do the similar killing ability for the larger possible area in 4 minutes. OES studies revealed that both these device produce OH radicals which helped in the destruction of both bacteria and bacteriophage. With suitable modification, these devices, especially the larger area device may even be implemented for the elimination of Covid-19 affected wards of hospital without using any sensitive chemical process.
Weak interactions of COVID-19 virus Mpro and peptide-like inhibitor N3: revealing the role of non-conventional hydrogen bonds by theoretical methods
Authors: García-Gutiérrez Ponciano , Zubillaga Rafael A. , Ibarra Ilich A. , Martínez Ana , Vargas Rubicelia , Garza Jorge
Published: May 2020

Two models consisting of 469 atoms each one, for the interaction between the N3 inhibitor and the main protease of SARS-CoV (SARS-CoV Mpro) and SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) viruses, were used to reveal by quantum chemistry methods the non-covalent interactions involved in these systems. Through the Density Functional Theory and the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules the main conclusion reached by this study indicates that C-H· · ·O and C-H· · ·H hydrogen bonds are crucial to describe attractive interactions in these complexes. In general, these contacts are overlooked in many studies. However, these non-conventional hydrogen bonds represent more than a half of the energy interaction estimated for non-covalent contacts. These results are quite important for the design of new drugs since these interactions could drive the action mechanisms against these viruses. Hydrogen bonds are crucial to describe correctly the interactions between inhibitors and the main proteases.
Prevalence and Clinical Course of Upper Airway Respiratory Virus Infection in Critically Ill Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Lee Jongmin , Kim Seok Chan , Rhee Chin Kook , Lee Jaewoong , Lee Jong Wook , Lee Dong-Gun
Published: May 2020

Background

The clinical significance of upper airway respiratory virus (RV) detection in patients with hematologic malignancies remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between upper airway RV detection and prognosis in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 331 critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies who presented respiratory symptoms and their nasopharyngeal swab was tested using a multiplex PCR assay between January 2017 and December 2018. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for potential confounding factors in the association between assay positivity and in-hospital mortality.

Results

Among the 331 analyzed patients, RVs were detected in 29.0%. The overall mortality rates in the intensive care unit and hospital were 56.8% and 65.9%, respectively. Positive upper airway RV detection was associated with relapsed hematologic malignancies, higher level of C-reactive protein, and prior use of high dose steroids and anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, it was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 4.54). Among different RVs, parainfluenza virus was more prevalent among patients who died in the hospital than among those who survived (11.5% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.027).

Conclusions

RV detection in the upper respiratory tract was relatively common in our cohort and was significantly associated with a poor prognosis. Thus, it can be used as a predictor of prognosis. Moreover, RV presence in the upper respiratory tract should be examined in patients who have previously been prescribed with high dose corticosteroids and anti-cancer drugs.
COVID-19 and PM2.5 Sodium Chloride content
Authors: Baron Yves Muscat
Published: May 2020

INTRODUCTION: Following national lockdown instituting physical distancing, COVID-19 infection and mortality decreased in most countries. Simultaneously due to diminished economic and human activity, the atmospheric levels of PM2.5, an important airborne pollutant, decreased significantly. COVID-19 has been found adherent to PM2.5. PM2.5 has various components including sodium chloride which determines the amount of PM2.5 salt-derived water content. Atmospheric salt content in part determines the sodium chloride content and the consequential hygroscopicity of PM2.5. COVID-19 possesses a C-terminal protein which is hydrophobic.METHOD: The sodium chloride content of the PM2.5 species was assessed in two groups of cities. Cities were chosen as opposed to countries, because substantial regional differences in infection rates were noted between inland and coastal cities. These cities were differentiated by the rate COVID-19 infection and consequent mortality. Atmospheric salt content was obtained from research that assessed chloride ion wet deposition, a proxy for airborne salinity. The salt content of the relevant PM2.5 species was obtained from publications from the various cities assessed.RESULTS: Cities with high COVID-19 infection rates had PM2.5 species with significantly lower salt content than the cities with low Covid-17 infection. The PM2.5 salt content in the cities with elevated COVID-19 rates was 0.196µg/m3 SD 0.05µg/m3, while cities with low COVID-19 rates had a PM2.5 salt content of 0.81µg/m3 SD 0.32µg/m3 (p<0.0001).There was a significant correlation between atmospheric salinity and the salt content of PM2.5. PM2.5 salt content correlated with minimum atmospheric salinity (R=0.53, p < 0.01) and maximum atmospheric salinity (R=0.64, p <0.002). There appears to be an inverse relationship between COVID-19 infection and atmospheric salt content levels. Cities that were spared high COVID-19 infection rates, have higher maximum/minimum atmospheric salinity content levels (216-1080 mgCl/m2/day) compared to sodium chloride levels noted in cities with high COVID-19 rates of infection (40-125. mgCl/m2/day) (p<0.005).CONCLUSION: PM2.5 with low salt content, in the presence of low ambient salinity may be linked to an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in the population.
Vascular Obliteration Due To Endothelial And Myointimal Growth In COVID-19
Authors: Valtueña Jara , Martínez-García Gerardo , Ruiz-Sánchez Daniel , Garayar-Cantero María , Dueñas Carlos , Aguado-García Ángel , Paula Jose María Prieto de , López Pilar Manchado
Published: May 2020

Background: Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a systemic multi-organ viral invasion. Previous studies found that many patients had a procoagulant state and/or severe hypoxemia with relatively well-preserved lung mechanics. Mechanisms underlying the vascular and its surrounding tissue are not well known yet. Histological data in Covid-19 tissues´ patients are still limited and mainly focused on post-mortem analysis. Since SARS-CoV-2 largely affects cutaneous tissue, we aim to assess the pathophysiologic mechanisms in depth in living skin tissue related to Covid-19.Methods: Five skin lesions from caucasian Covid-19 adult patients were selected for cutaneous tissue histological examination including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and direct immunofluorescent (DIF) vast amount of data. Results: A common strong vasculopathic reaction pattern based on prominent vascular endothelial and myointimal cellgrowth was identified. Endothelial cell distortion generated vascular lumen obliteration and a strike erythrocyte and serum extravasation. Extensive significant vascular C4d and C3 deposition throughout vascular cell wall was also identified. A regenerative epidermal hyperplasia with tissue structure preservation was also found. Conclusions: Covid-19 could comprise an obliterative micro-angiopathy consisting on endothelial and myointimal intensive growth with complement activation. This mechanism, together with increased vascular permeability identified, could contribute to obliterative vascular lumen and hemorrhage in Covid-19 disease. Activation of the complement and angiogenic pathways could have an important role in inducing and maintaining this vasculopathic reaction pattern. Thus, anticoagulation by itself could not completely reverse vascular lumen obliteration, with consequent hemorrhagic increased risk associated. Skin is the largest organ in the body, the most accessible one and can mirror other organs of the body. Findings of this study could contribute to a better understanding of physio-pathological mechanisms underlying Covid-19 infection on living tissue and could help further studies find potential targets for specific therapeutic interventions in Covid-19 severe patients.
Association between eating behavior and quarantine/confinement stressors during the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak
Authors: Haddad Chadia , Kheir Maria Bou , Zakhour Maha , Haddad Rima , Hachach Myriam Al , Sacre Hala , Salameh Pascale
Published: May 2020

Background: Quarantine/confinement is an effective measure to face the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Consequently, in response to this stressful situation, people confined to their homes may change their everyday eating behavior. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the association between quarantine/confinement stressors and eating behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak. The secondary objective is to evaluate the association of quarantine/ confinement stressors and eating behavior amongst two groups of participants selected from the population: individuals attending diet clinics and individuals who are not attending diet clinics.Method: A cross-sectional web-based online survey carried out between April 3 and 18, 2020, enrolled 407 participants from the Lebanese population. Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire (EDE-Q) were used to measure the behavioral features of eating disorders. Results: More than half of the sample (53.0%) abide to the home quarantine/confinement, 95.4% were living with someone in the quarantine/confinement and 39.6% continued to work from home. Using the lower scores as reference group, higher fear of COVID-19 was found in 182 (44.8%) participants, higher boredom in 200 (49.2%) participants, higher anger in 187 (46.3%) and higher anxiety in 197 (48.5%) participants. A greater fear of COVID-19 (Beta=0.02), higher BMI (Beta=0.05), and physical activity (Beta=1.04) were significantly associated with a higher restraint score. Higher anxiety, higher fear of COVID-19, higher BMI, practicing physical exercise and higher number of adults living in the quarantine/confinement were significantly associated with a higher shape and weight concern. Conclusion: Our results showed that the fear of COVID-19 was correlated with more restraint eating, weight, and shape concern in the whole sample and more specifically in the dietitian clients group. Public health control measures are needed to define factors of eating disorders during the quarantine/confinement period related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
UNIVERSITY – INDUSTRY INTERACTION ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT THROUGH OPEN INNOVATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Viederyte Rasa
Published: May 2020

This theoretical paper discusses knowledge management in an open innovation systems context on a basis of university – industry collaboration. Knowledge management is necessary to ensure the inbound and outbound flows of knowledge that define open innovation, and to ensure that the knowledge, provided by the open innovation process ,can be used for successful collaboration between universities and industry. The importance of knowledge is emphasized in the literature on open innovation, but most modern literature takes only a narrow point of view on the problem and is not related to knowledge management through inter-institutional collaboration. The paper discusses the General framework conditions for efficient university-industry collaboration and in this context, it outlines the Systematic procedure of open innovation implementation. The main outlined knowledge flows in networking shows a combination of a positive and neutral effect on the effectiveness of innovation at the level of business units, which means that open innovation within the network is generally beneficial for a multidisciplinary organization as well as Incoming innovations across organizational boundaries are beneficial for the innovation activity of a business unit, in contrast to outgoing innovations that have a neutral effect on it. The ability of organization to recognize the value of new external information, absorb and apply it for commercial purposes is crucial for its innovative potential. The creation of knowledge and the ability to master can be created without a special R&D unit in university - joint research and development can be fruitful, and trade areas can provide the opportunity for training and joint acquisition of new knowledge.
MYRIADS OF COMPETENCES THAT INTERWEAVE OUR LIVES
Authors: Varga Erika
Published: May 2020

The subject of the paper is to highlight the importance and role, competences play in our lives. Aim of research: We are not aware of the fact, either, how many competences we have, and we actually use day by day for our social contacts. Result of research: Personal competencies (can) enhance employability, the chances of being successful and competitive in the labour market together with some personality traits that make a powerful impact on hiring decisions. Communication skills and linguistic competence also add a lot to selecting the ideal candidate not to mention intercultural and multicultural communication together with cultural intelligence, all of which have become essential in our globalised world. Socio-cultural competences are also regarded as key issues nowadays. Conclusion: One of the objectives of the paper was to give an overview of the most frequent key competencies that are prevalent not only in the labour market, but also in everyday situations. The present analysis mainly contains key findings from professional literature.
IMPROVING EMPLOYABILITY BY MEANS OF PERSONAL COMPETENCIES IN HR
Authors: Varga Erika , Szira Zoltán
Published: May 2020

The subject of the present paper, among others, is to illustrate what employability means and what key business and personal competencies (can) enhance the success of employees and their competitiveness in the labour market together with some personality traits that have a powerful impact on hiring. Aim of research: An answer is also sought to the question of how competencies have been transformed, how their role was appreciated and re-evaluated and what skills and abilities are no longer necessary to be successful in the labour market versus the ones that were not required previously, but have become indispensable these days. Result of research: An overview of the current Hungarian labour market situation and specialities was given on the basis of our primary research. Conclusions: The present analysis contains the correlation between employability and (personal) competencies.