output
stringlengths 2
1.19k
| input
stringlengths 1
122k
| instruction
stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|
CAMPTODACTYLY AND CLINODACTYLY – NEW UNDERSTANDING OF KNOWN DEFORMITIES | Camptodactyly and clinodactyly are most commonly considered just cosmetic defects, but they can pose a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, mainly because of their apparently similar clinical presentation. For years, experts have been arguing over definitions, descriptions, and therapeutic approaches to these deformities, with some favoring surgical approach, some advocating conservative treatment, while others are prone to use a combination of the aforementioned approaches. This article provides an overview of the current literature on two different entities, with emphasis on differences in clinical presentation and treatment modalities. This may improve the understanding and recognition of these deformities in children, and help the attending physician select the most appropriate therapy for the individual patient. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Systematizing Heart Failure Population Health. | Population health and population health management of patients with heart failure aim to identify all patients with the condition in a population, to characterize and risk stratify subgroups of patients, to improve care delivery by leveraging technology and data so providers can improve care coordination, to engage disease management programs, and to create cost-effective health systems that reduce financial burden on patients and providers. This requires a shift in our treatment paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive primary and secondary prevention. Shifts from fee-for-service to value-based payment models promise to encourage population health. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Toward Optimal Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Insights From a COVID-19 Pandemic Experience | The first wave of SARS-CoV-2 has deeply affected long term care facilities in the province of Quebec In response, governmental officials took protective measures, such as suspending visits and activities and even requiring residents to self-isolate to their room Consequently, residents with major cognitive impairments were cut from their routine as well as from significant social interactions, support, and stimulation essential to their well-being This isolation negatively affected many residents For some of them, the loss of bearings resulted in newly or deteriorated behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) These residents were then more at risk of contracting the virus or contaminating others To face this challenge, hotels in the Greater Montreal area were transformed into temporary care facilities As members of a multidisciplinary team specialized in the management of BPSD, we were asked to support the redeployed staff who had little experience in this domain In this paper, we present the innovative tools implemented in this uncommon work setting We also discuss factors identified as facilitating the care and treatment of people with BPSD This experience leads us to propose avenues toward better BPSD management | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
BEHRT: Transformer for Electronic Health Records | Today, despite decades of developments in medicine and the growing interest in precision healthcare, vast majority of diagnoses happen once patients begin to show noticeable signs of illness. Early indication and detection of diseases, however, can provide patients and carers with the chance of early intervention, better disease management, and efficient allocation of healthcare resources. The latest developments in machine learning (more specifically, deep learning) provides a great opportunity to address this unmet need. In this study, we introduce BEHRT: A deep neural sequence transduction model for EHR (electronic health records), capable of multitask prediction and disease trajectory mapping. When trained and evaluated on the data from nearly 1.6 million individuals, BEHRT shows a striking absolute improvement of 8.0-10.8%, in terms of Average Precision Score, compared to the existing state-of-the-art deep EHR models (in terms of average precision, when predicting for the onset of 301 conditions). In addition to its superior prediction power, BEHRT provides a personalised view of disease trajectories through its attention mechanism; its flexible architecture enables it to incorporate multiple heterogeneous concepts (e.g., diagnosis, medication, measurements, and more) to improve the accuracy of its predictions; and its (pre-)training results in disease and patient representations that can help us get a step closer to interpretable predictions. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Inflammation-related pyroptosis, a novel programmed cell death pathway, and its crosstalk with immune therapy in cancer treatment | In recent decades, chemotherapies targeting apoptosis have emerged and demonstrated remarkable achievements. However, emerging evidence has shown that chemoresistance is mediated by impairing or bypassing apoptotic cell death. Several novel types of programmed cell death, such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, have recently been reported to play significant roles in the modulation of cancer progression and are considered a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Thus, the switch between apoptosis and pyroptosis is also discussed. Cancer immunotherapy has gained increasing attention due to breakthroughs in immune checkpoint inhibitors; moreover, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis are highly correlated with the modulation of immunity in the tumor microenvironment. Compared with necroptosis and ferroptosis, pyroptosis is the primary mechanism for host defense and is crucial for bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore, recent evidence has demonstrated that pyroptosis exerts benefits on cancer immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T). Hence, in this review, we elucidate the role of pyroptosis in cancer progression and the modulation of immunity. We also summarize the potential small molecules and nanomaterials that target pyroptotic cell death mechanisms and their therapeutic effects on cancer. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Control of Macrophage Inflammation by P2Y Purinergic Receptors | Macrophages comprise a phenotypically and functionally diverse group of hematopoietic cells. Versatile macrophage subsets engage to ensure maintenance of tissue integrity. To perform tissue stress surveillance, macrophages express many different stress-sensing receptors, including purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors that respond to extracellular nucleotides and their sugar derivatives. Activation of G protein-coupled P2Y receptors can be both pro- and anti-inflammatory. Current examples include the observation that P2Y(14) receptor promotes STAT1-mediated inflammation in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages as well as the demonstration that P2Y(11) receptor suppresses the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and concomitantly promotes the release of soluble TNF receptors from anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Here, we review macrophage regulation by P2Y purinergic receptors, both in physiological and disease-associated inflammation. Therapeutic targeting of anti-inflammatory P2Y receptor signaling is desirable to attenuate excessive inflammation in infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Conversely, anti-inflammatory P2Y receptor signaling must be suppressed during cancer therapy to preserve its efficacy. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Isolation and identification of caliciviruses from dogs with enteric infections. | Caliciviruses were isolated from 7 dogs and 1 captured coyote with enteritis. There was a high fatality rate in dogs 4 to 16 weeks of age. The occurrence in these dogs of concurrent infection with known enteric pathogens such as Salmonella sp, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, and canine rotavirus did not allow making any conclusions regarding the pathogenicity of this newly recognized calicivirus. The caliciviruses were characterized by electron microscopy and were further identified as being closely related to feline calicivirus by immunoelectron microscopy with specific antibody. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Protective Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Plus Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation Against White Adipose Tissue Abnormalities in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet | Objective: Obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) elicits white adipose tissue dysfunction. In this study, we have hypothesized that the metabolic modulator eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol (HT) attenuates HFD-induced white adipose tissue (WAT) alterations. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were administered with a HFD (60% fat, 20% protein, 20% carbohydrates) or control diet (CD; 10% fat, 20% protein, 70% carbohydrates), with or without EPA (50 mg/kg/day), HT (5 mg/kg/day), or both for 12 weeks. Determinations in WAT include morphological parameters, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid content in phospholipids (gas chromatography), lipogenesis, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation markers, and gene expression and activities of transcription factors, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) (p65 subunit) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Results: HFD led to WAT hypertrophy in relation to PPAR-γ downregulation. WAT metabolic dysfunction was characterized by upregulation of lipogenic SREBP-1c system, mitochondrial energy metabolism depression, loss of the antioxidant Nrf2 signaling with OS enhancement, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids depletion and activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB system. EPA and HT co-supplementation diminished HFD-dependent effects additively, reaching values close or similar to controls. Conclusion: Data presented strengthen the importance of combined protocols such as EPA plus HT to attenuate metabolic-inflammatory states triggered by obesity. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Using Cyber Applications Towards Positive Psychology Interventions in Africa | This paper describes “Positive Psychology” and its origins as well as its current status within the field of Psychology. Though the field is gaining rapid support in the rest of the world, it has not made the same progress in Africa, although its approach seems to form part of the continent’s indigenous knowledge systems and practices. In order to comment on possible future developments in this field, Africa’s fast increasing exposure to the cyber domain is illuminated, followed by examples of cyber domain interventions that have improved the well-being of Africans. Access to information and interactive communication seems to facilitate an increase in positive experiences, development of positive individual traits and positive communities, especially in the field of agriculture. This suggests that mobile applications and the cyber domain can be used as a platform for positive psychology interventions. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Professionals in Sudan 2020 | Abstract: Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious with pandemic transmission, and is therefore associated with severe health problems and high public anxiety, with healthcare community speculation to be the most distressed because they are at the highest risk of infection This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact on frontline medical staff in Khartoum state, Sudan, during the COVID-19 pandemic between January and March 2020 Materials and Methods: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) scale, and the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) were used to assess depression, anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) on the participants, respectively, through an online questionnaire The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24 Results: PHQ-9 depression scale showed that 285 (82%) staff members had some degree of depression, with mild depression being the most frequent, seen in 96 (24 2%), whereas, severe depression was found to be more common among the age group between 45 and 65 years and was associated with working in the emergency room (ER) (P = 0 03) The PTSD among our participants was assessed by the IES-R that showed that 116 (29 3%) had subclinical PTSD, 124 (31 3%) had mild PTSD symptoms, 98 (24 7%) had moderate PTSD symptoms, and 58 (14 6%) had severe PTSD symptoms Also, a statistical association was seen between the IES-R mean score and the age group between 25 and 34 years (P < 0 0001), having a friend or family member infected with the disease (P < 0 0001), and having a history of contact with a positive case of COVID-19 (P < 0 0001) We used GAD-7 anxiety score that showed mild anxiety in 32 (23 2%) participants, moderate anxiety in 53 (13 4%), and severe anxiety 66 (16 7%) Conclusion: This study aimed to explore the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical staff’s perception and its determinants Most of our participants were found to be suffering from anxiety and depression with combining personal variables and working conditions as predictors | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Network Pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses identify intersection genes of niacin and COVID-19 as potential therapeutic targets | OBJECTIVES: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) may be susceptible to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, anti-CRC/COVID-19 treatment options are currently unavailable. Since niacin is a vitamin with cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory functions, this study aimed to evaluate the possible functional roles and underlying mechanisms of action of niacin as an anti-COVID-19 and -CRC therapy. INTERVENTIONS: We used a series of network pharmacology-based and computational analyses to understand and characterize the binding capacity, biological functions, pharmacological targets and therapeutic mechanisms of niacin in CRC/COVID-19. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We revealed the clinical characteristics of CRC patients and COVID-19 patients, including predisposing genes, survival rate and prognosis. Moreover, the results of molecular docking analysis indicated that niacin exerted effective binding capacity in COVID-19. Further, we disclosed the targets, biological functions and signaling pathways of niacin in CRC/COVID-19. The analysis indicated that niacin could help in treating CRC/COVID-19 through cytoprotection, enhancement of immunologic functions, inhibition of inflammatory reactions and regulation of cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, five core pharmacological targets of niacin in CRC/COVID-19 were also identified, including BCL2L1, PTGS2, IL1B, IFNG and SERPINE1. CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, revealed the niacin-associated molecular functions and pharmacological targets for treating CRC/COVID-19, as COVID-19 remains a serious pandemic. But the findings were not validated in actual CRC patients infected with COVID-19, so further investigation is needed to confirm the potential use of niacin for treating CRC/COVID-19. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Carers of Older People Living with Dementia in Italy and Hungary | The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on both older people with dementia and families caring for them. This paper presents the results of an online survey carried out among Italian and Hungarian family carers of people with dementia during the first pandemic wave (May–July 2020, n = 370). The research questions were the following: (1) How has the pandemic changed the lives of family carers? (2) How did government restriction measures change the availability of care-related help? (3) What other changes did families experience? Results show that about one-quarter of both subsamples experienced a deterioration in their financial status. A decline in both general and mental health was also reported. Due to “lockdown”, family carers’ burden increased substantially. Utilization of care-related help decreased, and the share of those left with no help increased in both countries. Cross-country differences emerged in terms of dementia care system, severity of the first pandemic wave, and measures put in place by governments. Findings outline the weaknesses of support structures and their country-specific vulnerabilities to a worldwide pandemic. To better protect people with dementia in the future, it is essential to strengthen their family carers, and support structures need to be re-evaluated and re-designed. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Care Provided to Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence From the Perspective of Health Professionals | Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a recurring phenomenon in society and can have important repercussions for the lives and health of women worldwide. Even in this alarming global scenario, many health workers still have difficulties approaching IPV with women and providing care for the victims of this type of violence. Given this context, this qualitative study aims at understanding how primary health care professionals provide care for women victims of violence by intimate partners. In view of the methodology design proposed in the Grounded Theory, data collection took place through theoretical sampling. Data collection was carried out in 22 institutions offering primary health care, with 31 female workers from different professional categories being interviewed individually and in depth, including physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, and social workers. The results show that, in order to overcome the difficulties encountered in caring for victims of IPV, primary health care workers have been developing strategies for the care of these women. These strategies include identification of such cases through questions about the woman’s intimate relationship, by establishing a bond with the victim so that she feels welcomed, and through articulation with other team professionals to propose expanded health care. The interventions carried out by these professionals include meeting the demands of women in the health institution where they work, referral to other services in the network, if necessary, and notification of IPV cases to epidemiological surveillance. Based on this understanding of the care offered by the professionals to women who are victims of IPV in primary health care, the research aims at contributing to the sensitization of professionals working in health institutions regarding the identification of signs that raise suspicion of IPV, as well as at addressing such cases in a way to fully meet these women’s needs. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Impact of health system engagement on the health and well-being of people who use drugs: a realist review protocol. | BACKGROUND Although community-level benefits of health system engagement (i.e., health service planning, delivery, and quality improvement, engaged research and evaluation, and collaborative advocacy) are well established, individual-level impacts on the health and well-being of community members are less explored, in particular for people who use or have used illegal drugs (PWUD). Capacity building, personal growth, reduced/safer drug use, and other positive outcomes may or may not be experienced by PWUD involved in engagement activities. Indeed, PWUD may also encounter stigma and harm when interacting with healthcare and academic structures. Our objective is to uncover why, how, and under what circumstances positive and negative health outcomes occur during health system engagement by PWUD. METHODS We propose a realist review approach due to its explanatory lens. Through preliminary exploration of literature, lived experience input, and consideration of formal theories, an explanatory model was drafted. The model describes contexts, mechanisms, and health outcomes (e.g., mental health, stable/safer drug use) involved in health system engagement. The explanatory model will be tested against the literature and iteratively refined against formal theories. A participatory lens will also be used, wherein PWUD with lived experience of health system engagement will contribute throughout all stages of the review. DISCUSSION We believe this is the first realist review to explore the contextual factors and underlying mechanisms of health outcomes for PWUD who participate in health system engagement. A thorough understanding of the relevant literature and theoretical underpinnings of this process will offer insights and recommendations to improve the engagement processes of PWUD. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Experiences of Renal Replacement Therapy Delivery in Swedish Intensive Care Units during the COVID-19 Pandemic | BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapidly increased demand for intensive care unit (ICU) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) worldwide. RRT delivery was threatened by a lack of specially trained staff and equipment. We investigated how the first wave of COVID-19 affected RRT delivery in Swedish ICUs. METHODS: An Internet-based questionnaire was sent to ICU lead physicians which included quantitative and qualitative questions regarding RRT demand, equipment availability, and use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), intermittent haemodialysis (IHD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD) during spring 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-five ICUs responded and these treated 64% of COVID-19 ICU patients in Sweden. ICU capacity increased by 292% (IQR 171–347%). Median peak capacity was reached during the 18th week of the year. RRT use increased overall by 133% and in Stockholm by 188%. 36% of units sequestered CRRT machines. IHD was used in 68% and PD in 12% of ICUs. RRT fluid and filter shortages were experienced by 45% and 33% of wards, respectively; consequently, prescription alterations were made by 24% of ICUs. Calcium solution shortages were reported in 12% of units that led to citrate protocol changes. Staffing shortages resulted in RRT sometimes being delivered by non-RRT-trained staff, safety incidents relating to this occurred, although no patient harm was reported. CONCLUSION: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, RRT demand increased extensively causing staff and equipment shortages, altered CRRT protocols, and increased use of IHD and PD. The impact on patient outcomes should be assessed to effectively plan for further surge capacity RRT demand. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Inflammatory Markers in Cancer Immunotherapy | SIMPLE SUMMARY: Inflammation has been recognized to be linked to tumor development. Several markers of inflammation can be detected via blood such as variety of blood cells, which can be readily and easily obtained. These markers have been studied as ways to predict and prognosticate tumor response to chemotherapy. With the development of immunotherapy, namely immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL-1) PDL-1 inhibitors, several markers have also been studied in assessing tumor response. In this review, we will discuss the various inflammatory markers that have been studied in several tumors treated with ICIs. ABSTRACT: Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for cancer formation. Inflammation within the tumor environment plays a role in its response to therapy, growth, and prognosis. Cancer associated inflammation is known to occur in the tumor microenvironment and in the systemic circulation, and is correlated with disease progression and prognosis in many cancers. Blood cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and circulating proteins such as C-reactive protein, and interleukins, such as IL-6, have been associated with inflammatory responses, which contribute to tumorigenesis. Cancer has found ways to evade the immune response; a pathway that can attenuate the innate immune response is via blocking immune checkpoints. Development of monoclonal antibodies against inhibitory immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have given rise to immunotherapy, which has shown remarkable responses in anti-tumor activity resulting in several U.S. Federal and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved checkpoint inhibitors. Various inflammatory markers and their prognostic and predictive implications in malignancies treated with immunotherapy will be discussed in this review. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Absence of Excess Mortality in a Highly Vaccinated Population During the Initial Covid-19 Delta Period | BackgroundAll-cause excess mortality (the number of deaths that exceed projections in any period) has been widely reported during the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether excess mortality has occurred during the Delta wave is less well understood. MethodsWe performed an observational study using data from the Massachusetts Department of Health. Five years of US Census population data and CDC mortality statistics were applied to a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (sARIMA) model to project the number of expected deaths for each week of the pandemic period, including the Delta period (starting in June 2021, extending through August 28th 2021, for which mortality data are >99% complete). Weekly Covid-19 cases, Covid-19-attributed deaths, and all-cause deaths are reported. County-level excess mortality during the vaccine campaign are also reported, with weekly rates of vaccination in each county that reported 100 or more all-cause deaths during any week included in the study period. ResultsAll-cause mortality was not observed after March 2021, by which time over 75% of persons over 65 years of age in Massachusetts had received a vaccination. Fewer deaths than expected (which we term deficit mortality) occurred both during the summer of 2020, the spring of 2021 and during the Delta wave (beginning June 13, 2021 when Delta isolates represented >10% of sequenced cases). After the initial wave in the spring of 2020, more Covid-19-attributed deaths were recorded that all-cause excess deaths, implying that Covid-19 was misattributed as the underlying cause, rather than a contributing cause of death in some cases. ConclusionIn a state with high vaccination rates, excess mortality has not been recorded during the Delta period. Deficit mortality has been recorded during this period. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Improved And Optimized Drug Repurposing For The SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic | The active global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused more than 426 million cases and 5.8 million deaths worldwide. The development of completely new drugs for such a novel disease is a challenging, time intensive process. Despite researchers around the world working on this task, no effective treatments have been developed yet. This emphasizes the importance of drug repurposing, where treatments are found among existing drugs that are meant for different diseases. A common approach to this is based on knowledge graphs, that condense relationships between entities like drugs, diseases and genes. Graph neural networks (GNNs) can then be used for the task at hand by predicting links in such knowledge graphs. Expanding on state-of-the-art GNN research, Doshi et al. recently developed the Dr-COVID model. We further extend their work using additional output interpretation strategies. The best aggregation strategy derives a top-100 ranking of 8,070 candidate drugs, 32 of which are currently being tested in COVID-19-related clinical trials. Moreover, we present an alternative application for the model, the generation of additional candidates based on a given pre-selection of drug candidates using collaborative filtering. In addition, we improved the implementation of the Dr-COVID model by significantly shortening the inference and pre-processing time by exploiting data-parallelism. As drug repurposing is a task that requires high computation and memory resources, we further accelerate the post-processing phase using a new emerging hardware -- we propose a new approach to leverage the use of high-capacity Non-Volatile Memory for aggregate drug ranking. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
ESC: a comprehensive resource for SARS-CoV-2 immune escape variants | Ever since the breakout of COVID-19 disease, ceaseless genomic research to inspect the epidemiology and evolution of the pathogen has been undertaken globally. Large scale viral genome sequencing and analysis have uncovered the functional impact of numerous genetic variants in disease pathogenesis and transmission. Emerging evidence of mutations in spike protein domains escaping antibody neutralization is reported. We have built a database with precise collation of manually curated variants in SARS-CoV-2 from literature with potential escape mechanisms from a range of neutralizing antibodies. This comprehensive repository encompasses a total of 5258 variants accounting for 2068 unique variants tested against 230 antibodies, patient convalescent plasma and vaccine breakthrough events. This resource enables the user to gain access to an extensive annotation of SARS-CoV-2 escape variants which would contribute to exploring and understanding the underlying mechanisms of immune response against the pathogen. The resource is available at http://clingen.igib.res.in/esc/. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Bioactive Alkaloids from Genus Aspergillus: Mechanistic Interpretation of Their Antimicrobial and Potential SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Activity Using Molecular Modelling | Genus Aspergillus represents a widely spread genus of fungi that is highly popular for possessing potent medicinal potential comprising mainly antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant properties. They are highly attributed to its richness by alkaloids, terpenes, steroids and polyketons. This review aimed to comprehensively explore the diverse alkaloids isolated and identified from different species of genus Aspergillus that were found to be associated with different marine organisms regarding their chemistry and biology. Around 174 alkaloid metabolites were reported, 66 of which showed important biological activities with respect to the tested biological activities mainly comprising antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antifouling activities. Besides, in silico studies on different microbial proteins comprising DNA-gyrase, topoisomerase IV, dihydrofolate reductase, transcriptional regulator TcaR (protein), and aminoglycoside nucleotidyl transferase were done for sixteen alkaloids that showed anti-infective potential for better mechanistic interpretation of their probable mode of action. The inhibitory potential of compounds vs. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an important therapeutic target combating COVID-19 infection and its complication was also examined using molecular docking. Fumigatoside E showed the best fitting within the active sites of all the examined proteins. Thus, Aspergillus species isolated from marine organisms could afford bioactive entities combating infectious diseases. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Principles of approach to suspected or infected patients related Covid-19 in newborn intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit | PURPOSE: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate physical and mental health (MH) effects of children and their parents in newborn intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit due to Covid-19 CONCLUSIONS: Children are less likely to develop severe illness than adults It may benefit from medical and psychological/behavioral interventions Prevent negative MH outcomes for babies/children/caregivers affected by Covid-19 PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is useful to clarify the clinical course of children (treatment, care procedures, psychosocial effects, etc ) The establishment of mental health expert nursing teams, psychological counseling (synchronous telemedicine services for support purposes, telepsychiatry for parents, etc ) may have helped prevent negative mental health of Covid-19 outcomes Continuous updating of medical staff's knowledge and skills for the prevention of Covid-19 is expected to slow the spread of the disease | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Psychosocial health in people with diabetes during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark | AIMS: To analyze trajectories of psychosocial health among people with diabetes during the first three months of lockdowns and reopenings of the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark. METHODS: An online longitudinal survey of 2430 people with diabetes consisting of six questionnaire waves (Q1-Q6) was conducted between March 19 and June 25, 2020. Psychosocial outcomes assessed were COVID-19 worries, quality of life, feelings of social isolation, psychological distress, diabetes distress, anxiety, and general and diabetes-specific loneliness. Trajectories in psychosocial health were analyzed with linear multilevel mixed-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: In total, 1366 (56%) people with diabetes responded to the first questionnaire. COVID-19 worries, feelings of social isolation, psychological distress, anxiety and general loneliness had all improved at Q6 compared to Q1 (pâ¯<â¯0.001). In general, improvements in psychosocial health started after the first reopening phase (April 15); however, general loneliness increased up to the first reopening phase (pâ¯≤â¯â¯0.001) before decreasing, and quality of life decreased up to the first reopening phase (pâ¯=â¯0.002), with no improvements to follow. Subgroup analyses revealed that women had larger decreases in feelings of social isolation (pâ¯<â¯0.001) and in psychological distress (pâ¯=â¯0.035) and increases in quality of life (pâ¯<â¯0.001), between Q1 and Q6, compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial health in people with diabetes improved following reopening of society. However, increases in loneliness and decreases in quality of life during lockdown indicates a potential need to mitigate the acute effects of such policies. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
‘My wife is my doctor at home’: A qualitative study exploring the challenges of home-based palliative care in a resource-poor setting | BACKGROUND: Family caregiving is common globally, but when a family member needs palliative and end-of-life care, this requires knowledge and expertise in dealing with symptoms, medication, and treatment side effects. Caring for a family member with advanced prostate cancer in the home presents practical and emotional challenges, especially in resource-poor contexts, where there are increasing palliative cases without adequate palliative care institutions. AIM: The study explored palliative and end-of-life care experiences of family caregivers and patients living at home in a resource-poor context in Ghana. DESIGN: This is a qualitative study using thematic analysis of face-to-face interviews at two-time points. PARTICIPANTS: Men living with advanced prostate cancer (n = 23), family caregivers (n = 23), healthcare professionals (n = 12). FINDINGS: Men with advanced prostate cancer face complex issues, including lack of access to professional care and a lack of resources for homecare. Family caregivers do not have easy access to professional support; they often have limited knowledge of disease progression. Patients have inadequate access to medication and other practical resources for homecare. Caregivers may be overburdened and perform the role of the patient’s ‘doctor’ at home-assessing patient’s symptoms, administering drugs, and providing hands-on care. CONCLUSION: Home-based care is promoted as an ideal and cost-effective model of care, particularly in Westernised palliative care models. However, in resource-poor contexts, there are significant challenges associated with the implementation of this model. This study revealed the scale of challenges family caregivers, who lack basic training on aspects of caring, face in providing home care unsupported by healthcare professionals. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Safety and Efficacy of Avaren-Fc Lectibody Targeting HCV High-Mannose Glycans in a Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model | Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the recent advent of highly effective direct-acting antivirals. The envelope glycoproteins of HCV are heavily glycosylated with a high proportion of high-mannose glycans (HMGs), which serve as a shield against neutralizing antibodies and assist in the interaction with cell-entry receptors. However, currently there is no approved therapeutic targeting this potentially druggable biomarker. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the lectibody Avaren-Fc (AvFc), a HMG-binding lectin-Fc fusion protein. In vitro assays showed AvFc’s capacity to neutralize cell culture-derived HCV in a genotype independent manner with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. A histidine buffer-based AvFc formulation was developed for in vivo studies using the PXB human liver chimeric mouse model. Systemic administration of AvFc was well tolerated; after 11 consecutive doses every other day at 25 mg/kg, there were no significant changes in body or liver weights, nor any impact noted in blood human albumin levels or serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Gross necropsy and liver pathology further confirmed the lack of discernible toxicity. This treatment regimen successfully prevented genotype 1a HCV infection in all animals, while an AvFc mutant lacking HMG binding activity failed to block the infection. These results suggest that targeting envelope HMGs is a promising therapeutic approach against HCV infection. In particular, AvFc may provide a safe and efficacious means to prevent recurrent infection upon liver transplantation in HCV-related end-stage liver disease patients. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
SARS-CoV-2 e gestacao: uma revisao dos fatos | OBJECTIVE: The present comprehensive review aims to show the full extent of what is known to date and provide a more thorough view on the effects of SARS-CoV2 in pregnancy METHODS: Between March 29 and May, 2020, the words COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 and pregnancy, SARS-CoV2 and pregnancy, and SARS and pregnancy were searched in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases;the guidelines from well-known societies and institutions (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RCOG], American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology [ISUOG], Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]) were also included CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a pandemic with>3 3 million cases and 230 thousand deaths until May 2nd It is caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus and may lead to severe pulmonary infection and multi-organ failure Past experiences show that unique characteristics in pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to complications from viral infections Yet, this has not been reported with this new virus There are risk factors that seem to increase morbidity in pregnancy, such as obesity (body mass index [BMI]>35), asthma and cardiovascular disease Current reports describe an increased rate of preterm birth and C-section Vertical transmission is still a possibility, due to a few reported cases of neonatal positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in nasal swab, amniotic fluid, and positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) in neonatal blood Treatments must be weighed in with caution due to the lack of quality trials that prove their effectiveness and safety during pregnancy Medical staff must use personal protective equipment in handling SARS-CoV2 suspected or positive patients and be alert for respiratory decompensations OBJETIVO: A presente revisao detalhada busca fornecer dados objetivos para avaliar o que se sabe ate o momento e possibilitar uma visao mais ampla dos efeitos do SARS-CoV2 na gravidez MeTODOS: Entre 29 de marco e 2 de maio de 2020, foi realizada uma busca nos bancos de dados PubMed e Google Scholar com as palavras COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 e gravidez, SARS-CoV2 e gravidez, e SARS e gravidez As recomendacoes dos principais orgaos sobre o tema tambem foram acessadas CONCLUSaO: O surto de COVID-19 resultou em uma pandemia com>3 3 milhoes de casos e 230 mil mortes ate 2 de maio E uma condicao causada pelo virus SARS-CoV2 e pode levar ao acometimento pulmonar difuso e a falencia de multiplos orgaos Caracteristicas unicas da gestante tornam essa populacao mais propensas a complicacoes de infeccoes virais Ate o momento, essa tendencia nao foi observada para esse novo virus Os fatores que parecem estar associados a maior morbidade materno-fetal sao obesidade (indice de massa corporal [IMC]>35), asma e doenca cardiovascular Ha descricao de aumento de parto prematuro e parto cesareo Nao se pode descartar a possibilidade de transmissao vertical da doenca, devido a relatos de positividade de reacao em cadeia de polimerase (RT-PCR) de swab nasal, RT-PCR de liquido amniotico e imunoglobulina M (IgM) de recem-nascidos Tratamentos devem ser analisados caso a caso, dada a falta de qualidade de estudos que comprovem a sua eficacia e seguranca na gravidez O corpo clinico deve utilizar equipamentos de protecao individual (EPI) ao manusear pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados e ficar atento aos sinais de descompensacao respiratoria | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Expanding the utility of the ROX index among patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure | BACKGROUND: Delaying intubation in patients who fail high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) may result in increased mortality. The ROX index has been validated to predict HFNC failure among pneumonia patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF), but little information is available for non-pneumonia causes. In this study, we validate the ROX index among AHRF patients due to both pneumonia or non-pneumonia causes, focusing on early prediction. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study in eight Singapore intensive care units from 1 January 2015 to 30 September 2017. All patients >18 years who were treated with HFNC for AHRF were eligible and recruited. Clinical parameters and arterial blood gas values at HFNC initiation and one hour were recorded. HFNC failure was defined as requiring intubation post-HFNC initiation. RESULTS: HFNC was used in 483 patients with 185 (38.3%) failing HFNC. Among pneumonia patients, the ROX index was most discriminatory in pneumonia patients one hour after HFNC initiation [AUC 0.71 (95% CI 0.64–0.79)], with a threshold value of <6.06 at one hour predicting HFNC failure (sensitivity 51%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 61%, negative predictive value 73%). The discriminatory power remained moderate among pneumonia patients upon HFNC initiation [AUC 0.65 (95% CI 0.57–0.72)], non-pneumonia patients at HFNC initiation [AUC 0.62 (95% CI 0.55–0.69)] and one hour later [AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.56–0.70)]. CONCLUSION: The ROX index demonstrated moderate discriminatory power among patients with either pneumonia or non-pneumonia-related AHRF at HFNC initiation and one hour later. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Dikos Nitsaa’igii-19 (The Big Cough): Coal, COVID, and the Navajo Nation | This essay makes the following arguments. First, the US federal government knows how to electrify remote rural areas, and has in fact electrified rural areas as remote and inaccessible as the Appalachian Mountains. Yet, the US government has failed to electrify Navajo. Second, Navajo Nation is surrounded by power plants which send electricity to Phoenix, Los Angeles, and parts distant, yet transmission lines and infrastructure have not been properly extended from those power plants to inside of Navajo Nation. Third, the health risks of residential coal burning are well known, and given the health risks of COVID-19 and the fact that underlying respiratory conditions make the Navajo quite susceptible to this disease, the need to address this infrastructure gap is urgent. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Antibody and cytokine responses in kittens during the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) | Two recombinant FIPV spike proteins were assessed for their immunogenic properties in 8-week-old kittens, which were then challenged intranasally with FIPV 79-1146. Humoral responses were assessed by ELISA and serum neutralisation test. Changes in PBMC cytokine mRNA levels were detected by a reverse transcription, semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-sqPCR), assessing IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and IFNγ. All of the kittens developed clinical signs typical of FIP, which were confirmed on gross post mortem examination. The recombinant proteins induced little or no specific antibody response prior to challenge, and failed to alter the course of disease compared to controls. One week after virus challenge, the stimulated PBMCs showed small increases in the expression of IL-6 and IFNγ mRNA, which correlated with a transient pyrexia. After this time expression of IL-6 mRNA remained unaltered but, as FIP developed, mRNA levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IFNγ became markedly depressed. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Role of argatroban during neurointerventional procedures in patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia. | BACKGROUND Currently, heparin is used routinely for anticoagulation during cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures. In patients with heparin sensitivity, however, heparin cannot be used. Therefore, an alternative method of anticoagulation is necessary to prevent clot formation during such procedures. METHODS Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is used as an alternate to heparin for anticoagulation. It is indicated for treatment of heparin induced thrombocytopenia as well as for prophylaxis during percutaneous coronary intervention. There are no reports describing the protocols for its use during neurointerventional procedures. We report on a series of three patients where argatroban was used in a series of three patients who underwent endovascular interventional procedures. RESULTS Argatroban was given in a loading dosage of 4 μg/kg/min for 10 min followed by an infusion of 1.0 μg/kg/min. During the procedure, no procedural complications were reported. Activated thrombin time was used to monitor anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS We describe here the use of argatroban as an alternate anticoagulant during such procedures, as well as outline our protocol for its administration. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Knowledge and Awareness of COVID-19 among Dental Students, Interns, Clinicians and Academics | Introduction: COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by an RNA virus belonging to a large family of coronaviruses WHO declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency and classified it as a pandemic Aim: The study aims to evaluate and assess knowledge with regards to COVID-19 among dental students, interns, clinicians and academics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 366 dental students, interns, joint academic appointee, and full-time faculty Data was collected using an electronic based questionnaire distributed through E-mails Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 23 with a significance value of p<0 05 Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables Results: Almost all participants acquire adequate level of knowledge regarding the mode of transmission, incubation period and symptoms of COVID-19 Approximately half of the participants 205 (56%) thought that standard precautions in the dental clinics were insufficient in the management of suspected cases of COVID-19 Nearly all participants thought that elective dental treatment should be deferred, and only emergency treatment can be provided However, there was a poor response regarding the correct survival duration of COVID-19 on plastic or stainless-steel surfaces and the use of pre-operational hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse as a method of preventing transmission Conclusion: This study identified areas where participants lacked the knowledge in managing COVID-19 with the best methods available especially at an undergraduate level In order to have a more efficient and appropriate response for future pandemics, dental curriculums and educational activities should pro-actively provide training opportunities | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Scoping review: Facilitators and barriers in the adoption of teledentistry among older adults | OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Access to oral health care among older adults is a key issue in society, which has been exacerbated by social distancing measures and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults would greatly benefit from teledentistry, yet little information exists on the enablers and challenges of adopting this technology for use with this group. The aim of this scoping review is to summarise the applications and key factors associated with the adoption of teledentistry among older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This scoping review was developed in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review protocol guidelines. Publications on teledentistry involving direct clinical services for older adults aged 60 and above were included. Publications that focused solely on teleeducation were excluded. A systematic search was carried out on major electronic databases until 25 August 2020. Out of 1084 articles screened, 25 articles were included. Facilitators and barriers were categorised using the socio-ecological model. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Teleconsultation and telediagnosis were the most reported applications of teledentistry among older adults. Reported policy-level factors were data privacy issues (n = 7) and regulations (n = 17). Community-level facilitators and barriers included the availability of resources (n = 15) and support (n = 3). Familiar care settings (n = 2) and effective administration (n = 20) were key organisational-level factors. Staff attitudes and education (n = 23) and individual patient knowledge, attitudes and practices (n = 10) can influence teledentistry adoption while complex medical conditions (n = 8) may pose a challenge. CONCLUSION: Key factors in the uptake of teledentistry among older adults span across policy, community, organisational, interpersonal and individual factors. Commonly reported barriers included technical issues, lack of funding, consent issues and cognitive impairments. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Epidemic Analysis of COVID-19 in Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia using the Generalized SEIR Model | Background. Since its emergence in late December 2019 and its declaration as a global pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, the novel coronavirus disease known as (COVID-19) has attracted global attention. The process of modeling and predicting the pandemic behavior became crucial as the different states needed accurate predictions to be able to adopt suitable policies to minimize the pressure on their health care systems. Researchers have employed modified variants of classical SIR/SEIR models to describe the dynamics of this pandemic. In this paper, after proven effective in numerous countries, a modified variant of SEIR is implemented to predict the behavior of COVID-19 in Egypt and other countries in the Middle East. Methods. We built MATLAB simulations to fit the real data of COVID-19 Active, recovered and death Cases in Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to the modified SEIR model via Nelder-Mead algorithm to be able to estimate the future dynamics of the pandemic. Findings. We estimate several characteristics of COVID-19 future dynamics in Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We also estimate that the pandemic will resolve in the countries under investigation in February 2021, January 2021 and 28th August 2020 with total death cases of 9,742, 5,600 and 185 and total cases of 187,600, 490,000 and 120,000 respectively. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Medication treatment for opioid use disorder in the age of COVID-19: Can new regulations modify the opioid cascade? | The temporary loosening of regulations governing methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the U.S., instituted to prevent the spread of COVID-19, has created an opportunity to explore the effectiveness of new models of care for people with OUD. The opioid cascade describes the current status of the treatment system, where only a fraction of people with OUD initiate effective medication treatment for OUD (MOUD), and of those only a fraction is retained in treatment. Regulatory changes-such as availability of larger take-home supplies of methadone and buprenorphine initiated via telemedicine (e.g., no initial in person visit; telemedicine buprenorphine permitted across state lines)-could modify the cascade, by reducing the burden and increasing the attractiveness, availability, and feasibility of MOUD both for people with OUD and for providers. We review examples of more liberal MOUD regimens, including the implementation of buprenorphine in France in the 1990s, primary care-based methadone in Canada, and low-threshold buprenorphine models. Research is needed to document whether new models implemented in the U.S. in the wake of COVID-19 are successful, and whether safety concerns, such as diversion and misuse, emerge. We discuss barriers to implementation, including racial and ethnic health disparities, and lack of knowledge and reluctance among potential providers of MOUD. We suggest that the urgency and public spiritedness of the response to COVID-19 be harnessed to make gains on the opioid cascade, inspiring prescribers, health systems, and communities to embrace the delivery of MOUD to meet the needs of an increasingly vulnerable population. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Optimization of phospholipid chemistry for improved lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA). | Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been established as an essential platform for nucleic acid delivery. Efforts have led to the development of vaccines that protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection using LNPs to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) coding for the viral spike protein. Out of the four essential components that comprise LNPs, phospholipids represent an underappreciated opportunity for fundamental and translational study. We investigated this avenue by systematically modulating the identity of the phospholipid in LNPs with the goal of identifying specific moieties that directly enhance or hinder delivery efficacy. Results indicate that phospholipid chemistry can enhance mRNA delivery by increasing membrane fusion and enhancing endosomal escape. Phospholipids containing phosphoethanolamine (PE) head groups likely increase endosomal escape due to their fusogenic properties. Additionally, it was found that zwitterionic phospholipids mainly aided liver delivery, whereas negatively charged phospholipids changed the tropism of the LNPs from liver to spleen. These results demonstrate that the choice of phospholipid plays a role intracellularly by enhancing endosomal escape, while also driving organ tropism in vivo. These findings were then applied to Selective Organ Targeting (SORT) LNPs to manipulate and control spleen-specific delivery. Overall, selection of the phospholipid in LNPs provides an important handle to design and optimize LNPs for improved mRNA delivery and more effective therapeutics. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Creating and sustaining collaborative multi-institutional industry site visit programs: a toolkit | Background: As more early career scientists enter into diverse career pathways, visiting local companies or organizations can support their exploration of these paths. As an efficient way to facilitate this, we developed a collaborative regional site visit program: the Enhancing Local Industry Transitions through Exploration (ELITE) Consortium. Consortium members arrange half-day visits to local industry sites, thus providing companies and trainees the opportunity to meet and identify potential professional and career opportunities. Three different training institutions worked cooperatively in the development and maintenance of the program. The ELITE Consortium was developed with eight phased steps; guidelines and operating procedures were created for each of these steps and are provided along with sample materials for institutions interested in building similar programs. Methods: Prior to fully developing the program, trainee interests were evaluated via questionnaire. During program implementation and thereafter, program directors tracked attendance and collected career outcome data from publicly available sources to identify first job positions after training. Regression analyses and chi-squared analyses were used to examine site visit matches and career outcome data. Results: Analyses suggest a positive impact of site visits on postdoctoral and graduate trainees’ career outcomes at companies or institutions that match a similar sector (e.g., for-profit) and type (e.g., biotech, pharmaceutical, contract research organization). Despite a small sample size, evidence suggests an especially positive impact on trainees who organize site visits to companies compared with those who simply participate. Conclusions: The ELITE Consortium was successful in helping trainees explore and identify a multitude of career paths. Trainees attained employment either directly or in related companies and institutions visited by ELITE participants. The joint, three-institution, flexible nature of the ELITE Consortium positively impacts the program’s sustainability and reach. The toolkit provided here will help other institutions to replicate and adapt the program with minimal effort. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Massive and Microscopic: Autoethnographic Affects in the Time of COVID | This essay uses several of the prompts from the Massive::Microscopic experiment as a jumping off point for considering how affect theory and critical autoethnography offer us a framework for understanding, creating, and acting together in the time of COVID Through stories of cloud-watching, mindfulness meditation, and other encounters with atmospheres and movements, we connect individual experiences of the pandemic to Buddhist understandings of a universal ?we ? As a research practice committed to joining microscopic with macro lived experience, critical autoethnography offers a speculative method for collective reckoning with our infinitesimal selves in relation to the infinite of a pandemic | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Delayed Diagnosis of Appendicitis Among Children. | BACKGROUND Appendicitis is the most common surgical condition in pediatric emergency department (ED) patients. Prompt diagnosis can reduce morbidity, including appendiceal perforation. The goal of this study was to measure racial/ethnic differences in rates of: 1) appendiceal perforation; 2) delayed diagnosis of appendicitis; 3) diagnostic imaging during prior visit(s). METHODS 3-year multicenter (7 EDs) retrospective cohort study of children diagnosed with appendicitis using the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Registry. Delayed diagnosis was defined as having at least one prior ED visit within 7 days preceding appendicitis diagnosis. We performed multivariable logistic regression to measure associations of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic [NH]-white, NH-Black, Hispanic, Other) with: 1) appendiceal perforation; 2) delayed diagnosis of appendicitis; 3) diagnostic imaging during prior visit(s). RESULTS Of 7298 patients with appendicitis and documented race/ethnicity, 2567 (35.2%) had appendiceal perforation. In comparison to NH-whites, NH-Black children had higher likelihood of perforation (36.5% vs. 34.9%; aOR 1.21 [95% CI 1.01, 1.45]). 206 (2.8%) had a delayed diagnosis of appendicitis. NH-Black children were more likely to have delayed diagnoses (4.7% vs. 2.0%; aOR 1.81 [1.09, 2.98]. Eighty-nine (43.2%) patients with delayed diagnosis had abdominal imaging during their prior visits. In comparison to NH-whites, NH-Black children were less likely to undergo any imaging (28.2% vs. 46.2%; aOR 0.41 [0.18, 0.96]), or definitive imaging (e.g. US/CT/MRI) (10.3% vs. 35.9%; aOR 0.15 [0.05, 0.50]) during prior visits. CONCLUSIONS In this multicenter cohort, there were racial disparities in appendiceal perforation. There were also racial disparities in rates of delayed diagnosis of appendicitis and diagnostic imaging during prior ED visits. These disparities in diagnostic imaging may lead to delays in appendicitis diagnosis, and thus, may contribute to higher perforation rates demonstrated among minority children. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
SARS-CoV-2 among inmates aged over 60 during a COVID-19 outbreak in a penitentiary complex in Brazil: Positive health outcomes despite high prevalence | OBJECTIVES: To assess SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and health outcomes among inmates over 60 years during a COVID-19 outbreak in a major penitentiary complex in the Federal District, Brazil. METHODS: A mass test campaign was performed on May 13, 2020, using antibody-detection rapid tests for asymptomatic inmates and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing for those who were symptomatic. Those with negative results were retested on June 16. Inmates were interviewed to characterise background health conditions and the presence of symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 159 inmates were evaluated. In the first mass testing, 79.9% (127/159) of inmates had been infected, of whom 53.5% (68/127) reported symptoms. In the second testing round, 17 new cases were identified, increasing the total to 90.6% (144/159) of inmates with a positive result. Comorbidities were present in 67.3% of inmates; 2 hospitalisations and no COVID-related deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: More than 90% of inmates aged >60 years were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the outbreak. Periodic health monitoring, active case finding and early care for symptomatic patients contributed to positive post-infection outcomes. Such measures must be considered essential for the surveillance of COVID-19 in environments with limited capacity to promote social distance, such as penitentiary institutions. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Simultaneous determination of cellular adenosine nucleotides, malondialdehyde and uric acid using HPLC | Adenine nucleotides and malondialdehyde are key components involved in energy metabolism and reactive oxygen species production. Measuring the levels of these components at the same time would be critical in studying mitochondrial functions. We have established an HPLC method to simultaneously measure ATP, ADP, AMP, malondialdehyde and uric acid. Samples were treated with perchloric acid followed by centrifugation. After neutralization, the supernatant was subjected to HPLC determination. HPLC was performed with a C18 chromatographic column, isocratic elusion and UV detection. The detection and quantification limits for these components were determined with standard solutions. The precision, repeatability and 24-hour stability were evaluated with cellular samples, and their relative standard deviations were all within 2%. The reproducibility and efficiency were confirmed with sample recovery tests and the observed oxidative effects of H2 O2 on Jurkat cells. With this method, we discovered the dependence of energy and oxidative states on the density of Jurkat cells cultured in suspension. We also found a significant correlation between uric acid in serum with that in saliva. These results indicate that this method has good accuracy and applicability. It can be used in biological, pharmacological and clinical studies, especially those involving mitochondria, reactive oxygen species and purinergic signalling. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Mobile learning acceptance in social distancing during the COVID‐19 outbreak: The mediation effect of hedonic motivation | M‐learning is a trending field in educational organizations, companies, and also for individual study However, in some regions the ampleness of the phenomenon is not quantifiable or comparable due to the lack of an adequate framework and reliable metrics Our research intends to make a little light by assessing the degree of m‐learning adoption in students at a moment when face‐to‐face education moved suddenly online due to the COVID‐19 outbreak's rapid and unpredictable spread A new model relying on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was built to investigate and explain relationships between constructs It reveals the key factors affecting technology adoption by considering hedonic motivation a mediator instead of an exogenous variable as in UTAUT2 Based on an analysis of 311 higher education learners, the way how performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions influence directly or indirectly the behavioral intention is researched The analysis was conducted employing partial least squares structural equation modeling The strongest relationship is between hedonic motivation and behavioral intention followed by the one between perceived effectiveness and hedonic motivation Age, gender, and experience moderate the model's relationships Research contributes to theory development by successfully adjusting the original UTAUT model Results indicate that universities may offer learners an enjoyable m‐learning experience by activating social support groups and inserting gameplay elements into the learning system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Human Behavior & Emerging Technologies is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts ) | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Developing a TRL-oriented roadmap for the adoption of biocomposite materials in the construction industry | The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution. The effect of the construction industry on the environment may be mitigated using eco-friendly construction materials, such as biocomposites. Once developed, biocomposites may offer a viable alternative to the current materials in use. However, biocomposites are lagging in terms of adoption and eventual use in the construction industry. This article provides insights into the steps for biocomposites to become a product that is ready to use by the construction industry in a structural role. The development and the adoption of such a material is tackled with the use of two concepts, i.e., technology readiness level and roadmapping, and explored in a case study on the “liquid wood”. Furthermore, interviews in the construction industry are carried out to identify the industry’s take on biocomposites. A customized roadmap, which underlines a mostly nontechnical perspective concerning this material, has emerged. Additionally, the adoption and diffusion issues that the “liquid wood” may encounter are outlined and complemented with further recommendations. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The COVID-19 effect on the Paris agreement | The pandemic and efforts to control it are causing sharp reductions in global economic activity and associated fossil energy use, with unknown influence on longer-term efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement To explore this effect, estimates of economic recession and recovery in near-term months are extended to cover a return to full employment in future years, to be compared with an estimate of growth had COVID-19 not occurred On the assumption that the Paris emissions pledges for 2020 will be met in any case, projection of global emissions with and without the pandemic show that, through its growth impact alone, it will yield only a small effect on emissions in 2030 and beyond Other COVID legacies may include residual influences in patterns of consumption and travel, and the direction of recovery funds to low carbon investments Most important, however, will be the effect of the economic shocks on the willingness of nations to meet (or augment) their existing Paris emissions pledges The main effect of the pandemic on the threat of climate change, therefore, will be not its growth impact but its influence on national commitments to action | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Environmental racialisation and poetics of influence in the postgenomic era: fire, soil, spirit | This article considers processes of environmental racialisation in the postgenomic era through their politics of difference and poetics of influence. Subfields like epigenetics promise to account for a plurality of possible influences on health outcomes. While this appears to present possibilities for historical reparation to communities whose epigenomes may have been chronically altered by histories of violence and trauma, the prevailing trend has been to compound processes of racialisation in the reproduction of good/bad environments. The postgenomic era has promised an epistemological transformation of ideas and values of human life, but its practices, technologies and ideology have so far prevented this. Epigenetics, rather, reproduces biomedical exclusions through imaginaries of embodied contexts, methods of occlusion and hypervisibility, and assignations of delay and deviance. This is more complex than both genetic reductionism and environmental racism: studies on epigenetics reveal a poetics of influence at work under liberal humanism complicit in the creation of death-worlds for racialised populations. Other experiments with life are possible and unfolding: Jay Bernard’s poem ‘Chemical’, set in the aftermath of London’s Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, unmoors its bodies from material environment, offering a spectral configuration of collective life. This configuration involves negotiating with the fixing of time and space on which genomic imaginaries depend. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Diagnostic value of FDG-PET/CT in fever of unknown origin | BACKGROUND: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a challenging clinical problem in medicine that needs collaboration of various diagnostic techniques to establish the accurate diagnosis. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients who presented themselves with FUO. Our study included 40 patients with FUO who underwent PET/CT examination and their results were compared to the results of laboratory, histopathological, microbiological investigations and/or response to therapy. RESULTS: The final diagnosis included malignancy in 20 patients (50%), infectious causes in 7 patients (17.5%) and non-infectious inflammatory causes in 6 patients (15%). Fever resolved without diagnosis in 4 patients (10%), while no definite diagnosis was reached in 3 patients (7%). PET/CT successfully contributed to diagnosis of 35 out of 40 patients with diagnostic accuracy of 87.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PET/CT in our study were 93.5%, 66.7%, 90.6% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PET/CT is a useful tool to investigate and diagnose the cause of FUO. It provides information that can guide the treatment strategy of the patients. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Structural Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 Protein: Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications | Current therapeutic strategies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are mainly focused on the Spike protein despite there are other viral proteins with important roles in COVID-19 pathogenicity. For example, ORF8 restructures vesicular trafficking in the host cell, impacts intracellular immunity through the IFN-I signaling, and growth pathways through the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In this mini-review, we analyze the main structural similarities of ORF8 with immunological molecules such as IL−1, contributing to the immunological deregulation observed in COVID-19. We also propose that the blockage of some effector functions of ORF8 with Rapamycin, such as the mTORC1 activation through MAPKs 40 pathway, with Rapamycin, can be a promising approach to reduce COVID-19 mortality. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Broad Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Including Omicron, following Breakthrough Infection with Delta in COVID-19-Vaccinated Individuals | Numerous studies have shown that a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection can greatly enhance the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination, with this so called “hybrid immunity” leading to greater neutralization breadth against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. However, little is known about how breakthrough infection (BTI) in COVID-19-vaccinated individuals will impact the magnitude and breadth of the neutralizing antibody response. Here, we compared neutralizing antibody responses between unvaccinated and COVID-19-double-vaccinated individuals (including both AZD1222 and BNT162b2 vaccinees) who have been infected with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Rapid production of spike-reactive IgG was observed in the vaccinated group, providing evidence of effective vaccine priming. Overall, potent cross-neutralizing activity against current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern was observed in the BTI group compared to the infection group, including neutralization of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant. This study provides important insights into population immunity where transmission levels remain high and in the context of new or emerging variants of concern. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Velvet Antler Peptides Reduce Scarring via Inhibiting the TGF-ß Signaling Pathway During Wound Healing | Aim: Scar formation generally occurs in cutaneous wound healing in mammals, mainly caused by myofibroblast aggregations, and currently with few effective treatment options. However, the pedicle wound (about 10 cm in diameter) of the deer can initiate regenerative healing, which has been found to be achieved via paracrine factors from the internal tissues of antlers. Methods: Enzymatically digested velvet antler peptides (EVAP) were prepared along with other types of antler extracts as the controls. The effects of EVAP on healing of full-thickness skin wounds were evaluated using rats in vivo, and on myofibroblast transdifferentiation tested using transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Results: EVAP significantly accelerated the wound healing rate, reduced scar formation, and improved the healing quality, including promoted angiogenesis, increased number of skin appendages (hair follicles and sebaceous glands) and improved the distribution pattern of collagen fibers (basket-wave like) in the healed tissue. Moreover, EVAP significantly down-regulated the expression levels of genes pro- scar formation (Col1a2 and TGF-ß1), and up-regulated the expression levels of genes anti-scar formation (Col3a1 and TGF-ß3), and suppressed the excessive transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts and the formation of collagen I in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we found these effects were highly likely achieved by inhibiting the TGF-ß signaling pathway, evidenced by decreased expression levels of the related genes, including TGF-ß1, Smad2, p-Smad2, α-SMA, and collagen I. Conclusions: EVAP may be a promising candidate to be developed as a clinic drug for regenerative wound healing. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The moderating role of colour in modelling the effectiveness of COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons on the health behaviour of social media users in Nigeria | Previous studies on the effect of cartoon hardly consider the moderating role of colour. Additionally, studies on the use of social media for health promotion pay less attention to sustainability of health behaviour. In this study, we examined the moderating role of colour on the effectiveness of COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons on health behaviour of social media users in Nigeria. We survey a total of 470 social media users in Nigeria who reported exposure to YouTube COVID-19 animated cartoons. It was found that colour significantly predict recall of YouTube animated cartoons on COVID-19. In addition, the result of the study revealed that colour significantly moderate impact ofCOVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons on health behaviour of social media users. The result further showed that exposure to COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons will significantly predict knowledge of the virus. The result also showed that recall of messages theme in COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoons significantly predicts health behaviour of social media users. Finally, the result of the study showed that self-efficacy, task self-efficacy, coping self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy significantly predict health behaviour sustainability among social media users who are exposed to COVID-19 YouTube animated cartoon. We highlighted the implications of these results on health promotions. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Advances in Viral Diagnostic Technologies for Combating COVID-19 and Future Pandemics | The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) threatens the health of the global population and challenges our preparedness for pandemic threats. Previous outbreaks of coronaviruses and other viruses have suggested the importance of diagnostic technologies in fighting viral outbreaks. Nucleic acid detection techniques are the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2. Viral antigen tests and serological tests that detect host antibodies have also been developed for studying the epidemiology of COVID-19 and estimating the population that may have immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, the availability, cost, and performance of existing viral diagnostic technologies limit their practicality, and novel approaches are required for improving our readiness for global pandemics. Here, we review the principles and limitations of major viral diagnostic technologies and highlight recent advances of molecular assays for COVID-19. In addition, we discuss emerging technologies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems, high-throughput sequencing, and single-cell and single-molecule analysis, for improving our ability to understand, trace, and contain viral outbreaks. The prospects of viral diagnostic technologies for combating future pandemic threats are presented. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
A novel approach for evaluating antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using menstrual blood collected from sanitary napkins before and after vaccination and evaluation of the visual napkin score | Background: Although saliva, whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, and feces have been used as specimens for SARS-CoV-2 antigen and antibody tests, menstrual blood has not been reported to date. Unlike invasive blood collection methods, menstrual blood collected non-invasively from participants can be used to evaluate the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of our report is to show an association between menstrual blood and the presence of neutralizing antibodies acquired via mRNA vaccination and the usefulness of menstrual blood as a sample type for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, considering the volume of blood in sanitary napkins as visual napkin score (VNS). Methods: In this study, we collected one napkin each from 40 participants visiting the outpatient gynecology clinic of our university hospital with no symptoms related to COVID-19 and attempted to collect their menstrual blood from the napkins. In 5 of 40 participants, menstrual blood was collected after at least one dose of mRNA vaccination. For this study, the maximum volume of menstrual blood collected was set as 980 μl. In addition, the classification of napkins based on the VNS was set, with level 1 being the lowest percentage of blood on the napkin (0–20%) and level 5 being the highest category (80–100%), according to the consensus of two researchers. We have evaluated used four different antibody testing kits using menstrual blood for detecting IgG and IgM. Findings: The mean amount of menstrual blood collected from the 40 participants' sanitary napkins was 364 ± 372 μl;higher VNS indicated more menstrual blood collected. Statistically, VNS 3 or higher resulted in significantly higher menstrual blood collection than VNS 1 (p<0.01). With VNS 1, the collection of menstrual blood was complicated, and antibody test kits could not be tested for all eight participants. On the other hand, 31 of 32 participants (96.9%) with VNS 2 or higher could be tested with one or more antibody test kits. For all testing kits, 100% of tests with menstrual blood had a positive control line, and all participants who tested positive for IgG and IgM had received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. In the five participants after mRNA vaccination, only two of the four testing kits were all positive for IgG. Interpretation We have, for the first time, evaluated antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in menstrual blood collected from sanitary napkins with several antibody test kits. We found that if more than 20% of the napkin area has menstrual blood on it, sufficient menstrual blood can be collected for antibody testing. We also confirmed that menstrual blood collected from a sanitary napkin could be used to detect antibody after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. We believe that our results are a pioneering effort that has not been reported previously and will lead to better public health and development of wearable devices. Funding There are no conflicts of interest to disclose for this study. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Phage-like particle vaccines are highly immunogenic and protect against pathogenic coronavirus infection and disease | The response by vaccine developers to the COVID-19 pandemic has been extraordinary with effective vaccines authorized for emergency use in the U.S. within one year of the appearance of the first COVID-19 cases. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and obstacles with the global rollout of new vaccines highlight the need for platforms that are amenable to rapid tuning and stable formulation to facilitate the logistics of vaccine delivery worldwide. We developed a "designer nanoparticle" platform using phage-like particles (PLPs) derived from bacteriophage lambda for multivalent display of antigens in rigorously defined ratios. Here, we engineered PLPs that display the receptor binding domain (RBD) protein from SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, alone (RBDSARS-PLPs, RBDMERS-PLPs) and in combination (hCoV-RBD PLPs). Functionalized particles possess physiochemical properties compatible with pharmaceutical standards and retain antigenicity. Following primary immunization, BALB/c mice immunized with RBDSARS- or RBDMERS-PLPs display serum RBD-specific IgG endpoint and live virus neutralization titers that, in the case of SARS-CoV-2, were comparable to those detected in convalescent plasma from infected patients. Further, these antibody levels remain elevated up to 6 months post-prime. In dose response studies, immunization with as little as one microgram of RBDSARS-PLPs elicited robust neutralizing antibody responses. Finally, animals immunized with RBDSARS-PLPs, RBDMERS-PLPs, and hCoV-RBD PLPs were protected against SARS-CoV-2 and/or MERS-CoV lung infection and disease. Collectively, these data suggest that the designer PLP system provides a platform for facile and rapid generation of single and multi-target vaccines. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Lost in the World of Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Translational Research: Is There Life after the Milstein Award? | We've always wanted to save the world from the scourges of virus infection by developing better drugs and vaccines. But fully understanding the intricacies of virus-host interactions, the first step in achieving this goal, requires the ability to view the process on a grand scale. The advent of high-throughput technologies, such as DNA microarrays and mass spectrometry, provided the first opportunities to obtain such a view. Here we describe our efforts to use these tools to focus on the changes in cellular gene expression and protein abundance that occur in response to virus infection. By examining these changes in a comprehensive manner, we have been able to discover exciting new insights into innate immunity, interferon and cytokine signaling, and the strategies used by viruses to overcome these cellular defenses. Functional genomics may yet save the world from killer viruses. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
AACRAO president helps to steer course in turbulent times | Twice since the start of 2020, Jack Miner has found himself adjusting to a new role amid a public health crisis Miner began work as Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Cincinnati just weeks before the COVID-19 crisis emerged, then ascended to the president's role at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as the association was forced to cancel its April annual meeting | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Convalescent Whole Blood Donors Screening Strategies for Providing Efficient and Safe COVID-19 Survivors' Plasma and Other Blood Components. | BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak our blood bank developed protocols to guarantee accurate blood components to COVID-19 patients. OBJECTIVES To provide convalescent whole blood donor screening strategies for patients recovering from COVID-19. METHODS We recruited COVID-19 recovering patients who met our defined inclusion criteria for whole blood donation. All blood units were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and SARS-COV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the S1 domain. RESULTS We screened 180 blood units from patients recovering from COVID-19. All results were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and 87.2% were positive for SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies in the plasma. CONCLUSIONS Blood component units from recovering COVID-19 patients are safe. Plasma units with positive IgG antibodies could serve as an efficient passive immunization for COVID-19 patients. Moreover, in the face of increased transfusion demand for treatment of anemia and coagulation dysfunction in critical ill COVID-19 patients, red blood cells units and random platelets units from convalescent donors can be safely transfused. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Dosage of resistance exercises in fibromyalgia: evidence synthesis for a systematic literature review up-date and meta-analysis. | Several studies have examined the effect of different types of exercise on people with fibromyalgia. The aim of this study was to identify which dosage of resistance training is effective to reduce pain in women with fibromyalgia. Two authors independently selected studies included in a Cochrane Systematic Review and from an updated search up to May 2021 using the following databases: Embase, Central, Lilacs, PEDro, Current Controlled Trials, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Scopus and ISI Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with female patients (18 years of age or older) diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and the intervention, resistance exercises for pain reduction. The pain outcome value was extracted from studies for meta-analysis. Nine RCTs were included. Compared to the control groups, resistance exercise groups demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant effect on pain reduction when each exercise was performed in 1-2 sets or 3-5 sets of 4-12 or 5-20 repetitions twice a week, for 8-12 weeks, at intensities of 40-80% with one repetition maximum or perceived exertion. Resistance training exercises are effective to reduce pain in women with fibromyalgia when performed at moderate-to-high intensity in 1-2 sets of 4-20 repetitions twice a week, for 8-12 weeks. The protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) platform, CRD42018095205. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Nurses face biggest health challenge in a generation | In what has been called the biggest challenge in health and social care for a generation, nursing staff stepped up to continue to provide care in unprecedentedv conditions amid a UK-wide COVID-19 lockdown | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Analysis of the Effect of Health Management of Chronic Diseases and Metabolic Disorders under the Guidance of B-Ultrasound | Chronic diseases are diseases with insidious onset, prolonged duration, and intractability and are associated with complex etiology and multiple morbidities, including hypertension, obesity, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease. For patients with chronic diseases, although the cause of the disease is not in the spleen and stomach, medication or further development of the disease will affect the function of the spleen and stomach disorders, leading to worsening of the disease. In this article, ultrasound is used to detect health disorders of the spleen and stomach. Patients should eat a light diet and exercise more. Elderly patients can increase abdominal massage and other health care. It should be emphasized that the prevalence of chronic diseases is not lower in people with high education or high economic income but is closely related to people's daily living habits; secondly, we should enhance physical exercise and advocate annual physical examination. Finally, we need to develop different measures according to different regions to prevent and treat chronic diseases and give timely feedback to the interventions. New preventive and curative measures are given in time to improve public health. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Spiky Nanostructures with Geometry-matching Topography for Virus Inhibition. | Geometry-matching has been known to benefit the formation of stable biological interactions in natural systems. Herein, we report that the spiky nanostructures with matched topography to the influenza A virus (IAV) virions could be used to design next-generation advanced virus inhibitors. We demonstrated that nanostructures with spikes between 5 and 10 nm bind significantly better to virions than smooth nanoparticles, due to the short spikes inserting into the gaps of glycoproteins of the IAV virion. Furthermore, an erythrocyte membrane (EM) was coated to target the IAV, and the obtained EM-coated nanostructures could efficiently prevent IAV virion binding to the cells and inhibit subsequent infection. In a postinfection study, the EM-coated nanostructures reduced >99.9% virus replication at the cellular nontoxic dosage. We predict that such a combination of geometry-matching topography and cellular membrane coating will also push forward the development of nanoinhibitors for other virus strains, including SARS-CoV-2. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Modeling human travel and social contact with multi-layer networks for epidemic prediction | It is a key issue to reasonably represent human travel and social contact in epidemic models. Various measures were applied to develop the models of human mobility and contact in a long range or a short range, such as Brown movement, random walks, spatial networks, gravity models, contact networks. We proposed a method of representing human daily movement and social contact by using multi-layer networks with temporal edge weights. We combined bipartite networks with social networks to describe human daily trip and social contact, respectively. Temporal edge weights of multi-layer networks were employed to denote the propensity of individual movement and contact. We also verified our models and parameters by incorporating human daily travel and contact regularities, as well as comparing experimental results with human behavior statistical laws. At last, we applied a Chinese university campus as a case study to investigate students' daily travel and social contact, and studied the transmission and control strategies of COVID-19 virus. We found stricter control strategies are needed to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 virus in a university. Once a patient case emerges in a university, it is better to close the campus and quarantine all students. Partial control strategies such as quarantining a part of students and buildings cannot achieve a great effect of mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 virus. Our works are beneficial for the practitioners in the field of computational epidemiology. © 2021 IEEE. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Flow-Diversion Treatment for Unruptured Nonsaccular Intracranial Aneurysms of the Posterior and Distal Anterior Circulation: A Meta-Analysis. | BACKGROUND Treatment management and outcomes of unruptured nonsaccular aneurysms are different compared with their saccular counterparts. PURPOSE Our aim was to analyze the outcomes after flow diversion among nonsaccular unruptured lesions. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of 3 data bases (2005-2019) was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. STUDY SELECTION We included studies reporting flow diversion for nonsaccular unruptured aneurysms of the posterior and distal anterior circulations. Anterior circulation lesions were included if located distal to the petrocavernous and supraclinoid ICA (MCA, A1, anterior communicating artery, A2). Giant dolichoectatic holobasilar lesions were excluded because of their poor treatment outcomes. DATA ANALYSIS Aneurysm occlusion and complication rates were calculated (random effects meta-analysis). DATA SYNTHESIS We included 15 studies (213 aneurysms). The long-term adequate occlusion rate was 85.3% (137/168; 95% CI, 78.2%-92.4%; I2 = 42.3%). Treatment-related complications were 17.4% (41/213; 95% CI, 12.45%-22.4%; I2 = 0%). Overall, 15% (37/213; 95% CI, 10%-20%; I2 = 0%) were ischemic events. Procedure-related morbidity was 8% (20/213; 95% CI, 5%-12%; I2 = 0%). Fusiform or dissecting types had comparable adequate occlusion (116/146 = 83%; 95% CI, 74%-92%; I2 = 48% versus 33/36 = 89%; 95% CI, 80%-98%; I2 = 0%; P = .31) and complication rates (35/162 = 17%; 95% CI, 10%-25%; I2 = 24% versus 11/51 = 19%; 95% CI, 10%-31%; I2 = 0%; P = .72). Aneurysm size (>10 versus ≤10 mm) was independently associated with a higher rate of complications (OR = 6.6; 95% CI, 1.3-15; P = .02). The rate of ischemic events after discontinuation of the antiplatelet therapy was 5% (5/93; 95% CI, 2%-9%; I2 = 0%). LIMITATIONS Small and retrospective studies were available for this meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Unruptured nonsaccular aneurysms located in the posterior and distal anterior circulations can be effectively treated with flow diversion. Nevertheless, treatment-related complications are not negligible, with about 15% ischemic events and 8% morbidity. Larger size (>10 mm) significantly increases the risk of procedure-related adverse events. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Serum Albumin to Globulin Ratio is Associated with the Presence and Severity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease | OBJECTIVE: Serum albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) is a marker of inflammatory disease, but its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown. The primary purpose of the present research was to explore the relationship between serum AGR and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A total of 179 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 210 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), and non-IBD controls (age- and gender-matched controls who have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms) were enrolled in the research. Demographic data, endoscopic score, and serum biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC) count, and Ca(2+) were included. The Mayo score and the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) were applied to evaluate the disease activity of UC and CD, respectively. RESULTS: Serum AGR was significantly lower among IBD patients compared with non-IBD controls. There was a negative association between serum AGR and Mayo score in patients with UC (r = −0.413, p < 0.001), and serum AGR was also associated with HBI score in patients with CD (r = −0.471, p < 0.001). After adjusting other potential variables, low serum AGR (below-median) was independently associated with Mayo score (β = −0.196, p = 0.026) and HBI score (β = −0.162, p = 0.022), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for AGR to distinguish UC was 0.701, and the AUC of CD was 0.759. Based on the optimal cut-off value, multivariate logistic regression indicates that low AGR can differentiate UC from non-UC (OR = 2.564, 95% CI = 1.433–4.587, p = 0.002) and CD from non-CD (OR = 3.732, 95% CI = 1.640–8.492, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: AGR may become a promising candidate to help clinicians differentiate IBD and evaluate IBD disease activity. Inflammation and nutritional status might be the future directions to explore its mechanism. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Ambulatory PCNL may be cost-effective compared to Standard PCNL | Background COVID-19 changed the practice of medicine in America. During the March 2020 lockdown, elective cases were cancelled to conserve hospital beds/resources resulting in financial losses for health systems and delayed surgical care. Ambulatory percutaneous nephrolithotomy (aPCNL) has been shown to be safe and could be a strategy to: ensure patients receive care that has been delayed, conserve hospital resources, and maximize cost-effectiveness. We aimed to compare the safety and cost-effectiveness of patients undergoing ambulatory percutaneous nephrolithotomy (aPCNL) against standard PCNL (sPCNL). Materials and Methods 98 patients underwent PCNL at Indiana University Methodist hospital, a tertiary referral center, by three expert surgeons from January 2020 to September 2020. The primary outcome of the study was to compare the 30-day rates of ED-visits, readmissions, and complications between sPCNL and aPCNL. Secondary outcomes included: cost analysis and stone free rates (SFRs). Prospensity-score matching was performed to ensure the groups were balanced. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 using independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square analyses for categorical variables. Results 98 patients underwent PCNL during the study period (sPCNL=75 and aPCNL=23). After propensity-score matching, 42 patients were available for comparison (sPCNL=19 and aPCNL=23). We found no difference in 30-day ED-visits, readmissions, or complications between the two groups. aPCNL resulted in cost savings of $5327±442 per case. Stone free rates were higher for aPCNL compared to sPCNL. Conclusions aPCNL appears safe to perform and does not have a higher rate of ED-visits or readmissions compare to sPCNL. aPCNL may also be cost-effective compared to sPCNL. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Using A Socio-Ecological System (SES) Framework to Explain Factors Influencing Countries Success Level in Curbing COVID-19 | Little attention has been paid to interactions between institutional-human-environment dimensions, which are believed to impact the outcome of COVID-19 abatement. Thus, through the diagnostic SES framework analysis, this paper aims to investigate what and how the multifaceted social, physical, and governance factors affect the success level of 7 selected Asia-Pacific countries (namely South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and New Zealand) in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on secondary data from February 2020 to June 2020, the success or severity level of a country was measured by cumulative positive cases, average daily increase, and the mortality rate. A qualitative content analysis, covering code assignation, i.e., Present (P), Partially Present (PP), Absent (A) for each SES attribute, as well as rank ordering (from 1st to 7th) and score calculation (from 3 to 21) for the success level between the countries, was undertaken. Attributes (design principles) of SES factors, such as past experiences facing similar diseases, facilities mobility, lockdown measures, penalty, and standard of procedures in public spaces are deemed significant in determining the abatement outcome or severity of a country. The findings show that Vietnam (1st) and New Zealand (2nd) adopting most of the design principles of governance (with the scores of 15 and above) had successfully eliminated the virus, while Indonesia (7th) and Japan (6th) were deemed least successful (scoring between 3-9), likely due to the low presence frequency of design principles. Not only does the study validate SES framework adaptability in a health-related (non-commons) setting, where some design principles used in resource/commons governance are also relevant in explaining the COVID-19 outcome, the critical attributes of institutional-social-ecological factors are highlighted, ultimately helping policymakers devise more strategic measures to address the crisis. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Factors Influencing Atypical Clinical Presentations during the 2017 Madagascar Pneumonic Plague Outbreak: A Prospective Cohort Study | In late 2017, Madagascar experienced a large urban outbreak of pneumonic plague, the largest outbreak to date this century. During the outbreak, there were widespread reports of plague patients presenting with atypical symptoms, such as prolonged duration of illness and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Reported mortality among plague cases was also substantially lower than that reported in the literature (25% versus 50% in treated patients). A prospective multicenter observational study was carried out to investigate potential reasons for these atypical presentations. Few subjects among our cohort had confirmed or probable plague, suggesting that, in part, there was overdiagnosis of plague cases by clinicians. However, 35% subjects reported using an antibiotic with anti-plague activity before hospital admission, whereas 55% had antibiotics with anti-plague activity detected in their serum at admission. Although there may have been overdiagnosis of plague by clinicians during the outbreak, the high frequency of community antibiotic may partly explain the relatively few culture-positive sputum samples during the outbreak. Community antibiotic use may have also altered the clinical presentation of plague patients. These issues make accurate detection of patients and the development of clinical case definitions and triage algorithms in urban pneumonic plague outbreaks difficult. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The Determination of Sucrose Content in Maple Sap Using Time-Domain Magnetic Resonance | The natural variation of sucrose concentration in maple tree sap is investigated using time-domain magnetic resonance (MR). The current study, which includes a concise introduction to the relevant MR properties, is a demonstration of principle showing how the relaxation time constant T(2) and the self-diffusion coefficient relate to the amount of sucrose and ionic content present in the collected sap samples. T(2) and self-diffusion coefficient for maple saps from six different trees, each sampled weekly in the spring of 2019, were measured using MR. The results were plotted against the sucrose concentration of each sample with the aim of determining if either quantity could serve as the basis for a non-invasive sucrose measurement for maple trees. The T(2) relaxation time constant was found not to be a reliable proxy for sucrose content in maple sap as it showed sensitivity to the slight changes in sap chemistry throughout the season and natural variation from tree to tree. The diffusion coefficient, determined through a standard pulsed-gradient spin-echo experiment, was insensitive to the changes in sap chemistry and showed a strong relationship to sucrose content. A diffusion measurement is thus proposed as the most suitable candidate for a non-invasive sucrose measurement for maple tree sap. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Mitigating COVID-19 Risk and Vaccine Hesitancy Among Underserved African American and Latinx Individuals with Mental Illness Through Mental Health Therapist–Facilitated Discussions | BACKGROUND: Underserved ethnic minorities with psychiatric disorders are at an increased risk of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of one-to-one counseling on COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination readiness among underserved African American and Latinx individuals with mental illnesses and adult caregivers of children with mental illness. METHODS: Through an academic-community partnered collaboration, a multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive training on COVID-19 was co-developed and delivered to 68 therapists from January to March 2021. Mental health clients and their caregivers were recruited to participate in pre- and post-intervention surveys to evaluate the impact of the intervention on their perceptions of COVID-19 public health guidelines, testing, and vaccination. Mental health therapists delivered four lessons of the COVID-19 educational intervention with 254 clients from March to June 2021, when vaccine availability was widely available. Of those clients, we collected 180 baseline and 115 follow-up surveys. The main outcome was the uptake in COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: There was a positive shift in participant vaccine acceptance and receptivity. Pre-intervention survey shows that only 56% of adult clients and 48% of caregivers had indicated a likelihood of getting the vaccine for themselves at baseline. Post-intervention documented that more than 57% of each group had been vaccinated, with another 11–15% of the unvaccinated individuals reporting that they were somewhat or very likely to get the vaccine. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that multidisciplinary academic-community and theoretical-based educational intervention delivered by mental health therapists is an effective strategy in increasing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and reducing the negative impact and disruption that COVID-19 caused in the daily life of mental health patients and caregivers. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Covid-19 Y África: Sobreviviendo Entre La Espada Y La Pared | Abstract With over 575,000 deaths and about 13.3 million cases globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a terrible impact globally during the 6 months since cases were first detected in China. Conscious of the many challenges presented in settings with abundance of resources and with robust health systems, where mortality has been significant and transmission difficult to control, there was a logical concern to see how the virus could impact African countries, and their fragile and weak health systems. Such an anticipated “tsunami”, with potentially devastating consequences, seems however to not have yet arrived, and African countries, albeit witnessing an increasing degree of autochthonous transmission, seem to this day relatively unaffected by the pandemic. In this article we review the current situation of the pandemic in the African continent, trying to understand the determinants of its slow progress. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Impaired innate antiviral defenses in COVID-19: Causes, consequences and therapeutic opportunities | Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a recently emerged pathogen that has caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the worst pandemic of our times leading to tremendous loss of human life and unprecedented measures of social distancing. COVID-19 symptom manifestations range from asymptomatic disease to severe and lethal outcomes. Lack of previous exposure and immunity to SARS-CoV-2, and high infectivity of the virus have contributed to its broad spread across the globe. In the absence of specific adaptive immunity, innate immune mechanisms are crucial for efficient antiviral defenses and control of the infection. Accumulating evidence now suggests that the remarkable heterogeneity in COVID-19 disease manifestations is due to variable degrees of impairment of innate immune mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent findings describing both viral and host intrinsic factors that have been linked to defective innate immune responses and account for severe COVID-19. We also discuss emerging therapeutic opportunities for targeting innate immunity for the treatment of COVID-19. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Antibody-mediated delivery of a viral MHC-I epitope into the cytosol of target tumor cells repurposes virus-specific CD8(+) T cells for cancer immunotherapy | BACKGROUND: Redirecting pre-existing virus-specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T lymphocytes (CTLs) to tumors by simulating a viral infection of the tumor cells has great potential for cancer immunotherapy. However, this strategy is limited by lack of amenable method for viral antigen delivery into the cytosol of target tumors. Here, we addressed the limit by developing a CD8(+) T cell epitope-delivering antibody, termed a TEDbody, which was engineered to deliver a viral MHC-I epitope peptide into the cytosol of target tumor cells by fusion with a tumor-specific cytosol-penetrating antibody. METHODS: To direct human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CTLs against tumors, we designed a series of TEDbodies carrying various CMV pp65 antigen-derived peptides. CMV-specific CTLs from blood of CMV-seropositive healthy donors were expanded for use in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Comprehensive cellular assays were performed to determine the presentation mechanism of TEDbody-mediated CMV peptide-MHC-I complex (CMV-pMHCI) on the surface of target tumor cells and the recognition and lysis by CMV-specific CTLs. In vivo CMV-pMHCI presentation and antitumor efficacy of TEDbody were evaluated in immunodeficient mice bearing human tumors. RESULTS: TEDbody delivered the fused epitope peptides into target tumor cells to be intracellularly processed and surface displayed in the form of CMV-pMHCI, leading to disguise target tumor cells as virally infected cells for recognition and lysis by CMV-specific CTLs. When systemically injected into tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice, TEDbody efficiently marked tumor cells with CMV-pMHCI to augment the proliferation and cytotoxic property of tumor-infiltrated CMV-specific CTLs, resulting in significant inhibition of the in vivo tumor growth by redirecting adoptively transferred CMV-specific CTLs. Further, combination of TEDbody with anti-OX40 agonistic antibody substantially enhanced the in vivo antitumor activity. CONCLUSION: Our study offers an effective technology for MHC-I antigen cytosolic delivery. TEDbody may thus have utility as a therapeutic cancer vaccine to redirect pre-existing anti-viral CTLs arising from previously exposed viral infections to attack tumors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01574-0. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Perinatal THC exposure via lactation induces lasting alterations to social behavior and prefrontal cortex function in rats at adulthood | Cannabis is the world’s most widely abused illicit drug and consumption amongst women during and surrounding the period of pregnancy is increasing. Previously, we have shown that cannabinoid exposure via lactation during the early postnatal period disrupts early developmental trajectories of prefrontal cortex maturation and induces behavioral abnormalities during the first weeks of life in male and female rat progeny. Here, we investigated the lasting consequences of this postnatal cannabinoid exposure on synaptic and behavioral parameters in the adult offspring of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-treated dams. At adulthood, these perinatally THC-exposed rats exhibits deficits in social discrimination accompanied by an overall augmentation of social exploratory behavior. These behavioral alterations were further correlated with multiple abnormalities in synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex, including lost endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression (LTD), lost long-term potentiation and augmented mGlu2/3-LTD. Finally, basic parameters of intrinsic excitability at prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons were similarly altered by the perinatal THC exposure. Thus, perinatal THC exposure via lactation induces lasting deficits in behavior and synaptic function which persist into adulthood life in male and female progeny. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Knowledge and awareness on natural dietary immunoboosters to combat covid 19-a survey | A natural immune booster is an additional immunizing agent which helps to increase and sustain the immune response of the body Circumin is an active compound in turmeric which is a natural antioxidant which is used as an immune booster, antimicrobial, antipathogen and as a detoxifying agent Pepper contains piperine that has antioxidant potential which will decrease the level of lipid peroxidase and has immunomodulatory activity, it increases macrophage migration index and phagocytic index The vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections Along with natural immune boosters, healthy practices like yoga and meditation will regulate and maintain organ functions, thereby improving our immunity The main aim of the study is to create an awareness on natural dietary immunoboosters to combat COVID 19 A self structured questionnaire comprising of about 15 questions was prepared and circulated through online based i e Google forms The results were obtained and statistically analyzed through SPSS software The survey was done on a small scale population comprising 110 participants in which 62 male (56 4%) and 48 female (43 6%) participated About 95 5% of the population are aware that taking citrus fruits that have vitamin C will boost their immunity but only 4 5% of them are not aware 80% of the population are aware that green tea is a powerful antioxidant which will help in building immunity but 9 1% were not aware and 10 9% was not sure of the fact 82 7% of the population are well aware that spinach and other green vegetables have to be cooked as little as possible to retain nutrients present in them but only 10 9% of them were not sure and 6 4% of them were not aware © 2020 Global Research Online All rights reserved | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Telerehabilitation—A Viable Option for the Recovery of Post-Stroke Patients | As the number of stroke survivors is continuously growing, with an important number suffering from consequent functional deficits, the rehabilitation field is facing more complex demands. Technological progress gives us the opportunity to remotely assist patients while they exercise at home through telerehabilitation (TR), addressing the problems of limited medical resources and staff, difficult transportation, or living a long distance from rehabilitation centers. In addition, TR is a way to provide continuity in long-term post-stroke recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limits traveling and human interaction. While the implementation of TR is increasing, the biggest challenges are to raise patients’ acceptability of the new method and their motivation and engagement during the program. In this review, we aimed to find methods to address these challenges by identifying the patients who benefit the most from this therapy and efficiently organizing the space and technology used for telerehabilitation. User-friendly technologies and devices along with therapists’ constant support and feedback are some of the most important aspects that make TR an efficient intervention and an alternative to conventional therapy. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Endodontic Specialists’ Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic One Year After the Initial Outbreak | Introduction The aims of this observational study were to: 1) Determine if Endodontists’ practice in early 2021 experienced changes in patients’ characteristics compared to a comparable pre-pandemic period; 2) Determine whether the changes reported during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 were reversed one year later. Methods Demographic, diagnostic, and procedural data of 2657 patient visits from two endodontist private offices, from March-16 to May-31 in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were included. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on patient data. Results Bivariate analyses showed that patients’ self-reported pain levels and number of visits with irreversible pulpitis in 2021 were higher than 2019 (P<.05). Patient’s self-reported pain, percussion pain, and palpation pain levels in 2021were less than 2020 (P<.05). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that Endodontists’ practice in 2021 had an increase in the number of non-surgical root canal treatments (Odds ratio [OR], 1.482; 95% Confidence interval [CI], 1.102-1.992), and apicoectomies (OR, 2.662; 95% CI, 1.416-5.004) compared to 2019. Compared to the initial outbreak in 2020, endodontists’ practice in 2021 had visits with older patients (OR, 1.288; 95% CI, 1.045-1.588), less females (OR, 0.781; 95% CI, 0.635-.960), more molars (OR, 1.389; 95% CI, 1.065-1.811), and less pain on percussion (OR, 0.438; 95% CI, 0.339-0.566). Conclusions Ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in the number of non-surgical root canal treatments. Some of the changes observed during the initial outbreak in 2020, including objective pain parameters, returned to normal levels one year later. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Preface of the CITC 2020 | The CITC (Chinese International Turbomachinery Conference) has been established in 2013 and since then has become a reference event in the turbomachinery field for the Chinese and worldwide industry and research community. It is sponsored by the Chinese International Turbomachinery Alliance and Chinese Journal of Turbomachinery, The CITC focuses on promoting both fundamental and engineering applications and is of primary interest to researchers, engineers, students and users in the field of turbomachinery. It is a key event for technology transfer through the presentation of the latest developments and best practices, with a specific focus on China. The CITC has become a trendsetting conference outlining the roadmap to the future and is known as one of the most cutting-edge meetings comprising all aspects of turbomachinery. The fourth CITC was held in Nan Chang, China with a duration of two and half days from October 31 to November 2, 2020. More than 650 attendees were registered for the conference and exhibition, where 179 technical papers were presented in 26 sessions and 39 companies exhibited their products in the conference exhibition booths. Due to Covid 19 travel restrictions, international experts gave invited web based presentations in several sessions of the conference, also allowing questions from the audience in the conference room. The CITC 2020 was a tremendous success in establishing a platform for exchanging ideas and solutions, encouraging partnerships across academia and industry. List of CITC Committee, Editors are available in the pdf. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Plant Natural Compounds in the Treatment of Adrenocortical Tumors | Plant natural products are a plethora of diverse and complex molecules produced by the plant secondary metabolism. Among these, many can reserve beneficial or curative properties when employed to treat human diseases. Even in cancer, they can be successfully used and indeed numerous phytochemicals exert antineoplastic activity. The most common molecules derived from plants and used in the fight against cancer are polyphenols, i.e., quercetin, genistein, resveratrol, curcumin, etc. Despite valuable data especially in preclinical models on such compounds, few of them are currently used in the medical practice. Also, in adrenocortical tumors (ACT), phytochemicals are scarcely or not at all used. This work summarizes the available research on phytochemicals used against ACT and adrenocortical cancer, a very rare disease with poor prognosis and high metastatic potential, and wants to contribute to stimulate preclinical and clinical research to find new therapeutic strategies among the overabundance of biomolecules produced by the plant kingdom. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Corticosteroids Treatment for Patients With Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) With Different Disease Severity: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol | Introduction: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic progresses, identifying effective antiviral agents to treat the COVID-19 is of most urgency. Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 still are debated. Because high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the use of corticosteroids for patients with COVID-19 recently were published recently, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on corticosteroids therapy in patients with different disease severity to ascertain the effect on survival. Methods: : We will undertake a comprehensive literature search among PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, medRxiv, and bioRxiv from their inception onwards to identify relevant RCTs. Two reviewers will independently extract data and conduct risk of bias assessments. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality, mortality of mechanically ventilated patients and patients who did not receive oxygen therapy. Secondary outcomes include need for mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy and incidence of adverse outcomes. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be assessed. Outcomes will be analyzed to pooled risk ratio and pertinent 95% confidence interval. A subgroup analysis will be conducted by disease severity to explore the source of heterogeneity. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. Discussion: This systematic review will provide an overview of the current state of evidence concerning the effect of corticosteroids on survival of patients with COVID-19 depended on the disease severity. Also, this systematic review will show the limitations and strengths of the studies available in the literature, as well as recommendations for future avenues of research will be given. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020227740. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Are early measured resting-state EEG parameters predictive for upper limb motor impairment six months poststroke? | OBJECTIVES: Investigate whether resting-state EEG parameters recorded early poststroke can predict upper extremity motor impairment reflected by the Fugl-Meyer motor score (FM-UE) after six months, and whether they have prognostic value in addition to FM-UE at baseline. METHODS: Quantitative EEG parameters delta/alpha ratio (DAR), brain symmetry index (BSI) and directional BSI (BSIdir) were derived from 62-channel resting-state EEG recordings in 39 adults within three weeks after a first-ever ischemic hemispheric stroke. FM-UE scores were acquired within three weeks (FM-UEbaseline) and at 26 weeks poststroke (FM-UEw26). Linear regression analyses were performed using a forward selection procedure to predict FM-UEw26. RESULTS: BSI calculated over the theta band (BSItheta) (ß = -0.40; p = 0.013) was the strongest EEG-based predictor regarding FM-UEw26. BSItheta (ß = -0.27; p = 0.006) remained a significant predictor when added to a regression model including FM-UEbaseline, increasing explained variance from 61.5% to 68.1%. CONCLUSION: Higher BSItheta values, reflecting more power asymmetry over the hemispheres, predict more upper limb motor impairment six months after stroke. Moreover, BSItheta shows additive prognostic value regarding FM-UEw26 next to FM-UEbaseline scores, and thereby contains unique information regarding upper extremity motor recovery. SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, we are the first to show that resting-state EEG parameters can serve as prognostic biomarkers of stroke recovery, in addition to FM-UEbaseline scores. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Obesity aggravates COVID‐19: a systematic review and meta‐analysis | OBJECTIVE: Obesity and COVID‐19 are both world epidemics now. There may be some potential relationships between them, but we knew little. This work was to explore the relationship through literature searching, systematic review, and meta‐analysis. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, WOS, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang, and Sinomed databases were searched to collect the literature concerning obesity and COVID‐19. Systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted after literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction. RESULTS: 180 articles were initially searched after duplicate removal and 9 were finally included in our analysis. Results show that severe COVID‐19 patients have higher BMI than non‐severe ones(WMD =2.67, 95%CI[1.52‐3.82]); COVID‐19 patients with obesity were more severe and have a worse outcome than those without(OR=2.31, 95%CI[1.3‐4.12]). CONCLUSION: Obesity may aggravate COVID‐19. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Softening Performance's Pitfalls by Integrating Context and Capacity: A Government Competitiveness Framework | This article argues that government performance is better understood and managed within a broader competitiveness framework. Government competitiveness recursively integrates performance with organizational capacity and context. We illustrate this more holistic view with recent COVID-19 examples as well as recent scholarship, including some recent PAR publications related to this topic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
CASTing a Net: Supporting Teachers with Search Technology | Past and current research has typically focused on ensuring that search technology for the classroom serves children. In this paper, we argue for the need to broaden the research focus to include teachers and how search technology can aid them. In particular, we share how furnishing a behind-the-scenes portal for teachers can empower them by providing a window into the spelling, writing, and concept connection skills of their students. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Use of information sources in Covid-19 pandemic and its relation with knowledge and anxiety | Introduction. Production of useful information during a pandemic is a key element of outbreak control strategies. Aim. As no study has yet examined what information sources were used in the COVID-19 pandemic and how the use of information sources is related to knowledge and anxiety, this research tries to fill the research gap. Material and methods. We conducted an explorative study among 7,764 Slovenian population to assess the use of information sources, knowledge, and anxiety, and determine the relationship between different information sources and knowledge and anxiety in lay public in Slovenia during the pandemic of COVID-19. Results. A combination of unregulated internet-based information sources and regulated ones were frequently used information sources. The Internet as the main source was more used by younger and more educated individuals. Traditional mass media and religious organizations were more frequently used by older participants, while friends and/or relatives and/or colleagues and natural therapist by younger participants. Results also show that greater anxiety is associated with the greater need for information. Conclusion. Informing people should not primarily be based on the traditional interpersonal communication between a doctor and patients, other face-to-face communication or the use of printed information, but rather on regulated and unregulated websites, social media, and TV. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Growing Up Under COVID-19: Young People’s Agency in Family Dynamics | The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the nature of family life in countries across the world. School, and workplace closures meant that families spent more time at home and had to confront new economic, social, and psychological challenges as a result of lockdowns and the greater proximity of family members. Policy, research and media coverage of the pandemic’s impact on family life has focused primarily on the economic costs borne by households. This article draws on the findings from an empirical research project funded by the UK Nuffield Foundation on “Politics, Participation and Pandemics: Growing up under COVID-19”, which worked with young people as co-researchers, to present an innovative perspective on the impact of lockdown on family relationships. The research team adopted a longitudinal ethnographic action research approach to document and make sense of the experiences of young people (aged 14–18) in four countries: Italy, Lebanon Singapore and the United Kingdom. The project used digital ethnography and participatory methods to track the responses of 70 young people to the challenges created by the pandemic. The study used the family as a prism for understanding how the lives of children and young people in different family circumstances and relationships were affected by the crisis. This article analyses, firstly, the complex shifting dynamics within households to identify the transformative effects of the pandemic on family life in various socio-cultural contexts. Secondly, it examines how young people’s agency shaped family dynamics. In conclusion, the authors recommend how the findings from the study can be used to inform government interventions designed to minimise the impacts of the pandemic on the social well-being and rights of children and young people, and to recognise them as active participants in family and civic life both during and after the pandemic | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Erratum to: Topical issue on Lattice Field Theory during the Covid-19 pandemic | [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1140/epja/s10050-021-00614-5.]. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
In vitro characterization of engineered red blood cells as viral traps against HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 | Engineered red blood cells (RBCs) expressing viral receptors could be used therapeutically as viral traps as RBCs lack nuclei and other organelles required for viral replication. However, expression of viral receptors on RBCs is difficult to achieve since mature erythrocytes lack the cellular machinery to synthesize proteins. Here we show that the combination of a powerful erythroid-specific expression system and transgene codon optimization yields high expression levels of the HIV-1 receptors CD4 and CCR5, as well as a CD4-glycophorin A (CD4-GpA) fusion protein in erythroid progenitor cells, which efficiently differentiated into enucleated RBCs. HIV-1 efficiently entered RBCs that co-expressed CD4 and CCR5, but viral entry was not required for neutralization as CD4 or CD4-GpA expression in the absence of CCR5 was sufficient to potently neutralize HIV-1 and prevent infection of CD4+ T-cells in vitro due to the formation of high-avidity interactions with trimeric HIV-1 Env spikes on virions. To facilitate continuous large-scale production of RBC viral traps, we generated erythroblast cell lines stably expressing CD4-GpA or ACE2-GpA fusion proteins, which produced potent RBC viral traps against HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Our in vitro results suggest that this approach warrants further investigation as a potential treatment against acute and chronic viral infections. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
War Metaphors in Political Communication on Covid-19 | Although militaristic metaphors have been pervasive during health crisis in political and science communication, few works have examined how these linguistic devices may influence crisis communication Drawing on critical discourse analysis (CDA) and on crisis communication literature, I show how political representatives have used the war metaphor for very different purposes in terms of crisis communication and management of the current Covid-19 pandemic I suggest that these findings challenge previous criticisms of the war metaphor as inherently negative and damaging Finally, I discuss possibilities of using CDA, and specifically, metaphor analysis to inform and expand crisis communication © Copyright © 2021 Castro Seixas | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Current State of Mass Vaccination Preparedness and Operational Challenges in the United States, 2018-2019 | Mass vaccination is a crucial public health intervention during outbreaks or pandemics for which vaccines are available The US government has sponsored the development of medical countermeasures, including vaccines, for public health emergencies;however, federally supported programs, including the Public Health and Emergency Preparedness program and Cities Readiness Initiative, have historically emphasized antibiotic pill dispensing over mass vaccination While mass vaccination and pill dispensing programs share similarities, they also have fundamental differences that require dedicated preparedness efforts to address To date, only a limited number of public assessments of local mass vaccination operational capabilities have been conducted To fill this gap, we interviewed 37 public health and preparedness officials representing 33 jurisdictions across the United States We aimed to characterize their existing mass vaccination operational capacities and identify challenges and lessons learned in order to support the efforts of other jurisdictions to improve mass vaccination preparedness We found that most jurisdictions were not capable of or had not planned for rapidly vaccinating their populations within a short period of time (eg, 1 to 2 weeks) Many also noted that their focus on pill dispensing was driven largely by federal funding requirements and that preparedness efforts for mass vaccination were often self-motivated Barriers to implementing rapid mass vaccination operations included insufficient personnel qualified to administer vaccinations, increased patient load compared to pill-dispensing modalities, logistical challenges to maintaining cold chain, and operational challenges addressing high-risk populations, including children, pregnant women, and non-English-speaking populations Considering the expected availability of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine for distribution and dispensing to the public, our findings highlight critical considerations for planning possible future mass vaccination events, including during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
SARS-CoV-2 hijacks folate and one-carbon metabolism for viral replication | The recently identified Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. How this novel beta-coronavirus virus, and coronaviruses more generally, alter cellular metabolism to support massive production of ~30 kB viral genomes and subgenomic viral RNAs remains largely unknown. To gain insights, transcriptional and metabolomic analyses are performed 8 hours after SARS-CoV-2 infection, an early timepoint where the viral lifecycle is completed but prior to overt effects on host cell growth or survival. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 remodels host folate and one-carbon metabolism at the post-transcriptional level to support de novo purine synthesis, bypassing viral shutoff of host translation. Intracellular glucose and folate are depleted in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, and viral replication is exquisitely sensitive to inhibitors of folate and one-carbon metabolism, notably methotrexate. Host metabolism targeted therapy could add to the armamentarium against future coronavirus outbreaks. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Remote videolink observation of model home sampling and home testing devices to simplify usability studies for point-of-care diagnostics [version 1;peer review: awaiting peer review] | Both home sample collection and home testing using rapid point-of-care diagnostic devices can offer benefits over attending a clinic/hospital to be tested by a healthcare professional Usability is critical to ensure that in-home sampling or testing by untrained users does not compromise analytical performance Usability studies can be laborious and rely on participants attending a research location or a researcher visiting homes;neither has been appropriate during COVID-19 outbreak control restrictions We therefore developed a remote research usability methodology using videolink observation of home users This avoids infection risks from home visits and ensures the participant follows the test protocol in their home environment In this feasibility study, volunteers were provided with models of home blood testing and home blood sampling kits including a model lancet, sampling devices for dried blood spot collection, and model lateral flow device After refining the study protocol through an initial pilot (n = 7), we compared instructions provided either as written instructions (n = 5), vs addition of video instructions (n = 5), vs written and video instructions plus videolink supervision by the researcher (n = 5) All users were observed via video call to define which test elements could be assessed remotely All 22 participants in the study accessed the video call and configured their videolink allowing the researcher to clearly observe all testing tasks The video call allowed the researcher to assess distinct errors during use including quantitative (volume of blood) and qualitative (inaccurate interpretation of results) errors many of which could compromise test accuracy All participants completed the tasks and returned images of their completed tests (22/22) and most returned completed questionnaires (20/22) We suggest this remote observation via videolink methodology is a simple, rapid and powerful methodology to assess and optimise usability of point-of-care testing methods in the home setting | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Is systems biology the key to preventing the next pandemic? | Sporadic outbreaks of epizootics including SARS coronavirus and H5N1 avian influenza remind us of the potential for communicable diseases to quickly spread into worldwide epidemics. To confront emerging viral threats, nations have implemented strategies to prepare for pandemics and to control virus spread. Despite improved surveillance and quarantine measures, we find ourselves in the midst of a H1N1 influenza pandemic. Effective therapeutics and vaccines are essential to protect against current and future pandemics. The best route to effective therapeutics and vaccines is through a detailed and global view of virus-host interactions that can be achieved using a systems biology approach. Here, we provide our perspective on the role of systems biology in deepening our understanding of virus-host interactions and in improving drug and vaccine development. We offer examples from influenza virus research, as well as from research on other pandemics of our time - HIV/AIDS and HCV - to demonstrate that systems biology offers one possible key to stopping the cycle of viral pandemics. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The critical intersection of environmental and social justice: a commentary | The global crises of ecological degradation and social injustice are mutually reinforcing products of the same flawed systems. Dominant human culture is morally obliged to challenge and reconstruct these systems in order to mitigate future planetary harm. In this commentary, we argue that doing so requires a critical examination of the values and narratives which underlie systems of oppression and power. We argue for the moral necessity of a socially just approach to the ecological crisis. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Recommendations for accurate genotyping of SARS-CoV-2 using amplicon-based sequencing of clinical samples | OBJECTIVES: Genotyping of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been instrumental in monitoring viral evolution and transmission during the pandemic The quality of the sequence data obtained from these genotyping efforts depends on several factors, including the quantity/integrity of the input material, the technology, and laboratory-specific implementation The current lack of guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 genotyping leads to inclusion of error-containing genome sequences in genomic epidemiology studies We aimed to establish clear and broadly applicable recommendations for reliable virus genotyping METHODS: We established and used a sequencing data analysis workflow that reliably identifies and removes technical artefacts;such artefacts can result in miscalls when using alternative pipelines to process clinical samples and synthetic viral genomes with an amplicon-based genotyping approach We evaluated the impact of experimental factors, including viral load and sequencing depth, on correct sequence determination RESULTS: We found that at least 1000 viral genomes are necessary to confidently detect variants in the SARS-CoV-2 genome at frequencies of >=10% The broad applicability of our recommendations was validated in over 200 clinical samples from six independent laboratories The genotypes we determined for clinical isolates with sufficient quality cluster by sampling location and period Our analysis also supports the rise in frequencies of 20A EU1 and 20A EU2, two recently reported European strains whose dissemination was facilitated by travel during the summer of 2020 CONCLUSIONS: We present much-needed recommendations for the reliable determination of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences and demonstrate their broad applicability in a large cohort of clinical samples | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The Impact of Oral Health on Respiratory Viral Infection | Influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have caused respiratory diseases worldwide. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now a global health concern requiring emergent measures. These viruses enter the human body through the oral cavity and infect respiratory cells. Since the oral cavity has a complex microbiota, influence of oral bacteria on respiratory virus infection is considered. Saliva has immune molecules which work as the front line in the biophylactic mechanism and has considerable influence on the incidence and progression of respiratory viral infection. Salivary scavenger molecules, such as gp340 and sialic acid, have been reported to exert anti-influenza virus activity. Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) has potential to acquire immunity against these viruses. Biological features of the oral cavity are thought to affect viral infection in respiratory organs in various ways. In this review, we reviewed the literature addressing the impact of oral conditions on respiratory infectious diseases caused by viruses. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The impact of COVID-19 on the clinical trial | The objective of this study was to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic on ongoing and upcoming drug clinical trials. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical trial staff and clinical trial subjects were surveyed by questionnaire in this study. The results of interviews and questionnaire showed that coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to many changes in the implementation of drug clinical trials, including: a variety of meetings being held online webinars using various platforms, telemedicine and follow-up by video, A large number of deviations from protocol and losses of follow-up, delivery of clinical trial drugs by express, additional workload caused by screening for coronavirus, and anxiety of subjects. These results suggest that the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak has hindered the progress and damaged the quality of clinical trials. The online meeting, remote follow-up, express delivery of drugs and remote monitoring in the epidemic environment can ensure the progress of clinical trials to a certain extent, but they cannot fully guarantee the quality as before. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The impact of strategic competitive innovation on the financial performance of SMEs during COVID-19 pandemic period | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to reveal the impact of strategic competitive innovation types on the financial performance of SMEs during a very critical period: the COVID-19 pandemic. Four strategic competitive innovation types are considered in this study: marketing innovation, organizational innovation, product innovation and processes innovation. Design/methodology/approach: To examine empirically the relationship between strategic competitiveness and financial performance, data were collected from a sample of 426 Lebanese SMEs belonging to seven different sectors. Findings: The empirical findings of principle component analysis model (PCA) and multiple regression model (MR) reveal that the ability to innovate is essential to an SME’s survival during a crisis. The results of this study confirm the existence of a positive impact of marketing innovation and processes innovation on the financial performance of SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications: Moreover, results suggest that, in Lebanese SMEs, product innovation and organizational innovation do not have any impact on the financial performance during the pandemic period. Originality/value: This research focused on strategic competitive innovation as a broadly considered essential condition for the survival of SMEs during the COVID-19 crises. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Covid-19: analysis of a modified SEIR model, a comparison of different intervention strategies and projections for India | Modeling accurately the evolution and intervention strategies for the Covid-19 pandemic is a challenging problem. We present here an analysis of an extended Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) model that accounts for asymptomatic carriers, and explore the effect of different intervention strategies such as social distancing (SD) and testing-quarantining (TQ). The two intervention strategies (SD and TQ) try to reduce the disease reproductive number R0 to a target value R0target < 1, but in distinct ways, which we implement in our model equations. We find that for the same target R0target < 1, TQ is more efficient in controlling the pandemic than lockdowns that only implement SD. However, for TQ to be effective, it has to be based on contact tracing and the ratio of tests/day to the number of new cases/day has to be scaled with the mean number of contacts of an infectious person, which would be high in densely populated regions with low levels of SD. We point out that, apart from R0, an important quantity is the largest eigenvalue of the linearised dynamics which provides a more complete understanding of the disease progression, both pre- and post- intervention, and explains observed data for many countries. Weak intervention strategies (that reduce R0 but not to a value less than 1) can reduce the peak values of infections and the asymptotic affected population. We provide simple analytic expressions for these in terms of the disease parameters and apply them in the Indian context to obtain heuristic projections for the course of the pandemic. We find that the predictions strongly depend on the assumed fraction of asymptomatic carriers. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 mimicking Kawasaki disease (Kawa-COVID-19): a multicentre cohort | BACKGROUND: Current data suggest that COVID-19 is less frequent in children, with a milder course. However, over the past weeks, an increase in the number of children presenting to hospitals in the greater Paris region with a phenotype resembling Kawasaki disease (KD) has led to an alert by the French national health authorities. METHODS: Multicentre compilation of patients with KD in Paris region since April 2020, associated with the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ('Kawa-COVID-19'). A historical cohort of 'classical' KD served as a comparator. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included (sex ratio=1, median age 10 years IQR (4·7 to 12.5)). SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 12 cases (69%), while a further three cases had documented recent contact with a quantitative PCR-positive individual (19%). Cardiac involvement included myocarditis in 44% (n=7). Factors prognostic for the development of severe disease (ie, requiring intensive care, n=7) were age over 5 years and ferritinaemia >1400 µg/L. Only five patients (31%) were successfully treated with a single intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusion, while 10 patients (62%) required a second line of treatment. The Kawa-COVID-19 cohort differed from a comparator group of 'classical' KD by older age at onset 10 vs 2 years (p<0.0001), lower platelet count (188 vs 383 G/L (p<0.0001)), a higher rate of myocarditis 7/16 vs 3/220 (p=0.0001) and resistance to first IVIg treatment 10/16 vs 45/220 (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Kawa-COVID-19 likely represents a new systemic inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. Further prospective international studies are necessary to confirm these findings and better understand the pathophysiology of Kawa-COVID-19. Trial registration number NCT02377245. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The importance of languages in global context: an international call to action | The importance of languages in global context is discussed. As global businesses, diplomatic corps, and other leaders have repeatedly stated, language education, and the accompanying linguistic and intercultural competencies, are a necessity for social, political and economic development. and for effective collaboration. During a global health crisis, researchers, governments and health care workers must be able to share accurate information. In such times, language matters, and fluency in the languages matters, the people of the world must be able to speak to each other and be understood - to communicate as effectively and as rapidly as technology allows. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Stroke in patients with COVID-19: clinical and neuroimaging characteristics. (Special issue on COVID-19 and the nervous system: views from the clinic.) | Acute cerebrovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke, has emerged as a serious complication of infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Accumulating data on patients with COVID-19-associated stroke have shed light on specificities concerning clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, and outcome Such specificities include a propensity towards large vessel occlusion, multi-territory stroke, and involvement of otherwise uncommonly affected vessels Conversely, small-vessel brain disease, cerebral venous thrombosis, and intracerebral hemorrhage appear to be less frequent Atypical neurovascular presentations were also described, ranging from bilateral carotid artery dissection to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and vasculitis Cases presenting with encephalopathy or encephalitis with seizures heralding stroke were particularly challenging The pathogenesis and optimal management of ischemic stroke associated with COVID-19 still remain uncertain, but emerging evidence suggest that cytokine storm-triggered coagulopathy and endotheliopathy represent possible targetable mechanisms Some specific management issues in this population include the difficulty in identifying clinical signs of stroke in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, as well as the need for a protected pathway for brain imaging, intravenous thrombolysis, and mechanical thrombectomy, keeping in mind that "time is brain" also for COVID-19 patients In this review, we discuss the novel developments and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke in patients with COVID-19, and delineate the principles for a rational approach toward precision medicine in this emerging field | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Association of elevated fasting glucose with lower patency and increased major adverse limb events among patients with diabetes undergoing infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty. | Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for loss of patency after endovascular intervention, but the contribution of glycemic control to infrapopliteal artery patency among patients with DM is unknown. All percutaneous infrapopliteal interventions among patients with DM from 2006 to 2013 were reviewed and pre-procedure fasting blood glucose (FBG) was recorded. The primary endpoint was primary patency at 1 year as determined by duplex ultrasound. A total of 309 infrapopliteal lesions in 149 patients with DM were treated with balloon angioplasty during the study period. The median FBG was 144 mg/dL. At 1 year, the rate of primary patency was 16% for patients with FBG above the median, compared to 46% for patients with FBG below the median (hazard ratio (HR) 1.82 for FBG ≥144, p=0.005). Amputation rates at 1 year trended higher among patients with high versus low FBG (24% vs 15%, p=0.1). One year major adverse limb event rates were also higher for patients with high versus low FBG (35% vs 23%, p=0.05). Although patients with high FBG were more likely to have insulin-requiring DM (73% vs 50%, p=0.003) the association of high FBG with loss of primary patency remained significant even after adjusting for insulin use as well as other lesion-specific characteristics (adjusted HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.8). In conclusion, high fasting blood glucose at the time of infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty is associated with significantly decreased primary patency and may also be a risk factor for major adverse limb events among patients with a threatened limb. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Two types of humoral response in acute myocardial infraction | BACKGROUND: Atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction are accompanied by the development of an inflammatory reaction. The severity of the immune reaction and its role in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain contradictory to date. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze 39 cytokines and chemokines in the serum of patients hospitalized with AMI compared to the healthy volunteers. METHODS: All patients included in the study were COVID-19 negative. Patients' blood was collected within 1–2 days after hospitalization in the cardiology department. Cytokine and chemokine detection in the serum of patients (n=20) and donors (n=20) was performed using a 39-plex set of cytometric beads. RESULTS: Among all factors analyzed TGFa, IL-17A, IL-1b, 3, 5, 9 were not detected both in patient and donor sera. Three groups of factors were identified in the normal serum: housekeeping chemokines and vascular factors (F1) ranged from 1000 to 22000 pg/mL (Fig. a); sentinel innate immunity factors F2 (Fig. b), 30–200 pg/mL; and acute phase factors F3 (Fig. c, d), 0–30 pg/mL, detected only in 0–30% of donors but in all AMI patients. Severe imbalance was found in AMI sera at all three levels including chemokine, growth factors, and cytokines. Among AMI patients 65% (Gr1) demonstrated 2–4 times increased level (Fig. a, grey brackets) while 35% (Gr2) had a decreased level of F1 factors in a comparison with donor sera. There was not significant difference between clinical features of the patients in Gr1 and Gr2. GRO, PDGF-AA, and sCD40L levels decreased 35, 15, and 10 times accordingly. Gr1 and Gr2 also differed in F2 and some F3 concentrations: Gr1 had 3–5 times increased level of multiple factors (Fig, b), among them – IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were increased 5, 6, and 14 times. At the same time Gr2 had a normal level of these factors (Fig, b, blue brackets). Finally, multiple cytokines and growth factors F3 were significantly increased in both AMI groups (Fig, b, d, red brackets). Of note, IL-12, IFN-g, IL-15, GM-CSF, FLT-3T were increased 8, 6, 5, 5, 5 times accordingly in pooled Gr1+Gr2. There were no correlations found between cytokine profiles in Gr1 and Gr2 and their clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Two types of humoral response in AMI patients were identified which differed in the levels of GRO, PDGF-AA, and sCD40L. IL-6 as well as TNF-a can not serve as master cytokines because their levels were increased only in Gr1 patients. These data show that Th1 cytokine increase is specific for AMI. Further studies are needed to identify groups of patients who may be exposed to new therapeutic targets. FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Type of funding sources: None. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |