bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forms, Prevalence and Drivers of Children’s Work and Children’s Harmful Work in Shallot Production on the Keta Peninsula, South-Eastern Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Thomas , Egyir Irene
Published: November 2020

This paper synthesises the available literature on the forms, prevalence and drivers of children’s work, and evidence of harm associated with children’s work in shallot production on the Keta Peninsula, Ghana. What emerges is that children have historically played, and continue to play, a key role in this horticultural system and their work contribution is structured by both age and gender. Desires to support parents and earn income drive children’s involvement, and children’s work has potential negative effects on their education.
Onomasiological models typology of Russian adjective composites
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Sosnina Lyudmila V.
Published: November 2020

The subject matter of this article relates to the complex description of adjectives-composites of the Russian language within the onomasiological class “person’s social feature”. There have been analysed organization features of composites formation and ways of onomasiological structure definition as to composite adjectives within the onomasiological class. All adjective-composites of modern Russian are considered as univerbalisation composites, derivation composites and units of quasi-composition. Univerbalisation composites demonstrate a complete semantic identity with a producing word-combination. Derivation composites have shown the relations of external motivation between a basic word-combination and a new composite. Units of quasi-composition are formed on the basis of structural models of univerbalisation and derivation. The analysis of these linguistic units is carried out according to their belonging to a certain onomasiological model consisting of an onomasiological basis and an onomasiological feature that allows to distinguish 17 models of adjective composites. The author comes to the conclusion that the onomasiological class should be understood as a set of nominathems, in which the feature description is realized in one corresponding grammatical class of units (adjectives) with the help of the same structural method, mostly with the help of all kinds of composites. This research has developed the modern nomination theory and provides a basis for complex description of language units.
Functional features of the phraseological unit there is no money, but you hold on
Authors:   Moscow State Regional University, Gerasimchuk Maria S.
Published: November 2020

The article describes the phraseological unit of money that is not enough, and it operates on the political Internet, electronic media and social networks. She has every reason to succeed in this matter. Based on contrast, due to the semantics of the union, the expression repeats the logic of the object of perception of the words of Dmitry Medvedev, the subject of phrase-making. Despite the fact that everyone knows the wide context and the situation in which the expression is pronounced, the phrase is attributed to the former prime minister and is sometimes quoted in quotation marks. The statistical analysis over the years, given in the article, shows that the winged expression is increasingly firmly entering our language. The grammatical form of phraseological sentence is presented as a source of semantic transformations. In the basis of the change in the meaning of phraseological units, according to the author, there is a change in speech acts laid down in the form of a wish. The article presents the prospects of studying options, transformations and a syntactic model of the phraseological unit and idiol of D. Medvedev as a political figure.
Linguoculturological potential of the lexeme Rozhdestvo (‘Christmas’) in the contemporary youth’s linguistic consciousness (based on findings of an associative verbal experiment)
Authors:   St. Petersburg Mining University, Dmitrieva Maria N. , Rassadina Sophia A. , Shchukina Daria A.
Published: November 2020

The paper focuses on associative verbal potential of the lexeme Rozhdestvo (‘Christmas’) in contemporary Russian youth’s linguistic worldview. The research is based on findings of an associative linguistic experiment. The experiment allowed explicating culture codes unconsciously reproduced by respondents, and produced easily calculable results. Each of the respondents had to write down five linguistic units associated with the stimulus word Rozhdestvo (‘Christmas’). Linguoculturological approach is used to interpret the obtained data as it allows analysing how cultural phenomena are represented in linguistic consciousness. The authors discover certain mobility of the linguistic means that verbalise Christmas semantics, as well as certain heterogeneity of people’s conceptions of the feast. The study reveals contemporary cultural context and discourses significant for the youth environment. The experiment’s primary result can be considered our visualisation of the cultural syncretism reflected in the perception of the lexeme Rozhdestvo. The findings can help when developing projects in education, communications, advertising that exploit cultural images and/or elements of cultural context, and serve as basis for further studies.
Anti-theodicy narrative in the novel “Vadim” of M.Yu. Lermontovова
Authors:   Renmin University of China, Xiaomin Huang
Published: November 2020

“Vadim” is the first experience of Mikhail Lermontov in prose. Some Russian scholars define it as ahistorical novel. The combination of themes of individual revenge with the theme of peasant revolt is a peculiar feature of “Vadim”. The author of the novel raises the question of the origin of evil, presupposed by “heocracy”, and by analyzing the hero Vadim’s revenge motive, the anti-theodicy’s narrative mechanism of the novel can be explained. The scene in which the hero abets his companion to hang the captured old man is a direct experiment of anti- theodicy and a powerful testimony of the writer's anti- theodicy standpoint. According to Leibniz’s theory, Vadim's evil belongs to moral evil. Lermontov’s view of good and evil echoes Leibniz’s theory. Leibniz believes that evil exists to show good and make it the object of opposition, and that man can achieve perfection in the process of winning good over evil. From the novel two righteous images — the nameless old man and the wife of a soldier, persisted in their beliefs in times of crisis, which showed the writer’s inheritance of theodicy’s standpoint. Before hanging, the nameless old man recalls the death of Jesus Christ and at the last moment of his life still believed that Jesus had conquered death. The scene of the torture of a soldier’s wife resembles the “martyrdom of the righteous”. For the truth, for what she believes, she is willing to sacrifice herself. This is the proof of the two repeated verses in the novel: “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest”. Lermontov’s theological view in “Vadim” is paradoxical.
The phenomenon of the Russian epic novel
Authors:   Kostroma State University, Andreeva Valeria G.
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of an epic novel, a unique genre phenomenon that arose in Russian literature of the 19th century. While the West European novel lost its national breadth and depth, the Russian novel was able to maintain an epic dominance, revived many of the signs and characteristics of ancient epics based on the material of modern life. The basis for the revival of an epic novel based on Russian soil was: the nature of Russian realism, a special understanding by Russian writers of man and his role, as well as religious consciousness and collegiality. The author of the article discusses the meanings of the definition of “epic”, the concept of “epic”, shows the need for their rapprochement based on the disclosure of the features of the epic novel. The article analyzes the views of literary scholars of the 20th century, which came close to the need to highlight such a dominant form of the Russian novel of the second half of the 19th century, but due to ideological and political trends did not determine the most important foundations of the epic novel. The work outlines the need to study the totality of the artistic world of the epic novel, the special objectivity of Russian writers, which allowed them to come to global and universal problems. The phenomenon of the epic novel is largely due to the precedent picture of the world, the conscious choice of a character between personal, selfish and popular principles in favor of the latter.
Königs Wege zum Heil : Ehe und Enthaltsamkeit in deutschen Texten des hohen und späten Mittelalters
Authors: Then-Westphal Christiane
Published: November 2020

Dissertation, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, 2016 Dynastic continuity is of very high importance not only for aristocracy, but also for the strong continuance of medieval political systems: The purpose of noble marriages and a sign of the grace of God is to be blessed with children. On the other hand, the church propagates sexual abstinence as a vital virtue of Christian saints. This thesis analyzes, how medieval texts deal with the existence of celibacy and childlessness in the high nobility. Models of marriage and dynastic concepts were researched on the basis of the married couples of „King Rother“ and „Münchner Oswald“ as well as of the literary constructs of the historical emperor Henry II. and empress Cunegund in Ebernand’s of Erfurt „Keisir unde Keisirin“, landgrave Louis and Elizabeth of Thuringia in a German Vita of Elizabeth. These texts allow to draw conclusions on contemporary discussions about the controversial topic of marriage and chastity. By analyzing the shaping of the paths of life and how the propagated life models have been legitimated, the monograph shows which traditions of discourse were the basis for the perceptions that were picked up and developed in these texts. Adelig-dynastische Kontinuität ist für den stabilen Fortbestand mittelalterlicher Staatswesen von immenser Bedeutung: mit Nachkommen gesegnet zu werden, wird somit zum Ziel adeliger Ehepolitik und gilt als Beweis für die eigene Gottgefälligkeit. Auf der anderen Seite propagiert die Kirche das Ideal der sexuellen Enthaltsamkeit als eine zentrale Tugend christlicher Heiliger. In dieser Arbeit wird untersucht, wie hochmittelalterliche deutsche Texte damit umgehen, dass es Enthaltsamkeit und Kinderlosigkeit auch im Hochadel gegeben hat. Untersucht werden Ehemodelle und dynastische Konzepte anhand der Herrscherpaare aus dem „König Rother“ und dem „Münchner Oswald“ sowie die literarischen Konstruktionen des historischen Kaiserpaars Heinrich II. und Kunigunde in Ebernands von Erfurt „Keisir unde Keisirin“ und des Landgrafenpaars Ludwig und Elisabeth von Thüringen aus der deutschsprachigen Elisabethvita. Sie lassen Rückschlüsse auf zeitgenössische Diskussionen über dieses brisante Thema zu. Anhand der Gestaltung der Lebensentwürfe und der Legitimationsstrategien des jeweils propagierten Lebensmodells wird aufgezeigt, aus welchen Diskurstraditionen die in den Texten wirksamen Vorstellungen aufgegriffen und weiterentwickelt wurden.
Kajian Revitalisasi Kawasan Benteng Somba Opu Sebagai Kawasan Bersejarah
Authors: Sudarwani Margareta Maria , Eni Sri Pare , Sir Mohammad Mochsen
Published: November 2020

Among a number fortress of Gowa, the largest and strongest is the Somba Opu Fortress. Somba Opu Fortress is the main fortress of the Kingdom of Gowa, the King of Gowa’s resident. The uniqueness of the fortress is that it is made of clay and egg whites instead of cement, so tourists are interested in visiting it. The purpose of this research is to contribute the concept of knowledge relating to a study of revitalization of Somba Opu Fortress. In this study the method used is a naturalistic qualitative research with an inductive strategy. Revitalization is a development activity that is aimed to grow back important values of Cultural Heritage with function adjustment new space that is not contrary to principle preservation and cultural value of the community. Zoning system as revitalization methode of Somba Opu Fortress is still being explored by government of Sulawesi Selatan Province.  From the research it can be concluded that the Somba Opu Fortress is rectangular. The shape and size of the fortress is the most appropriate condition with the geomorphological conditions at that time. The area of Somba Opu Fortress as a historical district needs to be considered and well maintained by related stakehorders. One of the maintenance efforts that can be done is revitalization to restore the area make it more attractive and more useful than before. The fortress of Somba Opu has become historical area, so it should be protected, preserved and maintained so that the cultural meaning contained in it still remains.
Dinamika Terbentuknya Wilayah Kampung Arab di Surakarta
Authors: Bazher Najmi Muhamad
Published: November 2020

A majority of modern-day Arab-Indonesians are the descendant of Hadramaut immigrants who came to Indonesia. They have stayed and settled in area near each other that are now known as kampung Arab. Most kampung Arab in Indonesia show that Arabs had similar pattern in their way of settling. Surakarta, as the chosen location, has kampung Arab located at Pasar Kliwon. There are theories about how these kampung Arab, including Pasar Kliwon, were developed.  The objective of this study is to explore the four theories of  Kampung Arab Pasar Kliwon development factors and the chronological sequence of those factors. This study is a qualitative research that uses secondary analysis of the previous studies as its method. Data verification utilised triangulation method, using various approaches, such as observation, interview, and participatory mapping. All four theories are considered valid. Based on the history of Kampung Arab Pasar Kliwon development, the factors in chronological order are  economic activities, community, keraton (imperial) government policy, and colonial government policy.
Injectable Non-leaching Tissue-mimetic Bottlebrush Elastomers: A New Platform for Advancing Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Dashtimoghadam Erfan , Fahimipour Farahnaz , Keith Andrew , Vashahi Foad , Popryadukhin Pavel , Vatankhah Mohammad , Sheiko Sergei
Published: November 2020

Current materials used in biomedical devices do not match tissue’s mechanical properties and leach various chemicals into the body. These deficiencies pose significant health risks that are further exacerbated by invasive implantation procedures. Herein, we leverage the brush-like polymer architecture to design and administer minimally invasive injectable elastomers that cure in vivo into leachable-free implants with mechanical properties matching the surrounding tissue. This strategy allows tuning curing time from minutes to hours, which empowers a broad range of biomedical applications from rapid wound sealing to time-intensive reconstructive surgery. These injectable elastomers support in vitro cell proliferation, while also demonstrating in vivo implant integrity with a mild inflammatory response and minimal fibrotic encapsulation.
Institutional Review of Laparoscopic Surgery during Coronavirus Disease - 2019: Recommendations for Developing Countries
Authors: Hannan Md Jafrul , Parveen Mosammat Kohinoor , Nady Alak , Hasan Md Samiul
Published: November 2020

Context: The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has posed new challenges to surgical care throughout the world. Laparoscopic guidelines were revised to address the theoretical risks associated with transmission of viral droplets and many elective surgeries were suspended.Aims: We aimed to describe strategies that lowered viral transmission risks such as alternative anaesthetic techniques and low-cost infection control and prevention practices for laparoscopic surgeries.Settings and Design: Seventy two patients who presented to hospital as acute surgical emergencies between April and July 2020 and analyzed clinical data of 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgeries. This was a prospective observational study.Methods and Material: Procedures were performed under spinal anaesthesia utilizing alternate electrosurgical units and simple smoke evacuation systems.Statistical analysis used: Continuous variables were summarized as mean and standard deviation (SD) or median and range. Discrete variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Univariate testing was performed using t test or Mann-Whitney U test. ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test was used for categorical data.Results: Of the 50 operated patients, the median age was 23 years with 54% females. The most frequently performed procedure was laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the overall median theatre time was 47 minutes, and 40% patients were managed as day cases with reduced hospital stay.Conclusions: Use of spinal anaesthesia, a simple smoke evacuator and some additional measures during laparoscopic surgeries reduce theatre time and length of hospital stay. These strategies could address and minimize the risks associated with Covid-19 transmission in surgical settings in low-resource countries.
SARS-CoV-2 N promotes the NLRP3 inflammasome activation to induce hyperinflammation
Authors: Pan Pan , Shen Miaomiao , Yu Zhenyang , Ge Weiwei , Chen Keli , Tian Mingfu , Xiao Feng , Li Geng , Wang Zhenwei , Wang Jun , Jia Yaling , Wang Wenbiao , Wan Pin , Zhang Jing , Chen Weijie , Lei Zhiwei , Chen Xin , Luo Zhen , Zhang Qiwei , Xu Meng , Li Yongkui , Wu Jianguo
Published: November 2020

Excessive inflammatory responses induced upon SARS-CoV-2 infection interlocks with severe symptoms and acute lung injury in patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Revealing the mechanism underlying the control of SARS-CoV-2-triggered immune-inflammatory responses would help us to understand the pathological process and guide clinical treatment. However, the effect of the NLRP3 inflammasome on regulating SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory responses has not been reported. Here, we revealed a distinct mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein promotes the NLRP3 inflammasome activation to induce hyperinflammation. We demonstrated that N protein facilitates the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 and induces proinflammatory responses in cultured cells and mice tissues. In team of molecular mechanism, N protein interacts directly with NLRP3 protein, promotes the binding of NLRP3 with ASC, and facilitates the assemble of the inflammasome complex. More importantly, N protein aggravates lung injury, accelerated death in sepsis and acute inflammation mouse models, and promotes IL-1β and IL-6 activation in mice. Notably, N-induced lung injury and cytokine production were blocked by Ac-YVAD-cmk, an inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, this study revealed a distinct mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 N protein promotes the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and induces excessive inflammatory responses.
Direct detection of coupled proton and electron transfers in human manganese superoxide dismutase
Authors: Azadmanesh Jahaun , Lutz William , Coates Leighton , Weiss Kevin , Borgstahl Gloria
Published: November 2020

Human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a critical oxidoreductase found in the mitochondrial matrix. Concerted proton and electron transfers (CPETs) are used by the enzyme to rid the mitochondria of O2•−, a precursor to other harmful reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The mechanisms of CPET-utilizing enzymes are typically unknown due to the difficulties in detecting the protonation states of specific residues and solvent molecules involved in catalysis while controlling the redox state of the enzyme. Here, neutron diffraction of redox-controlled MnSOD crystals revealed the all-atom structures of Mn3+SOD and Mn2+SOD delivering unique data on sites of differential protonation. A novel mechanism is proposed from the direct observation of glutamine deprotonation, the involvement of Tyr and His with altered pKas, and three unusual strong-short hydrogen bonds that change with the oxidation state of the metal. Quantum calculations provide insight into the electronic modulation of the observed structures.
Dietary Phytochemical Index and Psychological Disorders in a large sample of Iranian adults: a population-based study
Authors: darabi zahra , Vasmehjani azam Ahmadi , Salehi-Abargouei amin , mirzaei masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: November 2020

Background: Intake of plant foods including of Phytochemicals may be decrease risk of mental health.Aim: This study aim to investigate association of Dietary Phytochemical Index)DPI( with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in a large sample of Iranian adults.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 7385 adult aged 20-50 years old were provided from the recruitment phase of Yazd Health Study, a population-based cohort research on Iranian adults. Food intakes were assessed via validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using a validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales questionnaires with 21-items. DPI was calculated by percent of daily energy intake taken from phytochemical-rich foods.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, normal weight subjects in the highest tertile of DPI had a lower risk of depression (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.44–0.97) and anxiety symptoms (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45–0.93) compared with those in the lowest tertile. However, no apparent association was found between depression, anxiety and stress in overweight and obese subjects. Conclusion: We found significant association between DPI and mental health in normal weight adults. Prospective studies are required to approve these conclusions.
Involvement of Mucosal Flora and Enterochromaffin Cell of Cecum and Descending Colon in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Yang Jingze , Wang Peng , Liu Tong , Lin Lin , Li Lixiang , Kou Guanjun , Zhou Ruchen , Li Pan , Li Yanqing
Published: November 2020

Background: The comparison between microbiota of cecal and colonic mucosa in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was rarely studied. In addition, enterochromafﬁn (EC) cell had interaction with IBS. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among gut microbiota, EC cell and diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) symptoms in cecum and descending colon. Methods: Biopsies from cecum and descending colon were taken during endoscopy withdrawal. We assessed EC cell numbers, expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) and microbial diversity.Results: Total of 22 IBS-D patients and 22 health controls (HCs) were enrolled. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus_torques_group (4.91% vs. 2.20%, P = 0.04763) of cecum increased in IBS-D, while Raoultella (1.58% vs. 1.76%, P = 0.03117) and Fusobacterium (0.12% vs. 1.66%, P = 0.01892) were less abundant. In descending colon, the relative abundances of Ruminococcus_torques_group (5.94% vs. 2.29%, P = 0.04183) and Dorea (2.68% vs. 1.14%, P = 0.04962) of IBS-D increased but Fusobacterium (1.52% vs. 1.89%, P = 0.0345) decreased. EC cells number in cecum of IBS-D was higher than that in HCs and TPH1 level of IBS-D was higher than that of HCs in cecum and descending colon. Correlation analysis showed that Ruminococcus_torques_group were positively associated with HAM-A (r= 0.66, P = 0.004), HAM-D (r= 0.61, P = 0.009), EC cell number (r= 0.49, P = 0.047), IBS-SSS (r= 0.65, P = 0.004), Degree of Abdominal Pain (r = 0.63, P = 0.007), Frequency of Abdominal Pain (r = 0.63, P = 0.007), Frequency of Defecation (r = 0.60, P = 0.011). The abundance of Dorea were positively associated with EC cell number (r = 0.57, P = 0.018), IBS-SSS (r = 0.52, P = 0.034), HAM-A (r = 0.72, P = 0.001), HAM-D (r = 0.59, P = 0.012), Frequency of Abdominal Pain (r = 0.67, P = 0.003).Conclusions: EC cells number increased in IBS-D patients and the expression of TPH1 was higher than HCs. In addition, our results suggested Ruminococcus_torques_group and Dorea may be targets for treatment of IBS-D but still need further studies.
Characterization and comparison of the bacterial community between complete intensive and extensive feeding patterns in pigs
Authors: Li Xin-Jian , Wang Mingyu , Xue Yahui , Duan Dongdong , Li Cong , Ye Jianwei , Han Xuelei , Qiao Ruimin , Wang Kejun , Li Xiu-Ling
Published: November 2020

To investigate and compare the gut microbiota structure in complete intensive feeding pattern (CP) and extensive feeding pattern (EP) groups, a total of 20 pigs were divided into two groups and fed the same diet. The fecal microbial composition was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our results showed that seventeen predominant genera were present in each pig sample and constituted a phylogenetic core microbiota at the class level. Most of the core microbial flora was significantly higher in the CP group than the EP group ( P < 0.05), while Gammaproteobacteria was significantly lower in the CP group than in the EP group ( P < 0.05). The CP group had significantly higher community diversity, richness, and evenness than the EP group ( P < 0.05). Functional prediction indicated that intestinal microbial species might lead to higher growth and an increased fat accumulation capacity in the CP group; however, disease resistance was weaker in the CP group than the EP group. In conclusion, EP pigs have a wider range of sports venues and better animal welfare than CP pigs, which helps reduce the occurrence of diseases and neurological symptoms. To explore the effect of intestinal flora on the disease resistance of pigs at the molecular level, Coprococcus, which has the key gut bacterium in the intestine, was selected for isolation and purification, and co-cultured with intestinal epithelial cells. The qPCR was used to determine the effect of Coprococcus on SLA-DRB gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed that Coprococcus enhance SLA-DRB gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results provided useful references for further study on the relationship between intestinal flora and pig disease resistance.
Maresin 1 Protects the Liver Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the ALXR/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tang Da , Fu Guang , Li Wenbo , Sun Ping , Loughran Patricia A. , Deng Meihong , Scott Melanie J. , Billiar Timothy R.
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury can be a major complication following liver surgery contributing to post-operative liver dysfunction. Maresin 1 (MaR1), a pro-resolving lipid mediator, has been shown to suppress I/R injury. However, the mechanisms that account for the protective effects of MaR1 in I/R injury remain unknown.MethodsWT (C57BL/6) mice were subjected to partial hepatic warm ischemia for 60mins followed by reperfusion. Mice were treated with MaR1 (5-20ng/mouse), Boc2 (Lipoxin A4 receptor antagonist), LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) or corresponding controls just prior to liver I/R or at the beginning of reperfusion. Blood and liver samples were collected at 6h post-reperfusion. Serum aminotransferase, histopathologic changes, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress were analyzed to evaluate liver injury. Signaling pathways were also investigated in vitro using primary mouse hepatocyte (HC) cultures to identify underlying mechanisms for MaR1 in liver I/R injury. ResultsMaR1 treatment significantly reduced ALT and AST levels, diminished necrotic areas, suppressed inflammatory responses, attenuated oxidative stress and decreased hepatocyte apoptosis in liver after I/R. Akt signaling was significantly increased in the MaR1-treated liver I/R group compared with controls. The protective effect of MaR1 was abrogated by pretreatment with Boc2, which together with MaR1-induced Akt activation. MaR1-mediated liver protection was reversed by inhibition of Akt.ConclusionsMaR1 protects the liver against hepatic I/R injury via an ALXR/Akt signaling pathway. MaR1 may represent a novel therapeutic to mitigate the detrimental effects of I/R-induced liver injury.
Cure models to estimate time until hospitalization due to COVID-19. A case study in Galicia (NW Spain)
Authors: Pedrosa-Laza Maria , López-Cheda Ana , Cao Ricardo
Published: November 2020

A short introduction to survival analysis and censored data is included in this paper. A thorough literature review in the eld of cure models has been done. An overview on the most important and recent approaches on parametric, semiparametric and nonparametric mixture cure models is also included. The main nonparametric and semiparametric approaches were applied to a real time dataset of COVID-19 patients from the rst weeks of the epidemic in Galicia (NW Spain). The aim is to model the elapsed time from diagnosis to hospital admission. The main conclusions, as well as the limitations of both the cure models and the dataset, are presented, illustrating the usefulness of cure models in this kind of studies, where the influence of age and sex on the time to hospital admission is shown.
Computational prediction of Carica papaya extracts as potential drug agents against RNA polymerase and Spike proteins of SARS-nCoV2 
Authors: Saif Rashid , Zafar Muhammad Osama , Raza Muhammad Hassan , Rehman Talha , Zia Saeeda , Qureshi Abdul Rasheed
Published: November 2020

The emergence of COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-nCoV2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome novel coronavirus 2), lead to the mass-scale mortalities around the world within a short span of time. The hour of the need is to develop the strategies and designing drugs/vaccines to control the spread of this contagion. In this paper, we predict the promising drug agents from the Carica papaya compounds by docking them with two major drug target proteins of SARS-nCoV2, spike (7BZ5) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (7BW4). For this purpose, we used Molecular Operating Environment Software (MOE) for ligand-protein interactions and docking scores. Furthermore, we used PubChem, PDB and SwissADME web portals to retrieve ligands structures, proteins structures and to check Lipinski’s physiochemical parameters respectively. Cumulatively, this docking study has shown significant binding energies that (-4.2034 to -8.9013 Kcal/mol) indicates their potential against COVID-19 treatment. This study needs further evaluation on experimental basis.
Diagnostic accuracy of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV 2 infection: a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 2,173 patients 
Authors: Romero-Gameros Carlos Alfonso , Colin-Martínez Tania , Waizel-Haiat Salomón , Vargas-Ortega Guadalupe , Ferat-Osorio Eduardo , Guerrero-Paz José Alberto , Intriago-Alor Marielle , López-Moreno Mayra Alejandra , Cuevas-García Carlos Fredy , Zubieta Victoria Mendoza , Martínez-Ordaz Jose Luis , González-Virla Baldomero
Published: November 2020

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to be a priority health problem; According to the World Health Organization data from October 13, 2020, 37,704,153 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported, including 1,079,029 deaths, since the outbreak. The identification of potential symptoms has been reported to be a useful tool for clinical decision-making in emergency departments to avoid overload and improve the quality of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS -CoV-2 infection.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study was carried out, during the period of time from April 14 to July 21, 2020. Data (demographic variables, medical history, respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms) were collected by emergency physicians. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made using SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. The diagnostic accuracy of these characteristics for COVID-19 was evaluated by calculating the positive and negative likelihood ratios. A Mantel-Haenszel and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of symptoms with COVID-19.Results: A prevalence of 53.72% of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. The symptom with the highest sensitivity was cough 71%, and a specificity of 52.68%. The symptomatological scale, constructed from 6 symptoms, obtained a sensitivity of 83.45% and a specificity of 32.86%, taking ≥ 2 symptoms as a cut-off point. The symptoms with the greatest association with SARS-CoV-2 were: anosmia odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI; 2.52-4.17), fever OR 2.98 (95% CI; 2.47-3.58), dyspnea OR 2.9 (95% CI; 2.39-3.51]) and cough OR 2.73 (95% CI: 2.27-3.28).Conclusion: The combination of symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection results in a highly predictive model for a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disease, in the absence of auxiliary diagnostic studies. Evaluating the symptoms in isolation and in combination could be an appropriate strategy to be used in the emergency services to guide behavior in the face of the disease.Trial registration: Institutional registration R-2020-3601-145, Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks 17 CI-09-015-034, National Bioethics Commission: 09 CEI-023-2017082.
In silico comparative study of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and antigenic proteins in BCG, OPV, MMR and other vaccines: evidence of possible putative protective effect
Authors: Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Othman Houcemeddine , Touati Rabeb , Ayouni Kaouther , Lakhal Marwa , Mustapha Imen Ben , Ghedira Kais , Kharrat Maher , Triki Henda
Published: November 2020

Background: Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral pandemic disease that induces severe pneumonia in human. Until now, no effective therapeutic interventions or specific vaccines have been developed. In this paper, we attempt to investigate the putative implication of 12 vaccines, including BCG, OPV and MMR in the protection against COVID-19. First, we compared sequences of the main antigenic proteins in the investigated vaccines and SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Then, we investigated identified segments using a combination of structural and antigenicity prediction tools to predict their immunogenic effect.Results: A total of 14 highly similar segments were identified in investigated vaccines. After mapping on S and N proteins and analysis of the antigenicity prediction, three segments, in Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Measles proteins showed structural and antigenic properties that can induce possible putative protective effect.Conclusions: HBV, Tetanus and Measles vaccines should constitute a good candidate for a clinical trial to evaluate their real protective effect against COVID-19.
Microbial diversity characterization of seawater in a pilot study using Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing
Authors: Liem Michael , Regensburg-Tuïnk Tonny , Henkel Christiaan , Jansen Hans , Spaink Herman
Published: November 2020

Objective: Currently the majority of non-culturable microbes in sea water are yet to be discovered, Nanopore offers a solution to overcome the challenging tasks to identify the genomes and complex composition of oceanic microbiomes. In this study we evaluate the utility of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing to characterize microbial diversity in seawater from multiple locations. We compared the microbial species diversity of retrieved environmental samples from two different locations and time points.Results: With only three ONT flow cells we were able to identify thousands of organisms, including bacteriophages, from which a large part at species level. It was possible to assemble genomes from environmental samples with Flye. In several cases this resulted in >1 Mbp contigs and in the particular case of a Thioglobus singularis species it even produced a near complete genome. k-mer analysis reveals that a large part of the data represents species of which close relatives have not yet been deposited to the database. These results show that our approach is suitable for scalable genomic investigations such as monitoring oceanic biodiversity and provides a new platform for education in biodiversity.
Aspects of the development of Ixodes anatis under different environmental conditions in the laboratory and in the field
Authors: Bansal Natasha , Pomroy William , Heath Allen C , Castro Isabel
Published: November 2020

BackgroundNumerous laboratory and fewer field-based studies have found that ixodid ticks develop more quickly and survive better at temperatures between 18 and 26°C and relative humidity between 75% and 94%. Ixodes anatis Chilton, 1904, is an endophilic, nidicolous species endemic to North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli, NIBK) and the tokoeka (Apteryx australis) and little is known about the environmental conditions required for its development. Our aims in this study were to determine and compare the conditions of temperature and RH that ensured the best survival, and the shortest interstadial periods for the kiwi tick, in the laboratory and outdoors inside artificial kiwi burrows.MethodsWe collected free walking engorged ticks off wild kiwi hosts and placed them in the laboratory at various fixed temperature and humidity regimes. We also placed sets of different stages of these ticks in artificial kiwi burrows and in both cases, recorded the times taken for the ticks to moult to the next stage.ResultsWe found that larvae and nymphs both showed optimum development between 10-20°C, which is lower than many other species of ixodid ticks. However, larvae moulted quicker and survived better when saturation deficits were <1-2 mmHg (RH>94%) while for nymphs the optimum saturation deficits were 1-10 mmHg.ConclusionsWe believe that the kiwi tick has adapted to stable, but relatively cool and humid conditions in the burrows reflecting the evolutionary consequences of its association with the kiwi.
Effectiveness of Tuina manipulation in patients with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lv Zhizhen , Zhu Qingguang , Guo Guangxin , Sun Wuquan , Cheng Yanbin , Kong Lingjun , Fang Min , Wu Zhiwei , Xu Shanda , Zhou Xin , Zhang Shuaipan , Yao Chongjie
Published: November 2020

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Previous studies reported that Tuina manipulation showed benificial effects in management of musculoskeletal disorders . However, there was no enough evidence to support the effectiveness of Tuina manipulation for KOA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Tuina manipulation on pain and dysfunction of patients with KOA compared with health care education.Methods/Design: This study is a single-centre, two-arm, open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 170 eligible KOA patients will be randomly assigned to the Tuina manipulation group or the health care education group in a 1:1 ratio. In the Tuina manipulation group, patients will receive a 30 min treatment including pain point assessment and manual therapy. The health care education group will receive 45 min of lecture and discussion. All treatments will be conducted three times a week for four weeks. The primary outcome is the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Secondary outcomes include the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The results will show the evidence of the effect of Tuina manipulation for KOA compared with health care education.Discussion: The design and methodology of the trial is rigorous and allows the collection of valuable data to assess the effect of a specific Tuina regimen for the treatment of KOA. Therefore, the trial will provide a solid foundation for future clinical research on KOA and Tuina therapy.Trial registration: This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 24 February 2020 (ChiCTR2000030154), http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
Pulmonary rehabilitation to improve physical capacity, dyspnea and quality of life following pulmonary embolism (the PeRehab study): Study protocol for a two-centre randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Haukeland-Parker Stacey , Jervan Øyvind , Johannessen Hege Hølmo , Gleditsch Jostein , Stavem Knut , Steine Kjetil , Spruit Martijn A , Holst Rene , Tavoly Mazdak , Klok Erik , Ghanima Waleed
Published: November 2020

Background: Recently, a large group of patients with persistent dyspnea, poor physical capacity and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following pulmonary embolism (PE) has been identified and clustered under the name “post pulmonary embolism syndrome” (PPS). These patients seem good candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of the study is to explore whether a pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve physical capacity, dyspnea and HRQoL in PPS patients.Methods: A two-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) is being performed at Østfold Hospital and Akershus University Hospital in Norway. Patients with PPS are 1:1 randomized into an intervention or a control group. The intervention consists of a supervised, outpatient rehabilitation program twice weekly (1 hour) for 8 weeks provided by experienced physiotherapists. The intervention involves individually adapted exercises based on existing pulmonary rehabilitation programs (relaxation, interval and resistance training), and an educational session including topics such as normal anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and circulatory system, information on PE/PPS, breathing strategies, and benefits of exercise/physical activity. Patients randomized to the control group receive usual care without specific instructions to exercise. Participants in the intervention and control groups will be compared based on assessments conducted at baseline, 12 weeks and 36 weeks after inclusion using the incremental shuttle walk test (primary outcome) and endurance shuttle walk test (exercise capacity), Sensewear activity monitor (daily physical activity), the Modified Medical Research Council scale, the Shortness of Breath questionnaire (dyspnea), and EQ-5D-5L and the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQoL).Recruitment of 190 patients is currently ongoing.Discussion: Results from this study may provide a currently untreated group of PPS patients with an effective treatment resulting in reduced symptoms of dyspnea, improved exercise capacity and better HRQoL following PE.Trial registration: NCT03405480, Clinical Trials (registered prospectively.Protocol version 1 (from original protocol September 2017).The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines (Additional file 1).
Descriptive study of how proportioning marks determines the performance of nursing students in a pharmacology course.
Authors: Doggrell Sheila
Published: November 2020

Background: In programs with higher proportions of marks allocated to ongoing assessment, the students have higher overall marks than those with a lower proportion allocated to assessment. Little or no attention has been made to how the allocation affects the academic success of students in individual courses. The purpose of this study was to determine how the allocation of marks to examinations, tutorials and an assignment affects the performance of nursing students in a pharmacology course. Methods: For students who passed a pharmacology course (i) the marks for examinations and ongoing assessment (tutorials and/or an assignment) were compared, and (ii) regression line and correlation analysis was undertaken to determine any association between these marks. In addition, for completing students, modelling was undertaken to determine the effects of changing the allocation of marks on passing and failing rates.Results: Nursing students who passed a pharmacology course obtained significantly lower marks in examinations than ongoing assessment, and for the ongoing assessment, lower marks in the assignment than tutorials. Regression line analysis showed that the marks in ongoing assessment (tutorials and/or the assignment) versus examination marks were a poor line-fit. The correlation coefficients between ongoing assessment and examinations were weak to moderate. A high percentage of students passed the course (> 90%) and, modelling for completing students, showed that decreasing the marks for examination would have led to slightly more students passing the pharmacology course with higher grades. In contrast, increasing the marks for examination would have dramatically decreased the number of students passing the course, and their grades.Conclusions: The allocation of marks can have a major effect on student performance. As ongoing assessment is only a weak or moderate indicator of performance in examination this has implications for students who rely on passing examinations for their advancement. For instance, nursing students in some countries (e.g. USA) are required to pass examinations prior to registration, whereas in others (e.g. Australia) they are not. Consideration needs to be given as to whether it is appropriate for nursing students who fail examinations to pass courses/programs.
Efficacy of acupuncture for sciatica: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial.
Authors: Yu Fang-Ting , Ni Guang-Xia , Cai Guo-Wei , Wan Wen-Jun , Zhou Xiao-Qing , Meng Xiu-Li , Li Jin-Ling , Tu Jian-Feng , Wang Li-Qiong , Yang Jing-Wen , Fu Hai-Yang , Zhang Xin-Chang , Li Jing , Wang Yan-Fu , Zhang Beng , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Zhang Hao-Lin , Shi guangxia , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: November 2020

Background: Acupuncture is widely used for pain diseases while evidence of its efficacy for sciatica is insufficient. We aim to explore the feasibility and efficacy of acupuncture with different acupoint selecting strategies for sciatica induced by lumbar disc herniation.Methods: This is a multicenter, three-arm, patient-assessor-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. 90 patients will be assigned randomly into 3 groups including disease-affected meridians (DAM) group, non-affected meridians (NAM) group, and sham acupuncture (SA) group in a 1:1:1 ratio. The trial involves a 4-week treatment along with follow-up for 22 weeks. The primary outcome is the change of leg pain intensity measured by the Visual-Analogue Scale (VAS) from baseline to week 4 after randomization. Secondary outcomes include functional status, back pain intensity, and quality of life. Adverse events will also be recorded.Discussion: The results will inspire the optimal acupuncture strategy for sciatica and help establish a better design as well as power calculation for a full-scale study. Trial registration: ChiCTR2000030680 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registered on 9th March 2020).
Attendant’s experience with the Personalized citizen assistance for social participation (APIC)
Authors: Gagnon Karine , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: November 2020

Background: To promote healthy aging, the social participation needs of older adults must be better met. Previous studies have shown the benefits of the Personalized citizen assistance for social participation (APIC), but few explored its influence on attendants. This study explored the assistance experience of attendants in providing the APIC to older adults with disabilities.Methods: A qualitative design inspired by a phenomenological approach was used with six female attendants who participated in individual interviews.Results: The APIC attendants felt useful, developed meaningful relationships with their older adults, and improved their self-knowledge. Attendants had the opportunity to reflect on their lives and self-aging. They contributed to older adults’ functional independence, motivation, and participation in social activities. Attendants encountered challenges related to withdrawn behavior in older adults, such as refusing to participate in activities.Conclusions: Considering the identified benefits of the APIC for attendants, further studies should explore personalized assistance to preserve older adults’ health.