bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Lebanese Arabic version of the BACS scale (the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia) among stable schizophrenic inpatients
Authors: Haddad Chadia , Salameh Pascale , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar , Haddad Georges , Clément Jean-Pierre , Calvet Benjamin
Published: February 2021

IntroductionAssessment of cognitive disorders in schizophrenia is becoming a part of clinical and research practice by using batteries that differ widely in their content. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) was developed to cover the main cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to assess concurrent validity of the Arabic version of the BACS with a standard neurocognitive battery of tests in Lebanese patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.MethodsA sample of 120 stable inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls received the Arabic version of the BACS in a first session, and a standard battery in a second session. ResultsMean duration of completion for the BACS was 31.2 ± 5.4 min in patients with schizophrenia. All tests demonstrated significant differences between controls and patients (p < .01). Principal components analysis demonstrated that a one-factor solution best fits our dataset (64.8% of the variance). High Cronbach alpha was found (.85). The BACS composite scores were significantly correlated with the standard battery composite scores in patients (r = .78, p < .001) and healthy controls (r = .77, p < .001). Also, correlation analysis between the BACS sub-scores and the standard battery sub-scores showed significant results (p < .05). The Arabic-BACS demonstrated high ability to discriminate patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls.Conclusion Results showed that the Arabic version of the BACS is a useful tool for assessing cognition in patients with schizophrenia and could be used in clinical practice in Lebanon.
Improved Tunability And Energy Storage Density Properties Of Low Loss, Lead Free (Ba0.50Sr0.50)Tio3 And Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3 Bilayer Thin Film Stacks
Authors: Mahesh M.L.V. , Pal Prem , V.V. Bhanu Prasad , James A.R.
Published: February 2021

Multilayer thin films of (Ba0.50Sr0.50)TiO3 (BST) and Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3 (BZT) were designed and grown using Pulsed LASER Deposition technology. The periodic (BST/BZT)n thin films were deposited on Pt‹111›/SiO2/Si substrates. X-ray diﬀraction reveals the presence of a polycrystalline, perovskite structure corresponding to the bilayer thin film stacks. SEM analysis confirmed the multilayer structure without any interdiffusion across layers. It was also found that the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the thin films are strongly influenced by the periodic hetero-structures. The thin film stacks exhibit significantly higher tunabilities, comparable with multilayer thin films grown on various single crystal substrates such as LaAlO3, MgO and SrTiO3. Possible mechanisms explaining the other observed attributes such as lower dielectric loss resulting in higher Figure of Merit (FoM), low leakage current are discussed. The effect of incorporating a comparatively lower permittivity thin film in the multilayer stacks is presented. The observed properties of such multilayer structured films help in realization of low loss and highly tunable applications.
Densification and fine grain formation mechanisms of BaTiO3 ceramics consolidated by self-assembly sintering
Authors: Jin Quan , Zhao Lili , Zhang Xiaoting , Zhang Run , Cui Bin
Published: February 2021

In this paper, from the perspective of thermodynamics and kinetics, we have studied the mechanism of balancing the densification and grain growth via co-sintering the micron and nano powders, also known as self-assembly sintering. In the experiment, the 200 nm and 80 nm BaTiO 3 spherical powders were used as models for combination and co-sintering. In terms of thermodynamics, the contact angle method is applied to determine the free energy of the binary particle size system. The surface free energy of 200 nm and 80 nm BaTiO 3 powders are 51.66 J/mol and 203.47 J/mol, respectively. When the powder ratio is 1:1, the surface free energy of the binary particle size system is 127.56 J/mol, which is the reason for the balance between densification and grain growth. In terms of kinetics, the Arrhenius equation was utilized to calculate the apparent activation energy ( Q ) of the binary particle size system. The results show that the value of Q is 360 kJ/mol at 1000 °C. The fine-grained ceramics with high relative density obtained by this sintering method at a low sintering temperature (1000 °C) can be explained by the relative low value of Q.
Determination of the flood volume by the aspects of peak flow and flood hydrograph at the level of the city of Biskra, Wadi Biskra watershed, Algeria.
Authors: Boumessenegh amel , dridi hadda
Published: February 2021

The peak flow of a flood can be determined by several empirical methods. Among these methods, the Gradex method is used in this work to estimate the project flood and the volumes corresponding to the flows. This approach has made it possible to recognize the flow of different frequencies by aspects of the peak flow and the flood hydrograph. The study was based on the maximum annual daily rainfall for a long series of observations (47 years), and on the intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves of the four rainfall stations Biskra, T'kout, Djemoura, and El kantara; located in the watershed of Oued Biskra. The application of the Gradex method has allowed to approach the maximum flow of floods at the level of the outlet which is located at the entrance of the city of Biskra; for the rare frequency of occurrence (return periods ranging from 10 to 1000 years).
Enhanced optical, morphological, dielectric, and conductivity properties of gold nanoparticles doped PVA/CMC blend as an application in organoelectronic devices
Authors: Atta M. R. , Alsulami Qana M. , Asnag G. M. , rajeh A .
Published: February 2021

Stevia rebaudiana plant leaves were used for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Transmission electron microscope ( TEM ) images showed various shapes and sizes of AuNPs. Various amounts of AuNPs were added to polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethylcellulose ( PVA / CMC , 40/60) via the casting method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of pure blend shows the amorphous nature of the blend. FT-IR spectra showed the interaction between PVA / CMC and AuNPs. The ultra-violet and visible (UV/VIS.) spectra showed emerge new peak of surface plasmon resonance ( SPR ) of AuNPs for the filled samples. SEM images showed bright spots on the sample's surface, which was attributed to AuNPs. AC conductivity exhibited enhancement after the addition of gold nanoparticles. The ε′ and ε″ were reduced with increasing the frequency due to direction dipoles of applied electric ﬁeld. Because of the mobile charges inside the polymeric backbone, higher values of ε′ and ε″ were observed at low frequencies. The tanδ showed increased with an increase in AuNPs concentration and at the decrease the frequency, as expected.
Ficus religiosa (Linn.) bark extract secondary metabolites bestow antioxidant property inducing cell cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 by apoptosis involving apoptosis-related proteins, Bax, Bcl-2 and PARP
Authors: Shankar Preethi , Kuppuru Marulasiddaswamy Mallikarjunaiah , Kini Ramachandra Kukkundoor , Sekhar Shailasree
Published: February 2021

Ficus species, auspicious in many cultures worldwide are sources of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. The mechanism by which they exhibit antioxidant and apoptotic properties is scant. The main objective of the current study was to evaluate the properties of activity guided fractionated bark methanol extract of Ficus religiosa. As the methanol extract exhibited highest antioxidant activity it was evaluated for secondary metabolites and therapeutic properties. UPLC-MS analysis of the extract identified the 11 and five secondary metabolites including the rutin, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, 6-C-glucosyl-8-C-arabinosylapigenin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside were reported. The MTT assay results identified minimal cytotoxicity for non-cancerous cell line (HEK 293 T) and maximum cell death for human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 (EC50, 91.32 ± 4.21µ g.mL− 1). A high degree of DNA fragmentation in MDA-MB-231 cells subjected to the extract was observed. A clear indication of apoptosis via chromatin condensation was visualized by CLSM. The apoptotic response to treatment was also apparent in the increase in BAX along with the proteolytic cleavage of PARP-1 and a decreased Bcl-2 levels as revealed by Western blot analysis. The MDA-MB-231 cells upon exposure to the extract (91µ g.mL− 1), stimulated cells to early apoptosis (32.5%) and apoptosis (61.6%) as evidenced by flow cytometer studies. Apoptotic cells being represented by a sub G0/G1 population (86.25%) seen to the left of the G0/G1 peak were recorded. The presence of novel bioactive compounds has uncovered possible therapeutic values by modulating antioxidant and apoptosis leading to the development of potential alternative anticancer drugs.
An Efficient And Quick Protocol For In Vitro Multiplication Of Snake Plant, Sansevieria Trifasciata Var. Laurentii [Prain]
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , MUDGAL GAURAV
Published: February 2021

An efficient protocol was developed for quick propagation of snake plant under in vitro conditions. Leaf segments were surface sterilized and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.8% agar, and various concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid. Cultures were maintained for 4-5 weeks at standard conditions to allow root induction and elongation. Shoot induction is triggered upon altering the culture room temperature to 37±2⁰C. Multiple shoots were witnessed at higher IBA concentrations. Another 5 weeks later, individual plantlets were excised and hardened for 2 weeks in soil preparation contained in small cups before transferring to big sized pots.
Optical Coherence Encryption with Structured Random Light
Authors: Peng Demin , Huang Zhaofeng , Liu Yonglei , Chen Yahong , Wang Fei , Ponomarenko Sergey A. , Cai Yangjian
Published: February 2021

Information encryption with optical technologies has become increasingly important due to remarkable multidimensional capabilities of light fields. However, the optical encryption protocols proposed to date have been primarily based on the first-order field characteristics, such as the optical field amplitude and phase as well as its polarization. As the said first-order characteristics of light fields are strongly affected by interference effects, the conventional encoding protocols become quite unstable during light propagation and interaction with the matter. Here, we introduce an alternative optical encryption protocol whereby the information is encoded into the spatial coherence distribution of a structured random light beam via a generalized van Cittert--Zernike theorem. We show that the proposed approach has two key advantages over its conventional counterparts. First, the complexity of measuring the spatial coherence distribution of light enhances the encryption protocol security. Second, the relative insensitivity of the second-order statistical characteristics of light to environmental noise makes the protocol robust against the environmental fluctuations, e.g, the atmospheric turbulence. We carry out experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of the coherence-based encryption method with the aid of a fractional Fourier transform. Our results open up a promising avenue for further research into optical encryption in complex environments.
Microparticles from human lower airway showed inhibitory activity against respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Boonarkart Chompunuch , Suptawiwat Ornpreya , Ruangrung Kanyarat , Maneechotesuwan Kittipong , Auewarakul Prasert
Published: February 2021

Airway microparticles (MPs) have been previously shown to inhibit influenza virus by trapping virions on their surface through surface viral receptor. It was hypothesized that airway MPs may carry most of epithelial cell surface molecules including receptors for respiratory viruses and may be able to inhibit various respiratory viruses. We show here that MPs from human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) could inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Those MPs were stained positive for the RSV receptor, CX3CR1. Furthermore, incubating the MPs with a monoclonal antibody against CX3CR1 reduced the anti-RSV activity. These indicate that MPs can contribute to respiratory innate antiviral defense.
Efficacy and Safety Comparison between Drug-eluting Beads CalliSpheres and Conventional Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Treating Renal Angiomyolipoma Patients
Authors: Lyu Tianshi , Wang Jian , Tong Xiaoqiang , Mi Tianai , An Chao , Zou Yinghua
Published: February 2021

Background: There is a lack of evidence of standard or superior treatment among renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) patients. This study aimed to compare the short-term efficacy and safety using CalliSpheres microspheres (CSM) with conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (cTACE) in treating Chinese patients with RAML. Methods: A total of 54 patients with RAML treated by TACE from February 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. These included 17 cases in the CSM-TACE group and 37 cases in the cTACE group. The clinical efficacy, tumor reduction rate and complications were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, blood routine indexes and kidney function test were compared between the two groups before and at the third day after the operation. Results: The embolization was performed successfully in all patients without serious adverse events and death. Except for abdominal pain (p=0.044) and white blood cell (WBC) (p=0.047), there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics (p>0.05). As for treatment efficacy, 42 patients with RAML had tumor size reduced after embolization. Compared with CSM-TACE group (0.12±0.34), tumor volume reduction rate was slightly higher in cTACE group (0.32±0.31) with p value 0.047. As for treatment safety, postoperative WBC and creatine level in two groups were both in normal range and not significantly different (p=0.114 and 0.659). Besides, no significant differences were observed in complication and length of stay after the operation between the two groups (p=0.347 and 0.593).Conclusions: CSM could be a safe and good option for embolization therapy in treating Chinese patients with RAML in clinical practices. Large cohort perspective study is still needed in the future.
Three-dimensional simulation of regional urban waterlogging based on high-precision DEM model
Authors: Chen Zipeng , Li Kun , Du Jianhua , Chen Yi , Liu Ronggang , Wang Yi
Published: February 2021

In order to deal with the urban waterlogging disasters, a high precision three-dimensional (3D) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is built in this paper. This DEM is based on high-precision data of urban topography and geomorphology, covering 3D surface elevation, road network and structures. The simulation calculation of this model can get different watershed area according to different elevation based on the topographic feature. Furthermore, divide the urban regional model into the stage sub-catchment area corresponding to the elevation. Within the sub-catchment area, it can also reflect the situation of urban waterlogging, in combination with the rainstorm intensity formula, the statistics of local area underlying surface, and Soil Conservation Service (SCS) model of runoff simulation. It can also help to simulate the submergence depth and range under different recurrence stages of rainfall scenarios. The research shows that this DEM model can provide the premise for the highly accurate numerical simulation of surface runoff and confluence, which can effectively improve the accuracy of the division of catchment area and the assessment, prediction of waterlogging disaster. This provides an important idea and method for the flood prevention and control in flood season for reservoir, tailings pond and urban waterlogging.
Experiences of Ethnic Minority Patients Who Are Living with a Primary Bowel Condition or Bowel-Related Symptoms of Other Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ahmed Salina , Newton Paul D. , Ojo Omorogieva , Dibley Lesley B.
Published: February 2021

Background: Prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases has been rising amongst ethnic minority populations in Western countries, despite the first-generation migrants originating from countries of low prevalence. Differences caused by genetic, environmental, cultural, and religious factors in each context may contribute towards shaping experiences of ethnic minority individuals living with primary bowel conditions. This review aimed to explore the experiences of ethnic minority patients’ living with chronic bowel illnesses and bowel-related symptoms of other chronic diseases. Methods: We systematically searched for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies on eight electronic databases and manually searched reference lists of frequently cited papers. Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria: focussing on inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease and prostate cancer survivors experiencing bowel symptoms. Results: Core themes were narratively analysed. South Asians had limited understanding of their illness and language and literacy barriers, particularly older generations, suggesting a need for culturally relevant inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease information. Family support was limited, and Muslim South Asians referred to religion to understand and self-manage inflammatory bowel disease. Ethnic minority groups across countries experienced poor dietary intake for coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, cultural conflict in self-managing diet for inflammatory bowel disease, increased anxiety, and the need for better quality of, and access to, healthcare services. UK ethnic minorities had problems with IBD diagnosis/misdiagnosis. Self-efficacy positively impacted bowel symptoms in prostate cancer survivors. Conclusions: Cultural, religious, and social contexts, together with language barriers and limited health literacy influenced experiences of health inequalities for ethnic minorities with chronic bowel diseases.
Prediction of Esophagogastric Varices Associated with Oxaliplatin Administration
Authors: Satta Yosuke , Shigefuku Ryuta , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Mizukami Takuro , Tsuda Takashi , Suzuki Tatsuya , Ehira Takuya , Hattori Nobuhiro , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Nakahara Kazunari , Ikeda Hiroki , Matsunaga Kotaro , Takahashi Hideaki , Matsumoto Nobuyuki , Okuse Chiaki , Suzuki Michihiro , Sunakawa Yu , Yasuda Hiroshi , Itoh Fumio
Published: February 2021

Background: Oxaliplatin is a key drug for the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer; however, it is also known to cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. We aimed to identify the characteristics of patients who developed esophagogastric varices (EGV) after treatment with oxaliplatin.Methods: This study retrospectively analysed patients with colorectal cancer who were treated with chemotherapy including oxaliplatin between 2010 and 2016. All patients were evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) every 3 months both during and after treatment, and endoscopy was performed when appearance of portal hypertension was suspected.Results: A total of 106 patients were divided into 2 groups: EGV formation (n=6) and EGV non-formation (n=100). In the EGV group, platelet counts decreased and the size of the spleen calculated by CT (CT-SI) increased markedly. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the change in platelet counts was 0.81 (80% sensitivity and 83% specificity) at 3 months posttreatment and the maximum AUC for CT-SI was 0.89 (79% sensitivity and 83% specificity) at 6 months posttreatment.Conclusions: EGV formation could be predicted by assessment of platelet counts and CT-SI not only during but also after completion of the treatment.
Prognosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Can Be Early Predicted Combining Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, CRB Score and Baseline Oxygen Saturation.
Authors: Nuevo-Ortega Pilar , Reina-Artacho Carmen , Dominguez-Moreno Francisco , Becerra-Muñoz Victor Manuel , Ruiz-Del-Fresno Luis , Estecha-Foncea Maria Antonia
Published: February 2021

Background: In potentially severe diseases in general and COVID-19 in particular, it is vital to early identify those patients who are going to develop complications. The last update of a recent living systematic review dedicated to predictive models in COVID-19,[1] critically appraises 145 models, 8 of them focused on prediction of severe disease and 23 on mortality. Unfortunately, in all 145 models, they found a risk of bias significant enough to finally "not recommend any for clinical use". Authors suggest concentrating on avoiding biases in sampling and prioritising the study of already identified predictive factors, rather than the identification of new ones that are often dependent on the database. Our objective is to develop a model to predict which patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are at high risk of developing severe illness or dying, using basic and validated clinical tools.Methods: prospective cohort of consecutive patients admitted in a teaching hospital during the “first wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow-up to discharge from hospital. Multiple logistic regression selecting variables according to clinical and statistical criteria. Results: 404 consecutive patients were evaluated, 392 (97%) completed follow-up. Mean age was 61 years; 59% were men. The median burden of comorbidity was 2 points in the Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, CRB was abnormal in 18% of patients and basal oxygen saturation on admission lower than 90% in 18%. A model composed of Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, CRB score and basal oxygen saturation can predict unfavorable evolution or death with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80-0.89), and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86 to 0.94), respectively.Conclusion: prognosis of COVID-19 pneumonia can be predicted in the out-of-hospital environment using two classic prognostic scales and a pocket pulse oximeter.
Isolation and identification of Amycolatopsis sp. strain 1119 with potential to improve cucumber fruit yield and induce plant defense responses in commercial greenhouse
Authors: Kafi Sahar Alipour , Karimi Ebrahim , Akhlaghi Mahmood , Amini Zahra , Mohammadi Ali , Sadeghi Akram
Published: February 2021

Background and aimsThe application of chemical fungicides is the first strategy to control plant fungal diseases. This approach is highly polluting for the environment and affects human health. Artificial introduction of beneficial rhizobacteria into the soil can be an economical and practical way to control phytopathogenic fungi in commercial greenhouses. Here, we recount the travel of a rare Actinomycete (Amycolatopsis strain 1119) from a maize field to a commercial cucumber greenhouse.Methods and resultsCulturable bacteria from rhizosphere and bulk soils of dicot and monocot crops were isolated and screened. About 20% of the representative colonies showed Actinomycetes appearance. 106 Actinomycetes that had antagonistic activity against Phytophthora capsici and were able to produce IAA were selected for further analysis. Two Streptomyces strains (432 and 615) and 2 Amycolatopsis strains (3513 and 1119) that showed a positive effect on plant growth in greenhouse conditions were selected to evaluate for biocontrol potential. Strains 432, 3513, 615 and 1119 controlled incidence of the damping-off by 65%, 42%, 83% and 100% respectively. Application of strain 1119 under commercial greenhouse conditions resulted in an increase in fruit yield (20%) and a decrease in fruit nitrate content (70%). Increased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased LOX and APX transcription and also, increased expression of two genes PR1-1a and GLU (SAR genes) showed that strain 1119 could induce both ISR and SAR in cucumber without pathogen exposure. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the Amycolatopsis strain 1119, has a great potential to enter the market as a bio-stimulator.
Molecular Investigation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. (Based on 16S rRNA gene) Isolated from Hyalomma Ticks in the Border of Iran and Pakistan
Authors: Choubdar Nayyereh , Karimian Fateh , Koosha Mona , Nejati Jalil , Oshaghi Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Background: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases affecting human beings and livestock in tropical and subtropical regions. Animal husbandry is the main activity of people in the border of Iran and Pakistan, where thousands of cattle cross the borders into the countries weekly. Methods: PCR-direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of the disease agents in Hyalomma hard ticks. Results: Six Hyalomma species were found in the region, where Hy.anatolicum was the most prevalent species collected on goats, cattle, and camel. Anaplasma / Ehrlichia genomes were found in 68.3% of the specimens. Anaplasma ovis, A.marginale, and E.ewingii DNA prevalence in the infected ticks were 81.82, 9.09, and 9.09 % respectively. The DNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the detection of these three Anaplasmosis agents, showing 99-100% identity with the strains previously reported in Genbank from different part of the world.Conclusions: Since A.ovis and A.marginale are considered as important livestock pathogens, and E.ewingii is an important human pathogen, both farmers and people involved in livestock along the border of the two countries need to be made aware of the risks posed by tick infestation and the tick-borne disease.
A satellite-based investigation into the algae bloom variability in large water supply urban reservoirs during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Alcantara Enner , Coimbra Keyla , Ogashawara Igor , Rodrigues Thanan , Mantovani Jose , Rotta Luiz , Park Edward , Cunha Davi Gasparini Fernandes
Published: February 2021

Here we report the first case study of the significant algae blooming in large reservoirs in relation to the COVID-19 lockdown in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin (PC) concentrations were analyzed in the Guarapiranga and Billings reservoirs, which supply daily water use for over 20 million people and receives treated wastewater. We employed field-calibrated Sentinel 2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI images to map the spatial patterns of Chl-aand PC over the two period: before (April, August and October 2019) and more than a month after the lockdown in Sao Paulo due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 in Brazil (April 2020). We found a significant increase in algae blooming (both Chl-a and PC) in both reservoirs in April 2020, compared to the same month of 2019. We show that the episodic algae blooming is strongly related to the increased inflows of the residential wastewater from the surrounding watersheds, because the household water use has increased ~3.2% in April 2020, while the runoff into the reservoirs driven by the rainfall was much lower in 2020 compared to the previous year for the same month. In the case of Guarapiranga Reservoir, PC increased nearly 500% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Given the importance of Billings and Guarapiranga reservoirs for the water supply of the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo (MRSP), the abrupt occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms related to the state’s lockdown should be considered a major concern for public and environmental health of the region. Although several environmental consequences have been reported due to the COVID-19 worldwide, this study is the first to report the impact of COVID-19 on the trophic state in the tropical reservoirs.
Covid-19 Infection, Illness and Deaths Among Healthcare Workers in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Ocan Moses , Kawala Brenda Allen , Kisangala Ephraim , Ndagire Regina , Wangi Rachel Nante Nante , Semakula Daniel , Kinengyere Alison Annet , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Katairo Thomas , Okullo Allen Eva , Nalugoda Fred , Namisango Eve , Ouma Kevin Ojiambo , Apunyo Robert , Nakalembe Loyce , Luwambo Ash , Obuku Ekwaro Anthony
Published: February 2021

Background: Globally, health care workers continue to be infected, fall ill and die at the frontline of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) fight, an indicator of inadequate safety in health facilities. This rapid evidence synthesis aims to highlight the impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) in terms of infections, illnesses and deaths. Methods: A systematic review will be done. Article search will be performed by an experienced librarian in PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, Google Scholar, COVID-END, Cochrane library and targeted search from other relevant sources. MeSH terms and Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” will be used in the article search. Independent reviewers will screen the retrieved articles using a priori criteria. Data abstraction will be done using an excel based abstraction tool and synthesized using structured narratives and summary of findings tables. Discussion: This evidence synthesis seeks to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare systems of low- and middle-income countries. Information on healthcare worker infections, illness, and deaths due to COVID-19, will be collated from published research articles. This will help guide decision makers in establishing low- cost high impact interventions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the health work force.Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD 42020204174 [1] [1] This protocol registration can be found at; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020204174
Are Doctors Protected Enough During COVID-19? A Cross-Sectional Study of Physician Mortality Numbers and Characteristics in South Asia
Authors: Jatoi Nadia Nazir , Ahmad Saniya , Sajid Emaad-ud din , Farhan Syed Ali , Fatima Kaneez , Mahmood Syed Faisal
Published: February 2021

Background:The highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) places physicians in South Asia at a high risk of contracting the infection. Accordingly, we conducted this review to provide an up to date account of physician deaths in South Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze and compare the different characteristics associated with physician mortality amongst the countries of the region.Study Design:Cross-Sectional StudyMethodology:We performed a review study by using published news reports on the websites of news agencies from 9 selected countries in South Asia. Our study included only those physicians and doctors who died after contracting COVID-19 from their respective workplaces. All available data about the country of origin, type of, sex, age, medical or surgical specialty, and date of death were included.Results:The total number of physician deaths reported due to COVID-19 in our study was 170, with half (87/170, 51%) of the deaths reported from Iran. Male physicians' death was reported to be 145 (145/170=85%). Internal Medicine (58, 43%) was the most severely affected sub-specialty. The highest physician mortality rate in the general population recorded in Afghanistan (27/1000 deaths).ConclusionAn increased number of physician deaths, owing to COVID-19, is seen in South Asia. This could be due to decreased personal protective equipment and the poor health care management systems of the countries in the region to combat the pandemic. Future studies should provide a detailed account of characteristics associated with physician mortalities along with the main complications arising due to the virus.
CDC20, A Hypermethylated Gene in Senescent Cells, is Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Xianhong Xiang , Fu Yunong , Zhang Xing , Miao Runchen , Ma Xiaohua , Liu Chang , Qu Kai
Published: February 2021

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with poor outcome. As an anti-tumor mechanism, the methylation pattern of gene in senescent cells is different from that in malignant ones deriving from physically senescent cells. Therefore, it is possible that aberrantly methylated senescence-associated genes could predict the prognosis of HCC patients.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes with aberrant methylation were explored in two senescent cell datasets and were selected as senescence-associated genes (SAGs). And we used the proliferation, cell cycle, and senescence β-galactosidase assay to detect the effects of downregulated CDC20, a SAG, on cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence. Then, we investigated the relationship between the expression and methylation of CDC20 in senescent and proliferating HCC cells which was treated by 5-Azacytidine demethylation and in HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Also, we combined the methylation and expression levels of CDC20 to evaluate the prognosis of CDC20. Finally, pyrophosphate sequencing was performed to validate the different methylation of CDC20.ResultsWe found one of 49 SAGs, named cell division cycle 20 (CDC20), to be downregulated with hypermethylation in senescent HCC cells but upregulated with hypomethylation in proliferating HCC cells. Then, restoration of CDC20 expression was observed after demethylation treatment. Moreover, knockdown of CDC20 was found to induce cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence. Furthermore, the expression of CDC20 was found to be negatively correlated with its methylation, and hypomethylation of CDC20 was found to have a significantly shorter overall survival. Finally, pyrophosphate sequencing results showed that cg16147196 in CDC20 has a remarkably higher methylation level in senescent HCC cells than that in the proliferating HCC cells. ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study indicated that CDC20, a hypermethylated gene in senescent cells, could be considered as an alternative prognostic marker in HCC.
An Energy Efficient Cooperative Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio-Internet of Things with Interference Constraints
Authors: Miah Md Sipon , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Ahmed Kazi Mowdud , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Calhan Ali
Published: February 2021

Spectrum sensing plays a very important role in Cognitive Radio based Internet of Things (CR-IoT) networks for utilization of the licensed spectrum accurately. However, the performance of the conventional Energy Detector (ED) method is compromised in a noise-uncertain environment owing to interference constraints, i.e. the CR-IoT user interference with the licensed Primary User (PU) on the same licensed band. To overcome this drawback, we proposed an energy efficient Cooperative Spectrum Sensing (CSS) for a CR-IoT network with interference constraints using a novel ED method. In this method, each CR-IoT user is capable of spectrum sensing that makes both the local decision and the weight factor based on the sequential approach; we calculate the weight factor against each CR-IoT user based on the Kullback Leibler Divergence award score. After the local decision and the weight factor are made, each CR-IoT user transmits its measured both the local decisions, and the weight factor to a Fusion Center (FC), which is made a final decision about the PU activities based on the hard fusion rule. The simulation results demonstrates that the proposed ED method obtains an improved detection performance, an enhanced sum rate, a spectral efficiency, an energy efficiency, and a lower global error probability when compared to other conventional ED methods under time varying environments.
Estimating the External Validity of Randomized Controlled Trials: A Comparison of Morbidity and Mortality Between an RCT and an Observational Study in Botswana
Authors: Thivalapill Neil , Lockman Shahin , Powis Kathleen , Zash Rebecca , Leidner Jean , Ajibola Gbolahan , Mmalane Mompati , Makhema Joseph , Shapiro Roger
Published: February 2021

Background: The external validity of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) refers to the extent to which the results of the RCT apply to the non-trial population. External validity of RCTs is impacted by the representativeness of the population enrolled and differences in the standard of care between the trial and non-trial setting. In spite of these concerns that have been historically acknowledged, external validity of RCTs is difficult to study empirically given confounding due to time and population under study. Here, we compared the outcomes of mortality and hospitalization between an RCT and an observational study that concurrently enrolled HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) newborns in Botswana. Methods: The Mpepu Study was a clinical trial that enrolled HEU newborns in Botswana to determine whether co-trimoxazole provided survival benefit. The Maikaelelo study was an observational study that enrolled HEU newborns in Botswana with telephone follow-up and no in-person visits. Mortality and morbidity were compared using survival analysis and treatment effects approaches. Cox-proportional hazards model were fit with time to death or time to first hospitalization and where the proportional hazards assumption was determined to be violated, interaction terms were generated between the study setting and time. The causal effect of study setting was obtained through the inverse probability weighted estimator. Results: In total, 4,010 infants were included; 1,306 were enrolled into Maikaelelo and 2,704 were enrolled into Mpepu. No significant differences in mortality were observed between the two settings (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.13), but RCT participants had a lower risk of hospitalization (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.89) that decreased with age. However, RCT participants had a higher risk of hospitalization within the first six months of life. The causal risk difference in hospitalizations attributable to the trial setting was -0.03 (95% CI: -0.05, -0.01). Conclusions: Children in an RCT with rigorous application of national standard of care guidelines experienced a significantly lower risk of hospitalization than children participating in an observational study that did not alter clinical care. Future research is needed to further investigate outcome disparities when real-world results fail to mirror those achieved in a clinical trial. Trial Registration: : The Mpepu Trial was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (No. NCT01229761) and the Maikaelelo Study was funded primarily by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (32AI007433-21).
Camel and Small Ruminant Based Pastoralism in Ethiopia: Recent Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Teklegiorgis Shewakena , Yirga Fikadu
Published: February 2021

In Ethiopia, camel and shoat production are common pastoralism practices in three major pastoralist regions of Afar, Somali, and Borena. This review was aimed to indicate the recent trend and future prospect of camel and small ruminant production and the possible modifiers and the pros and cons of the practices in the pastoral area of Ethiopia. Data were organized and estimated from different researches conducted in each year. Data were organized in terms of the number of camel and shoat per household each year (2010-2020) and analyzed using trend and forecasting analysis model by SPSS software. There is an increment camel Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) per household from 2.78, 13 and 9 to 37, 28, 28 between the year 2010-+2020 in Borena, Afar and Somali respectively and will increase to 45, 45, 35 by 2030 respectively. In the whole pastoralist regions, the number of camel TLU per household increases from 2.8 to 31 between the year, 2010-2020 and will increase to 50 TLU per household by 2030, while the number of goat and sheep increase from 1.4 and 0.91 TLU per household to 2.45 and 2.46 respectively between the year 2010-2020 and the predicted model indicate increase to 2 and 3.4 TLU per household by 2030. Climate change or drought and adaptation responses are the major drivers. Climate change coping and livelihood income improvements are the pros of the trend, while the reduction of cattle population and impact on the conservation of valuable indigenous cattle are the cons of the practices.
COVID-19 related conspiracy thoughts: Public thought assessment through Facebook
Authors: AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Al-abdallat Tala , alsaffar Amra , alqaisi Layal , alenezi Mshael , Malek Mariam
Published: February 2021

Following the public thoughts on the recent 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is an important measure to ensure compliance with preventive behaviors. Here, we analyzed public conspiracy thoughts related to COVID-19 pandemic on official Facebook governmental COVID-19 announcements. A total of 343 comments analyzed for posts at the beginning and at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan. We found a significant increase in conspiracy related comments in later posts at the peak of pandemic compared with earlier ones. Despite its small sample size, our present analysis provides an important measure for public conspiracy related thoughts on the current COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan.
Effect of Alcoholic and Nanoparticle Additives on the Performance, Combustion and Emission Analysis of Biodiesel blended Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel Engine
Authors: Nutakki Prabhu Kishore , Gugulothu Santhosh Kumar , Ramachander Jatoth , Sivasurya Mulugundam
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the study on the influence of the effects of iron oxide nanoparticle additives when added to ternary fuel (diesel + Mahua methyl ester + Pentanol) on the emission, combustion and performance characteristics of a four stroke, single cylinder, common rail direct injection diesel engine working at a constant speed and varying operating scenarios. Doping is done in various proportions to the nanoparticle additives with the help of a homogenizer and ultrasonicator where the cationic surfactant used is CTAB (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide). Iron oxide nanoparticles were used as additives in fuel in the dosages of 40 ppm, 80 ppm & 120 ppm respectively and TF (Ternary fuel) is obtained by mixing 10% pentanol, 20% Mahua and 70% diesel together is used for the experimental study. The experimental study revealed that while using the nanoparticle additives blended ternary fuel (i.e., TF80) the number of harmful pollutants like smoke (5.38%), HC (6.39%), carbon monoxide (10.24%) and NOx etc. has reduced to a considerable extent and there was a commendable improvement in the BTE by 8.8%. So, we can summarize that when ternary fuel and nano additives are blended together the combustion and performance of the engine was improved considerably and pollutant emissions were decreased.
Why do some inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare work when others do not? A realist review
Authors: Aunger Justin Avery , Millar Ross , Greenhalgh Joanne , Mannion Russell , Rafferty Anne Marie , McLeod Hugh
Published: February 2021

Background Inter-organisational collaboration is increasingly prominent within contemporary healthcare systems. A range of collaboration types such as alliances, networks, and mergers have been proposed as a means to turnaround organisations, by reducing duplication of effort, enabling resource sharing, and promoting innovations. However, in practice, due to the complexity of the process, such efforts are often rife with difficulty. Notable contributions have sought to make sense of this area, however further understanding is needed in order to gain a better understanding of why some inter-organisational collaborations work when others do not, to be able to more effectively implement collaborations in the future. Methods Realist review methodology was used with the intention of formulating context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) to explain how inter-organisational collaborations work and why., combining systematic and purposive literature search techniques . The systematic review encompassed searches for reviews, commentaries, opinion pieces and case studies on HMIC, Medline, PsycINFO, and Social Policy and Practice databases and further searches were conducted using Google Scholar. Data were extracted from included studies according to relevance to the realist review. Results Fifty-three papers were included, informing the development of programme theories of how, why, and when inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare work. Formulation of our programme theories incorporated the concepts of Partnership Synergy and Collaborative Inertia and found that it was essential to consider mechanisms underlying partnership functioning, such as building trust and faith in the collaboration to maximise synergy and thus collaborative performance. More integrative or mandated collaboration may lean more heavily on contract to drive collaborative behaviour. Conclusion As the first realist review of inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare as an intervention for improvement, this review provides actionable evidence for policymakers and implementers, enhancing understanding of mechanisms underlying the functioning and performing of inter-organisational collaborations, as well as how to configure the context to aid success. Next steps in this research will test the results against further case studies and primary data to produce a further refined theory. Review registration This review is registered at PROSPERO with ID CRD42019149009. Keywords Collaboration, partnership working, integration, healthcare, improvement, realist review, realist synthesis, context, programme theory, implementation
Social vulnerability of children aged 5 to 15 years to malaria in Madagascar: secondary analysis of 3 qualitative studies of LLIN use
Authors: NJATOSOA Ammy Fiadanana , Mattern Chiarella , Pourette Dolorès , Kesteman Thomas , Rakotomanana Elliot , Rahaivondrafahitra Bakoly , Andriamananjara Mauricette , Harimanana Aina , Razafindrakoto Jocelyn , Raboanary Emma , Andrianasolo Andry , Rogier Christophe
Published: February 2021

Background: Although it is accepted that long lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) use is an effective means to prevent malaria, children aged 5 to 15 years do not appear to be sufficiently protected in Madagascar; the malaria prevalence is highest in this age group. The purpose of this article is to summarize recent qualitative studies describing LLIN use among children aged 5-15 years and explore options to increase their use in this age group.Methods: Qualitative data from three studies on malaria conducted between 2012 and 2016 in 10 districts of Madagascar were analyzed. These studies cover all malaria epidemiological profiles and 10 of the 18 existing ethnic groups in Madagascar. A thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data from semi-structured interviews, direct observation data, and informal interviews.Results: A total of 192 semi-structured interviews were conducted. LLINs are generally perceived positively because they protect the health and well-being of users. However, regional representations of mosquito nets may contribute to LLIN nonuse by children over 5 years of age including the association between married status and LLIN use, which leads to the refusal of unmarried young men to sleep under LLINs; the custom of covering the dead with a mosquito net, which leads to fear of LLIN use; and taboos governing sleeping spaces for siblings of opposite sexes, which leads to LLIN shortages in households. Children under 5 years of age are known to be the most vulnerable age group for acquiring malaria and therefore are prioritized for LLIN use when there are limited supplies in households. In contrast, children over 5 years of age, who are perceived to be at less risk for malaria, often sleep without LLINs.Conclusions: Perceptions, social practices and regional beliefs regarding LLINs and vulnerability to malaria contribute to the nonuse of LLINs among children over 5 years of age in Madagascar. Modifying LLIN policies to account for these factors may increase LLIN use in this age group and reduce disease burden.Trial registration: Not applicable