bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a Technology-Mediated HPV Vaccination Awareness Intervention: A controlled, Quasi-Experimental Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Brandt Heather M , Sundstrom Beth , Monroe Courtney M. , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle , Larsen Chelsea , Stansbury Melissa , Magradey Karen , Gibson Andrea , West Delia Smith
Published: May 2020

Background College-aged women and men are at increased risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) and are considered an important catch-up population for HPV vaccination. Technology provides an attractive platform for HPV vaccination interventions. Limited research has explored technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness interventions aimed at college students. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a novel, technology-mediated, social media-based intervention to promote HPV vaccination among college students.Methods A controlled, quasi-experimental, mixed methods study examined the feasibility of a technology-based intervention among two undergraduate classes (n = 58) at a public university in the southeastern United States of America. Classes were randomized by coin flip to receive one of two cancer prevention programs (i.e., HPV vaccination [intervention] or healthy weight [control]). Both programs contained eight technology-mediated health promotion sessions, including weekly emails and private Facebook group posts. Participants completed a pre- and post-test web-based survey and submitted weekly qualitative reflections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic review for qualitative data.Results Knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination improved among participants in the HPV vaccination intervention relative to those in the control condition. Participants (97%) interacted on Facebook by “liking” a post or comment or posting a comment. Participants reported that Facebook was easy to use and encouraged interaction, which contributed to the success of the intervention.Conclusion Participants demonstrated robust engagement and high treatment satisfaction. Objective measures and qualitative open-ended assessment of the intervention showed high levels of engagement with the electronic newsletters and Facebook group. This pilot study suggests that social media is an effective platform to reach college students with health promotion interventions and increase HPV vaccination awareness in this important catch-up population.
The Impacts of Fuel Price Policies on Air Pollution: A Case Study of Tehran
Authors: raeissi pouran , harati touraj , hadian mohammad , Ahmadian Sepehr
Published: May 2020

Background: This study aims to investigate the impacts of fuel price policies on the concentration of air pollutants emitted from the transport sector.Methods: Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation models were used to investigate the impacts of gasoline and diesel prices along with weather and economic variables on the following traffic-related pollutants: Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Particular matter 10 micrometers or less (PM10).Results: In the short run, one percent increase in gasoline prices lead to 0.02 percent decrease in concentration of CO and 0.012 percent decrease in PM10. In addition, one percent increase in diesel prices leads to 0.008 and 0.02 percent decrease in concentration of CO and PM10 respectively. Results demonstrate that one percent increase in gasoline prices leads to 0.011 and 0.02 percent increase in NO2 concentration in short run and long run respectively. Compared to the short run, the results for the long run showed that fuel prices had greater impacts on air pollution concentration. Conclusion: Although the implementation of fuel price policies decreases air pollution concentration in Tehran, the results showed that other factors such as weather and economic activities and conditions, had a greater impact on air pollution. Therefore, other policies such as improving fuel quality and technology along with other economic policies can be more effective.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Flora of Harighal, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Amjad Muhammad Shoaib , Zahoor Ujala , Bussmann Rainer W. , Altaf Muhammad , Gardazi Syed Mubashar Hussain , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood
Published: May 2020

Background: The present study is the first quantitative ethnobotanical evaluation of Harighal, an inaccessible and unexplored area of District Bagh Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The major objectives of the present study were exploration, quantification and comparison of ethnobotanical knowledge among different rural communities of the study area.Methodology:Data about traditional uses of important medicinal plants was gathered form 79 informants (49 men and 34 women) using a semi-structured questionnaire. To accesses novelty and agreement of informants about plant use,s various quantitative indices including use value, relative frequency of citation, relative importance, fidelity level and informant consent factor were employed. Furthermore, data presented in the present study was also compared with twenty-two papers published from adjoining areas.Result: A total of 150 medicinal plants belonging to 98 genera and 60 families were documented. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae were the dominant families having 15 species each. Herbs were the most used life form, and leaves were the most exploited plant part. Decoctions were the most preferred method used in preparation of herbal recipes. Mentha longifolia had the highest use value, Berberis lycium had the highest relative frequency of citation and Galium aparine had the highest relative importance value (1.05, 0.81 and 96, respectively). The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) was reported for digestive disorders. Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Zanthoxylum alatum and Olea ferruginea had 100% fidelity values. The Jaccard index revealed that uses of plants were more similar in two neighboring areas i.e. Pearl Valley and Toli Peer.Conclusion: In spite of living in the twenty first century, people of the study area still rely very much on herbal medicines as an effective way to treat various ailments. Elders and health practitioners of the study area are well aware of indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants, but young people are not much interested in herbal practices. Thus, valuable knowledge about the use of plants is on the verge of getting lost. The documentation of indigenous knowledge from such an unexplored area and the subsequent pharmacological and phytochemical validation of novel plant uses could serve as baseline for drug development.
Decline of emergency admissions for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after the outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Schwarz Viktoria , Mahfoud Felix , Lauder Lucas , Reith Wolfgang , Behnke Stefanie , Smola Sigrun , Rissland Jürgen , Pfuhl Thorsten , Scheller Bruno , Böhm Michael , Ewen Sebastian
Published: May 2020

Background The spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the guidance from authorities for social distancing and media reporting lead to significant uncertainty in Germany. As concerns have been expressed regarding the underdiagnosing of harmful diseases. We explored the rates of emergency presentations for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute cerebrovascular events (ACVE) before and after spread of SARS-CoV-2. Methods We analyzed all-cause visits at a tertiary university emergency department and admissions for ACS and ACVE before (calendar weeks 1 to 9, 2020) and after (calendar weeks 10 to 16, 2020) the first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in the region of the Saarland, Germany. The data were compared with the same period of the previous year. Results In 2020 an average of 346 patients per week presented at the emergency department whereas in 2019 an average of 400 patients presented up to calendar week 16 (p=0.018; whole year 2019 = 395 patients per week). After the first COVID-19 diagnosis in the region, emergency department visit volume decreased by 30% compared with the same period in 2019 (p=0.0012). Admissions due to ACS decreased by 41% (p=0.0023 for all; Δ -71% (p=0.007) for unstable angina, Δ -25% (p=0.42) for myocardial infarction with ST-elevation and Δ -17% (p=0.28) without ST-elevation) compared with the same period in 2019 and decreased from 142 patients in calendar weeks 1 to 9 to 62 patients in calendar weeks 10 to 16. ACVE decreased numerically by 20% (p=0.25 for all; transient ischemic attack: Δ -32% (p=0.18), ischemic stroke: Δ -23% (p=0.48), intracerebral haemorrhage: Δ +57% (p=0.4)). There was no significant change in ACVE per week (p=0.7) comparing calendar weeks 1 to 9 (213 patients) and weeks 10 to 16 (147 patients). Testing of 3756 samples was performed to detect 58 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (prevalence 1,54%, thereof one patient with myocardial and two with cerebral ischemia) up to calendar week 16 in 2020. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause admission and admissions due to cardiovascular events in the emergency department. Regarding acute cerebrovascular events there was a numerical decrease but no significant difference.
SARS-CoV-2 Receptor ACE2 Gene Expression in Small Intestine correlates with Age
Authors: Vuille-dit-Bille Raphael N. , Liechty Kenneth , Verrey François , Guglielmetti Laura C.
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 binds via its spikes to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is also expressed in small intestinal enterocytes, making the intestine a possible entry site. We examined duodenal biopsies from 43 healthy human adults. ACE2 gene expression was directly correlated with age (Spearman’s r= 0.317, p=0.039. With each year duodenal ACE2 expression increased by 0.083 RU. The higher intestinal ACE2 mRNA expression in older patients might make them more susceptible to oral SARS-CoV-2 infection.
‘I know those people will be approachable and not mistreat us’: a qualitative study of inspectors and private drug sellers on peer supervision in rural Uganda
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Peterson Stefan , Mårtensson Andreas , Mutto Milton , Awor Phllis , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Gibson Linda , Wamani Henry
Published: May 2020

BackgroundPeer supervision improves health care delivery by health workers. However, in rural Uganda, self-supervision is what is prescribed for licensed private drug sellers by statutory guidelines. Evidence shows that self-supervision encourages inappropriate treatment of children less than five years of age by private drug sellers. This study constructed a model for an appropriate peer supervisor to augment the self-supervision currently practiced by drug sellers at district level in rural Uganda.MethodsIn this qualitative study, six Key informant interviews were held with inspectors while ten focus group discussions were conducted with one hundred and thirty drug sellers. Data analysis was informed by the Kathy Charmaz constructive approach to grounded theory. Atlas ti.7 software package was used for data management.Results A model with four dimensions defining an appropriate peer supervisor was developed. The dimensions included; incentives, clearly defined roles, mediation and role model peer supervisor. While all dimensions were regarded as being important, all participants interviewed agreed that incentives for peer supervisors were the most crucial. Overall, an appropriate peer supervisor was described as being exemplary to other drug sellers, operated within a defined framework, well facilitated to do their role and a good go-between drug sellers and government inspectors. Conclusion Four central contributions advance literature by the model developed by our study. First, the model fills a supervision gap for rural private drug sellers. Second, it highlights the need for terms of reference for peer supervisors. Third, it describes who an appropriate peer supervisor should be. Lastly, it elucidates the kind of resources needed for peer supervision.
High Tolerance of Trichogramma Pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to the Mixture of the Herbicides Nicosulfuron Plus Atrazine
Authors: Leite Germano Leão Demolin , Cordeiro João Marcos Batista , Santos Leonardo David Tuffi , Tavares Wagner de Souza , Pereira Alexandre Igor de Azevedo , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Alves Pedro Guilherme Lemes , Serrão José Eduardo , Zanuncio José Cola
Published: May 2020

Background: Maize, Zea mays (Poaceae), is one of the most important crops in the world, but defoliating caterpillars (Lepidoptera) and weeds can reduce the productivity of this plant. The control of weeds in the maize crop in Brazil is mainly accomplished with nicosulfuron- and atrazine-based herbicides, and of lepidopteran pest eggs with use of several species of Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) parasitoids released. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rates of parasitism and emergence of females and the sex ratio (%) of 10 Trichogrammatidae species, in a free-choice test, submitted to a mixture of the herbicides Sanson 40 SC® (a.i. nicosulfuron; dose: 30 g.ha–1) + Gesaprim 500 Ciba-Geigy® (a.i. atrazine; dose: 1500 g.ha–1) in the laboratory.Results: The parasitism rate (%) of Trichogramma acacioi Brun, Moraes & Soares, Trichogrammatoidea annulata de Santis, Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, Trichogramma bennetti Nagaraja & Nagarkatti, Trichogramma brunni Nagaraja, Trichogramma brasiliensis Ashmead, Trichogramma demoraesi Nagaraja, Trichogramma galloi Zucchi, and Trichogramma soaresi Nagaraja was lower with the herbicide mixture of nicosulfuron + atrazine than the control and, therefore, this mixture was considered to be slightly harmful (i.e., class II of the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control) to these parasitoids. This solution reduced the emergence rate (%) of female T. acacioi, T. annulata, T. atopovirilia, T. bruni, T. brasiliensis, T. demoraesi, T. galloi, and T. soaresi, being classified as harmless to T. soaresi, moderately harmful to T. galloi and slightly harmful to the other species. The herbicide mixture of nicosulfuron + atrazine reduced the sex ratio of T. acacioi, T. atopovirilia, T. bruni, T. demoraesi, T. galloi, and T. soaresi, being classified as harmless to T. annulata and T. brasiliensis, and slightly harmful to the other species.Conclusions: The biological parameters (i.e., rates of parasitism and emergence and the sex ratio) of T. pretiosum, followed by T. bennetti, T. annulata and T. brasiliensis were the least affected by the herbicide mixture. These species should be chosen for release, on pieces of paperboard with parasitized E. kuehniella eggs, in crops together with the application of nicosulfuron + atrazine.
In-silico analysis of potential interaction of drugs and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: BANK SARBASHRI , Basak Nipa , Girish GV , De Subrata Kumar , Maiti Smarajit
Published: May 2020

The world is suffering its deadly pandemic in decades from Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Till the end of April, 2020, the death toll rose to more than 2 lacs worldwide (224 301, on May 1st), affecting 215 countries (source: WHO). Since the invention of a new drug or vaccine takes time, drug repurposing is one of the avenues. Keeping that in mind, we have tried to shed light on some of the drugs, using molecular docking/modeling studies, which could be of immense importance in the current scenario. Using bioinformatic approaches, we have tried to work on the viral spike (S) protein, majorly involved in pathogenicity through its receptor binding event and fusion to the host cells. More emphasis was given on the spike proteins (6vsb) and (6lxt). We predicted the drugs that target to the S proteins by in-silico docking analysis. We determined the functional part of the spike of SARS-CoV-2 and the drugs were predicted by analysis of the functional part using the PDBsum/DrugPort. Molecular Docking unveiled the binding of those drugs to the target spike. This in-silico study actually envisions the efficacy of the predicted drugs against the spikes of SARS-CoV-2 and the binding of the drugs might propose the combinatorial effect of the drugs to neutralize the spike effect in the human body.
Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Household Iodized Salt Utilization in Ethiopia: A Spatial and Multilevel Analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Yeshaw Yigizie , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Tesema Ayenew Kassie
Published: May 2020

Background: Iodine deficiency disorder is a significant public health problem, affecting both developed and developing nations worldwide. It is associated with poor body growth and irreversible mental retardation. However, little is known about the spatial distribution and determinants of household iodized salt utilization in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the spatial distribution and determinants of iodized salt utilization at national level. Methods : Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data was used to investigate the spatial distribution and determinants of household iodized salt utilization in Ethiopia. ArcGIS 10.6 and SaTScan™ version 9.6 software were used to explore the spatial distribution and detect significant clusters, respectively. We used STATA version 14 software to analyze the determinants of household iodized salt utilization. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined for potential determinants included in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression model and the corresponding p-value ≤ 0.05 was employed to declare the statistically significant variables. Results : Household iodized salt utilization was spatially clustered in Ethiopia (Moran’s Index = 0.076, p-value= 0.01). The significant hotspot areas with high iodized salt utilization were located in Benishangul, Amhara, Gambella, Tigray and Northwest Oromia regions. Those households with higher education level ((Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] =1.49, 95% CI =1.14-1.93), high community level education (AOR=1.51, 95% CI=1.03-2.20), middle wealth index (AOR=1.31, 95% CI=1.04-1.65) and high community media exposure (AOR=1.52, 95% CI=1.07-2.17) had higher odds of iodized salt utilization. Conclusions : Household iodized salt utilization had significant spatial variation across the country . The significant hotspot areas with high iodized salt utilization were located in Benishangul, Amhara, Gambella, Tigray and Northwest Oromia regions. Households with higher education level, high community level education and high community media exposure and middle wealth index had higher odds of iodized salt utilization. Increasing education level, wealth status and community media exposure is recommended to increase iodized salt utilization. A targeted intervention is also needed for those regions with low household iodized salt utilization.
Assessment of Burnout in Medical Students Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey: A Cross-Sectional Data Analysis
Authors: Obregon Michael , Luo Jessica , Shelton Jarod , Blevins Terri , MacDowell Martin
Published: May 2020

Background: Medical student burnout can cause emotional and physical exhaustion and detachment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS). Factors that may predict burnout and wellness initiatives that may reduce burnout were assessed. Methods: The MBI-SS was administered to all medical students (Classes 2019 to 2022) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM) from February to May 2019. Factor analysis and internal consistency of the MBI-SS were assessed. Mean MSBI-SS subscale scores for burnout were calculated for cynicism (CY), emotional exhaustion (EE), and academic efficacy (AE). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify student factors that may predict burnout. Results: A total of 273 (21.6%) UICOM students completed the survey and 110 (40.3%) respondents reported self-perceived burnout. MBI-SS subscale scores were significantly higher for CY and EE, and significantly lower for AE between students who did or did not report burnout. Mean ± SD subscale scores for CY, EE, and AE in burnout students were 14.44 ± 5.59, 23.23 ± 4.74, and 24.81 ± 5.35, separately. In comparison, mean ± SD subscale scores for CY, EE, and AE in non-burnout students were 7.59 ± 5.16, 14.96 ± 5.71, and 28.74 ± 3.21, separately. Regression analysis denoted significant associations between burnout and being out-of-phase in the curriculum, the effectiveness of wellness initiatives, and strength of motivation for medical school (SMMS) in both the two- and three-dimensional MBI-SS models. Gender was significantly associated with burnout in only the two-dimensional model. Conclusions: Self-reported burnout in medical students at UICOM was validated using the MBI-SS. Being out-of-phase in the curriculum, being female, rating wellness initiatives as less effective, and demonstrating lower motivation for continued medical school education may be used as predictors of medical student burnout. This investigation may act as a guide for measuring burnout in medical student populations and how the implementation of wellness initiatives may ameliorate burnout.
Vasculitis-Associated Auto-antibodies and Complement Levels in patients with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Mobini Maryam , Ghasemian Roya , Larijani Laleh Vahedi , Mataji Maeede , Maleki Iradj
Published: May 2020

Introduction / objectives: The cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are evidences of involvement of immune system in pathogenesis of this disease. We investigated the presence of various vasculitis-associated auto-antibodies and complement levels in a series of patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to our hospital.Methods: Forty patients with severe or critical type of COVID 19 were evaluated for symptoms, signs and laboratory tests of vasculitis syndromes including rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti dsDNA, c and p anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (c ANCA and p ANCA) and complement levels. Descriptive statistics methods were used to describe the clinical / laboratory findings.Results: Forty patients with severe to critical illness were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 48.5 ± 9.8 years. All patients had pulmonary involvement in lung CT scan. Lymphopenia in 19 (47.5%), raised creatinine in 8(20%) and hyperbilirubinemia in 19(47.5%) of patients were seen. Vasculitis laboratory test results included: RF in 2 patients, ANA in 3 patients and ANCA in one patient. 17(42.5%) of patients had hypocomplementemia in one or more complement tests. Of the four patients who were expired, three had a decrease in complement.Conclusion: In 17 of patients (42.5%) we detected low complement levels. A decrease in complement levels may predict a critical state of the disease. Therefore, measuring its levels may be helpful in making earlier decisions to initiate disease-suppressing treatments, including corticosteroids and IVIG.
Etiology, Antibiotic Susceptibility and Prognostic Factors of Pediatric Community-Acquired Sepsis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Abel Abera , Asrat Daniel , Abebe Workeabeba , Hailemariam Tewodros , Wubete Andualem , Aseffa Abraham , Vaneechoutte Mario
Published: May 2020

Background: There is a scarcity of data on pediatric community-acquired sepsis (CAS) in Ethiopia. We sought to determine the etiology, antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and prognostic factors in children with CAS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 101 children aged 0-15 yrs with suspected CAS was performed. Blood culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of the autolysin (lytA) gene from whole blood samples and typing Streptococcus pneumoniae by sequencing the cpsB gene and using Quellung reaction were performed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.Results: The prevalence of culture-positive CAS was 14.9 % (15/101). S. pneumoniae (26.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (26.7%) were the most common causes of CAS. The four isolated pneumococci belonged to serotypes 19A (n = 2), 33C and 12F. Half of K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to gentamicin and ceftriaxone. The case-fatality rate was 11.9% (12/101). In univariate analysis, age of 28 days - 1year (odds ratio (OR), 0.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.98; P, 0.048), body temperature of 37.5 0C - 38.5 0C (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.05-0.82; P, 0.026) were negatively associated with mortality. Presence of underlying comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 6.8; 95% CI, 1.59-28.7; P, 0.009) was an independent predictor of mortality.Conclusions: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the major causes of CAS and there was a substantial level of antibiotic resistance among isolates. Presence of underlying comorbidity was a predictor of mortality. Large scale studies on etiology, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and prognostic factors of CAS in Ethiopia are warranted.
Two-scale Phenomenological and Statistical Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pontikis Vassilis , Karakostas Theodoros , Komninou Philomela
Published: May 2020

In this work, the daily reported new infection cases and deaths globally due to COVID-19 are approximated by Gaussian functions of the time elapsed since the beginning of the pandemic. This approximation is shown to consistently designate the time evolution of daily rates of new cases and the total duration of the epidemic in any given region or country. At the pandemic scale, this phenomenological analysis is applied for condensing statistical data of the epidemic evolution in twenty-four countries into two “universal master plots” involving in total five adjustable parameters per country. The analysis reveals intrinsic features of the pandemic and local specificities of the epidemic as well, helps in anticipating the epidemic peak date in each country and yields confidence intervals for the average numbers of incidences. Finally, the phenomenology facilitates comparisons of the epidemic evolution in different countries and evaluations of the effectiveness of related health policies.
Quadrivalent praseodymium in planetary materials
Authors: Anenburg Michael , Burnham Antony D. , Hamilton Jessica L.
Published: May 2020

Praseodymium is capable of existing as Pr3+ and Pr4+. Although the former is dominant across almost all geological conditions, the observation of Pr4+ by XANES and Pr anomalies (both positive and negative) in multiple light rare earth element minerals from Nolans Bore, Australia, and Stetind, Norway, indicates that quadrivalent Pr can occur under oxidizing hydrothermal and supergene conditions. High-temperature REE partitioning experiments at oxygen fugacities up to more than 12 log units more oxidizing than the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer show negligible evidence for Pr4+ in zircon, indicating that Pr likely remains as Pr3+ under all magmatic conditions. Synthetic Pr4+-bearing zircons in the pigment industry form under unique conditions, which are not attained in natural systems. Quadrivalent Pr in solutions has an extremely short lifetime, but may be sufficient to cause anomalous Pr in solids. Because the same conditions that favor Pr4+ also stabilize Ce4+ to a greater extent, these two cations have similar ionic radii, and Ce is more than six times as abundant as Pr, it seems that Pr-dominant minerals must be exceptionally rare if they occur at all. We identify cold, alkaline, and oxidizing environments such as oxyhalide-rich regions at the Atacama Desert or on Mars as candidates for the existence of Pr-dominant minerals.
Perbedaan Pemilihan Makanan dan Faktor yang Berkaitan pada Remaja Putri di SMA Daerah Kota dan Kabupaten
Authors: Faradila Ovi Eka , Kuswari Mury , Gifari Nazhif
Published: May 2020

This study was aimed to analyze differences in food selection and factors related to adolescent girls in the urban and rural high schools. The sampling technique used is the sample size difference of 2 proportions. Data was collected by giving questionnaires to respondents which included food choices and its related factors such as social media, body image, nutritional knowledge, food labels, and peers. Body weight and height used to measure the anthropometric data. The statistical test used in this research was the t-test. There were no differences in food choices, use of social media, perception of actual body shape, perception of desired body shape, and perception of ideal body shape in urban and rural (p> 0,05). There were differences in actual body shape with BMI, nutritional knowledge, understanding food labels , and peer influence in rural and urban (p <0,05). Found differences in perceptions of actual body shape with BMI, nutritional knowledge, understanding food labels, and peer influence in urban and rural areas. There were no differences in food choices, but there were differences in factors related.
Shotgun metagenomics reveals differences in antibiotic resistance genes among bacterial communities in Western Balkans glacial lakes sediments
Authors: Filipic Brankica , Novovic Katarina , Studholme David J. , Malesevic Milka , Mirkovic Nemanja , Kojic Milan , Jovcic Branko
Published: May 2020

Long-term overuse of antibiotics has driven the propagation and spreading of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) such as efflux pumps in the environment, which can be transferred to clinically relevant pathogens. This study explored the abundance and diversity of ARGs and mobile genetic elements within bacterial communities from sediments of three Western Balkans glacial lakes: Plav Lake (high impact of human population), Black Lake (medium impact of human population) and Donje Bare Lake (remote lake, minimal impact of human population) via shotgun metagenomics. Assembled metagenomic sequences revealed that Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux pumps genes were most abundant in metagenome from the Plav Lake. The Integron Finder bioinformatics tool detected 38 clusters of attC sites lacking integron-integrases (CALIN) elements: 20 from Plav Lake, four from Black Lake and 14 from Donje Bare Lake. A complete integron sequence was recovered only from the assembled metagenome from Plav Lake. Plasmid contents within the metagenomes were similar, with proportions of contigs being plasmid-related: 1.73% for Plav Lake, 1.59% for Black Lake and 1.64% for Donje Bare Lake. The investigation showed that RNDs and mobile genetic elements content correlated with human population impact.
The Relevance of Noninvasive Tools To Assess Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Pennisi Grazia , Celsa Ciro , Giammanco Antonina , Spatola Federica , Petta Salvatore
Published: May 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide,
involving about 25% of people. NAFLD incorporates a large spectrum of pathological conditions, from simple
steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and its complications include hepatic decompensation
and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This progression occurs, over many years, in an asymptomatic way, until
advanced fibrosis appears. Thus, the differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis and identification of advanced
hepatic fibrosis are key issues. To date, the histological assessment of fibrosis with liver biopsy is the gold standard,
but obviously, invasiveness is the greater threshold. In addition, rare but potentially life-threatening complications,
poor acceptability, sampling variability and cost maybe restrict its use. Furthermore, due to the epidemic
of NAFLD worldwide and several limitations of liver biopsy evaluation, noninvasive assessment tools to detect
fibrosis in NAFLD patients are needed.
Physiological and Pharmacological Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Filaretova Ludmila , Podvigina Tatiana , Yarushkina Natalia
Published: May 2020

The review considers the data on the physiological and pharmacological effects of glucocorticoids on
the gastric mucosa and focuses on the gastroprotective role of stress-produced glucocorticoids as well as on the
transformation of physiological gastroprotective effects of glucocorticoids to pathological proulcerogenic consequences.
The results of experimental studies on the re-evaluation of the traditional notion that stress-produced
glucocorticoids are ulcerogenic led us to the opposite conclusion suggested that these hormones play an important
role in the maintenance of the gastric mucosal integrity. Exogenous glucocorticoids may exert both gastroprotective
and proulcerogenic effects. Initially, gastroprotective effect of dexamethasone but not corticosterone, cortisol
or prednisolone can be transformed into proulcerogenic one. The most significant factor for the transformation is
the prolongation of its action rather the dose. Gastrointestinal injury can be accompanied by changes in somatic
pain sensitivity and glucocorticoids contribute to these changes playing a physiological and pathological role.
Approaches to Optimizing Dantrolene Neuroprotection for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Abou Matan B. , Sun Liang , Wei Huafeng
Published: May 2020

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder with high incidence and mortality,
is leading its way to the top of the list of the deadliest diseases without an effective disease-modifying
drug. Ca2+ dysregulation, specifically abnormal release of Ca2+ via over activated ryanodine receptor
(RyR), has been increasingly considered as an alternative upstream mechanism in AD pathology. Consequently,
dantrolene, a RyR antagonist and FDA approved drug to treat malignant hyperthermia and
chronic muscle spasms, has been shown to ameliorate memory loss in AD transgenic mice. However,
the inefficiency of dantrolene to pass the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and penetrate the Central Nervous
System needs to be resolved, considering its dose-dependent neuroprotection in AD and other neurodegenerative
diseases. In this mini-review, we will discuss the current status of dantrolene neuroprotection
in AD treatment and a strategy to maximize its beneficial effects, such as intranasal administration
of dantrolene.
The Dawn of Mitophagy: What Do We Know by Now?
Authors: Belousov Dmitrii M. , Mikhaylenko Elizaveta V. , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: May 2020

Mitochondria are essential organelles for healthy eukaryotic cells. They produce energyrich phosphate bond molecules (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation using ionic gradients. The presence of mitophagy pathways in healthy cells enhances cell protection during mitochondrial damage. The PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-dependent pathway is the most studied for mitophage. In addition, there are other mechanisms leading to mitophagy (FKBP8, NIX, BNIP3, FUNDC1, BCL2L13). Each of these provides tethering of a mitochondrion to an autophagy apparatus via the interaction between receptor proteins (Optineurin, p62, NDP52, NBR1) or the proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane with ATG9-like proteins (LC3A, LC3B, GABARAP, GABARAPL1, GATE16). Another pathogenesis of mitochondrial damage is mitochondrial depolarization. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) antioxidant responsive elements (AREs) along with antioxidant genes, including pro-autophagic genes, are all involved in mitochondrial depolarization. On the other hand, mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) and AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) are the major regulatory factors modulating mitophagy at the post-translational level. Protein-protein interactions are involved in controlling other mitophagy processes. The objective of the present review is to analyze research findings regarding the main pathways of mitophagy induction, recruitment of the autophagy machinery, and their regulations at the levels of transcription, post-translational modification and protein-protein interaction that appeared to be the main target during the development and maturation of neurodegenerative disorders.
Nanomaterials-based Cell Osteogenic Differentiation and Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Tianxu , Gao Yang , Cui Weitong , Li Yanjing , Xiao Dexuan , Zhou Ronghui
Published: May 2020

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, various nanomaterials have been applied to
bone repair and regeneration. Due to the unique chemical, physical and mechanical properties, nanomaterials
could promote stem cells osteogenic differentiation, which has great potentials in bone tissue engineering
and exploiting nanomaterials-based bone regeneration strategies. In this review, we summarized
current nanomaterials with osteo-induction ability, which could be potentially applied to bone tissue engineering.
Meanwhile, the unique properties of these nanomaterials and their effects on stem cell osteogenic
differentiation are also discussed. Furthermore, possible signaling pathways involved in the nanomaterials-
induced cell osteogenic differentiation are also highlighted in this review.
Evaluating the Performance of Three Chambers Microbial Salinity Cell (MSC) Subjected to Different Substrate Concentrations to Accomplish Simultaneous Organic and Salt Removal in the Wastewater
Authors: Yuliasni Rustiana , Zen Nur , Setianingsih Nanik Indah
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to identify the effect of substrate concentration on the performance of A Three chambers Microbial Salinity Cell (a three chambers MSC). In this study, 3 three chambers MSC was made of plexy glass with total volume of 200 ml.  Alumunium wrapped with with platinum on vulcan carbon cloth were used as electrodes,with each working area 63 cm2. The results showed that a Three chambers Microbial Salinity Cell was able to generate electricity and at the same time removed salinity. The degree of electricity deneration and salinity removal were influenced by initial substrate concentration in the anode chamber. The higher substrate concentration, the better performance of MSC. The best performance of MSC achieved when COD was 2034 mg/L, resulted in maximum  voltage of 0. 44 V, and  maximum current density of 0.29 mA/m2. With % CE was 5.4%. The maximum conductivity increase in salinity chamber was  from 11.2 µS/cm  to 1027 µS/cm (salinity 0.57% ppt).
Full Scale Application of Integrated Upflow Anaerobic Filter (UAF)-Constructed Wetland (CWs) in Small Scale Batik Industry Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Handayani Novarina Irnaning , Yuliasni Rustiana , Setianingsih Nanik Indah , Budiarto Agung
Published: May 2020

This research aimed to evaluate the implementation of integrated Upflow Anaerobic Filter (UAF)-Constructed Wetlands (CWs) in real condition of wastewater treatment plant in batik small scale industry. The full scale reactor consisted of equalization chamber with HRT of 2 days; Upflow Anaerobic Filter (UAF) with HRT of 6 days, and Horizontal Subsurface Constructed Wetlands (HSSCWs) with HRT of 1.5 days. The UAF- CWs integrated technology was used to treat batik wastewater with  COD inlet of  1339 – 2034 mg/L and pH  of  9.0 – 9.4. This study showed that single UAF technology alone was able to reduced  56 – 78%, while the integration UAF –wetland technology  improved the performance to 85% and reduced the pH into 7.5 – 7.8.
Evaluation of the diagnostic value of joint PET myocardial perfusion and metabolic imaging for vascular stenosis in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Shuxia
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

To investigate the diagnostic value of joint PET myocardial perfusion and metabolic imaging for vascular stenosis in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic value of joint PET myocardial perfusion and metabolic imaging for vascular stenosis in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

. Eighty-eight patients (53 and 35 applied for training and validation, respectively) with suspected obstructive CAD were referred to 13N-NH3 PET/CT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and 18F-FDG PET/CT myocardial metabolic imaging (MMI) with available coronary angiography for analysis. One semi-quantitative indicator summed rest score (SRS) and five quantitative indicators, namely, perfusion defect extent (EXT), total perfusion deficit (TPD), myocardial blood flow (MBF), scar degree (SCR), and metabolism-perfusion mismatch (MIS), were extracted from the PET rest MPI and MMI scans. Different combinations of indicators and seven machine learning methods were used to construct diagnostic models. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using the sum of four metrics (noted as sumScore), namely, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, MIS outperformed other individual indicators in terms of sumScore (2.816–3.042 vs. 2.138–2.908). In multivariate analysis, support vector machine (SVM) consisting of three indicators (MBF, SCR, and MIS) achieved the best performance (AUC 0.856, accuracy 0.810, sensitivity 0.838, specificity 0.757, and sumScore 3.261). This model consistently achieved significantly higher AUC compared with the SRS method for four specific subgroups (0.897, 0.833, 0.875, and 0.949 vs. 0.775, 0.606, 0.713, and 0.744; p=0.041, 0.005, 0.034 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The joint evaluation of PET rest MPI and MMI could improve the diagnostic performance for obstructive CAD. The multivariate model (MBF, SCR, and MIS) combined with SVM outperformed other methods.
Effect of temperature and lockdown on daily growth of active cases of COVID-19 in gujarat, western India: a statistical analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Vasavada Bhavin
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Aim of the study:

Aim of he study was to analyse correlation of daily maximum temperature on corona virus daily growth rate as well as effect of lockdown on daily growth rate of cases.

Materials and Methods:
All the data regarding new cases of covid 19 Pandemic in Gujarat was collected from Gujarat health department website., Temperature details were collected from www.accuweather.com. Growth rate was calculated as a percent increase of new cases daily compared to previous day active cases. Relations between trends were calculated from correlation and regression studies. MANNOVA analysis was performed.

Results:
Total 6625 cases, 4729 active cases and 380 deaths were reported as on 6th May 2020 in Gujarat. Daily maximum temperature was significantly correlated inversely with daily growth rate. (p value= 0.010) with Pearson correlation coefficient =-0.363. Correlation between time since lock down to daily case growth rate was non significant. (p=0.123). Phases of lockdown and growth rates showed significant inverse correlation. (p=0.002). Multivariate ANOVA showed there was statistical significant difference in case growth rate based on daily temperature [p= 0.006 F=4.71] and progression of phases of lockdown (p=0.018, F=3.55).

Conclusion:
Conclusion increase in temperature has inverse relationship in growth rate in covid 19 pandemic. Lockdown may be useful in decreasing growth.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy For Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Yalcin Koray , Hemsinlioglu Cansu , Zengin Rehile , Sonmezoglu Meral , Erbay Riza Hakan , Sargin Fatih , Ersoy Aysin , Guven Bulent Baris , Tutluoglu Bulent , Kaskir Ozturk Nur , Aygun Hande , Baran Reha , Kusoglu Hulya , Dikensoy Oner , Ozkok Sezen , Yilanci Muhammed , Birgen Nur , Pelit Nil Banu , Kuzu Okur Hacer , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Kocagoz Ayse Sesin , Ovali Ercument
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread over the world and there is still no specific treatment. Beside many drug studies, there is not enough data about the place of cellular therapies. In this study, we used second passage cGMP grade umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) via a combined intratracheal/intravenous route as a novel administration protocol.
After the treatment, the values of inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein of all patients decreased significantly [(before MSC therapy, mean: 84,8 mg/L (2,4-272 mg/L); after MSC administration, mean: 6,5 mg/L (0,3-25,3 mg/L)], procalcitonin decreased for 6 of 7 patients, increasing lymphocyte count was detected in 5 of 7 patients and pulmonary functions PaO2/FiO2 and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) improved in 5 of 7 patients within 7 days after MSC therapy. At the time of MSC administration, all 7 patients were receiving mechanical ventilation. After MSC therapy, 4 of 7 patients were weaned from mechanical ventilation. Although this study has limitations, the outcomes are promising for the advanced stages of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Engagement Features in Physical Activity Smartphone Apps: Focus Group Study With Sedentary People (Preprint)
Authors: D'Addario Marco , Baretta Dario , Zanatta Francesco , Greco Andrea , Steca Patrizia
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Engagement with physical activity mobile apps has been reported to be a core precondition for their effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives, needs, expectations, and experiences of potential users with physical activity mobile apps.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the features that are judged to be important for engagement with a physical activity mobile app and the reasons for their importance.

METHODS

A qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted in this study. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyles and willingness to improve their physical activity behavior through mobile technology were recruited. The focus group sessions consisted of 13 participants (8 men and 5 women, mean [SD] age 41.9 [7.1] years). Two researchers conducted the data analysis independently by using the inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named as follows: “physical activity participation motives,” “autonomy and self-regulation,” “need for relatedness,” and “smart.” Additionally, 2 subthemes originated from “physical activity participation motives” (ie, “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (ie, “action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”).

CONCLUSIONS

Features enhancing autonomy and self-regulation and positively affecting health and physical well-being as well as the need for relatedness, adaptability, and flexibility should be considered as core elements in the engagement of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement of potential users with physical activity apps.
Pelatihan Antecedent-Focused & Response-Focused Untuk Meningkatkan Regulasi Emosi Pada Remaja Panti Asuhan
Authors: Endaryani Vera Suci , Yuniardi Muhammad Salis , Syakarofath Nandy Agustin
Published: May 2020

Remaja panti asuhan menunjukkan berbagai peristiwa yang tidak menyenangkan sehingga berdampak pada kondisi emosional yang dirasakan. Untuk dapat mengatasi kondisi tersebut diperlukan cara meregulasi emosi yang tepat. Salah satu teknik yang dapat digunakan adalah pelatihan antecedent-focused & response-focused. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah one group pretest-posttest design. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah remaja panti asuhan yang berjumlah enam orang. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah skala regulasi emosi yang diadaptasi oleh Padang. Analisis data yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan paired t-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pelatihan antecedent-focused & response-focused efektif meningkatkan regulasi emosi remaja di panti asuhan (p=0,007; p<0,05). Artinya dengan memberikan pelatihan ini dapat melatih remaja untuk dapat mengelola emosi dan respons yang dirasakan.