bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges Of Virtual Education During COVID 19 Among Graduate Students in Ethiopia
Authors: Yonas Mikiyas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Due to COVID 19 pandemic, school over the world has been closed. Globally 1.2 billion students are out of the classroom. Virtual learning is usually associated with online courses or online environments, but it has much broader dimensions. The objective of this study was to explore the challenges of virtual teaching and learning among graduate students at the SPH, CHS, Addis Ababa University. Methods: the phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Addis Ababa University, on graduate students. Participant was selected by Purposive sampling and data collection was in-depth interview and analyzed by using open-code 4.03.Results In this study two participants participated: one student and one teacher. As the student explain the virtual learning and education was new mode to delivery education in Ethiopia and he told that he did not have any experience before. Despite, teacher states that he has an experience on the online learning and teaching. The participants states that virtual learning have an advantage. However, there are many challenges they list, from these: inadequate internet, costly ineffective, inflexible are the majors. Conclusion: based on the finding from the participants, student hasn’t experience of virtual learning. The factor influence to follow virtual learning is that student was beginner for online learning, and teacher was also beginner in giving virtual teaching, connection problem in our country and teacher behavior are the main problem explored by this study. Even though student and teacher feel it is difficult, they suggest the virtual learning have to be trained in Ethiopia for the future.
Revealing Cropland Abandonment and Food Insecurity in War-ravaged South Sudan
Authors: Olsen Victor , Fensholt Rasmus , Bonifacio Rogerio , Butsic Van , Ray Deepak , Prishchepov Alexander 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Armed conflicts often result in cropland abandonment with significant impacts on food security. Moreover, conflicts restrict the collection of on-the-ground information required for organizing targeted relief distribution. Satellite remote sensing provides a way of observationally gathering information about disruptions during armed conflicts and food-security status in conflict zones. Using ~7500 multisource satellite images, we implemented a data-driven approach that showed a reduction in cultivated croplands in war-ravaged South Sudan by 23% from 2016 to 2018. Propensity score matching revealed a close relationship between cropland abandonment and armed conflicts that lead to drastic decreases in the available food supply. If war-induced abandonment had not occurred, our analysis shows that the abandoned croplands could have supported at least a quarter of the population in the southern states of South Sudan. Here, we demonstrate that remote-sensing technology can play a crucial role in rapid assessments of cropland abandonment in food-insecure regions, thus improving the basis for timely aid provision.
Bacterial Species-Specific Modulatory Effects on Phenotype and Function of Camel Blood Leukocytes
Authors: Hussen Jamal 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have reported pathogen-species-specific modulating effects on the innate immune system. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae are important pathogenic bacteria responsible for different infectious diseases in several animal species. In the present study, a whole blood culture and flow cytometry were used to investigate, whether stimulation with different bacterial species induces different immunomodulation patterns in camel leukocytes. Results: Stimulation with either of the bacterial species resulted in the expansion of the camel CD14highMHCIIhigh monocyte subset with a reduced fraction of CD14highMHCIIlow monocytes. For the CD14highMHCIIlow monocytes, however, only stimulation with S. aureus or S. agalactiae increased their fractions in blood. Although all bacterial species elicited the upregulation of cell surface MHC-II molecules on granulocytes, the increase was, however, highest on cells stimulated with S. aureus. The expression levels of the two adhesion molecules, CD11a and CD18, on neutrophils and monocytes were differently affected by bacterial stimulation. Functionally, E. coli failed to stimulate ROS production in monocytes, while induced a strong ROS production response in granulocytes. S. agalactiae elicited a week ROS production in granulocytes when compared to the other two pathogens. Conclusions: The different responsiveness of monocytes and granulocytes toward different bacterial species indicates different host-pathogen interaction mechanisms for the two cell populations. In addition, the phenotypic and functional differences between cells stimulated with E. coli, S. aureus, or S. agalactiae suggests pathogen-species-specific modulating effects of the bacterial pathogens on the camel innate myeloid cells.
The cost-effectiveness of government actions to reduce sodium intake through salt substitutes in Vietnam
Authors: Taylor Colman , Hoek Annet C , Deltetto Irene , Peacock Adrian , Ha Do Thi Phuong , Sieburg Michael , Hoang Dolly , Trieu Kathy , Cobb Laura K , Jan Stephen , Webster Jacqui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDietary sodium reduction is recommended to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. In Vietnam food products including salt, fish sauce and bot canh contribute to ~70% of dietary sodium intake. Reduced sodium versions of these products can be produced by replacing some of the sodium chloride with potassium chloride. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of three alternative approaches to introducing reduced sodium products onto the market with a view to lowering population sodium intake in Vietnam.MethodsThe three salt substitution strategies included voluntary, subsidised and regulatory approaches targeting salt, fish sauce and bot canh products. Costs were modelled using the WHO-CHOICE methodology. A Markov cohort model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each strategy versus no intervention from the government perspective. The model linked each intervention strategy to assumed changes in levels of sodium intake and then to systolic blood pressure. Changes in SBP were linked to a probability of ischaemic heart disease or stroke. The model followed people over their lifetime to assess average costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained for each strategy. Results The voluntary salt substitution strategy was assumed to require no investment by government. Following ramp up (years 6+), the average annual costs for the subsidised and regulatory strategies were 21,808,968,902 ₫ (US$ 977,354) and 12,949,953,247 ₫ (US$ 580,410) respectively. Relative to no intervention, all three salt substitution strategies were found to be cost-effective. Cost savings were driven by reductions in strokes (32,595; 768,384; 2,366,480) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) events (22,830; 537,157; 1,648,590) for the voluntary, subsidised & regulatory strategies, respectively. The voluntary strategy was least cost-effective (-3,445 ₫ US$ -0.15; 0.009 QALYs gained) followed by the subsidised strategy (-43,189 ₫ US$ -1.86; 0.022 QALYs gained) and the regulatory strategy delivered the highest cost savings and health gains (-243,530 ₫ US$ -10.49; 0.074 QALYs gained). ConclusionThis research shows that all three modelled salt substitution strategies would be good value for money relative to no intervention in Vietnam. The subsidised alternative would require the highest level of government investment, however the implementation costs will be exceeded by healthcare savings assuming a reasonable time horizon is considered.
Determining Planting Window for Growing Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) During Dry Season in Bandarban, Bangladesh
Authors: Hamid Abdul , Neogi Mrinmoy Guha , Biswas Jatish Chandra , Marma Aung Swiy Shing , Mollah Md Abdul Mannan , Uddin Md Farid , Islam Md Mahabubul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFarmers in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh have been growing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in their traditional system of jhum cultivation which is undergoing transformation. Growing rainfed cotton as a mono crop in the uplands is constrained by farmers’ socio-economic conditions and erratic rainfall. Shifting growing season to post-monsoon dry months could be an option to sustain cotton production in hilly areas. We conducted an exploratory single variate type experiment for two seasons to explore the possibility of growing cotton in valley lands in Bandarban during dry season. Growth and yield potentials of dry season cotton were evaluated in terms of prevailing environmental conditions.ResultsNight temperature dropped to 9oC on several occasions in 2018-19 season; but it remained higher than 11oC throughout the season in 2019-20 season. In 2018-19, day temperatures surged higher past March 15 occasionally exceeding 38oC. Variability in temperatures was more in 2018-19 while average temperatures were higher in2019-20 season. Rainfall distribution was almost similar in both the growing seasons receiving total rainfall of 757 mm and 579 mm in two seasons, respectively. Higher seed cotton yield (2,047 kg per ha) was recorded for 15 November planted crop compared with 1 December planted crop (1,186 kg per ha). December 1 planted crop was affected more by low temperatures at seedling stage resulting in poor growth and fewer bolls per plant. Late planted crop was more vulnerable to rain damage at boll opening stage. Crops of both the seasons encountered high temperatures (>32oC) during boll development. ConclusionChanging climate, shorter winter season and rising temperatures may allow cotton production in valley lands shifting growing season from rainy season to post-monsoon dry months. However, the window of dry season cotton growing in Bandarban, Bangladesh seems narrow. Rainfall pattern restricts planting seeds prior to mid-November. Again, high temperatures stress in March and April synchronizing boll development, and rainfall toward late April and May during boll opening may cause rain-damage leading to yield loss. Development and adoption of short duration, low temperature tolerant upland cotton varieties might be of advantage for adapting to climate change vulnerabilities.
Effect of Gut Microbiotas Diversity During 32-39 Weeks of Gestation on Postpartum Depression
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Gan Qiangsheng , Yang Hongling , Ye Weitao , Zhao Xueqin , Long Yan , Mei Shanshan , Ma Jun , Rehemutula Rehemayi , Zeng Fangling , Geng Qingshan , Hu Yanwei , Zhu Chunyan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with major depression are accompanied by intestinal flora flocculation; however, the relationship between the composition of gut microbiota in pregnancy and postpartum depression (PPD) has not been established. In this study we determined the effect of the gut microbiota in pregnant women during 32-39 weeks of gestation on PPD.Methods: Participants (n = 74) were enrolled between 2016–2017 from the Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre (GWCMC). Stool samples were collected during 32-39 weeks of gestation, and the relative abundance of fecal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. The parturients completed the mainland Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 42 days postpartum to detect PPD. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) method was used to identify bacterial population differences between the PPD and control groups.Results: The top three bacteria phyla in the PPD and control groups were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Compared with healthy pregnant women, the alpha diversity index of the PPD group was lower. Beta diversity analysis was performed by PCoA showing that no significant differences in bacterial community structures between the two groups (R2 = 0.013, P = 0.549). The composition of gut microbiota during 32-39 weeks of gestation of the two groups was different. At the genera level, Acinetobacter, Plesiomonas, Enterococcus, Olsenella, Alloscardovia, and Anaerotruncus were increased in the PPD group, while Lactococcus, Adlercreutzia, Clostridium, Coprococcus, and unclassified-Clostridiales were decreased. At the species level, hypermegale, uli, casseliflavus, and hathewayi were increased in the PPD group, and celatum was increased in the control group.Conclusions: During 32-39 weeks of gestation, a reduction in diversity of gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory bacteria, and an increase in opportunistic pathogenic bacteria are more likely to cause PPD.
Microbially guided discovery and biosynthesis of biologically active natural products
Authors: Sarkar Ankur , Kim Edward , Jang Taehwan , Hongdusit Akarawin , Kim Hyungjun , Choi Jeong-Mo , Fox Jerome 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The design of small molecules that inhibit disease-relevant proteins represents a longstanding challenge of medicinal chemistry. Here, we describe an approach for encoding this challenge—the inhibition of a human drug target—into a microbial host and using it to guide the discovery and biosynthesis of targeted, biologically active natural products. This approach identified two previously unknown terpenoid inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), an elusive therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes and cancer. Both inhibitors target an allosteric site, which confers unusual selectivity, and can inhibit PTP1B in living cells. A screen of 24 uncharacterized terpene synthases from a pool of 4,464 genes uncovered additional hits, demonstrating a scalable discovery approach, and the incorporation of different PTPs into the microbial host yielded alternative PTP-specific detection systems. Findings illustrate the potential for using microbes to discover and build natural products that exhibit precisely defined biochemical activities yet possess unanticipated structures and/or binding sites.
The Relationship Between PaO2/FiO2 and Delirium in Intensive Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gong Fang , Ai Yuhang , Zhang Lina , Peng Qianyi , Zhou Quan , Gui Chunmei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies investigating the association of delirium with ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) have been limited. The main purpose of the our study was to explore the relationship between PaO2/FiO2 and the risk of delirium in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved the collection of data from patients admitted to the Xiang Ya Hospital Cardiothoracic Surgical Care Unit and Comprehensive Intensive Care Unit from September 1st, 2016, to December 10th, 2016. Delirium was diagnosed by the simplified version of the Chinese Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). The PaO2/FiO2 of each patient was recorded at the first 24 h after admission to the ICU. Results: There was a non-linear relationship between the PaO2/FiO2 and delirium, after adjusting for the following potential confounders: gender, age, hypertension, heart disease, history of a cerebral vascular accident, diabetes, smoking habits, drinking habits, chronic pulmonary dysfunction, blood pressure at admission, postoperative surgery, mechanical ventilation, mechanical ventilation time, PaCO2, sedation, APACHE II score, and SOFA score. We used a two-piecewise linear regression model to calculate the threshold of 247 mmHg. On the left side of the threshold, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.91 (95% CI [0.84, 0.98]), while the OR on the right side was 1.03 (95% CI [1.00, 1.06]).Conclusions: The relationship between PaO2/FiO2 and risk of delirium was non-linear. The PaO2/FiO2 was negatively associated with the risk of delirium when the PaO2/FiO2 was less than 247 mmHg. As a readily available laboratory indicator, PaO2/FiO2 has potential value in the clinical evaluation risk of delirium in ICU patients. Of course, our conclusions need further confirmation from other studies, especially large prospective studies.
Knowledge of COVID-19 and Health Literacy Among Patients Seeking Care in an Emergency Department
Authors: Barry Connor , Green Stephen , Payne Brian , Holmes Justin , Xu Ke Tom 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAs the US continues to experience a daily increase of COVID-19 cases, there is an urgent need to identify ways to improve individuals’ knowledge of COVID-19 to achieve effective prevention. To examine whether the knowledge of COVID-19 was associated with the general health literacy among patients in an emergency department, and to demonstrate whether patients’ primary source of COVID-19 information was associated with their COVID-19 knowledge.MethodsA sample of adults was collected in an urban ED. Patients’ knowledge of COVID-19 was measured by the agreement to 10 statements. Health literacy was measured by the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS). Participants were also asked about their primary source of COVID-19 information, sociodemographics, comorbidities and familiarity with the healthcare system at baseline. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. ResultsThe average COVID-19 knowledge score was 7.09 (range 0-10) and BHLS score, 11.09 (range 3-15). About 43% obtained the information primarily from TVs, radios and newspapers, and 1/3 from social media and circles. The group with the primary source being internet searches and sites had the highest average COVID-19 knowledge score of 7.78. The BHLS and COVID-19 knowledge scores were positively correlated in both bivariate and multivariate analyses. Education and income levels were statistically significant in the multivariate regression.ConclusionsTo better prevent further increases in COVID-19 transmission, community-based interventions can be more cost-effective when targeting sociodemographic groups that have lower general health literacy. In particular, individuals of low educational and with low income levels should be prioritized.
Evaluation of the Prognostic Value of Lactate and Acid-base Status in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: D'Abrantes Ramiro , DUNN Laura , MCMILLAN Tim , CORNWELL Ben , BLOOM Ben , HARRIS Tim 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
IntroductionPoint-of-care metabolic screens are frequently used in the assessment of critical illness. Lactate levels predict mortality in a wide range of patients presenting to the Emergency Department but the effect of co-existing acidosis is unknown. We investigated the effect that acidosis has on in-hospital mortality for patients with hyperlactataemia. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria were patients over 17 years of age who received a metabolic panel on arrival to the resuscitation area of the Emergency Department. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The groups were normal lactate (0.0-2.0 mmol/L), intermediate lactate (2.1-4.0 mmol/L) and high lactate (>4.0 mmol/L), with and without acidosis. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to assess the differences in mortality rates between groups stratified by lactate and acid-base status.Results 4107 metabolic panels were collected and 3238 were assessed. 510 (15.8%) & 784 (24.2%) patients had a normal lactate and acidosis or no acidosis respectively. 587 (18.1%) & 842 (26.0%) patients had intermediate lactate and acidosis or no acidosis respectively. 388 (12.0%) & 127 (3.9%) patients had high lactate and acidosis or no acidosis respectively. The overall mortality was 5%. In normal lactate group mortality was 4.3% and 0.6%, intermediate lactate mortality was 5.6% and 2.6%, and high lactate group mortality was 19.3% and 3.9%, with and without acidosis respectively. Combining base excess < -6 and lactate >4 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 39%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value of 32% and a negative predictive value of 98% for in-hospital mortality, OR 14.0 (95% CI 9.77 – 20.11). Conclusion In an undifferentiated cohort of Emergency Department patients presenting to the resuscitation area lactaemia associated with acidosis is a more accurate predictor of in-hospital mortality than hyperlactataemia.
Potential Impact of Flood on Schistosomiasis in Poyang Lake Regions Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Xue Jing-Bo , Wang Xin-Yi , Zhang Li-Juan , Hao Yu-Wan , Chen Zhe , Lin Dan-Dan , Xu Jing , Xia Shang , Li Shi-Zhu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFlooding may be the most important factors contributing to the rebound of Oncomelania hupensis in endemic foci. This study aimed to assess the risk of schistosomiasis japonica transmission impacted by flooding around the Poyang Lake region using multi-source remote sensing images.MethodsNormalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data collected by the Landsat 8 satellite was used as an ecological and geographical suitability indicator of O. hupensis snail habitats in the Poyang Lake region. The flood-affected water body expansion was estimated using dual polarized threshold calculations based on the dual polarized synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The image data were captured from Sentinel-1B satellite in May 2020 before the flood and in July 2020 during the flood. The spatial database of snail habitats distribution was created by using the 2016 snail survey in Jiangxi Province. The potential spread of O. hupensis snails after the flood was predicted by an overlay analysis of the NDVI maps of flood-affected water body areas. In addition, the risk of schistosomiasis transmission was classified based on O. hupensis snail density data and the related NDVI. ResultsThe surface area of Poyang Lake was approximately 2,207 km2 in May 2020 before the flood and 4,403 km2 in July 2020 during the period of the flood peak, and the flood-caused expansion of water body was estimated as 99.5%. After the flood, the potential snail habitats were predicted to be concentrated in areas neighboring the existing habitats in marshlands of the Poyang Lake. The areas with high risk of schistosomiasis transmission were predicted to be mainly distributed in Yongxiu, Xinjian, Yugan and Poyang (District) along Poyang Lake. By comparing the predictive results and actual snail distribution, the predictive accuracy of the model was estimated as 87%, which meant the 87% of actual snail distribution were correctly identified as the snail habitats in the model predictions. ConclusionsFlood-affected water body expansion and environmental factors pertaining to snail breeding may be rapidly extracted from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-1B remote sensing images. The applications of multi-source remote sensing data are feasible for the timely and effective assessment of the potential schistosomiasis transmission risk caused by snail spread during the flood disaster, which is of great significance for precision control of schistosomiasis.