Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but this association has not been evaluated in patients with schizophrenia. This study primarily evaluated the association of sP-selectin with plasma lipids and nitrite (NO

-) respectively in overweight/obese adults with schizophrenia.

One-hundred and six patients with schizophrenia (mean age 32.9 years; 71.60% male) were recruited from a psychiatric hospital. Participants completed a structured interview and provided a fasting blood sample. Body mass index (BMI) was used to divide the sample into normal weight and overweight/obese groups. Pearson’s and partial correlation coefficients (controlling for age, sex, race, education, and inflammation) were calculated to examine the association of sP-selectin with plasma lipids, and NO

– in the overweight/obese patients (primary analysis), as well as in the normal weight patients and the total sample (exploratory analyses).

After controlling for potential confounders, sP-selectin positively correlated with triglycerides (

= 0.38,

= 0.01) and NO

– (

= 0.40,

< 0.01) in the overweight/obese group only.

Future longitudinal studies should evaluate the utility of sP-selectin as a biomarker of CVD in overweight/obese adults with schizophrenia (for example, by relating sP-selectin to incidence of cardiovascular events).

Future longitudinal studies should evaluate the utility of sP-selectin as a biomarker of CVD in overweight/obese adults with schizophrenia (for example, by relating sP-selectin to incidence of cardiovascular events).SARS-CoV-2 has become a pandemic disease declared by the World Health Organization, consequently each nation has taken a series of actions managed by the government in order to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus. The most common countermeasure is the use of a mask that should cover the mouth and nose to filter the inhaled and exhaled air. Those masks are medical devices that should be handled properly; unfortunately in our study, observation of the population during the so-called „phase 2″ has very often shown an inappropriate use of any type of mask which reduces its effectiveness. The correct dissemination of adequate information on how to use the mask and the strict control by the government not only on staying on the street wearing masks but above all on how they should be worn, could have further reduced the spread of Covid-19.The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the world. This shortage has resulted in an increase in production of PPE to meet the demand, and as a result, several substandard equipment has entered the market. With face masks and respirators now beginning to see widespread use throughout the world, the standards and test with which they are required to undertake have become points of interest. The filtration efficiency of the masks is a key testing element that examines its ability to filter particles, bacteria and viruses; this examines the penetration efficiency percentage of each with lower results being preferable. Masks are also subjected to NaCl testing method, which allows a range of particle sizes to be examined and their penetration to be observed. The masks must also show considerable resistance to fluids and flames, to prevent the penetration of liquids and to be non-flammable. Various PPE testing protocols such as biological, chemical, fluid and flame resistances, protective ensemble, facepiece fit testing, NIOSH NaCl method and impact protection have been discussed. In addition, various tests involving bacterial and viral filtration efficiencies are also discussed. Differential pressure is examined to ascertain the comfort, airflow and breathability of the masks, whilst fit testing is examined to ensure a correct fit of the mask.We develop a duopoly model to examine how online reviews influence the decisions of two competing online sellers who sell products of differentiated quality under different returns policies. We derive the competing sellers’ optimal decisions on price and returns policy with and without online reviews, and we find that online reviews have greater impact on the high-quality seller than on the low-quality seller. If the salvage value of the product is relatively low, the seller has less opportunity to benefit from online reviews when it offers an MBG, as compared to a no-refund policy. The impact of online reviews on the competition between the two sellers has a „symmetric effect area,” where reviews may either weaken or intensify the price competition between the two sellers when they both offer a no-refund policy, but always intensify the competition if they both offer an MBG. We have identified the conditions under which online reviews lead to a win-win, or benefit one seller, or present a prisoner’s dilemma for the two online sellers. We also show that MBGs at both sellers help mitigate the prisoner’s dilemma if the net salvage value at both sellers is sufficiently high.

Mushrooms are increasingly popular around the world as a nutritional food which is an excellent source of vitamin D

. Although natural mushrooms often contain very little vitamin D

as many are grown in the dark, they are rich in ergosterol, a precursor to vitamin D

. Ergosterol can be converted to vitamin D

under ultraviolet radiation. Due to the high water content of fresh mushroom, its quality deteriorates rapidly after harvest, and drying is the most commonly used technology to extend the shelf life. The vitamin D

content of dried mushrooms depends on the drying conditions used.

In this review, the chemistry of the photo-conversion process of ergosterol to vitamin D

under ultraviolet radiation is introduced. The ergosterol and vitamin D contents in different mushroom varieties are discussed. The effects of several drying methods and the influence of different drying conditions are reviewed.Key findings and conclusions Thermal drying in the presence of UV has been proven to convert ergosterol ed for mushrooms drying under selected operating conditions. A critical evaluation of published literature demonstrates the importance of applying appropriate drying methodology to maximize the nutritional value of various types of edible mushrooms.

A novel coronavirus, the SARS-CoV2, was revealed to be the cause of COVID19, the pandemic disease that already provoked more than 555.324 deaths in the world (July 10, 2020). No vaccine treatment has been defined against SARS-CoV2 or other human coronaviruses (HCoVs), including those causing epidemic infections, neither appropriate strategies for prevention and care are yet officially suggested.

We reviewed scientific literature on natural compounds that were defined as potentially effective against human coronaviruses. Our desk research identified non-chemically modified natural compounds that were shown (in vitro) and/or predicted (in silico) to act against one or more phases of human coronaviruses cell cycle.We selected all available information, merged and annotated the data to define a comprehensive list of natural compounds, describing their chemical classification, the source, the action, the specific target in the viral infection. Our aim was to collect possible compounds for prevention and care ag a curated annotation on actions and targets.The data are available in anti-HCoV, a web accessible resource to be exploited for testing and in vivo trials. The website is here launched to favour a community based cooperative effort to call for contribution and expand the collection. To be ready to fight.The present novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has created a global emergency situation by spreading all over the world in a large scale within very short time period. But there is no vaccine, anti-viral medicine for such infection. So at this moment, a major worldwide problem is that how we can control this pandemic. On the other hand, India is high population density country, where the coronavirus infection disease (COVID-19) has started from 1 March 2020. Due to high population density, human to human social contact rate is very high in India. So controlling pandemic COVID-19 in early stage is very urgent and challenging problem of India. Mathematical models are employed to study the disease dynamics, identify the influential parameters and access the proper prevention strategies for reduction outbreak size. In this work, we have formulated a deterministic compartmental model to study the spreading of COVID-19 and estimated the model parameters by fitting the model with reported data of ongoing pandemic in India. Sensitivity analysis has been done to identify the influential model parameters. The basic reproduction number has been estimated from actual data and the effective basic reproduction number has been studied on the basis of reported cases. Some effective preventive measures and their impact have also been studied. Prediction are given on the future trends of the virus transmission under some control measures. Finally, the positive measures to control the disease have been summarized in the conclusion section.The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on the 11th of March 2020, but the world is still reeling from its aftermath. Originating from China, cases quickly spread across the globe, prompting the implementation of stringent measures by world governments in efforts to isolate cases and limit the transmission rate of the virus. These measures have however shattered the core sustaining pillars of the modern world economies as global trade and cooperation succumbed to nationalist focus and competition for scarce supplies. Against this backdrop, this paper presents a critical review of the catalogue of negative and positive impacts of the pandemic and proffers perspectives on how it can be leveraged to steer towards a better, more resilient low-carbon economy. The paper diagnosed the danger of relying on pandemic-driven benefits to achieving sustainable development goals and emphasizes a need for a decisive, fundamental structural change to the dynamics of how we live. It argues for a rethink of the present global economic growth model, shaped by a linear economy system and sustained by profiteering and energy-gulping manufacturing processes, in favour of a more sustainable model recalibrated on circular economy (CE) framework. Building on evidence in support of CE as a vehicle for balancing the complex equation of accomplishing profit with minimal environmental harms, the paper outlines concrete sector-specific recommendations on CE-related solutions as a catalyst for the global economic growth and development in a resilient post-COVID-19 world.[Purpose] To systematically review controlled trial evidence for the use of lumbar extension traction by Chiropractic BioPhysics® methods for the purpose of increasing lumbar lordosis in those with hypolordosis and low back disorders. [Methods] Literature searches were performed in Pubmed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane, and ICL databases. Search terms included iterations related to the lumbar spine, low back pain and extension traction rehabilitation. [Results] Four articles detailing 2 randomized and 1 non-randomized trial were located. Trials demonstrated increases in radiographic measured lordosis of 7-11°, over 10-12 weeks, after 30-36 treatment sessions. Randomized trials demonstrated traction treated groups mostly maintained lordosis correction, pain relief, and disability after 6-months follow-up. The non-randomized trial showed lordosis and pain intensity were maintained with periodic maintenance care for 1.5 years. Importantly, control/comparison groups had no increase in lumbar lordosis. Randomized trials showed comparison groups receiving physiotherapy-less the traction, had temporary pain reduction during treatment that regressed towards baseline levels as early as 3-months after treatment.