bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate of Initial Anti-retroviral Treatment Modification and Its Predictors Among Adult Hiv/aids Patients at Pawe General Hospital, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Matso Tsehay , Jarso Habtamu , Ijigu Girma Mamo
Published: September 2020

Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is the cornerstone of managing patients with HIV infection. Once cART is initiated, patients generally remain on medications indeﬁnitely. However, antiretroviral regimens commonly require changes which often involve switches of multiple medications simultaneously. The maximal regimen durability with regard to safety and efficacy is a critical factor for long-term success of ART since modification to cART has a number of challenges.Objectives: To assess the rate, time to change, reasons and predictors of treatment modification among HIV/AIDS patients at Pawe General Hospital.Method: Hospital based retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult HIV/AIDS patients on follow-up in Pawe Hospital from 01 April 2017 to 30 April 2017. Patients who started cART at Pawe General Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were included. Data abstraction tool was used to collect data from patient chart. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient socio-demographics characteristics and rate of regimen modification. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard were performed to identify the predictors. Result: Over a median follow-up period of 21 months (IQR 6 - 38), 62 (14.5%) patients modified their initial regimens (incidence rate (IR); 7.66 per 100 person years [95% CI: 5.84 – 9.50]). Toxicity was the most common reason (72.6%). In multivariate Cox regression model, WHO stage III/IV at initiation(AHR;2.39, 95% CI: 1.23 – 4.66), AZT based initial NRTI backbone (AHR; 8.19, 95% CI: 4.55 - 14.73), low baseline hemoglobin ((< 7 g/dl [AHR; 6.32, 95% CI: 1.40 – 28.58] and 7-9.9 g/dl [AHR 4.21, 95% CI: 1.92 - 9.22]) and co-medication with cART (AHR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.03 - 2.89) were associated with increased risk of treatment modification.Conclusion: Initial regimen modification rate was lower in this population than cohorts in resource-rich settings. Special attention should be given for patients who are at advanced disease stage, AZT based regimen, low baseline hemoglobin and taking additional medications other than cART.
Vitamin C can reduce mortality in sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human evidence
Authors: Zhao Cong-Cong , Han Li-Nan , Zhu Gui-Jun , Li Zhi-Qiang , Hu Zhen-Jie
Published: September 2020

Background: The effect of vitamin C on outcomes in sepsis is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis included animal and human studies to evaluate the value of intravenous vitamin C as a monotherapy in sepsis. Methods: We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CBM for animal studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-RCTs dated up to August 10, 2020. The included studies compared the effect of intravenous vitamin C and control on outcomes in sepsis. No language restrictions were applied. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility and quality of the trials and extracted data. Results: A total of 7 animal studies and 5 RCTs were included. Four animal studies (n=176) and all 5 RCTs (n=472) reported mortality, the primary outcome of this meta-analysis. The mortality of the vitamin C group was lower than that of the control group (odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.81, P = 0.02; I2 =60% in animal studies, and OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.71, P < 0.001; I2 =0% in human studies). The GRADE assessment showed that the outcome was downgraded from high- to moderate-quality evidence due to imprecision. With regard to the secondary outcomes, the pooled data from animal studies showed that vitamin C had a beneficial effect on mean arterial pressure (std. mean difference (SMD) 1.36, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.41, P = 0.01; I2 =78%) and capillary density (SMD 1.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.04, P=0.69; I2 =0%) but had no effect on the level of lactate. The pooled data from human studies showed that vitamin C was associated with a reduction in vasopressor duration (MD -18.85, 95% CI -24.61 to -11.55, P < 0.001; I2 =0%) but could not shorten the length of ICU stay or duration of mechanical ventilation. No adverse effects were reported.Conclusions: Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that intravenous vitamin C monotherapy can reduce mortality in sepsis, with a moderate quality of evidence. We also found that vitamin C had a beneficial effect on mean arterial pressure, capillary density, and reduction of vasopressor duration in sepsis.
Perfect Forward Secrecy in VoIP Networks Through Design a Lightweight and Secure Authenticated Communication Scheme
Authors: saedi kazem , Nikooghadam Mahdi , Mohajerzadeh Amirhossein
Published: September 2020

In this research, we have tried to first focus on the previous work and after getting familiar with the base papers, focus on the main paper. In this paper, we try to determine the security problems in the proposed protocols and present appropriate solutions for them. One of the subjects studied by security and encryption researchers is the matter of authentication and key agreement in SIP. Recently, an authentication and key agreement protocol in SIP has been presented in a scheme. In this paper, it was proven that their presented protocol is vulnerable to the replay attack. Such that if an attacker resends the messages sent on the public channel back to the server, the server does not notice the duplicate messages and proceeds with the session process. Also, their protocol is not resistant to the temporary parameter disclosure attack and it is possible for the attacker to discover the session key in case the temporary parameters are disclosed. Furthermore, user anonymity does neither provide re-registration prevention with the real user ID nor early detection. In this paper, we have tried to present a protocol which prevents replay and parameter disclosure attacks.
Multi-curie Production of Gallium-68 on a Biomedical Cyclotron and Automated Radiolabelling of PSMA-11 and DOTATATE
Authors: Thisgaard Helge , Kumlin Joel , Langkjær Niels , Chua Jansen , Hook Brian , Jensen Mikael , Kassaian Amir , Zeisler Stefan , Borjian Sogol , Cross Michael , Schaffer Paul , Dam Johan Hygum
Published: September 2020

Background: With increasing clinical demand for gallium-68, commercial germanium-68/gallium-68 ([68Ge]Ge/[68Ga]Ga) generators are incapable of supplying sufficient amounts of the short-lived daughter isotope. In this study, we demonstrate a high-yield, automated method for producing multi-Curie levels of [68Ga]GaCl3 from solid zinc-68 targets and subsequent labelling to produce clinical-grade [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE.Results: Enriched zinc-68 targets were irradiated at up to 80 µA with 13 MeV protons for 120 min; repeatedly producing up to 194 GBq (5.24 Ci) of purified gallium-68 in the form of [68Ga]GaCl3 at the end of purification (EOP) from an expected >370 GBq (>10 Ci) at end of bombardment. A fully automated dissolution/separation process was completed in 35 min. Isolated product was analysed according to the draft Ph. Eur. monograph for accelerator produced [68Ga]GaCl3 and found to comply with all specifications. In every instance, the radiochemical purity exceeded 99.9% and importantly, the radionuclidic purity was sufficient to allow for a shelf-life of up to 7 h based on this metric alone. Fully automated production of up to 72.2 GBq [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 was performed, providing a product with high radiochemical purity (>98.2%) and very high apparent molar activities of up to 722 MBq/nmol. Further, manual radiolabelling of up to 3.2 GBq DOTATATE was performed in high yields (>95%) and with apparent molar activities (9-25 MBq/nmol) sufficient for clinical use.Conclusions: We have developed a high-yielding, automated method for the production of very high amounts of [68Ga]GaCl3, sufficient for supply proximal radiopharmacies. The reported method led to record-high purified gallium-68 activities (194 GBq at end of purification) and subsequent labelling of PSMA-11 and DOTATATE. The process was highly automated from irradiation through to formulation of the product, and as such comprised a high level of radiation protection. The quality control results obtained for both [68Ga]GaCl3 for radiolabelling and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 are promising for clinical use.
A Coating Strategy for Coevolving Photocatalysis to Stabilise Visible-Light Absorbing Semiconductors
Authors: Zhao Tianshuo , Yanagi Rito , Xu Yijie , He Yulian , Song Yuqi , Yang Meiqi , Hu Shu
Published: September 2020

Semiconductors of narrow bandgaps and high quantum efficiency have not been successfully utilised for coevolving photocatalysis despite the widely demonstrated protective coating schemes. Herein, we showcase a general strategy of using conformal coatings and cocatalysts energetic properties to transform CdS powders and GaInP2 films into stable and efficient photocatalysts for coevolution of H2 and reversible redox couples. A scalable redox-mediated solar water-splitting reactor was constructed, regenerating the redox mediators while evolving O2 in a separate compartment. Distinct from the single direction of charge transfer found with conventional photoelectrode stabilisation, the coating herein allows both photo-excited electrons and holes to spatially separate and inject simultaneously to the respective reductive and oxidative sites. With TiO2 stabilisation, CdS particles produced H2 continuously for 150 hours. Under simulated sunlight, solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 5.9% and 9.4% can be achieved for the CdS and GaInP2 panels, respectively, by stacking multiple panels and matching the rate of redox regeneration to that of H2 production.
AEO-7 Surfactant is “super Toxic” and Induces Severe Cardiac, Liver and Locomotion Damage in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Al-Asmakh Maha , Majdalawieh Amin F. , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Younes Nadin , Da'as Sahar I. , Radwan A. Bahgat , Sliem Mostafa H. , Ech-Cherif Houria , Pintus Gianfranco , Nasrallah Gheyath K.
Published: September 2020

BackgroundFatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether-7 (AEO-7), a non-ionic surfactant, has recently been receiving extensive attention from the ocean pipeline industry for its ability to inhibit corrosion. However, the present lack of information concerning the potential environmental toxicity of AEO-7, especially towards aquatic organisms, is a major impediment to its wider application. Here, we assess potential adverse effects of AEO-7 on zebrafish embryos employing a variety of assays, including (i) a mortality/survival assay which allowed the median lethal concentration (LC50) to be calculated; (ii) a teratogenicity assay on the basis of which the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was determined; and (iii) specific assays of cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity (based on locomotion), hematopoietic toxicity (the level of hemoglobin as revealed by o-dianisidine staining) and hepatotoxicity (liver steatosis and yolk retention examined by staining with Oil Red O). ResultsAEO-7 caused mortality with a calculated LC50 of 15.35 μg/L, which, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Acute Toxicity Rating scale, should be considered “super toxic”. Although at its NOEC (0.8 μg/L), there were no signs of significant teratogenicity, cardiotoxicity, or hemopoiesis toxicity, 3.2 µg/L AEO-7 exerted dramatic detrimental effects on organ development. ConclusionOn the basis of these findings, we recommend that the industrial usage and environmental impact of AEO-7 be re-evaluated and strictly monitored by environmental and public health organizations.
Emergence of Urban Growth Patterns from Human Movements
Authors: Xu Fengli , Li Yong , Song Chaoming
Published: September 2020

Cities grow in a bottom-up manner, leading to fractal-like urban morphology characterized by scaling laws. Correlated percolation has succeeded in modeling urban geometries by imposing strong spatial correlations. However, the origin of such correlations remains largely unknown. Very recently, our understanding of human movements has been revolutionized thanks to the increasing availability of large-scale human mobility data. This paper proposes a novel human movement model that offers a micro-foundation for the dynamics of urban growth. We compare the proposed model with three empirical datasets, which evidences that strong social couplings and long-memory effects are two fundamental principles responsible for the mystical spatial correlations. The model accounts for the empirically observed scaling laws, but also allows us to understand the city evolution dynamically.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Preference for Sustainable Luxury Brands
Authors: Kim Jungkeun , Septianto Felix , Park Jooyoung
Published: September 2020

Sustainability has become an increasing concern for many brands and companies and an increasing number of luxury brands now engage in sustainability practices. The present research examines the factors influencing the effectiveness of embedding sustainability in luxury brands. Specifically, this paper investigates how childhood socioeconomic status (SES) moderates consumer preferences for sustainable (vs. regular non-sustainable) luxury brands. Across three experimental studies with different product categories and luxury brands, this paper finds that preferences for regular (vs. sustainable) luxury goods are stronger in people with a relatively high (vs. low) childhood SES (Studies 1-3). Notably, these preference patterns are driven by differences in the perceived quality of the brand among consumers with low versus high childhood SES (Study 2). However, these divergent patterns are attenuated when consumers experience high perceived environmental threat from the COVID-19 pandemic (Study 3). Taken together, these findings provide several theoretical and managerial implications.
Serine Proteases Profiles of Leishmania (Viannia) Braziliensis Clinical Isolates With Distinct Susceptibilities to Antimony
Authors: Zabala-Peñafiel Anabel , Dias-Lopes Geovane , Cysne-Finkelstein Léa , Conceição-Silva Fátima , Miranda Luciana de Freitas Campos , Fagundes Aline , Schubach Armando de Oliveira , Pimentel Maria Ines Fernandes , Souza-Silva Franklin , Machado Lucas de Almeida , Alves Carlos Roberto
Published: September 2020

Background: Glucantime® (SbV) is considered the first-line treatment against American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in South America, though increased parasite resistance towards it have been reported and hampered its effectiveness. In this context, subtilisins serine proteases have been related to parasites’ susceptibility to drugs such as SbV and derivatives, through modulation of the parasite detoxification system. However, little is known about parasites causing ATL and their distinct responses towards this treatment.Methods: The study was conducted using Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates from patients that presented clinical cure or Responders (R) and relapse/therapeutic failure or Non-responders (NR). Twelve clinical isolates were used to assess their in vitro susceptibility to SbIII and SbV, serine proteases activity, and expression of subtilisins-like and tryparedoxin-peroxidase (TXNPx) transcripts. Results: SbIII was able to better distinguish axenic amastigotes from each clinical group. These isolates were also assessed for serine protease activity, using z-FR-AMC as substrate and detecting distinct enzyme profiles with specific inhibitors. TLCK inhibited almost 100% of activity in both promastigotes and axenic amastigotes while AEBSF inhibited around 70%. PMSF showed low inhibition of specific isolates (35%). Gathering all the quantitative data, we performed principal component analysis and then used the K-means algorithm to cluster the isolates. This analysis yielded one cluster with only one isolate (R isolate), one homogeneous cluster (NR isolates), and three heterogeneous clusters (R and NR isolates). Additionally, gene transcripts of subtilisins and TXNPx were detected in promastigotes and axenic amastigotes from both groups. Conclusions: Cluster analysis showed that there is a phenotypic heterogeneity among the isolates, however, exploration of in vitro phenotypes based on SbIII and serine proteases profiles can aid in the characterization and better understanding of L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates.
Prediction of Overall Survival for Early-stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via a Novel 7-gene Prognostic Signature and Allele Frequency Deviation (AFD)
Authors: AL-Dherasi Aisha , Liao Yuwei , Huang Qi-Tian , Wang Yichen , Hua Rulin , Mosiab Sultan AL , Zhang Jingkai , Yu Ying , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xuehong , Huang Chao , Sufiyan Sufiyan , Ge Dongcen , Bai Wanting , Liu Ruimei , Shao Yanyan , Li Yulong , Mousa Haithm , Shi Leming , Lv Dekang , Li Zhiguang , Liu Quentin
Published: September 2020

Background: Due to the late and poor prognosis of non-small lung cancer(NSCLC), the mortality of patients is high, underlines the need to identify a credible prognostic marker for NSCLC patients. The aim of our study is to examine the association of allele frequency deviation (AFD) with the patient's survival, as well as identification and validation of a new prognostic signature to predict NSCLC overall survival(OS).Methods: First, we developed a new algorithm to calculate AFD from whole-exome sequencing(WES) data, then we compared the predictability of the patient's survival between AFD, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and change of variants allele frequency (dVAF). Second, we overlapped the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from our data with the genes associated with the survival of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to confirm all genes significantly related to the survival of lung cancer. We identified 149 genes, 31 of which are new genes and have not been reported for lung cancer, that was used to develop a new prognostic model. Lung cancer adenocarcinoma (LUAD) data from the TCGA database was used to validate the gene-signature model. The prognostic model relating to the genes was established and validated in training and LUAD validation groups. Results: There was a significant association found between the high AFD value and poor survival among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A novel seven genes (UCN2, RIMS2, CAVIN2, GRIA1, PKHD1L1, PGM5, CLIC6) were obtained through multivariate Cox regression analysis and significantly associated with NSCLC patients survival. Cox regression analysis confirmed that AFD and 7-gene signature are an independent prognostic marker in NSCLC patients. The AUC for 5-year survival in AFD and the AUC for 3-year survival in both training and validation groups were greater than 0.7.Conclusion: As a result, AFD and 7-gene signatures were identified as new independent predictive factors used for predicting the survival among NSCLC patients.
Identification of Autophagy-related Long Non-coding RNA Prognostic Signature for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cui Yankang , Miao Chenkui , Liang Chao , Chen Xiaochao , Yan Tao , Bu Hengtao , Dong Huiyu , Li Junchen , Zhang Shaobo , Li Jie , Wang Zengjun , Liu Bianjiang
Published: September 2020

BackgroundStudies over the past decade have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in the tumorigenesis and progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Meanwhile, autophagy has been demonstrated to regulate KIRC pathogenesis and targeting therapy resistance. However, the prognostic value of autophagy-related lncRNAs in KIRC patients has not been reported before.MethodsIn this study, we obtained transcriptome data of 611 KIRC cases from the TCGA database and 258 autophagy-related mRNAs from the HADb database to identify autophagy-related lncRNAs by co-expression network. A prognostic model was then established basing on these autophagy-related lncRNAs, dividing patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. Survival analysis, clinical variables dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, univariate/multivariate Cox analyses, and clinical correlation analysis were performed based on risk signature with R language. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was then performed to investigate the potential mechanism of the risk signature promoting KIRC progression with GSEA software. ResultsA total of 17 lncRNAs were screened out and all these lncRNAs were found significantly related to KIRC patients' overall survival in subsequent survival analyses. Besides, the overall survival time in the high-risk group was much poorer than in the low-risk group. The ROC analysis revealed that the prognostic value of risk signature was better than age, gender, grade, and N stage. Univariate/multivariate analyses suggested that the risk signature was an independent predictive factor for KIRC patients. Immune-related pathways were dramatically enriched in high-risk patients according to GSEA. ConclusionsIn summary, our identified 17 autophagy-related lncRNAs had prognostic value for KIRC patients which may function in Immunomodulation.
Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Macular Edema Associated with Non-infectious Uveitis
Authors: Nguyen Anh Hong , Mekonnen Bethlehem , Kim Eric , Acharya Nisha R.
Published: September 2020

Background Macular edema (ME) is the most frequent cause of irreversible visual impairment in patients with uveitis. To date, little data exists about the clinical course of ME in pediatric patients. A retrospective, observational study was performed to examine the visual and macular thickness outcomes of ME associated with chronic, noninfectious uveitis in pediatric patients.Methods Pediatric patients with noninfectious uveitis complicated by ME seen in the University of California San Francisco Health System from 2012-2018 were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Data were collected from medical records including demographics, diagnoses, ocular history, OCT imaging findings, complications, and treatments at first encounter and at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-up visits. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate the association between different classes of treatment (steroid drops, steroid injections, oral steroids and other immunosuppressive therapies) and resolution of macular edema. Results The cohort comprised of 21 children (26 eyes) with a mean age of 10.5 years (SD 3.3). Undifferentiated uveitis was the most common diagnosis, affecting 19 eyes (73.1%). The majority of observed macular edema was unilateral (16 patients, 76.2%) and 5 patients had bilateral macular edema. The mean duration of follow-up at UCSF was 35.3 months (SD 25.7).By 12 months, 18 eyes (69.2%) had achieved resolution of ME. The median time to resolution was 3 months (IQR 3-6 months). Median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline was 0.54 logMAR (Snellen 20/69, IQR 20/40 to 20/200). Median BCVA at 12 months was 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/25, IQR 20/20 to 20/50) Corticosteroid injections were associated with a 4.0-fold higher rate of macular edema resolution (95% CI 1.3-12.2, P = 0.01).Conclusions Although only 15% of the pediatric patients with uveitis in the study cohort had ME, it is clinically important to conduct OCTs to detect ME in this population. Treatment resulted in 69% of eyes achieving resolution of ME by 12 months, accompanied with improvement in visual acuity. Corticosteroid injections were significantly associated with resolution of macular edema.
miR-320a/SP1 negative reciprocal interaction contributes to cell growth and invasion in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Yang Haitao , Wang Zhongqiu , Wu Yanting , Wang Jingzhai , Duan Guihua , Guo Qiang , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2020

Background: It has demonstrated that transcription factors (TFs) could be engaged reciprocal regulative circuits with some miRNAs to maintain the cellular homeostasis. Disequilibrium of the reciprocities by certain tumor-related stimuli, may give rise to deregulation of downstream cellular signaling pathways, thus promoting malignant phenotypes in tumor.Methods: We performed bioinformatics analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunoblotting, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and a series of functional assays in vitro and in vivo, to describe a novel SP1/miR-320a reciprocal interaction in colorectal cancer (CRC).Results: Firstly, we found that miR-320a was statistically downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Consistent with findings in other cancers, miR-320a exhibited inhibitory effects on cell growth and invasion of CRC in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we identified Specificity Protein 1 (SP1), a well-known transcription factor, as a target gene of miR-320a, and ectopic SP1 expression partly abolished miR-320a-induced inhibitory effects. Reversely, we confirmed SP1 to interact with miR-320a promoter thus leading to depression of miR-320a. It hence illustrated a double-negative feedback loop engaging miR-320a with SP1. Additionally, on the basis that SP1 promoted MACC1 transcription, we by immunoblotting assay dissect that, the oncogenic signaling MACC1/MET was inactivated in the context of miR-320a-induced SP1 downregulation. Conclusion: Taken together, our study newly describes the miR-320a/SP1 negative reciprocal interaction contributes to cell growth and invasion in CRC, through modulating MACC1/MET signaling pathway.
Signatures of Landscape and Captivity in the Gut Microbiota of Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats (Lasiorhinus Latifrons)
Authors: Eisenhofer Raphael , Helgen Kristofer M , Taggart David
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHerbivorous mammals co-opt microbes to derive energy and nutrients from diets that are recalcitrant to host enzymes. Recent research has found that captive management—an important conservation tool for many species—can alter the gut microbiota of mammals. Such changes could negatively impact the ability of herbivorous mammals to derive energy from their native diets, and ultimately reduce host fitness. To date, nothing is known of how captivity influences the gut microbiota of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (SHNW), a large herbivorous marsupial that inhabits South Australia. Here, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we characterized the faecal microbiota of SHNWs in captivity and from three wild populations, two from degraded habitats and one from an intact native grass habitat.ResultsWe found that captive SHNWs had gut microbiota that were compositionally different and less diverse compared to wild SHNWs. There were major differences in gut microbiota community membership between captive and wild, both in statistically significant changes in relative abundance of microbes, and in the presence/absence of microbes. We also observed differences in microbial composition between the wild populations, with the largest difference associated with native vs. degraded habitat. ConclusionsThese results suggest that captivity has a major impact on the gut microbiota of SHNWs, and that different wild populations harbour distinct microbial compositions. Such findings warrant further work to determine what impacts these changes have on the fitness of SHNWs, and whether they could be manipulated to improve future management of the species.
Evidence of an interaction between jets and intra-cluster magnetic layer
Authors: Chibueze James , Sakemi Haruka , Ohmura Takumi , Machida Mami , Akamatsu Hiroki , Akahori Takuya , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Parekh Viral , Rooyen Ruby van , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: September 2020

Galaxy clusters are known to harbor magnetic field, however, the extent of the influence of the intra-cluster magnetic field on the cluster member galaxies remains an unresolved question. Intra-cluster magnetic field can be observed as density contact discontinuity formed by cool and dense plasma running into hot ambient plasma, and this exist in the central region of a merging galaxy cluster Abell 3376. Here we report on unambiguous evidence of an interaction between the relativistic electrons and intra-cluster magnetic fields from MeerKAT observations of a radio galaxy MRC0600-399, having bent jets. Contrary to typical bent jets, the jet shows a 90 degrees bend at the contact discontinuity and the collimated jet further extends over 100 kpc from the bend point. The spectral index flattens downstream of the bend point, indicating cosmic-ray re-acceleration. High-resolution numerical simulations reveal that the ordered magnetic field along the discontinuity, at which the intra-cluster magnetic field can be compressed and amplified, plays a significant role to the change in the direction of the jet propagation. The overall morphology of the bent jet bears remarkable similarities with the simulations, which greatly strengthens our understanding of the interaction between relativistic electrons and intra-cluster magnetic field.
Data-Driven Approach for Tailoring Facilitation Strategies to Overcome Implementation Barriers in Community Pharmacy
Authors: Moussa Lydia , Benrimoj Shalom I , Musial Katarzyna , Kocbek Simon , Garcia-Cardenas Victoria
Published: September 2020

Background: Implementation research has delved into barriers to implementing change and interventions for the implementation of innovation in practice. There remains a gap, however, that fails to connect implementation barriers to the most effective strategies and provide more tailored interventions during implementation. This study aimed to link implementation barriers to facilitation strategies during a study in community pharmacy and use a data-driven approach to predict the level of effectiveness of facilitation strategies to overcome these barriers.Methods: Six Change facilitators facilitated a two-year change program aimed at implementing professional services across 19 community pharmacies across Australia. A mixed method approach was used where barriers were identified and coded according to implementation factors from the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research, the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Integrated Checklist of Determinants of practice. Change facilitators trialled and recorded different facilitation strategies to overcome these barriers, until the barrier was resolved. To predict the effectiveness of these strategies a data mining approach named Random Forest was used to provide the highest level of accuracy. Results: At the end of the program, 1,131 data points were recorded by change facilitators. Upon analysis, 36 barriers were identified. The most frequently identified barrier was a ‘lack of ability to plan for change’ (n=184). A list of 111 change facilitation strategies were extracted from the data. These were coded into 16 facilitation categories according to the Taxonomy of Facilitation Strategies. The most effective strategy category to overcome an ‘inability to plan for change’ was to ‘engage stakeholders by creating ownership’ which had a Predictive Resolution Percentage of 84%. Conclusions: Results from this study have provided a better understanding of implementation barriers in community pharmacy and a data-driven approach to predict the effectiveness of facilitation strategies to overcome these barriers. Tailored facilitation strategies may increase the rate of implementation of innovations in healthcare, leading to an industry that can confidently adapt to continuous change.
Clinical Spectrum of COVID-19 in a Pediatric Mexican Population
Authors: Bustos-Cordova Edgar , Castillo-García Daniela , Cerón-Rodriguez Magdalena , Soler-Quiñones Nadia
Published: September 2020

Objective: From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become evident that the spectrum of manifestations in children is different from those seen in adults. In this study, we aimed to describe a broader clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children.Methods: In this descriptive, prospective study, we enrolled confirmed pediatric patients with COVID-19 who presented to a pediatric tertiary care center from April to July 2020. All patients were confirmed by the SARSCoV-2 RT-PCR test, and we analyzed 24 symptoms and 25 signs.Results: We analyzed 50 patients with COVID-19. From the evaluated signs and symptoms, the most common symptoms were fever, irritability and dry cough, digestive symptoms were frequently found (24%), and the most common signs were pharyngeal hyperemia and irritability. Conclusion: Clinicians should recognize that the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children is wider than previously described. Although the classic signs and symptoms are frequent, digestive symptoms should raise suspicion.
Socio-Economic Factors that Influence Household Food Security in West Pokot County, Kenya
Authors: Gatobu Caroline Kathure , Omboto Peter , Mining Pacificah
Published: September 2020

Socio-economic activities of smallholder farmers have been shown to have either negative or positive contribution towards achieving food security. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on household food security in West pokot County, Kenya. The study was carried out using pluralistic approaches where pragmatism drawing from both qualitative and quantitative research approaches was used. Multi stage and systematic random sampling techniques were used to determine a sample size of respondents in respective locations. This study adopted an explanatory research design and employed mixed methods approach. The researcher also drew philosophical inspiration from pragmatic worldview that is problem centred and more focused on real world issues. The target population comprised of 78,946 smallholder households in West Pokot County with a sample size of 297 respondents. Questionnaires, interview schedules and observations were used for collecting data. The collected data was analysed using both and inferential statistics. Qualitative content was achieved through content analysis. The study found out that socio-economic factors including household income, education level, land ownership and household decision making had significant positive influence on the household food security with r2= 0.349. The study therefore concluded that socio-economic factors influenced positively household food security. The study recommended that approaches that would ensure smallholder farmers are able to access credit and financial support so as to invest in farming needs to be availed.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors suppress ACE2 and ABO simultaneously, suggesting a preventive potential against COVID-19
Authors: Takahashi Yoichiro , Hayakawa Akira , Sano Rie , Fukuda Haruki , Harada Megumi , Kubo Rieko , Okawa Takafumi , Kominato Yoshihiko
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide as a pandemic throughout 2020. Since the virus uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for cellular entry, increment of ACE2 would lead to an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. At the same time, an association of the ABO blood group system with COVID-19 has also been highlighted: there is increasing evidence to suggest that non-O individuals are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 than O individuals. These findings imply that simultaneous suppression of ACE2 and ABO would be a promising approach for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Notably, we have previously clarified that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are able to suppress ABO expression in vitro. Against this background, we further evaluated the effect of HDACIs on cultured epithelial cell lines, and found that HDACIs suppress both ACE2 and ABO expression simultaneously. Furthermore, the amount of ACE2 protein was shown to be decreased by one of the clinically-used HDACIs, panobinostat, which has been reported to reduce B-antigens on cell surfaces. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that panobinostat could have the potential to serve as a preventive drug against COVID-19.
Decrease in sleep quality during COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Targa Adriano D. S. , Benítez Iván D. , Moncusí-Moix Anna , Arguimbau Maria , de Batlle Jordi , Dalmases Mireia , Barbé Ferran
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The COVID-19 outbreak witnessed in the first months of 2020 has led to unprecedented changes in society’s lifestyle. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of this unexpected context on sleep.Methods: During the COVID-19 outbreak, we performed an online survey with individuals formerly recruited for validation of the Spanish version of the sleep questionnaire Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Efficiency, and Duration (SATED). In the current survey, we asked the participants to complete the previously answered questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a modified version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the SATED questionnaire. We also assessed mood using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire.Results: The 71 participants were mostly women (75%), with a mean (±SD) age of 40.7 ± 11.9 years. Comparing the previous PSQI score to that during the COVID-19 outbreak, we observed worsening sleep quality (5.45 ± 3.14 to 6.18 ± 3.03 points, p = 0.035). In parallel, there was an increase in the negative mood (p = 0.002). Accordingly, the decrease in sleep quality was substantially correlated with negative mood (p < 0.001). There were no differences in the ESS or SATED.Conclusions: The COVID-19 outbreak-associated events correlate with decreased sleep quality in association with an increase in negative mood. Considering the importance of sleep for a healthy life, and in particular for immune function, efforts should be made to improve awareness of this matter and to offer psychological assistance to affected individuals.
Using Amaranth as a Model Plant for Evaluating Imperfect Storages: Assessment of Solar-refrigerated and Evaporatively-cooled Structures in India
Authors: Mahangade Priyanka Sharad , Mani Indra , Beaudry Randolph , Müller Norbert , Chopra Sangeeta
Published: September 2020

Some storages have limited control over their internal environment and undergo daily and seasonal fluctuations in both temperature and humidity, which cause variation in the metabolic activity of stored products. As a result, it is difficult to assess and compare the performance of these imperfect storages using measures of environmental control. We propose using measures of plant senescence as a proxy for estimating storage performance of these “imperfect” storages based on the premise that physiological processes integrate changes of temperature and/or humidity in a predictable, mathematically describable manner. We evaluated amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) as a model plant for evaluating imperfect storages using a red-leaf cultivar Pusa lal chaulai and a green-leaf cultivar Pusa kiran. Amaranth is a leafy vegetable grown worldwide and is a highly nutritious and versatile food. Cumulative respiration, a measure of integrated metabolic activity, was regressed against leaf abscission, chlorophyll loss, and leaf yellowing of amaranth stems for four storages having different, variable, temperature profiles. Storages included 1) an evaporatively cooled (EC) structure; 2) a solar-refrigerated and evaporatively cooled (SREC) structure; 3) an uncooled laboratory (UL); and 4) a household refrigerator (REF). We found that the rate of abscission, chlorophyll loss, and leaf yellowing differed markedly for the four storages; however, these measures of senescence were linearly related to estimates of cumulative respiration. The ease of measuring leaf abscission, chlorophyll loss, and leaf yellowing permits data collection even with minimal resources. We propose that amaranth would make an effective model plant for comparing the performance of storages differing dramatically in temperature control. A 10% leaf abscission in amaranth is proposed as a target for comparing storages.
SUFISM AND HYBRID SPIRITUALITY
Authors: Aditia Muara Padiarta Anwar Sanusi; Hajam;
Published: September 2020

This article aims to discuss a Sufi-inspired traditional art and performance popular in Cirebon, the so-called “Brai”. The Brai is a traditional Islamic Sufism music popular among the Cirebonese. This traditional music combines sounds, lyrics, and dance that invite the practitioners and audiences to exercise the spiritual stages through music. The Brai performance follows the hierarchy of Sufi-state of minds and spiritual stages (suluk and raka’at). Thus, as this article argues, the Brai is a par excellence model for the entanglement between Islam and local culture. The Brai is indeed a way of the Cirebonese both to introduce Sufi-form of Islam and provides a performance where the profane arts and spiritual-Islamic Sufims are mutually entangled.
TRANSLATING MULTICULTURALISM AT AN INDONESIAN PESANTREN
Authors: El-Rumi Umiarso
Published: September 2020

This paper discusses the concept and the practice of multicultural education at an Indonesian Islamic educational institution, the Pesantren Modern Walisongo. This paper employed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological type of research, and the technique of purposive and snowball samplings in gaining the data. Spradley model was applied to analyze the data; whereas the triangulation strategy and member check were implemented to gain data validity. This study concludes, the formation of the multicultural characters of santri uses the approach of integrating philosophical, spiritual, psycho philosophical, and socio religious-philosophical values.
A PARADIGM SHIFT OF “ASWAJA AN-NAHDLIYYAH”
Authors: Thohiri Kholid
Published: September 2020

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) constitutes an important link to the genealogy of Islamic thoughts since inheriting intellectual tradition of classical Muslim scholars. This position delivers a unique approach as to which the NU responds to the changes and reformation of Islamic thoughts. This paper discusses the epistemological position of NU in its relation to the Sunni-theology of Ahlussunnah wa al-Jama‘ah (Aswaja) through examining social relevance and actors-oriented approaches. The article further argues the significant of three cultural fields relevant to better comprehend contemporary dynamics of the NU: namely Pesantrens, Islamic Colleges (PTKI) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). Combining three approaches of Thomas Kuhn’s Shifting Paradigm, Karl Manheim’s Sociology of Knowledge and Abed al-Jabiri’s Epistemology, the article unveils the dynamics of a shifting paradigm of Islamic thought practiced within these three cultural fields of the NU. Pesantren’s interpretation of Aswaja An-Nahdliyyah is thick, based on Bayani and Irfani. However, the scholars of NU and NGO activists are shifting in progress into Burhani’s epistemological model. In other words, methodologically they aspire to change in understanding Aswaja from qauli to manhaji, from Bayani-Irfani to Burhani, and from monolithic-dichotomic to integrative-progressive.
Improvement in Hypertension Management with Pharmacological and Non- Pharmacological Approaches: Current Perspectives
Authors: Hong Dongsheng , Shan Wenya
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Improving hypertension management is still one of the biggest challenges in public health
worldwide. Existing guidelines do not reach a consensus on the optimal Blood Pressure (BP) target. Therefore,
how to effectively manage hypertension based on individual characteristics of patients, combined with the pharmacological
and non-pharmacological approach, has become a problem to be urgently considered.

Methods:

Reports published in PubMed that covered Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches
in subjects taking hypertension management were reviewed by the group independently and collectively. Practical
recommendations for hypertension management were established by the panel.

Results:

Pharmacological mechanism, action characteristics, and main adverse reactions varied across different
pharmacological agents, and patients with hypertension often require a combination of antihypertensive medications
to achieve the target BP range. Non-pharmacological treatment provides an additional effective method
for improving therapy adherence and long-term BP control, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases,
and slowing down the progression of the disease.

Conclusion:

This review summarizes the available literature on the most convincing guideline principles, pharmacological
treatment, biotechnology interference, interventional surgical treatment, managing hypertension
with technical means of big data, Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Intervention, as well as providing future
directions, for facilitating Current and Developing knowledge into clinical implementation.
The Potential Role of Carbon Nanoparticles in Lymph Node Tracing, Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Identification and Parathyroid Preservation During Thyroid Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spartalis Eleftherios , Giannakodimos Alexios , Athanasiadis Dimitrios I. , Chrysikos Dimosthenis , Paschou Stavroula A. , Schizas Dimitrios , Patelis Nikolaos , Papasilekas Themistoklis , Themistoklis Konstantinos , Spartalis Michael , Troupis Theodore , Nikiteas Nikolaos
Published: September 2020

Background/Objective:

Carbon nanoparticles (CNs) are a novel injected suspension used during thyroidectomy
in order to black stain the thyroid gland and the lymph nodes while maintaining the anatomic color
of the parathyroid glands and the laryngeal nerves. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the benefits
of carbon nanoparticles in thyroid surgical procedures and examine their role in lymph node tracing,
parathyroid preservation, and recurrent laryngeal nerve protection.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature in the PubMed/Medline database was performed. Articles reporting
randomized clinical trials, prospective, and retrospective studies that compared the use of carbon nanoparticles
in one group of patients with a control-blank group were included. The article was reported in accordance
with PRISMA guidelines (CRD42021243015).

Results:

The search strategy retrieved 22 studies of the literature. Fourteen studies calculated a greater number
of lymph nodes detected/dissected in the central neck zone to the patients using CN solution and 1 article noted
a higher rate of lymph nodes resected in the lateral neck zone in the same group of patients. A significant increase
in the number of metastatic lymph nodes retrieved in the CN group was found in 7 studies. Twenty-one
studies suggested that the use of CNs for the protection of the parathyroid glands was beneficial. Transient hypoparathyroidism
and transient hypocalcemia were presented with a significantly lower incidence in the CN
group in 13 and in 8 studies, respectively.

Conclusion:

Carbon nanoparticles may improve both central and lateral neck dissection and enhance parathyroid
gland identification and preservation.
Progress in Studies on Structural and Remedial Aspects of Newly Born Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gupta Satya P.
Published: September 2020

The article highlights an up-to-date progress in studies on structural and the remedial aspects
of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV, renamed as SARS-CoV-2, leading to the disease COVID-19, a pandemic.
In general, all CoVs including SARS-CoV-2 are spherical positive single-stranded RNA viruses
containing spike (S) protein, envelope (E) protein, nucleocapsid (N) protein, and membrane (M) protein,
where S protein has a Receptor-binding Domain (RBD) that mediates the binding to host cell receptor,
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). The article details the repurposing of some drugs to be tried
for COVID-19 and presents the status of vaccine development so far. Besides drugs and vaccines, the
role of Convalescent Plasma (CP) therapy to treat COVID-19 is also discussed.