bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Obstetric Fistula Among Reproductive Age Women in Ethiopia, Community Based, Case Control Study
Authors: Gebertsadik ATAKLTI Weldegebriel , Gebrehiwot Gebremedhin Gebreegziabiher , Desta Abraham Aregay , Ajemu Kiros Fenta , Berhe Asfawosen Aregay , Woldearegay Tewolde Wubayehu , Ghebremedhin Kiros Demoz , Bezabih Nega Mamo
Published: August 2020

Background: Obstetric fistula is major public and reproductive health concerns in Ethiopia .It are most disturbing among all maternal morbidities.Method: A community-based unmatched case control study was conducted from the EDHS, 2016 dataset. All 70 cases and 210 non cases were selected using random number table from the dataset. Reproductive age mothers who had experiencing lifelong obstetric fistula were considered as cases .Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with obstetric fistula at 95% confidence interval. Factors significant at p value of ≤ 0.05 were included into multivariable logistic regression model to generate adjusted odds ratios.Results: The majority of fistula cases were from rural residences. Independent risk factors associated with obstetric fistula included age at first marriage, rural residence, poorest wealth index and decision making for contraceptive use mainly husband partner.ConclusionObstetric fistula is a major public and reproductive health concern in Ethiopia. Majority of women with obstetric fistula were from rural areas. Comprehensive intervention strategies should be in place customized to different government hierarchies (national, regional and district level) including household and individual level interventions for combating obstetric fistula by giving an emphasis on the identified risks.
Trends and correlation between antibacterial consumption and carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria in a tertiary hospital in China from 2012 to 2019
Authors: Liang Chunhong , Zhang Xueyan , Zhou Lijuan , Meng Guangyi , Zhong Liqiu , Peng Pingzhi
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate the trends and correlation between antibacterial consumption and carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria from 2012 to 2019 in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in southern China.Methods: This retrospective study included data from hospital-wide inpatients collected between January 2012 and December 2019. Data on antibacterial consumption were expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs)/1000 patient-days. Antibacterials were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. The trends in antimicrobial usage and resistance were analyzed by linear regression, while Pearson correlation analysis was used for testing the correlation.Results: An increasing trend in the annual consumption of tetracyclines, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combinations, and carbapenems was observed (P < 0.05). The carbapenem resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 18% in 2012 to 60% in 2019. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the resistance to carbapenems in A. baumannii (β = 0.745, P < 0.05) and Escherichia coli (E. coli)(β = 0.736, P < 0.05) and the consumption of carbapenems, while the resistance rate of A. baumannii to carbapenems was positively correlated with cephalosporin/β-lactamase inhibitor (C/BLI) combinations (β = 0.910, P < 0.01) and tetracyclines usage (β = 0.745, P < 0.05). We also found that the use of quinolones was positively correlated with the resistance rate of Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) to carbapenems (β = 0.717, P < 0.05), and the increasing use of carbapenems (β=-0.869, P < 0.01) and penicillin/β-Lactamase inhibitor (P/BLI) combinations (β=-0.871, P < 0.01) were significantly correlated with reduced resistance of Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) to carbapenems.Conclusion: Our results revealed significant correlations between the consumption of antibiotics and rates of carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Implementing proper management strategies and reducing the unreasonable use of antibacterial drugs may be an effective measure to reduce the spread of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGN), which should be further confirmed by more studies.
Preoperative carbohydrate loading in diabetic patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery: A pilot randomized trial
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Lin , Liang Xin-Quan , Li Yu-Ting , Wang Dong-Xin
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPreoperative carbohydrate loading is used to improve patients’ comfort and recovery, but evidence remains limited in diabetic patients. We tested the feasibility of a preoperative carbohydrate drink with supplemental insulin in diabetic patients for gastrointestinal surgery.MethodsAdult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were scheduled for major gastrointestinal surgery were randomized to carbohydrate group (carbohydrate drink with supplement insulin selectively) or control group (clinical routine management). The primary outcome was the time to first flatus after surgery. Among secondary outcomes, subjective feelings of thirsty, hunger and fatigue were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (scores range from 0 to 100, where 0 indicate no discomfort and 100 the most severe discomfort) before and after surgery.ResultsA total of 63 patients were randomized. Time to first flatus did not differ between groups (median [95% CI], 40 hours [30, 50] in control group vs. 43 hours [37, 48] in carbohydrate group, hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.24 [0.74, 2.07], P = 0.411). Both pre- and postoperative subjective feelings of discomfort were all significantly lower in carbohydrate group than in control group (median difference from − 50 to 0; all P < 0.05). Patients with carbohydrate drink developed less intraoperative hypotension (40.6% [13/30] vs. 16.1% [5/31], P = 0.031) and postoperative nausea and vomiting within 24 hours (31.3% [10/32] vs. 9.7% [3/31], P = 0.034).ConclusionIn diabetic patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, preoperative carbohydrate loading with supplemental insulin selectively did not affect gastrointestinal recovery; but it improved perioperative comfort, and reduced intraoperative hypotension and postoperative nausea and vomiting.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03204344; Registered July 2, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03204344.
A procedure for in vitro evaluation of the immunosuppressive effect of mesenchymal stem cells on activated T cell proliferation
Authors: Marinescu Catalina , Preda Bogdan , Burlacu Alexandrina
Published: August 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) represent adult cells with multipotent capacity. Besides their capacity to differentiate into multiple lineages in vitro and in vivo, increasing evidence points towards the immunomodulatory capacity of these cells, as an important feature for their therapeutic power. Although not included in the minimal criteria established by the International Society for Cellular Therapy as a defining MSC attribute, demonstration of the immunomodulatory capacity of MSC can be useful for the characterization of these cells before being considered MSC. Here we present a simple and reliable protocol by which the immunosuppressive effect of MSC can be evaluated in vitro. It is based on the measuring of the proliferation of activated T cells cultured in direct contact with irradiated MSC.Results: Our results showed that MSC have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on activated T cell proliferation, which can be quantified as a percentage of maximum proliferation. Our data shows that batch-to-batch variability can be determined within one or multiple experiments, by extracting the area under curve of T cell proliferation plotted against the absolute number of MSC in co-culture.Conclusions: The validation of the immunomodulatory capacity of MSC could be added to the characterization of the cells before being used in various MSC-based approaches to treat immunological diseases. Our results showed that MSC have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on activated T cell proliferation. The immunosuppressive properties of MSC vary between batches, but not between different passages of the same batch.
Sequence Conservation Analysis and Screening of Ayurvedic compounds against SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: Basharat Zarrin , Jahanzaib Muhammad , Rahman Noor , Khan Ishtiaq Ahmad , Yasmin Azra
Published: August 2020

Recent infections caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to global panic and mortality. Here, we analyzed the spike (S) protein of this virus using bioinformatics tools. We aimed to determine relative changes among different coronavirus species over the past two decades and to understand the conservation of the S-protein. Representative sequences of coronaviruses were collected from humans and other animals between 2000 and 2020. Evolutionary analyses found that the S-protein did not evolve overnight, but rather continuously over time. Virtual screening of S-protein against a phytochemical database of Ayurvedic medicinal compounds (n = 2103) identified the S-protein inhibitors. Among these, top ranked were Gingerol (IUPAC name: 4'-Me ether, 3,5-di-Ac 3,5-di-Gingerdiols), 1-(5-Butyltetrahydro-2-furanyl)-2-hexacosanone and Ginsenoyne N ginseng that stimulates Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and the immune system. Gingerol is found in the fresh ginger and has reputation of being a potent antiviral. These compounds might prove useful to design drugs against COVID-19.
NH3 Sensing Performance of Pt-Doped WO3·0.33H2O Microshuttles Induced From Scheelite Leaching Solution
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhou Pengfei , Zhao Sikai , Han Cong , Wei Dezhou , Shen Yanbai , Liu Tao
Published: August 2020

WO3·0.33H2O microshuttles (WMSs) self-assembled by numerous nanorods along the same direction were prepared based on a cheap tungsten-containing metallurgical raw material by combination processes of NaOH leaching and one-step hydrothermal method. The microstructures and gas sensing properties of various concentrations (0, 0.7, 1.0, and 1.3 mol%) of Pt-doped WMSs were investigated to improve their performance. The microstructural characterizations demonstrated that the WMSs assembled by one-dimensional WO3·0.33H2O nanorods were approximately 0.8−1.9 µm in diameter. Such nanorods exhibited a single hexagonal structure with their diameters ranging from 17 to 62 nm. The gas sensing properties indicated that Pt-doped WMSs showed superior gas sensing performance in terms of the sensor response and NH3 selectivity in the operating temperature range of 25−225 oC as compared with pure one, and simultaneously Pt doping could significantly reduce the detection limit of NH3. Especially, 1.0 mol% Pt-doped WMSs exhibited highest response of 28.2 to 1000 ppm NH3 at 175 oC, which was 4 times higher than pure one at 50 oC. The remarkably enhanced gas sensing performance of Pt-doped WMSs to NH3 could be ascribed to the electronic and chemical sensitization mechanisms of noble metal nanoparticles.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression in Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Protocol of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: LIU Xiaobo , Dong Chao , Jiang Hong , Zhong Dongling , Li Yuxi , Zhang Huiling , Zhang Jun , Fan Jin , Li Juan , Guan Li , Jin Rongjiang
Published: August 2020

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing in China. Both physical and psychological complications occur along with the development of T2DM. The patients with depression account for a significant proportion of T2DM. Depressive symptoms interfere with blood glucose management, leading to poorer treatment outcome and even relate to the occurrence of other serious complications of T2DM population. Among these T2DM patients with depression, early detection and treatment is essential and effective. Knowledge of the current prevalence of depression in T2DM patients as well as associated risk factors may be meaningful for healthcare planning. Therefore, we plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the Chinese prevalence of depression in T2DM and explore associated risk factors.Methods: We will search literatures recorded in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang database (Wanfang Data). The grey literatures and reference list will be manually searched. We will include population-based, cross-sectional surveys that investigated the Chinese prevalence of depression in T2DM or/and researched the possible risk factors. Two reviewers will screen studies, extract data and evaluate quality independently. We will assess inter-rater agreement between reviewers for study inclusion, data extraction, and study quality assessment using Kappa statistics. The primary outcome will be the pooled Chinese prevalence of depression in T2DM patients. The secondary outcome will contain the potential risk factors for depression in patients with T2DM. R software (version 3.6.1) and STATA software (version 12) will be used for data analysis.Discussion: This systematic review will provide comprehensive evidence of the Chinese prevalence and risk factors of depression in patients with T2DM. we expect to provide evidence basis for healthcare practitioners and policy makers to pay attention to the mental health of T2DM. Our data will highlight the need and importance of early detection and intervention for depression in patients with T2DM. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020182979.
“Those Are Things for Married People”: Exploring Parents’/adults’ and Adolescents’ Perspectives on Contraceptives in Kenya
Authors: Mwaisaka Jefferson , Dibaba Yohannes , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Oduor Clement , Habib Helen , Njagi Joan , Bangha Martin
Published: August 2020

BackgroundContraceptive use among adolescent girls is low in many sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. One factor likely to limit contraceptive use among adolescent girls is the attitude of parents and other community members including adolescent girls themselves. Understanding parents’, other adults’ in the community and adolescent girls’ perspectives and attitudes towards contraceptive use might help to unravel the cause of low use of contraception among adolescent girls. This study therefore sought to explore and compare adults’/parents’ and adolescent girls’ narratives and perspectives about contraception in Narok and Homa Bay counties, Kenya. MethodsQualitative data from 45 in-depth-interviews conducted with purposively selected consenting adolescent girls aged 15-19 was used. Additionally, twelve focus group discussions were held with 86 consenting adults conveniently recruited from the two counties. All discussions were conducted in the local language and audio recorded following consent of the study participants. Female moderators were engaged throughout the study making it appropriate for the study to solicit feedback from the targeted respondents.Results Findings highlighted adults’ perceptions on adolescents’ sexuality and the presence of stringent conceptions about the side-effects of contraception in the study communities. Some participants underscored the need for open contraceptive talk between parents and their adolescent girls. Four main themes emerged from the discussions; i) Perceptions about adolescents’ sexuality and risk prevention, ii) Conceptions about contraception among nulligravida adolescents: fear of infertility, malformation and sexual libertinism, iii) Post-pregnancy contraceptive considerations and iv) Thinking differently: divergent views regarding contraceptives and parent/adolescent discussion.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there is a need for increased attention towards adolescents and their caregivers particularly in demystifying contraceptive misconceptions. Programmatic efforts should therefore be directed towards the provision of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and services through a well-informed approach that will provide accurate information on how contraceptive methods work, the side effects of each method and the benefits associated with them at the family and community levels. Programmatic efforts should further seek to enhance the capacity of parents to discuss sexuality with adolescents.
Experimental study on the reduction effect of pit texture on disassembly damage for interference fit
Authors: Zhou Dan , Xu Yi , Gao Xin , Huang Hai-Hong
Published: August 2020

After remanufacturing disassembly, several kinds of friction damages can be found on the mating surface of interference fit. These damages should be repaired and the cost is closely related to the severity of damages. Inspired by the excellent performance of surface texture in wear reduction, 5 shapes of pit array textures are added to the specimens’ surface to study their reduction effect of disassembly damage for interference fit. The results of disassembly experiments show that the order of influence of texture parameters on disassembly damage is as follows: equivalent circle diameter of single texture，texture shape and texture surface density. The influence of equivalent circle diameter of single texture and texture shape are obviously more significant than that of texture surface density. The circular texture with a surface density of 30% and a diameter of 100μm shows an excellent disassembly damage reduction effect. The load-carrying capacity of interference fit with the excellent texture is confirmed by load-carrying capacity experiments. The results show that the load-carrying capacity of the excellent texture surface is increased about 40% compared with that of without texture.
Eosinophil and Anticoagulation in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ari Selma , Can Veysi , Demir Ömer Furkan , Ari Hasan , Ağca Fahriye Vatansever , Melek Mehmet , Çamcı Sencer , Dikiş Özlem Şengören , Huysal Kağan , Türk Tamer
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Despite prophylactic anticoagulant treatments, thrombotic complications may develop in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate anti-Factor Xa levels to determine the anticoagulant activity of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in COVID-19 patients.Materials and methods: We prospectively evaluated 80 COVID-19 patients, diagnosed using polymerase-chain-reaction test, who were admitted to our clinic and administered LMWH; enoxaparin was applied according to the weight, D-dimer levels, and clinical condition of patients. Anti-Factor Xa levels in blood, drawn 4h after the 3rd dose of LMWH, were measured and a level of <0.2IU/ml was considered subprophylactic. Patients were followed up clinically and anti-Factor Xa levels were re-examined before discharge. Results:Groups 1 and 2 included 13 and 63 patients with subprophylactic (0.18±0.06) and prophylactic (0.43±0.23) anti-Factor Xa levels, respectively. The proportion of eosinophils in patients was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (2.96±2.55 vs 0.90±1.28;p=0.001). At the time of discharge the eosinophilic proportion of patients was significantly higher (3.06±1.49 vs 2.07±1.92;p=0.001) but the activated partial thromboplastin time was significantly lower (22.34±1.38 vs 24.38±3.58; p=0.01) in group 1 than in group 2. Of 14 patients with eosinophil content >4%, 6 were in group 1 ((6/13) 46.2%) while 8 were in group 2 ((8/63) 11.9%); (p=0.009), and all had a D-dimer level <1µg/mL (p=0.03). ROC analysis for the presence of anticoagulation at subprophylactic level revealed an area under curve of 0.79 (95% CI:0.64-0.93); p=0.001).Conclusions: In COVID-19 patients, eosinophil levels could be considered for determining effective prophylactic anticoagulant administration. (NCT04507282)
Modeling analysis of a SEIQR epidemic model to assess the impact of undetected cases , and predict the early peack of the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon
Authors: LEONTINE NKAGUE NKAMBA , LUTHER MAYOMBE MANN MARTIN , TIMOTHEE MANGA THOMAS , Mbang J.
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, and the strain is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It belongs to the coronavirus family, which can result in benign diseases in humans, such as a cold, and can also cause serious pathologies such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). In this study, we have modeled the COVID-19 epidemic in Cameroon. We used early reported case data to predict the peak, assess the impact of containment measures, and the impact of undetected infected people on the epidemic trend and characteristics of COVID-19. The basic reproduction number is computed using Lyapunov functions, and the global stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium are demonstrated.
Resilience in Cancer Care at the Time of COVID-19: Practical Approach to the Management of Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Emergency in a Large Italian Community Hospital
Authors: Lasagna Angioletta , Secondino Simona , Agustoni Francesco , Monaco Teresa , Imarisio Ilaria , Pagani Anna , Rizzo Gianpiero , Tancredi Richard J. , Pozzi Emma , Ferraris Elisa , Chiellino Silvia , Gandini Chiara , Brugnatelli Silvia G. , Pedrazzoli Paolo
Published: August 2020

PurposeWith the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Oncologists have had to face the challenge of continuing active treatments without compromising the safety of our patients and healthcare personnel. Methods From February 24th, we reorganized our Oncology Unit with the introduction of a double-step triage strategy for cancer patients under treatment in order to identify patients at risk from COVID-19 and to avoid their admission to the outpatient clinic and to the inpatient ward.ResultsFrom February 24 to April 7 2020, we have performed 819 phone calls, leading to the authorization of 788 accesses (312 patients) to the outpatient clinic for active treatments. 26 patients (8.3%) with symptoms were kept at home and managed by repeated telephone calls; 23 of them were managed at home with symptomatic treatments and antibiotics and the others 3 were hospitalized for suspected COVID. At the second triage level, 5 patients weren’t admitted to the Outpatient clinic for persistent fever or respiratory distress.177 patients were admitted to the inpatient ward: none has been found to be COVID-19 positive and both outpatient and inpatient areas were still COVID-19 free. No healthcare workers became infected by SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionOur practical approach based on a simple double-step triage strategy, allows the identification of patients at risk for active COVID-19 infection, did not request neither human nor economic extra resources and appears effective, within a large community Hospital, in maintaining cancer care and therapy while protecting patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection.
The Feasibility and Safety of Barbed Running Suture in Total Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy (TLDG)for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ge Lei , Wang Tong-Bo , Zhou Hong , Wei Jian Jian , Guo Chunguang , Zhao DongBing
Published: August 2020

Background: Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) is a minimally invasive method for gastric cancer. Intracorporeal reconstruction of the digestive tract with technically challenging is a critical step. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a simplified method using a unidirectional barbed suture to create a continuous hand-sewn for gastrointestinal enterotomy closure and reinforcement of the duodenal stump (RDS) in our institutional experience. Methods: From March 2019 to December 2019, 32 patients who underwent TLDG with a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy (GJA), jejunojejunostomy (JJ) and reinforcement the duodenal stump (RDS) were enrolled in this study. After tumor resection, the technique with the knotless unidirectional barbed suture was used to close the common incision for the linear stapler during the intracorporeal reconstruction following the TLDG. Patient characteristics, operative time, length of hospital stay, the time of the first flatus, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: The reinforcement and closure method were successfully performed after TLDG in the 32 patients without re-exploration. No major adverse events occurred during or after the operation. The mean procedure time was (247.3 ± 44.2) min, while the common incision closure procedure took a mean of 9.5±1.6min, the Laparoscopic Reinforcement Suture (LRS) procedure took a mean of 5.7± 0.9min, the blood loss was (68.0 ± 48.3) ml. The mean number of LNs dissected was (31.5 ± 11.3), the mean time of the first flatus was (3.7±1.2) days, the postoperative bed activity time (1.7±0.3)days, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was(9.5±2.7)days. The complications rate was 6.3%, including one emptying dysfunction, and one local abscess near duodenal stumps. Conclusions: The use of the unidirectional absorbable barbed suture for gastrojejunal/ jejunojejunal enterotomy closure and reinforcement of the duodenal stump is safe and effective in TLDG.
Analysis of BRCA1/2 variants of unknown significance in patients with breast cancer from a prospective KOHBRA study
Authors: Kim Joo Heung , Park Sunggyun , Park Hyung Seok , Park Ji Soo , Lee Seung-Tae , Kim Sung-Won , Lee Jong Won , Lee Min Hyuk , Park Sue K. , Noh Woo-Chul , Choi Doo Ho , Han Wonshik , Jung Sung Hoo
Published: August 2020

Background Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is crucial for diagnosing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes (HBOC). Testing for such genes has been on the rise due to the development of multigene panel tests. However, results classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) present challenges to clinicians trying to interpret their functions and choose appropriate management plans.Methods We reviewed a total of 676 breast cancer patients who had VUS on BRCA mutation tests between November 2007 and April 2013 in the KOHBRA study. These results were compared to the ClinVar database. We calculated the incidence and odds ratios for these variants using the Korean Reference Genome Database (KRGDB).Results A total of 58 and 91 distinct VUS in BRCA1 and 2 were identified in the KOHBRA study (comprising 258 and 453 patients, respectively). A total of 27 variants in the KOHBRA study were not registered in the SNP database. Of the BRCA1 VUS, 20 variants were reclassified as benign or likely benign, 4 variants were reclassified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, and 8 variants remained as VUS according to the ClinVar database. Of the BRCA2 VUS variants, 25 variants were reclassified as benign or likely benign, two variants were reclassified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, and 33 variants remained as VUS according to the Clinvar database. There were 12 variants with conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity for BRCA1 and 18 variants for BRCA2. Among them, p.Leu1780Pro showed a particularly high odds ratio.Conclusions Six pathogenic variants and one conflicting variant identified using ClinVar could be reclassified as pathogenic variants in this study. Using updated ClinVar and calculating odds ratios can be helpful when reclassifying VUS in BRCA1/2.
JAK-Inhibitor and Type I Interferon Ability to Produce Favorable Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Walz Lucas , Cohen Avi J. , Rebaza Andre P. , Vanchieri James , Slade Martin D. , Cruz Charles S. Dela , Sharma Lokesh
Published: August 2020

Background The spread of a highly pathogenic, novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a once-in-a-century pandemic, having already infected over 17 million. Novel therapies are urgently needed. Janus kinase-inhibitors and Type I interferons have emerged as potential antiviral candidates for COVID-19 patients for their proven efficacy against diseases with excessive cytokine release and due to direct antiviral ability against viruses including coronaviruses, respectively. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of Janus kinase-inhibitors and Type I interferons and their ability to produce positive patient outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods A search of MEDLINE and MedRxiv was conducted by three investigators from inception until July 30 th 2020, including any study type that compared treatment outcomes of humans treated with JAK-inhibitor or Type I interferon against controls. Inclusion necessitated data with clearly indicated risk estimates or those that permitted their back-calculation. Outcomes were synthesized using RevMan. Results Of 733 searched studies, we included four randomized and eleven non-randomized trials. Five of the studies were unpublished. Those who received Janus kinase-inhibitor had significantly reduced odds of mortality (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03 – 0.39, p<0.001) and ICU admission (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01 – 0.26, p<0.001), and had significantly increased odds of hospital discharge (OR, 22.76; 95% CI, 10.68 – 48.54, p<0.00001), when compared to standard treatment group. Type I interferon recipients had significantly reduced odds of mortality (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04 – 0.85, p<0.05), and increased odds of discharge bordering significance (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.00 – 3.59, p=0.05). Conclusions Janus kinase-inhibitor treatment is significantly associated with positive clinical outcomes in terms of mortality, ICU admission, and discharge. Type I interferon treatment is associated with positive clinical outcomes in regard to mortality and discharge. While these data show promise, additional well-conducted RCTs are needed to further elucidate the relationship between clinical outcomes and Janus kinase-inhibitors and Type I interferons in COVID-19 patients.
Self-Sampling Interventions for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Jaya Ziningi Nobuhle , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P , Parboosing Raveen
Published: August 2020

Background: Research shows a high prevalence of sexual transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active women throughout the world. Patient self-testing and self-sampling strategies are pivotal to facilitate rapid diagnosis of disease among key populations. The main objective of this study is to map evidence on self-sampling methods utilised to facilitate STIs diagnosis among women. Methods: We propose to conduct a scoping review, which will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley framework, Levac et al, 2010 and the Joanna Briggs Institution 2015 recommendations. We will conduct a database search for relevant peer-reviewed articles to answer our research question. We will search the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Journal Storage, Science Direct, Web of Science, and MEDLINE (via EBSCOHost). We will also search for grey literature from World Health Organisation (WHO) and Department of Health websites. We will present the results of the review following the Preferred Resulting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We will employ Nvivo version 12 for thematic content analysis of the included studies. We will conduct quality appraisal of the included studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT)-version 2018.Discussion: It is anticipated that findings of this scoping review will highlight gaps for further investigation to address the global burden of STIs. This could assist policy makers and developers of diagnostic equipment to develop evidence-based interventions to enable self-sampling and early diagnosis of STIs among women. Systematic Review Registration Submitted to Open Science Framework on 25 July 2020.
A Visual Framework of Meta Genomic Analysis on Variations of Whole SARS-CoV-2 Sequences
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Liu Jianzhong
Published: August 2020

The worldwide outbreak of the CODIV-19 has become a global pandemic resulting in millions of confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deadths. To face such a global crisis, bioinformatics has played a key role in the diagnosis, follow-up, prognosis and treatment of COVID-19-infected patients.A novel bioinformatic tool for metagenomic analysis of whole genomes is proposed in this paper that is composed of three projections: global, clustering and genomic index. For each projection, key modules are described. Global projection provides various combinatorial distributions for a whole genome of N length, and the m-mer scheme partitions this sequence as M segments on 1D, 2D and 3D density matrices for multiple projections. Clustering projections based on distributions from global projections make special filters extract specific parts as probability eigenvalues.Genomic index projection provides comprehensive technologies under the theory of information entropy, and a list of measuring entropies are included, such as combinatorial entropy CE, integrated entropy IE, mean entropy ME and topological entropy TE. Three projections provide unified information to describe complicated functions, internal structures and refined variations for multiple groups of SARSCoV-2 on variations and other genomes in comparisons.The outputs of three projections are illustrated on variant maps to support category, clustering, classification and establishing root activities for refined quantitative operations from bottom to top strategy.
Development and Characterization of Novel Microsatellite Markers for a Dominant Parasitoid (Stethynium Empoasca) in Tea Plantations Using High-throughput Sequencing
Authors: Li Jinyu , Shi Longqing , Chen Jie , You Minsheng , You Shijun
Published: August 2020

Background: Stethynium empoasca is an egg parasitoid of the predominant tea pest, and is regarded as the most promising candidate for both augmentative and conservative biological control in tea plantations. However, little is presently known about its biology, ecology, and genetics. Methods: Novel microsatellite markers were developed for S. empoasca from transcriptome sequences generated using high-throughput sequencing. The identified markers were then validated and characterized using 98 individuals from five geographically distinct populations through the tests of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium as well as the analyses of genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, and gene flow.Results: A total of 54,520 microsatellites were identified from 117Mb clean sequences. By assessing with five geographical populations, a total of 18 loci were demonstrated to be polymorphic, stable, and repetitive. The genetic variation over the 18 loci varied with allele number ranging from 2 to 7, polymorphism information content from 0.234 to 0.634; and observed and expected heterozygosity from 0.166 to 0.686 and 0.276 to 0.753, respectively. Meanwhile, the 18 loci showed a low frequency of null alleles (0 – 0.107), and the inbreeding coefficient revealed a range from −0.143 to 0.173, with the exception of loci Ste36 (0.4076). Based on analysis of these 18 loci, the assessed populations showed low to moderate levels of genetic differentiation, in which individuals clearly grouped into two clusters. And the recent dispersal rates between the geographically distinct populations were identified to be much lower (0.011 – 0.250) than the individual gene exchange rates within a population (0.683 – 0.939).Conclusion: The identified 18 microsatellite markers could reveal a pattern of spatial structure and gene flow in S. empoasca populations according to geographic variability. This work provides an important basis for future studies on how these markers can be used in studies of the biology, genetics, and ecology of this important parasitoid. The findings can further provide important information for the development of biological control strategies in tea plantations. Additionally, our study reaffirms the importance and efficiency of high-throughput sequencing in microsatellite marker development for non-model species lacking reference genome information.
Assessing the progress of exports diversification in Saudi Arabia: growth-share matrix approach
Authors: Imdadul Haque Mohammad
Published: August 2020

High dependence on a particular category of exports results in fluctuations in income as the price of the export item fluctuates. In Saudi Arabia, a single category of mineral exports forms over 78% of the total exports, exposing the country to revenue volatility. The study aims to assess the magnitude of diversification of the export basket for the country. It uses data from 1984 to 2018 to study the importance of non-mineral exports in total exports. It applies Granger causality, variance decomposition, and impulse response function in the vector autoregressive framework. The study also uses the growth-share matrix to evaluate individual items of non-mineral exports. The results show a long-run relationship with a 1% increase in non-mineral exports, leading to a 0.30% increase in total exports. Non-mineral exports Granger-cause total exports. In the long run, non-mineral exports have a share of 64% of the forecast error variance in total exports. Moreover, a 1% shock in non-mineral exports creates a huge initial impact on total exports. Also, the growth rate of non-mineral products is higher than mineral products. The results indicate the importance of non-mineral exports for a predominantly oil-exporting country. Finally, the study attempts to classify its non-mineral export categories based on growth rates and market shares. Targeted emphasis on export category with a strong growth rate and low market share can be an effective strategy for further export diversification.
As matrizes normativas da Nova Gestão Pública e o enfrentamento das desigualdades educacionais
Authors: Alves Saraiva Ana Maria
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os conceitos de eficiência e de eficácia como matrizes valorativas que se apresentam para os sistemas educacionais. Compreende-se que tais matrizes emergem a partir da adoção de um novo modelo teórico na orientação da gestão estatal, denominado a Nova Gestão Pública (NGP). Com um desenho metodológico apoiado na análise bibliográfica e documental, o artigo se desenvolve considerando que o referido modelo estabelece uma nova racionalização para a gestão educacional. Introduz a avaliação externa, a produção de indicadores, a construção de escalas universalizantes e a responsabilização como ferramentas de gestão, alterando a relação entre o Estado e a educação. Em seguida, apresenta-se uma discussão em torno dos limites da NGP na relação com a política educacional. Conclui-se que a transposição de valores e processos empresariais para a administração pública evidencia os desafios do modelo para o enfrentamento das desigualdades educacionais.
Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction Induced by Hypoxia in the Respiratory System
Authors: Hou Yapeng , Ding Yan , Liu Yanhong , Xie Xiaoyong , Cui Yong , Nie Hongguang
Published: August 2020

A steady and continuous supply of oxygen is important for humans, since an excess or deficiency in
oxygen levels may result in the death of cells, tissues, or organisms. As a mechanical barrier against pathogens,
the respiratory epithelium is always exposed to hypoxia in some detrimental external environments and/or pathologic
states. The barrier function is accordingly impaired as a result of the disrupted cell composition ratio, ion
transport, and tight junctions in a hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent or independent way. Hypoxia has been
identified as an element of the primary or secondary pathogenic factors of many respiratory diseases. Still, the
relationship between hypoxia and epithelial barrier dysfunction is not fully understood. Thus, we summarized
recent researches on epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by hypoxia in the respiratory system, aiming to explore
the possible therapeutic targets in hypoxia-related respiratory system diseases.
Marine Sponge-Associated Fungi as Potential Novel Bioactive Natural Product Sources for Drug Discovery: A Review
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Ting , Xu Jianzhou , Lu Jian , Qiu Panpan , Wang Tingting , Ding Lijian
Published: August 2020

Marine sponge-associated fungi are promising sources of structurally interesting and bioactive
secondary metabolites. Great plenty of natural products have been discovered from spongeassociated
fungi in recent years. Here reviewed are 571 new compounds isolated from marine fungi associated
with sponges in 2010-2018. These molecules comprised eight different structural classes, including
alkaloids, polyketides, terpenoids, meroterpenoids, etc. Moreover, most of these compounds
demonstrated profoundly biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, cytotoxic, etc. This review
systematically summarized the structural diversity, biological function, and future potential of
these novel bioactive natural products for drug discovery.
An Insight of Scientific Developments in TSC for Better Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Natarajan Nalini , Thiruvenkatam Vijay
Published: August 2020

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease, which is characterized by noncancerous
tumors in multi-organ systems in the body. Mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes are known
to cause the disease. The resultant mutant proteins TSC1 (hamartin) and TSC2 (tuberin) complex evade
its normal tumor suppressor function, which leads to abnormal cell growth and proliferation. Both TSC1
and TSC2 are involved in several protein-protein interactions, which play a significant role in maintaining
cellular homeostasis. The recent biochemical, genetic, structural biology, clinical and drug discovery
advancements on TSC give a useful insight into the disease as well as the molecular aspects of TSC1
and TSC2. The complex nature of TSC disease, a wide range of manifestations, mosaicism and several
other factors limits the treatment choices. This review is a compilation of the course of TSC, starting
from its discovery to the current findings that would take us a step ahead in finding a cure for TSC.
Synergistic Antitumor Effect of 5-Fluorouracil Combined with Constituents from Pleurospermum lindleyanum in Hepatocellular Carcinoma SMMC-7721 Cells
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Feng , Li Xiao-Jin , Cao Zhong-Lian , Liu Xiu-Jie , Yang Ping , Ju Dianwen , Mu Qing
Published: August 2020

Background:

A Chinese folk medicine plant Pleurospermum lindleyanum possesses pharmacological
activities of heat-clearing, detoxifying and preventing from hepatopathy, coronary heart disease, hypertension,
and high altitude sickness. We isolated and characterized its constituents to investigate its synergistic effects
against human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic anti-cancer activities of isolates from P. lindleyanum
with 5-FU on hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells in vitro and their primary mechanisms.

Methods:

Sequential chromatographic techniques were conducted for the isolation studies. The isolate's structures
were established by spectroscopic analysis as well as X-ray crystallographic diffraction. Growth inhibition
was detected by MTT assay. The isobologram method was used to assess the effect of drug combinations. Flow
cytometry and western blot were used to examine apoptosis and protein expression.

Results:

A new coumarin (16), along with sixteen known compounds, were isolated from the whole plant of P.
lindleyanum and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Four coumarins (2, 3, 5, and 16),
two flavonoids (8 and 9) and three phytosterols and triterpenes (12-14) were found to synergistically enhance
the inhibitory effect of 5-FU against SMMC-7721 cells. Among them, compounds 3 and 16 exhibited the best
synergistic effects with IC50 of 5-FU reduced by 16-fold and 22-fold possessing the minimum Combination
Index (CI) 0.34 and 0.27. The mechanism of action of combinations might be through synergistic arresting for
the cell cycle at G1 phases and the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, western blotting and molecular docking
revealed that compounds 3 or 5 might promote 5-FU-induced apoptosis by regulating the expression of Caspase
9 and PARP.

Conclusion:

Constituents from P. lindleyanum may improve the treatment effectiveness of 5-FU against hepatocellular
carcinoma cells.
Catalytic Neutralization of Naphthenic Acid from Petroleum Crude Oil by Using Cerium Oxide Catalyst and 2- Methylimidazole in Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Mohd Shohaimi Norshahidatul Akmar , Jelani Norfakhriah , Ab Halim Ahmad Zamani , Abdullah Nor Hakimin , Shukri Nurasmat Mohd
Published: August 2020

Background:

The presence of relatively high naphthenic acid in crude oil may
contribute to the major corrosion in oil pipelines and distillation units in crude oil refineries.
Thus, high concentration naphthenic acid crude oil is considered to be of low quality and is
marketed at lower prices. In order to overcome this problem, the neutralization method had
been developed to reduce the TAN value in crude oil. In this study, crude oil from Petronas
Penapisan Melaka was investigated.

Methods:

The parameters studied were reagent concentration, catalyst loading, calcination
temperature, and reusability of the potential catalyst. The basic chemical used was 2-
methylimidazole in polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) with concentration 100, 500 and 1000
ppm. Cerium oxide-based catalysts were supported onto alumina prepared with different calcination
temperatures.

Results:

The catalyst was characterized by using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetry Analysis-Differential
Thermal Gravity (TGA-DTG) to study the physical properties of the catalyst. The Ce/Al2O3
catalyst calcined at 1000°C was the best catalyst due to larger surface area formation which
lead to an increment of active sites thus will boost catalytic activity. The result showed that
the Ce/Al2O3 catalyst meets the Petronas requirement as the TAN value reduced to 0.6
mgKOH/g from the original TAN value of 4.22 mgKOH/g.

Conclusion:

The best reduction of TAN was achieved by using catalyst loading of 0.39%
and reagent of 1000 ppm.
Risk Factors of Burnout among Egyptian Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Al-Maksoud Ayman A.A. , Asla Amir F. , Awad Mariam A. , Maray Mohamed , Omar Mohamed M. , Bahbah Eshak I.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and
reduced personal accomplishment. It was initially investigated among employees and restricted to
those who work in human services and educational institutions. However, this study aimed to evaluate
the prevalence and associated risk factors of burnout among Egyptian medical students in Damietta
Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University.

Methods :

This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2017 and March 2018, involved
first to sixth-year medical students. The questioner consisted of four sections: 1) Sociodemographics
and personal characteristics of participants such as age, gender, and academic year; 2)
Burnout measurement: Burnout was measured by MBI-SS, a modified form of MBI-GS; 3) Related
risk factors; 4) association between burnout and performance.

Results:

Out of 322 students, 222 students completed the questionnaire with a 67% response rate.
The mean age was 21.1 ± 1.9, and 197 (88.7%) students were males. Our analysis demonstrated that
the prevalence of burnout was 51.8%. In terms of subscales, 198 participants have high emotional
exhaustion, 201 showed a high degree of depersonalization, and 110 participants have personal accomplishment.
There was a significant difference between both groups in terms of gender (p=0.01)
and marital status (p=0.005). Regression analysis demonstrated that high-risk factors related to
studying burden, social burden, and future burden are associated with a higher risk of burnout with
odd ratio (OR= 1.10, 95% CI (1.05-1.155), p<0.05), (OR= 1.05, 95% CI (1.01-1.09), p<0.05), and
(OR= 1.15, 95% CI (1.05-1.26), p<0.05), respectively.

Conclusion:

This study found that the burnout prevalence was 52% with quite a high percentage of
emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP), and a low level of personal accomplishment.
Moreover, a significant association between gender, grade of medical school, marital status, and risk
factors related to the study burden, future burden, and social burden.