bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Shoe Insert for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients in Case of Ethiopia.
Authors: Wodag Awoke fenta , Ayalew Adane Adugna
Published: August 2020

Foot ulcer is mainly developing due to diabetic disease. It is an open sore on the foot. The aim of this research is to develop polyurethane memory foam in sock/shoe insert in Ethiopia by replacing costly material silicon surfactant and distill water by locally available and affordable input materials castor oil as surfactant and tap water instead of distilled water for the diabetic foot ulcer patients. Under this research, it was able to prove the severity of foot ulcer in Ethiopia and enhance the high demand of orthotic appliance. Three memory foams in sock with different surfactant ratios were manufactured at AMAGA P.L.C foam factory, Bahir Dar Ethiopia using standard Polyols and diisocynates. The shoe insert /in sock was prepared by using materials used in the factory to prepare PU memory foam mattress with 5g, 9.5 g and 10.36g of castor oil surfactant amount as a new replaced material instead of costly silicon surfactant from the three the first (castor oil 5g is not form a foam and hence no further investigation is conducted on it). Physical properties such as thickness, density, Hardness, Compression set, water absorption and abrasion resistance of developed in sock were tested. Further the new developed in sock was compared with that of existed commercial polyurethane in sock and the SATRA standards. The new developed in sock has showed an equivalent mechanical property with the standard.
Taiwanese new direction in prediction of early pregnancy preeclampsia: a prospective and non-interventional study
Authors: Chen Yen-Tin , Lin Tzu-Yi , Cheng Po-Jen , Chan Kok-Seong , Huang Hui-Yu , Shaw Steven W.
Published: August 2020

Background First trimester screening is essential to preeclampsia (PE) prevention. Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) model combined maternal characteristics with mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI) and placental growth factor (PlGF) to estimate risk. High detection rate (DR) was observed in Asia. The study aims to evaluate performance of screening in Taiwan.Methods This was a prospective and non-interventional study between January, 2017 and June, 2018. Data was collected from 700 pregnant women at 11+ 0-13+ 6 gestational week. Maternal characteristics were recorded. MAP, UtAPI and PlGF were measured and converted into Multiple of the Median (MoM). Patient-specific risks were calculated with FMF model. Performance of screening was examined by ROC curve and DR.Results 25 women (3.57%) contracted PE, including 8 with preterm PE (1.14%). In preterm PE, mean MoM of MAP and UtAPI were higher (1.096 vs 1.000; 1.084 vs 1.035). Mean MoM of PlGF was lower (0.927 vs 1.031). DR in preterm PE achieved 12.5%, 50.0%, 50.0% and 62.5% at false-positive rate (FPR) of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%.Conclusion FMF model showed high DR for PE in Taiwan. Integration of PE and Down screening could set up a one-step workflow.
Breed-specific Reference Sequence Optimizes Mapping Accuracy of NGS Analyses for Pigs
Authors: Wang Dan , Yang Liu , Ning Chao , Liu Jian-Feng , Zhao Xingbo
Published: August 2020

Background: The reference sequence plays a key role in next-generation sequencing (NGS), which impacts the mapping quality during genome analyses. Especially for mitochondrion which contains plentiful amounts of innate DNA, the optimal reference sequence makes mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) alignment accurate and efficient. In this study, different mapping reference sequences, the commonly used reference sequence (CU-ref), the breed-specific reference sequence (BS-ref) and the sample-specific reference sequence (SS-ref) were compared to test the accuracy of mapping quality in the NGS analyses of pigs.Results: Four pigs from three breeds were high-throughput sequenced and subsequently mapped using three different reference mentioned above, which indicated that the BS-ref produced the largest number of mappable reads and coverages at acceptable run-times. After that, the SNP calling accuracy was evaluated by 18 detection strategies with three tools SAMtools, VarScan and GATK with different parameters under the BS-ref mapping strategy. Results showed that nine detection strategies achieved the same best specificity and sensitivity, which suggested a high accuracy of mitogenome alignment by the BS-ref alignment strategy, with a low requirement for SNP calling tools and parameter choices. Conclusions: Overall, using the breed-specific reference sequences in NGS analyses optimized the mapping quality and the SNP calling accuracy. This study indicates that the different reference sequences which represent different genetic distances between reference sequences and samples in mitogenome alignments influence alignment quality.
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation in Iranian Veterans Referred to a Military Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Ghadam Haleh Shahed Hagh , Rahnejat Amir Mohsen , Taghva Arsia , Ebrahimi Mohammad Reza , Donyavi Vahid , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2020

Background: Veterans are more exposed to mental disorders, especially anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt, due to the important role they played in defending their country. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on reducing anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Methods: This study was conducted following a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study design in 2020. The study included two groups, the experimental group and the control group awaiting treatment. The participants in this study consisted of 20 veterans who were selected using availability sampling and randomly assigned to two groups, the experimental group and the control group awaiting treatment (10 in each group). The instruments used in this study included the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-II), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), and a researcher-made demographic information questionnaire. Participants in the experimental group received 12 sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for two hours per week, and participants in the control group awaiting treatment did not receive any intervention and received only routine medications. The pre-test and post-test were administered to both groups. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistical indices and the univariate Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) using SPSS 22 software. Results: The study results showed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) contributed substantially to managing and reducing anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation in veterans in the experimental group. After the intervention, the mean scores of the experimental group on the variables of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation decreased as compared to the control group awaiting treatment, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in veterans.
A New Minimally Invasive Surgery of Hallux Valgus: Technique and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: Guo Changjun , Li Xingchen , Li Chunguang , Xu Yang , Cai Ming , Xu Xiangyang
Published: August 2020

PurposeThis study aimed to present a new minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technique and evaluate the safety and efficacy for correction of hallux valgus deformity at a preliminary follow-up.Methods48 consecutive feet that underwent a new MIS of hallux valgus with a mean 17.6 months follow-up (range 9 to 28 months). This technique uses a new osteotomy of the first metatarsal with screw fixation and percutaneous Weil osteotomy of lesser metatarsal without fixation. All patients were clinically evaluated using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score (AOFAS HMI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Radiographic measures included hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and the length of the first metatarsal. ResultsThere was significant improvement in the radiographic parameters(P<0.001). The IMA decreased from 13.3° to 9.8°, the HVA improved from 35.9° to 17.9° and the mean MT length decreased by 4 mm. There was significant improvement of VAS in the postoperative 2 weeks (P < .001). There were significant improvements in the MOXFQ scores and AOFAS HMI scores, respectively. The total rate of complication was 10.4%.ConclusionThe preliminary radiographic and clinical outcomes of this new minimally invasive surgery show that it is a safe procedure and had significantly less pain in the first 2 weeks following surgery.
An Options Pricing Method Based on the Atmospheric Environmental Health Index
Authors: Zhao Laijun , Wang Chenchen , Yang Yong , Xue Jian , Li Deqiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Environmental finance has gradually become an important tool for solving atmospheric pollution problems. The creation of options based on an atmospheric environmental health index (AEHI) is designed to support a rational pricing of financial products related to the health of the atmospheric environment.Method: First, the improved Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model is established to predict the change in air pollutant concentrations, and then the AEHI is constructed using exposure-response Poisson regression model. Then, an options pricing method for AEHI is proposed based on Esscher transform theory. Finally, the investment strategy for enterprises is formulated to hedge operational risk by using the AEHI option.Results: AEHI options prices were determined for two diseases in each of three age groups using Beijing, China, as a case study, and AEHI option is applied to recompense for human health losses and hedge operating risk for an insurance enterprise.Conclusion: The AEHI options should therefore be used to compensate for the damage to human health caused by air pollution, and to hedge against the operational risks of related industries such as insurance.
Effects of Co-Ingestion of AAKG and HMB on Jumping Performance in Young Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Kaczka Piotr , Batra Amit , Kubicka Katarzyna , Maciejczyk Marcin , Jastrząb Rafał , Kopera Edyta , Bira Justyna , Zając Tomasz
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of simultaneous supplementation of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and L-arginine α-ketoglutarate on lower limb power and muscle damage in medium distance runners aged 15.3 (± 0.9) years old. Methods: The study group consisted of 40 volunteers (men and women) aged 14-17 (juniors and younger juniors) who have been practicing medium distance running for at least two years. The study followed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. All subjects attended a familiarisation session on day 0 before the test commenced. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: supplements group and placebo group. A similar training cycle protocol was used in both groups. Daily sRPE values, countermovement jump measurement as well as blood creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were measured during 12-day training period. Results: After the end of the training cycle, a significant (p = 0.002) decrease in the countermovement jump (CMJ) height was found in the placebo group when compared to the baseline measurement. In the supplements group, there was no decrease in the countermovement jump value, which was close to the baseline level after the end of the training cycle (p>0.05). During the 12-day training period, statistically significant changes in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were recorded between the supplements and placebo groups; its concentration increased during the training weeks similarly, and decreased on rest. All the changes were at a comparable level in both groups. The research results indicate that the supplement combination used in the supplements group prevented a reduction in the CMJ values. In contrast to supplements group, in the placebo group, the CMJ changes were statistically significant: a noticeable (p = 0.002) decrease in CMJ was noted between the baseline measurement and the 6th measurement. The well-being of the subjects from both groups changed significantly during the training period, and the intergroup differences in the mood level were similar and not statistically significant. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the daily co-supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (6 g) and L-arginine α-ketoglutarate (8 g) during the 12-day intensive training camp may prevent deterioration of lower limb muscle power measured by the CMJ test in the well-trained youth track and field athletes. Keywords: training camp supplementation, medium distance runners, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, HMB, L-arginine α-ketoglutarate, AAKG, countermovement jump, CK- creatine kinase, LDH – lactate dehydrogenase.
Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of Kawasaki Disease in a Chinese Population Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Si Feifei , Yang Yanfeng
Published: August 2020

Backgroud: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in the pediatric age group in developed countries. But its etiology is unknown. We assessed whether brestfeeding time can influence risk of KD. Methods: We collected feeding, clinical and laboratory details from 200 KD patients and 100 controls. Then we use SPSS to assess the comparison of the general characteristics of KD patients and control patients, and the Correlation of BF time with clinical and laboratory of KD patients. Results: The haemoglobin level was significantly lower in Kawasaki disease patients compared with controls (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between group of KD with coronary artery lesions (CALs) and group of KD without CALs in age, sex, WBC, platelet, HB, CRP . However, there were significantly decreased frequencies for the longer beestfeeding time in KD patients without CALs when compared with KD patients with CALs (OR=668, 95%CI=0.454-0.984，p=0.041). Moreover, HB level were positively correlated with brestfeeding time in patients with KD (r=0.163, p=0.028) Conclusion: We have shown that breast-feeding is associated with KD and the CALs. Brestfeeding may reduce the risk or KD with CALs. Brestfeeding may reduce the risk of KD with CALs.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Tree Climbing Robot Mechanism
Authors: Wang Ru-Gui , Huang Hai-Bo , Li Yi , Yuan Ji-Wei
Published: August 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7-14 years. A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lynge Susanne , Dissing Kristina Boe , Vach Werner , Christensen Henrik Wulf , Hestbaek Lise
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation versus sham manipulation in children aged 7-14 with recurrent headaches.Method: Design: A two-arm randomised superiority single-blinded clinical trial.Setting: One chiropractic clinic and one paediatric specialty practice in DenmarkParticipants: 199 children aged 7 to 14 years, who experienced at least one episode of headache per week for the previous 6 months and with at least one musculoskeletal dysfunction identified.Interventions: All participants and parents received standard oral and written advice to reduce headaches. In addition, children in the active treatment group received chiropractic spinal manipulation and children in the control group received sham manipulation for a period of 4 months. The number and frequency of treatments were based on the chiropractor’s individual evaluation in the active treatment group, and the children in the control group received approximately eight visits during the treatment period.Primary outcome measures: ‘Number of days with headache’, ‘pain intensity’ and ‘medication’ were reported weekly by text messages, and global perceived effect by text message after 4 months. A planned fixed sequence strategy based on an initial outcome data analysis was used to prioritize outcomes. ‘Number of days with headache’ and ‘pain intensity’ were chosen as equally important outcomes of highest priority, followed by global perceived effect and medication. The significance level for the first two outcomes was fixed to 0.025 to take multiplicity into account.Results: Chiropractic spinal manipulation resulted in significantly fewer days with headaches (reduction of 0.81 vs. 0.41, p=0.019, NNT=7) and better global perceived effect (2.63 vs. 3.24, p<0.001, NNT=5) compared with a sham manipulation procedure. There was no difference between groups for pain intensity during headache episodes. Due to methodological shortcomings, no conclusions could be drawn about medication use.Conclusions: Chiropractic spinal manipulation resulted in fewer headaches and higher global perceived effect, with only minor side effects. It did not lower the intensity of the headaches.Since the treatment is easily applicable, of low cost and minor side effects, chiropractic spinal manipulation might be considered as a valuable treatment option for children with recurrent headaches.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02684916, registered 02/18/2016 – retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02684916
Biological therapy improves myocarditis and disease activity in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients
Authors: Wang Chrong-Reen , Tsai Yi-Shan , Wang Jiu-Yao , Tsai Hung-Wen , Lee Cheng-Han
Published: August 2020

Background

Cardiac insufficiency is a major cause of mortality in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Despite the dosages-related cardiotoxicity, cyclophosphamide is usually prescribed to induce disease remission in the presence of myocarditis with heart involvement. There is an imperative need of novel medications to efficiently control disease activity and spare the use of cyclophosphamide.
Methods

A retrospective study was carried out in hospitalized EGPA patients from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019, focusing on the use of biologics including benralizumab (BEN, anti-IL-5 receptor), mepolizumab (MEP, anti-IL-5), omalizumab (OMA, anti-IgE) and rituximab (RTX, anti-CD20).
Results

Sixteen admitted patients, 8 females aged 10 to 70 years (40.4 ± 15.5), had higher disease activities (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score 16 to 39, 26.8 ± 6.9), poorer prognostic factors (five-factor score 1 or 2, 1.4 ± 0.5) and elevated eosinophil counts (2,314 to 26,781/µL, 11,108 ± 7,060). BEN, MEP, OMA and RTX were prescribed in one, 2, one and 6 patients, respectively. Ten patients (63%) had myocarditis with impaired left ventricle ejection fraction and cardiac arrhythmia, and 7 received biological therapy without a combined use of cyclophosphamide. One patient obtained MEP with a 100 mg quadri-weekly × 13 regimen at induction for disease relapse. Six patients acquired RTX with a 375 mg/m2 weekly × 4 regimen at induction for refractory activity or relapsing disease, or plus a yearly maintenance schedule in 5. All patients received serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, transthoracic echocardiography and 24-hour Holter monitor to evaluate the therapeutic responses in heart involvement. After biological therapy, there were improved cardiac dysfunction, lower eosinophil counts and clinical remission (4 complete, 3 partial) with a relapse-free follow-up (13 to 61 months, 39.1 ± 16.0) after induction.
Conclusions

In this single-center retrospective study, we observed improved cardiac dysfunction and disease activity after biological therapy in EGPA patients with myocarditis.
Septic Patients Benefited from Positive Microbial Culture in Mortality: A Propensity Score Matching (PSM) of the Chinese Epidemiological Study of Sepsis (CHESS) Study
Authors: Chang Wei , Xie Jianfeng , Sun Qin , Peng Fei , Li Qing , Xue Ming , Zhao Yuan , Qiu Haibo , Yang Yi
Published: August 2020

Background We aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes in septic patients with positive cultures compared with negative cultures. Methods This was a sub-analysis of a cross-section survey study including 44 hospitals in mainland China from December 1, 2015 to January, 31,2016. All septic patients diagnosed according to sepsis-1 criteria admitted to participating ICU, with cultures from any suspected sites of infection obtained at admission. Demographic information, patient source, clinical feature, laboratory findings and severity of sepsis were comprehensively collected for comparison the characteristics between culture positive and negative patients. Univariable and multivariable regression were used to find the factors associated with positive culture and propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the mortality. Results A total of 1919 patients were enrolled in this study with 962 (50.1%) positive-culture and 975 (49.9%) negative-culture. Positive culture was associated with older age, male gender, transferred patients, comorbidities including coronary heart decease and solid tumor, prolonged priori ICU stay, hospital-acquired infection, pneumonia and bloodstream infection, also with higher body temperature, heart rate, procalcitonin levels and with higher APACHE II and SOFA score at admission. Negative culture was associated with prior antibiotic exposure and community-acquired infections. Patients with positive culture had an insignificantly higher mortality (37.5% vs. 34.5, P = 0.165). However, PSM revealed decreased mortality in patients with positive culture (38.2% vs. 48.2%, P = 0.012), and a significantly higher proportion of patients received targeted antibiotic treatment in survivors (37.0% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.031). Conclusions A myriad of factors may affect the results of culture. Septic patients were likely to benefit from positive cultures in mortality possibly due to the higher proportion to receive targeted antibiotic treatment, and obtaining positive culture as possible should be strongly encouraged.
Effectiveness of botulinum neurotoxin A, topiramate, and acupuncture in preventive treatment of chronic migraine: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Hui , Huang Shi-Le , Chen Yao-Yao , Tang Tai-Chun , Qin Di , Chen Min
Published: August 2020

Background Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) was the primary choice for preventive treatment of chronic migraine. Topiramate and acupuncture showed promising effect for the condition, but their effectiveness relative to BoNT-A was rarely studied. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and acceptability between BoNT-A, topiramate, and acupuncture.Methods We searched OVID Medline, Embase, the Cochrane register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), the Chinese Clinical Trial Register, and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared BoNT-A, topiramate, and acupuncture with any of them or placebo in the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. Two independent reviewers screened RCTs, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. A network meta-analysis was performed by using a frequentist approach and a random-effects model. The primary outcomes were reduction in monthly headache days and monthly migraine days at week 12. Acceptability was assessed by adverse event rate. The effect size of the primary outcomes was measured by using standard mean difference (SMD).Results We included 15 RCTs (n = 2545). Eleven RCTs were at low risk of bias. The network meta-analyses (n = 2061) showed that acupuncture (2061 participants; SMD − 1.61, 95%CI -2.35 to -0.87) and topiramate(582 participants; SMD − 0.4, 95%CI -0.75 to -0.04) ranked the most effective in the reduction of monthly headache days and migraine days, respectively; but they were not significantly superior over BoNT-A. Topiramate caused the most treatment-related adverse events and the highest rate of dropouts owing to adverse events.Conclusions Topiramate and acupuncture were not superior over BoNT-A. In terms of acceptability and accessibility of treatments, BoNT-A was still the primary choice for preventive treatment of chronic migraine.
Exploring the knowledge, awareness and practices of COVID-19 among dentists in Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Investigation
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Tawfique Hossain , Apu Ehsanul Hoque , Nath Sujan Kanti , Noor Ashek Elahi , Podder Clopa Pina , Mahmud Ilias , Kabir Russell
Published: August 2020

Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practices of registered dentists regarding COVID-19 epidemiology and transmission during the rapid outbreak of this highly contagious virus in Bangladesh. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the dentists who were enrolled with their valid unique Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) registration number. A validated questionnaire was developed and distributed among the dentists by using different social media platforms. A total of 184 dentists participated in the survey between March and April 2020. Both descriptive analysis logistic regression analysis was performed.Results: The mean age of the dentists is 31.75 years, with a standard deviation of 6.5 years. About 29.3% of dentists completed their postgraduate qualification, and 76% of them are engaged in private practice. The dentists who completed postgraduate education are three times more likely to know (OR=3.1, 95%CI 1.2-7.9) about COVID-19 compared to the dentists who completed an undergraduate degree. It is also observed that the dentists who are employed in private and independent settings are four times (OR=4, 95%CI 0.7-24) more likely to follow safe practice compared to the dentists who are engaged in the government hospitals or clinics.Conclusion: The dentists from Bangladesh have shown good knowledge, awareness, and practice regarding COVID-19. We recommend that the healthcare authorities, professional organizations, and hospitals coordinate, and conduct mandatory advanced infectious disease training for all the practicing dentists in the country.
Perception of In-Service Teachers Towards Blended Learning as the New Normal in Teaching-Learning Process Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Manghirmalani-Mishra Pooja
Published: August 2020

Blended learning is the application of Information and Communication Technology in the instructional designs and processes in such a way that it can support and complement face-to-face delivery models effectively. It offers the teachers and the students to get access to information-rich resources anywhere and anytime. It also has the potential to ensure educational equity for all learners with complete transparency of rendering education to the community of learners. Today, blended learning has become the need of the hour looking into the aspects of global pandemic of COVID-19 and implementation of Education 4.0. The study consists of 313 in-service teachers from India belonging to various types of Educational Institutions. Simple random technique of sampling was used to collect data. The interaction effect of gender and teachers who have attended/conducted webinars/ workshops/ conferences/FDPs online or not on their attitude towards blended learning and its six dimensions viz. learning flexibility, online learning, study management, technology, classroom learning and online interaction was studied. Also, the interaction between the effects of highest educational qualification of teachers and teachers who have attended/conducted webinars/workshops/conferences/FDPs online or not on their attitude towards Blended Learning and its six dimensions was considered. Analysis for the testing research hypothesis was done using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-26). The results indicated that there was an interaction between gender and teachers who have or have not conducted/attended webinars/conferences online towards blended learning and online learning dimension. Results also showed that based on the interaction effect of the highest qualification of the teacher and the teachers who have actually implemented teaching and learning through online line sessions varied in their attitude as far as study management and classroom environment was considered. Implementation of blended learning for professional growth of school teachers post pandemic will push the boundaries of learning by creating opportunities for collaboration of various educational societies throughout the globe, enhance constructivist learning and also help in following social norms set to fight against COVID-19.
On change of soil moisture distribution with vegetation reconstruction in Mu Us sandy land of China, with new designed Lysimeter
Authors: Cheng Yiben , Zhan Hongbin , Yang Wenbin , Guo Fuqiang , Jiang Qunou , Wang Yunqi
Published: August 2020

Background China’s so-called Three North Shelterbelt Program (3NSP) has produced a vast area of lined forest reconstruction in the semi-arid regions. This study uses the lined rain-fed Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (PSM) sand-fixing forest in the eastern part of Mu Us sandy land in Northwestern China as an example. Rain gauges, newly designed lysimeters and soil moisture sensors are used to monitor precipitation, deep soil recharge (DSR) and soil water content, where DSR specifically refers to recharge that can reach a depth more than 200 cm and eventually replenish the underneath groundwater reservoir.Results This study shows that there are two obvious moisture recharge processes in an annual base for the PSM forest soil: a snowmelt-related recharge process in the spring and a precipitation-related recharge process in the summer. The recharge depth of the first process can reach 180 cm without DSR occurring (in 2018). The second process results in noticeable DSR in 2018. Specifically, the DSR values over 2016–2018 are 1.4 mm, 0.2 mm, 1.2 mm, respectively. To reach the recharge depths of 20 cm, 40 cm, 80 cm, 120 cm, 160 cm, and 200 cm, the required precipitation intensities have to be 2.6 mm/d, 3.2 mm/d, 3.4 mm/d, 8.2 mm/d, 8.2 mm/d, and 13.2 mm/d, respectively. The annual evapotranspiration in the PSM forest is 466.94 mm in 2016, 324.60 mm in 2017, and 183.85 mm in 2018.Conclusions This study concludes that under the current precipitation conditions (including both dry- and wet- years such as 2016–2018), water consumption of PSM somewhat equals to the precipitation amount, and PSM has evolved over years to regulate its evapotranspiration in response to annual precipitation fluctuations in Mu Us sandy land of China.
Atractylenolide III predisposes miR-195-5p/FGFR1 signaling axis to exert tumor-suppressive functions in liver cancer
Authors: Sheng Langqing , Li Jiarong , Li Nianfeng , Gong Liansheng , Liu Ling , Zhang Qi , Li Xiaoli , Luo Hui , Chen Zeguo
Published: August 2020

Background: Antineoplastic activity of atractylenolide III (ATL) has been reported in several malignant tumors. However, its activity has not been completely clarified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, anti-cancer effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of ATL were investigated in HCC cells in vitro. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using the transwell assay. TUNEL staining was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Protein expression was measured by western blotting analysis. On-line database TargetScan and luciferase reporter gene analysis were performed to validate FGFR1 as a target of miR-195-5p. Results: HepG2 and SMMC7721 cell growth, migration and invasion were inhibited by ATL treatment in a dose-dependent pattern. ATL treatment induced apoptosis of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. Intriguingly, ATL treatment unexpectedly inhibited FGFR1 protein expression in HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. Knockdown of FGFR1 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and evoked apoptosis of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. We also found that ATL treatment could increase the expression of miR-195-5p, which as a post-transcriptional targeted FGFR1. In HCC tissues, miR-195-5p expression is negatively correlated with FGFR1. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic roles of miR-195-5p were neutralized by overexpressed FGFR1 in HCC cells.Conclusion: ATL effectively repressed growth and induced apoptosis of human HCC cells through the up-regulation of miR-195-5p to down-regulate FGFR1 expression.
Prevalence, Pattern and Impact of Self Medication of Anti-infective Agents During COVID-19 Outbreak in Dhaka City
Authors: Nasir Morshed , Talha Khandaker Abu , Chowdhury ASM Salauddin , Zahan Tahmina , Perveen Rawshan Ara
Published: August 2020

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 is putting a massive strain on vulnerable healthcare system in low and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Inequitable access to healthcare is further widened by the socio-economic gap and sense of insecurity during this pandemic. Self-medication is a common practice in Bangladesh as it provides a low-cost alternative for people, which involves inappropriate and injudicious use of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms by the people. During the outbreak of COVID-19 in Dhaka city, the tendency of taking medicines by own decision was thought to be increased alarmingly due to unusual distress, caused by high self-awareness of their health and buying capacity of medication. Objectives: To observe the prevalence, pattern, sources and impact of self-medication practice among the respondents with high socio-economic standings and education. Setting: Citizens living in Dhaka city, Bangladesh during COVID-19 outbreak from April 2020 to May 2020. Method: Cross sectional online survey conducted on 626 citizens without having background of medical knowledge or related to any healthcare services (doctors, nurses, pharmacist, medical students) by structured questionnaires during COVID-19 outbreak. Outcome measures: Frequency of self-medication, commonly used antimicrobial agents, symptoms causing self-medication, sources of inspiration, relation with COVID-19 test results, economic burden involved in self-medication during outbreak. Results: The prevalence of self-medication amid the outbreak of COVID-19 was 88.33% and only 179 (28.59%) took medication with doctors’ advice and remaining 447 (71.40%) respondents took the drugs as “self-medication” by other sources. The most frequently used anti-infective drugs during the outbreak were ivermectine (77.15%), azithromycin (54.15%), doxycycline (40.25%). The common symptoms were fever, throat pain, dry-cough and total 105 (16.77%) respondents took medications without having any symptoms. Almost 355 (85.33%) had taken medication without doing any test for COVID-19. The causes of self-medication as news of spread, effects and remedies in media channels, internet; mental stress of lockdown and isolation, insecurity and panic about scarcity of drug and healthcare support. Conclusion: High risks of developing antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions and financial loss was predictable with absence of strict regulatory enforcement to protect people and proper utilization resources during COVID-19 outbreak in Dhaka city.
Depression and anxiety of cancer patients during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Ciazynska Magdalena , Pabianek Marta , Szczepaniak Katarzyna , Skibińska Małgorzata , Narbutt Joanna , Lesiak Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic seriously affects the mood, sleep and induce patients' stress in an oncological environment. To date there is no data available on cancer patients under the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on anxiety and depression status. Methods: A survey of 421 patients treated in an oncology center was conducted. The survey included Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire to evaluate the influence of pandemic on the cancer patients' status of anxiety and depression. Results: More than half of cancer patients (50.7%) during the COVID-19 pandemic had symptoms of anxiety, whereas the incidence of depression was 46.8%. Living alone contributes to a higher risk of depression (P=0.026) and anxiety (P=0.031). Moreover, patients having an acquaintance or a relative infected with COVID-19 were more susceptible to suffer severe anxiety (P=0.028).Conclusions: Half of cancer patients are more likely to show increased incidence of depression and anxiety. There is a strong necessity to detect and treat depression and anxiety in cancer patients to increase the quality of life and reduce mortality. During this challenging time, the oncology community faces extraordinary issues to enhance the mental health for people with cancer.
Qualitative exploration of the factors influencing the use of dietary supplements in Iranian women: A qualitative study
Authors: Hoseini Akram sadat , Dehdari Tahereh , Solhi Mahnaz , Rahideh Seyedeh Tayebeh , Janani Leila
Published: August 2020

Background

Literature shows that the consumption of Dietary Supplements (DS) is more common in Iran. This study aimed to explore the experiences of a sample of Iranian women regarding the factors influencing the use of DS.

Method

This qualitative content analysis study was conducted in Qods city, Tehran province, Iran from January to March 2020. Forty-two semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with women. The participants were asked about their experiences about the determinants of the consumption of DS. After the first round of the interviews was done, we performed content analysis of the data and continued up to data saturation.

Results

Two main themes including personal factors (with 5 subthemes including sociodemographic characteristics, perceived benefits of DS, history of illness, physiological conditions, and lifestyle factors) and socio-economic factors (with 3 subthemes including subjective norms, the price of food and commercial considerations of the sectors involved in the production and sale of DS ) emerged as the experiences of the participants as to the intake of DS.

Conclusions

These variables may suggest areas which need to be focused on for performing more effective interventions to affect appropriate consumption of DS in Iran.
Knowledge and attitude of dentists, dental auxiliaries, and students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Suliman Yousif Shahin  , Bugshan Amr Said , Khalid Salman Almulhim  , Mishali Saud AlSharief  , Yousif Al Dulaijan  , Faisal Dhaifallah Alqarni
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: A questionnaire was developed to assess various dental professionals from both governmental and private sectors through online and social media outlets. Results: A total of 1,033 responses were collected. Moreover, 63.4% of respondents (63.4%) were working in hospitals. Of all respondents, 44.9%, 33.4%, and 21.7% were in governmental clinics, academia, and private sector, respectively. Overall knowledge on incubation period and route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was satisfactory across all dental professions. All dental professionals except for dental assistants demonstrated adequate knowledge on the recommended hand-soap cleaning time (p < 0.001). Most dental professionals displayed unsatisfactory knowledge and disagreement on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 outside the host (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 75.1% of respondents were reluctant to treat a suspected COVID-19 patient, and 92% participants believed that the mode of transmission was droplet inhalation. Fever, coughing, and shortness of breath were identified as the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most standard methods of prevention in the dental office were selected by at least 50% of participants. Conclusions: An appropriate level of knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 incubation period and signs and symptoms of COVID-19 was noted among all dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. Perceived survival outside the host was modest. A certain level of apprehension toward suspected SARS-CoV-2 patients existed among most professionals. Pandemic-awareness campaigns are essential among healthcare providers.
Cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients: mid-term follow up by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Ruili , Jiang Hong , Yan Zixu , Tao Xinyan , Li Hongjun , Xu Lei
Published: August 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induces myocardial injury, either direct myocarditis or indirect injury due to systemic inflammatory response. Myocardial involvement has been proved to be one of the primary manifestations of COVID-19 infection, according to laboratory test, autopsy, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). However, the middle-term outcome of cardiac involvement after the patients were discharged from the hospital is yet unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate mid-term cardiac sequelae in recovered COVID-19 patients by CMRIMethods: A total of 47 recovered COVID-19 patients were prospectively recruited and underwent CMRI examination in this study. The CMRI protocol consisted of black blood fat-suppressed T2 weighted imaging (BB-T2WI), T2 star mapping, left ventricle cine imaging, pre- and post-contrast T1 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Myocardium edema and LGE were assessed in recovered COVID-19 patients. The left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) function and LV mass were assessed and compared with normal controls.Results: Finally, 44 recovered COVID-19 patients and 31 normal controls were included in this study. No edema was observed in any patient. LGE was found in 13 patients. All LGE lesions were located in the middle myocardium and/or sub-epicardium with a scattered distribution. Further analysis showed that LGE-positive patients had significantly decreased left ventricle peak global circumferential strain (LVpGCS), right ventricle peak global circumferential strain (RVpGCS), right ventricle peak global longitudinal strain (RVpGLS) as compared to non-LGE patients (p＜0.05), while no difference was detected between the non-LGE patients and normal controls.Conclusion: Myocardium injury existed in about 30% of COVID-19 patients. These patients had peak right ventricle strain that decreased at the 3-month follow-up. Cardiac MRI can monitor the COVID-19-induced myocarditis progression, and CMR strain analysis is a sensitive tool to evaluate the recovery of left ventricle circumferential contraction dysfunction and right ventricular dysfunction.
PTPRZ1 Inhibits the Cisplatin Resistance of Ovarian Cancer by Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signal Pathway
Authors: Wang Peng , Hu Yuanjing , Qu Pengpeng , Zhao Ying , Liu Jing , Zhao Jianguo , Kong Beihua
Published: August 2020

Background: Cisplatin resistance (DDP resistance) is a major cause for poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. PTPRZ1 has been proven to participate in the occurrence and development of multiple tumors, including tumor resistance. This study was designed to investigate the roles of PTPRZ1 in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells and their possible mechanism.Methods: PTPRZ1 expression in ovarian cancer tissues and normal tissues was analyzed by GEPIA database and verified by qRT-PCR. PTPRZ1 expression in normal ovarian cancer cells and DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells was also analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR, western blot, MTT experiment and flow cytometry were used to assess the effects of PTPRZ1-PI3K/AKT/mTOR regulating axis on cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer.Results: PTPRZ1 expression was abnormally low in ovarian cancer tissues, and notably reduced in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells. MTT experiment and flow cytometer indicated that overexpression of PTPRZ1 enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells and promoted the cell apoptosis. The results of mechanism research showed that PTPRZ1 exerted its biological effects possibly through blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Conclusion: PTPRZ1 suppresses the cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer and induces the cytotoxicity by blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Structural insights into spike protein and its natural variants of SARS-CoV-2 found on Mexican population.
Authors: Sixto-López Yudibeth , Bello Martiniano , Correa-Basurto José , Garzón-Tiznado Jose Antonio , Montaño Sarita
Published: August 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly emerged coronavirus responsible for COVID-19; it becomes a pandemic since March 2020. To date, there are described three lineages of SARS-CoV-2 circulating worldwide, in Mexican population are found two of them, within this, we observed three variants of Spike (S) protein located at H49Y, D614G, and T573I. In order to understand if these mutations could affect the structural behavior of S protein of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the binding with three experimental describe inhibitors (Cepharanthine, Nelfinavir, and Hydroxychloroquine), molecular dynamic simulation and molecular docking were employed. It was found that in spite, these punctual mutations affect considerably the structural behavior of the S Protein, which also affect the binding of the inhibitors into their respective binding site. Thus, further experimental studies need to be done in order to explore if these affectations have an impact on drug-S protein binding and the possible clinical effect.
Development of a prediction model based on LASSO regression to evaluate the risk of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes
Authors: Meng Lei , Zheng Ting , Wang Yuanyuan , Xiao Qi , He Junfeng , Li Zhao , Tan Jinxiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Our study aimed to investigate the correlative factors influencing non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and to develop an intraoperative prediction model based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm to evaluate the risk of NSLN metastasis.Methods: The factors affecting NSLN status were investigated in a cohort of 714 patients with 1-2 positive SLNs treated at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2013 and December 2018. A new mathematical prediction model based on the LASSO algorithm was developed and was validated in a cohort of 131 patients treated between January 2019 and December 2019.Results: In the training cohort, 266/714 (37.3%) patients had NSLN metastasis. In univariate analysis, the histologic grade (P =0.010), number of positive SLNs (P<0.001), number of negative SLNs (P<0.001), number of SLNs dissected (P<0.001), SLN metastasis ratio (P <0.001), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status (P <0.001), estrogen receptor (ER) status (P =0.011), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status (P =0.005), molecular subtype (P =0.001), and risk score (P <0.001) were related with NSLN involvement. In multivariate analysis, the histologic grade (P =0.026), LVI status (P =0.005), number of positive SLNs (P=0.001), number of negative SLNs (P=0.005), SLN metastasis ratio (P =0.005), and molecular subtype (P=0.007) were identified as the independent predictors of NSLN metastasis. A LASSO regression-based mathematical prediction model was developed and had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.764 (95% CI: 0.729-0.798). In the 131-patient validation cohort, the AUC was 0.777 (95% CI: 0.692-0.862).Conclusions: We present a new prediction model to assess the risk of NSLN metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients with 1-2 positive SLNs. The model was further validated in the validation cohort and showed excellent clinical applicability and diagnostic performance. It can be used as an intraoperative clinical tool for clinicians to predict the risk of NSLN metastasis and make the final decision regarding axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).