bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CILP2 overexpression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study
Authors: Huang Feng , Peng Yuanfei , Ye Qing , Chen Jinhu , Li Yangming , Liu Shengyuan , Xu Yangmei , Huang Lijie
Published: October 2020

Background

Genetic alterations play an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying new biomarkers to assess the prognosis of patients with CRC is critical. Cartilage intermediate layer protein 2 (CILP2) gene, screened from TCGA database by bioinformatics, may be closely related to the progression of CRC. CILP2 was barely reported with clinical features of tumors.

Materials and methods

Clinical information and RNA-seq data were derived from TCGA colorectal carcinoma cohort. CILP2 expression at mRNA level was estimated by bioinformatical analysis of TCGA cases. Tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed containing paraffin-embedded 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues. The expression at the protein level was detected in 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. CILP2 expression level and its clinical value were estimated by bioinformatical analysis with linear and logistic regression. Survival analysis was performed between high and low groups of CILP2 expression by Cox regression analysis, and the P value was calculated by the log-rank test. The Kaplan-Meier curves were tested by the log-rank test.

Results

CILP2 was statistically significantly higher expressed in the CRC tissues when compared with paired adjacent normal tissues in TCGA cohort (P < 0.001) and in the TMA cohort (P = 0.001). Also, CILP2 high expression was strongly correlated with T3/4 stage (P = 0.001), N1/2/3 stage (P = 0.005), M1 stage (P = 0.048), and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P < 0.001) in TCGA cohort, and also positively associated with T3/4 stage (P = 0.022) and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P = 0.03) in TMA cohort. Furthermore, CILP2 overexpression predicted poor prognosis and could be an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

We revealed that CILP2 is associated with advanced stages and could play a role as an independent predictor of poor survival in CRC.
Liver resection for colorectal liver-limited metastases in elderly patients: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Jin Ke-Min , Wang Kun , Bao Quan , Wang Hong-Wei , Xing Bao-Cai
Published: October 2020

Background

Few studies have focused on the role of hepatectomy for colorectal liver-limited metastases in elderly patients compared to matched younger patients.

Methods

From January 2000 to December 2018, 724 patients underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver-limited metastases. Based on a 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) model, 64 elderly patients (≥ 70 years of age) were matched to 128 younger patients (< 70 years of age) to obtain two balanced groups with regard to demographic, therapeutic, and prognostic factors.

Results

There were 73 elderly and 651 younger patients in the unmatched cohort. Compared with the younger group (YG), the elderly group (EG) had significantly higher proportion of American Society of Anesthesiologists score III and comorbidities and lower proportion of more than 3 liver metastases and postoperative chemotherapy (p < 0.05). After PSM for these factors, rat sarcoma virus proto-oncogene/B-Raf proto-oncogene (RAS/BRAF) mutation status and primary tumor sidedness, the EG had significantly less median intraoperative blood loss than the YG (175 ml vs. 200 ml, p = 0.046), a shorter median postoperative hospital stay (8 days vs. 11 days, p = 0.020), and a higher readmission rate (4.7% vs.0%, p = 0.036). The EG also had longer disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) compared to the YG, but these findings were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Old age was not an independent factor for DFS, OS, and CSS by Cox multivariate regression analysis (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Hepatectomy is safe for colorectal liver-limited metastases in elderly patients, and these patients may subsequently benefit from prolonged DFS, OS, and CSS.
“I feel good when I drink”—detecting childhood-onset alcohol abuse and dependence in a Ugandan community trial cohort
Authors: Engebretsen Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv , Nalugya Joyce S. , Skylstad Vilde , Ndeezi Grace , Akol Angela , Babirye Juliet N. , Nankabirwa Victoria , Tumwine James K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Alcohol, substance use, and mental health disorders constitute major public health issues worldwide, including in low income and lower middle-income countries, and early initiation of use is an important predictor for developing substance use disorders in later life. This study reports on the existence of childhood alcohol abuse and dependence in a sub-study of a trial cohort in Eastern Uganda.

Methods

The project SeeTheChild—Mental Child Health in Uganda (STC) included a sub-study of the Ugandan site of the study PROMISE SB: Saving Brains in Uganda and Burkina Faso. PROMISE SB was a follow-up study of a trial birth cohort (PROMISE EBF) that estimated the effect that peer counselling for exclusive breast-feeding had on the children’s cognitive functioning and mental health once they reached 5–8 years of age. The STC sub-study (N = 148) used the diagnostic tool MINI-KID to assess mental health conditions in children who scored medium and high (≥ 14) on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in the PROMISE SB cohort N = (119/148; 80.4%). Another 29/148 (19.6%) were recruited from the PROMISE SB cohort as a comparator with low SDQ scores (< 14). Additionally, the open-ended questions in the diagnostic history were analysed. The MINI-KID comprised diagnostic questions on alcohol abuse and dependence, and descriptive data from the sub-study are presented in this paper.

Results

A total of 11/148 (7.4%) children scored positive for alcohol abuse and dependence in this study, 10 of whom had high SDQ scores (≥ 14). The 10 children with SDQ-scores ≥ 14 had a variety of mental health comorbidities of which suicidality 3/10 (30.0%) and separation anxiety disorder 5/10 (50.0%) were the most common. The one child with an SDQ score below 14 did not have any comorbidities. Access to homemade brew, carer’s knowledge of the drinking, and difficult household circumstances were issues expressed in the children’s diagnostic histories.

Conclusions

The discovery of alcohol abuse and dependence among 5–8 year olds in clinical interviews from a community based trial cohort was unexpected, and we recommend continued research and increased awareness of these conditions in this age group.

Trial registration Trial registration for PROMISE SB: Saving Brains in Uganda and Burkina Faso: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01882335), 20 June 2013. Regrettably, there was a 1 month delay in the registration compared to the commenced re-inclusion in the follow-up study: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01882335?term=saving+brains&draw=2&rank=1
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long non-coding RNA PTPRG-AS1 promotes cell tumorigenicity in epithelial ovarian cancer by decoying microRNA-545-3p and consequently enhancing HDAC4 expression
Authors: Shi Juanjuan , Xu Xijian , Zhang Dan , Zhang Jiuyan , Yang Hui , Li Chang , Li Rui , Wei Xuan , Luan Wenqing , Liu Peishu
Published: October 2020

Background

Long non-coding RNA PTPRG antisense RNA 1 (PTPRG-AS1) deregulation has been reported in various human malignancies and identified as an important modulator of cancer development. Few reports have focused on the detailed role of PTPRG-AS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its underlying mechanism. This study aimed to determine the physiological function of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC. A series of experiments were also performed to identify the mechanisms through which PTPRG-AS1 exerts its function in EOC.

Methods

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine PTPRG-AS1 expression in EOC tissues and cell lines. PTPRG-AS1 was silenced in EOC cells and studied with respect to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The putative miRNAs that target PTPRG-AS1 were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and further confirmed in luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

Our data verified the upregulation of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC tissues and cell lines. High PTPRG-AS1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in patients with EOC. Functionally, EOC cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo were suppressed by PTPRG-AS1 silencing. In contrast, cell apoptosis was promoted by loss of PTPRG-AS1. Regarding the mechanism, PTPRG-AS1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA in EOC cells by decoying microRNA-545-3p (miR-545-3p), thereby elevating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) expression. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that PTPRG-AS1 knockdown-mediated effects on EOC cells were, in part, counteracted by the inhibition of miR-545-3p or restoration of HDAC4.

Conclusions

PTPRG-AS1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA that aggravated the malignancy of EOC through the miR-545-3p/HDAC4 ceRNA network. Thus, targeting the PTPRG-AS1/miR-545-3p/HDAC4 pathway may be a novel strategy for EOC anticancer therapy.
Metreleptin for the treatment of progressive encephalopathy with/without lipodystrophy (PELD) in a child with progressive myoclonic epilepsy: a case report
Authors: Pedicelli Stefania , de Palma Luca , Pelosini Caterina , Cappa Marco
Published: October 2020

Background

A number of genetic syndromes associated with variants in theBSCL2/seipin gene have been identified. Variants that cause skipping of exon 7 are associated with progressive encephalopathy with/without lipodystrophy (PELD), which is characterized by the development of progressive myoclonic epilepsy at a young age, severe progressive neurological impairment, and early death, often in childhood. Because the genetic basis of PELD is similar to that of congenital lipodystrophy type 2, we hypothesized that a patient with PELD may respond to treatments approved for other congenital lipodystrophic syndromes.

Case presentation

We describe a 5-year-old boy with an extremely rare phenotype involving severe progressive myoclonic epilepsy who received metreleptin (a recombinant analogue of leptin) to control metabolic abnormalities. At the age of two, he had no subcutaneous adipose tissue, with hypertriglyceridemia, hypertransaminasemia and hepatic steatosis. He also had a moderate psychomotor delay and generalized tonic seizures. At 4 years, he had insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mild hepatosplenomegaly and mild hepatic steatosis; he began a hypolipidemic diet. Severe psychomotor delay and myoclonic/myoclonic atonic seizures with absences was evident. At 5 years of age, metreleptin 0.06 mg/kg/day was initiated; after 2 months, the patient’s lipid profile improved and insulin resistance resolved. After 1 year of treatment, hepatic steatosis improved and abdominal ultrasound showed only mild hepatomegaly. Seizure frequency decreased but was not eliminated during metreleptin therapy.

Conclusions

Metreleptin may be used to control metabolic disturbances and may lead to better seizure control in children with PELD.
Characterization of acoustic detection efficiency using a gliding robotic fish as a mobile receiver platform
Authors: Ennasr Osama , Holbrook Christopher , Hondorp Darryl W. , Krueger Charles C. , Coleman Demetris , Solanki Pratap , Thon John , Tan Xiaobo
Published: October 2020

Background

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and animal telemetry have become important tools for understanding the relationships between aquatic organisms and their environment, but more information is needed to guide the development and use of AUVs as effective animal tracking platforms. A forward-facing acoustic telemetry receiver (VR2Tx 69 kHz; VEMCO, Bedford, Nova Scotia) attached to a novel AUV (gliding robotic fish) was tested in a freshwater lake to (1) compare its detection efficiency (i.e., the probability of detecting an acoustic signal emitted by a tag) of acoustic tags (VEMCO model V8-4H 69 kHz) to stationary receivers and (2) determine if detection efficiency was related to distance between tag and receiver, direction of movement (toward or away from transmitter), depth, or pitch.

Results

Detection efficiency for mobile (robot-mounted) and stationary receivers were similar at ranges less than 300 m, on average across all tests, but detection efficiency for the mobile receiver decreased faster than for stationary receivers at distances greater than 300 m. Detection efficiency was higher when the robot was moving toward the transmitter than when moving away from the transmitter. Detection efficiency decreased with depth (surface to 4 m) when the robot was moving away from the transmitter, but depth had no significant effect on detection efficiency when the robot was moving toward the transmitter. Detection efficiency was higher when the robot was descending (pitched downward) than ascending (pitched upward) when moving toward the transmitter, but pitch had no significant effect when moving away from the transmitter.

Conclusion

Results suggested that much of the observed variation in detection efficiency is related to shielding of the acoustic signal by the robot body depending on the positions and orientation of the hydrophone relative to the transmitter. Results are expected to inform hardware, software, and operational changes to gliding robotic fish that will improve detection efficiency. Regardless, data on the size and shape of detection efficiency curves for gliding robotic fish will be useful for planning future missions and should be relevant to other AUVs for telemetry. With refinements, gliding robotic fish could be a useful platform for active tracking of acoustic tags in certain environments.
Soft tissue coverage using pedicled flap in combat zone: a case series
Authors: Mathieu Laurent , Plang Soryapong , de l’Escalopier Nicolas , Murison James Charles , Gaillard Christophe , Bertani Antoine , Rongieras Frédéric
Published: October 2020

Background

Soft tissue reconstruction is typically conducted after evacuation from theater of operations. If circumstances do not allow timely evacuation, however, defect site may need to be reconstructed in the combat zone.

Case presentation

A total of 41 patients with extremity soft tissue defect were treated using pedicled flaps by a single orthopedic surgeon during four deployments in Chad, Afghanistan and Mali between 2010 and 2017. The mean age was 25.6 years. A total of 46 injury sites in extremities required flap coverage: 19 combat-related injuries (CRIs) and 27 non-combat related injuries (NCRIs). Twenty of the injury sites were infected. Overall, 63 pedicled flap transfers were carried out: 15 muscle flaps, 35 local fasciocutaneous flaps and 13 distant fasciocutaneous flaps. The flap types used did not differ for CRIs or NCRIs. Mean follow-up was 71 days. Complications included deep infection (n = 6), flap failure (n = 1) and partial flap necrosis (n = 1). Limb salvage rate was 92.7% (38/41).

Conclusions

Soft tissue defect can be managed with simple pedicled flaps in theatre of operations if needed. Basic reconstructive procedures should be part of the training for military orthopedic surgeons.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered in January 2019 (2019-0901-001).
Examining recruitment feasibility and related outcomes in adults post-stroke
Authors: King Erin C , Doherty Megan , Corcos Daniel , Stoykov Mary Ellen
Published: October 2020

Background

There are limited effective and evidence-based interventions for upper extremity hemiparesis post-stroke. To prepare for an RCT and minimize misuse of resources, there is value in conducting a feasibility study.

Objective

To examine the feasibility of recruitment and other related outcomes for an intense upper limb intervention.

Methodology

Feasibility outcomes included retention, adherence, accrual rate, sample characteristics, and identification of productive recruitment methods. Other outcomes included satisfaction with the study, fidelity, and equipoise of both staff and participants.

Results

Participants were enrolled at a rate of 1.33 per month. The recruitment timeline had to be extended by 4 months, to meet the target of 16 randomized participants. Staggered recruitment was the most successful strategy. We found that following up with individuals who missed initial appointments prior to study enrollment led to decreased adherence.

Conclusion

It is feasible to recruit and retain post-stroke participants for an intense intervention study.

Trial registration

NCT02277028
Connecting professionalism, learning and identity
Authors: Ruijters Manon C. P. , Simons P. Robert-Jan
Published: October 2020

This is a conceptual article in which we try to connect some of our previous publications into a coherent new model of learner identity. The first phase of our research concerns the research and theories about professional and work-related learning, followed by work on the learning landscape: a metaphor for organizational learning. The third phase looks at added learning preferences: five ways of work-related learning. Phase four introduces the concept of the learning professional, and phase five looks at research and theories about professional identity: what inalienably connects: who you are (person), the work you do (profession) and the context in which you shape it. In the discussion, we try to explain how the various models can be connected, differentiated and integrated. Professional identity is the basis for all the other approaches. In an integrated set of questions, we bring it all together, introducing the new concept of learner identity and focusing on consequences for facilitating a professional learning culture.
Seosed õppejõu õpetamisviisi ja üliõpilase õppimist toetavate ning takistavate tegurite vahel õppeaines
Authors: Uiboleht Kai , Karm Mari
Published: October 2020

Kõrghariduses võib õppeaine õpikeskkonda kirjeldada õppejõu õpetamisviisi kaudu. Varasemad uurimused on kirjeldanud sisu- ja õppimiskeskset õpetamisviisi ning nende põimumist. Uurimused, mis on keskendunud üliõpilaste kirjeldatud õppimist toetavate ja takistavate õpikeskkonna elementidele, ei selgita, kuidas need on seotud õppejõu sisu- või õppimiskeskse õpetamisviisiga konkreetse õppeaine kontekstis. Samas on õppeaine arendamise seisukohast oluline seda seost mõista. Selle artikli eesmärk on tuua välja seoseid õppejõudude kirjeldatud õpetamisviisi ning üliõpilaste kirjeldatud õppimist toetavate ja takistavate õpikeskkonna elementide vahel just õppeaine tasandil. Artikkel tugineb mitme õppeaine  uuringule, kus intervjueeriti kolme õppeaine õppejõudu ja üliõpilasi. Andmete kvalitatiivsest analüüsist selgub, et üliõpilased ei taju õpetamisviiside põimumist alati õppimist takistavana. Pigem takistavad üliõpilaste õppimist õppejõu ebaselged ootused ja üldsõnalised juhendid.

 Summary
Kaasava hariduse mudel alushariduse kontekstis: süstemaatiline kirjandusülevaade
Authors: Nelis Pille , Pedaste Margus
Published: October 2020

Hoolimata suurest hulgas maailmas korraldatud uuringutest ei ole kaasava hariduse kontseptsioon edukaks rakendamiseks piisavalt selge. Seetõttu tegime süstemaatilise kirjandusanalüüsi, et luua ülevaade kaasava hariduse definitsioonidest ja võtmetunnustest, mis toetaks selle rakendamist alushariduse tasemel. Selgus, et kaasava hariduse definitsioonis tuleks eristada selle filosoofilist ja praktilist olemust, mida kirjeldavad täpsemalt seitse aspekti. Nüüdisaegse kaasava hariduse rakendamisel olulised võtmetunnused alushariduse kontekstis on süstematiseeritavad 14 kategooria kaudu viiel tasandil: lapse, perekonna, õpetaja, institutsiooni ja riigi tasand. Definitsiooni ja võtmetunnuste alusel loodi mudel, millega toetada kaasava hariduse rakendamist eri poolte koostöös.

 Summary
Kasvatusest üleilmsete kriiside ajastul
Authors: Kuurme Tiiu
Published: October 2020

Tunnustatud Soome kasvatusfilosoofi Veli-Matti Värri 2018. aastal Soome parima teadusraamatu preemia saanud raamat "Kasvatus ökokriisi ajastul" ("Kasvatus ekokriisin aikakaudella") pakub eestlastele võimaluse mõelda kasvatusest mõneti fataalse ilmingu tähenduses. Raamatus avatakse selles mõistes sisalduv rikkalik mitmekihiline tegelikkus ning kasvatuse osa globaalse iseloomuga kriiside tekkes. Värri loob panoraami, kuidas hiliskapitalismi ning tehnoloogilise tsivilisatsiooni oludes on inimeste suhestumine looduse ja looduga kujunenud isekalt röövellikuks, mille käigus taasluuakse ökoloogiliselt jätkusuutmatut eluviisi, ning selles on oma osa sellisel inimkonna saavutusel nagu haridussüsteem. Avatakse inimese ja looduse suhe ajaloolises vaates kuni valgustusajastuni, mil valitsema pääses dualistlik arusaam subjekti ja objekti dihhotoomiast ning inimene kuulutas end looduse krooniks. Autori peamine väide ja raamatu kirjutamise mõte on, et peamised käsitused inimese ja looduse suhtest tuleb ümber mõtestada, kui soovime elu jätkumist maakeral. Ökoloogiliselt jätkusuutlik maailmasuhe nõuab uusi globaalseid eetilisi norme, inimkesksuse ületamist ja kaastunde ning vastutustunde kui pedagoogiliste hoiakute laiendamist ka loodusele väljaspool inimest.
“If I return this time I must return greater...”
Authors: Browarczyk Monika
Published: October 2020

“If I return this time I must return greater...” Kunwar Narain: His Reminiscences and Retellings of the Past Kunwar Narain (1927-2017), an eminent Hindi poet and writer, in his interviews, introductions to published works and public speeches discusses at length matters connected to his writing, poetry and aesthetics, but is somewhat reluctant to share details of his private life. The article is divided into two parts: the former studies the few and far between references Narain made to his own life in his para-textual writings and the latter close reads four of his poems and a short-story that refers to his trips to Poland bringing out autobiographical motifs.
Transformation in the Lives of Tamil Śaiva bhaktas
Authors: Dubyanskiy Alexander
Published: October 2020

Transformation in the Lives of Tamil Śaiva bhaktas The article deals with the tradition of the medieval South-Indian branch of Hinduism, which can be defined here as the religion of Tamil Śaiva bhakti reflected in the poetic compositions (the corpus Tirumuṟai) composed by a group of saints called nāyaṉārs (‘leaders’). Hagiographic sources of this tradition, first of all Periya purāṇam, and the nāyaṉārs’ poetic creations reveal some constant motifs which form a certain pattern, a typology of their legendary life-stories. They include: the encounter of a bhakta with Śiva, a trial (a test of devotion, an initiation, a heroic deed), a participation in the myth, rejection of sexual (family) life, emotional experience and revelation of a poetical gift.
Peerless Manifestations of Devī
Authors: Rajarajan R.K.K.
Published: October 2020

Peerless Manifestations of Devī In Hinduism, the śāstras list many iconographical forms of Devī. Nevertheless, for a number of them, there is no existing material rendition. The present article examines the cases of a few such iconographical forms, those of Ṣaḍaṅgadevī, Catuṣṣaṣṭikalādevī, Śītalādevī, Daśamudrā and Trikaṇṭhakīdevī. Śilpaśāstras enumerate the pratimālakṣaṇas of these goddesses elaborately. It is an enigma why material evidence that is expected to portray the canonized form is missing. However, recently a few models have become available that get closer to the Śāstraic notions. These redesigned entries add a new dimension to the iconography of the goddess. The present article deals with some rarities in the realm of Śakti iconography based on the Śrītattvanidhi in its Tañcāvūr Sarasvatī MahalLibrary edition.
Depression and cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: October 2020

In this monthly feature, Sarah Jane Palmer delves into topical news, the latest research and what the experts are saying on subjects related to cardiology and cardiac nursing practice.
Antenatal Appointment Invitations: Getting the Message Across
Authors: Osiadacz Katarzyna , Currie Barbara
Published: October 2020

In line with the Universal Health Visiting Pathway in Scotland, health visitors offer all expectant mothers a pre-birth visit in an antenatal letter. The town of Kirkcaldy on the east coast of Scotland has a diverse community and faced low uptake of antenatal visits (50%), with antenatal letters only sent in the English language. This article outlines how the team undertook to improve uptake of antenatal visits and understanding of the health visiting service through accessible language in the antenatal letter. Providing the letter in the expectant mother's native language improved uptake of the antenatal contact and increased understanding of the health visitor role. It is concluded that it is important to be inclusive and to provide equality of service for multicultural communities, in order to improve outcomes for all children.
The Sounds of Silence
Authors: Hanley Jane
Published: October 2020

The pandemic is forcing many families into untold hardships not experienced by previous generations – but creating a personal, silent space that allows us to connect with the things we value most can help generate feelings of peace and calm
Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Timely Update on Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Tucker Lorelei , Li Yong , Zhang Quanguang
Published: October 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD is startlingly common in veterans, victims of assault, those undergoing extreme medical care, and the clinicians that treat them. This growing mental health crisis has been dramatically exacerbated by the stressors and tragic events of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we will discuss the different classes of treatment for PTSD and examine current lines of research in each. First, we explore how the field of psychotherapy approaches PTSD, with focus placed on exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. We then describe current pharmacological strategies for PTSD treatment and several prominent therapeutic strategies currently undergoing clinical and pre-clinical trials. Next, we investigate novel approaches that integrate principles of psychotherapy with seemingly unconventional elements and discuss how these unique components may impact recovery. Finally, we explore how telemedicine has been implemented to expand access to care, which is particularly critical in a time of social distancing and economic disparity. We hope that by summarizing current clinical practice and outlining cutting-edge research, this review can elucidate the field and highlight gaps in knowledge that merit further investigation that may lead to more effective and accessible treatment for PTSD patients.
Space-division-multiplexed catadioptric integrated backlight and symmetrical triplet-compound lenticular array based on ORM criterion for 90-degree viewing angle and low-crosstalk directional backlight 3D light-field display
Authors: Gao Chao , Sang Xinzhu , Yu Xunbo , Gao Xin , Du Jingyan , Liu Boyang , Liu Li , Wang Peiren , Yan Binbin
Published: October 2020

A novel optical reverse mapping (ORM) method and an ORM criterion are proposed to evaluate the relevance between the directional backlight (DB) 3D light-field display system aberration and the crosstalk. Based on the ORM criterion, the space-division-multiplexed catadioptric integrated backlight (SCIB) and symmetrical triplet-compound lenticular array (triplet LA) are designed. The SCIB is composed of hybrid Fresnel integrated backlight unit (hybrid Fresnel unit) and space-division-multiplexed microprism unit (microprism unit). The hybrid Fresnel unit is used to provide the directional light, and the divergence angle is 2.4-degrees. The average uniformity of 83.02% is achieved. The microprism unit is used to modulate the directional light distribution into three predetermined directions to establish a 90-degree viewing area. Combined with SCIB, the triplet LA is used to suppress the aberrations and reduce the crosstalk. In the experiment, a DB 3D light-field display system based on SCIB and triplet LA is set up. The displayed light-field 3D image can be observed in a 90-degree viewing angle. Compared to the conventional DB 3D display system, the light-field 3D image is aberration-suppressed, and the SSIM values are improved from 0.8462 to 0.9618. Meanwhile, the crosstalk measurement results show that the average crosstalk is 3.49%. The minimum crosstalk is 2.31% and the maximum crosstalk is 4.52%. The crosstalk values in 90-degree are lower than 5%.
High-speed mid-wave infrared interband cascade photodetector at room temperature
Authors: Xie Zhiyang , Huang Jian , Chai Xuliang , Deng Zhuo , Chen Yaojiang , Lu Qi , Xu Zhicheng , Chen Jianxin , Zhou Yi , Chen Baile
Published: October 2020

High-speed mid-wave infrared (MWIR) photodetectors have important applications in the emerging areas such high-precision frequency comb spectroscopy and light detection and ranging (LIDAR). In this work, we report a high-speed room-temperature mid-wave infrared interband cascade photodetector based on a type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice. The devices show an optical cut-off wavelength around 5 µm and a 3-dB bandwidth up to 7.04 GHz. The relatively low dark current density around 9.39 × 10−2 A/cm2 under −0.1 V is also demonstrated at 300 K. These results validate the advantages of ICIPs to achieve both high-frequency operation and low noise at room temperature. Limitations on the high-speed performance of the detector are also discussed based on the S-parameter analysis and other RF performance measurement.
Uso de resíduos e subprodutos na estabilização sustentável de um solo dispersivo e sulfatado
Authors: Miguel Gustavo Dias , Festugato Lucas
Published: October 2020

Solos dispersivos e sulfatados emergem como uma grande preocupação ao desenvolvimento da infraestrutura. Dado suas características, tipos de solos como estes possuem uma alta suscetibilidade ao desenvolvimento de processos erosivos, além da possibilidade do desenvolvimento de minerais expansivos quando tratados à base de cálcio. Neste sentido, surge a demanda por alternativas a estabilizantes como o cimento Portland e a cal calcítica. Com isto, o presente trabalho propõe um novo estabilizante à base de vidro moído (um subproduto da produção de fibras de vidro) e cal de carbureto (um resíduo proveniente da produção de gás acetileno). Sua eficiência foi averiguada através da resistência à compressão dos compósitos propostos. Para isto, corpos-de-prova foram moldados com distintas dosagens tendo-se como fatores controláveis o teor de vidro moído, o teor de cal de carbureto, o teor de umidade de moldagem e o peso específico aparente seco das amostras. Ambos, subproduto e resíduo, se mostraram eficazes ao tratamento de solos dispersivos e sulfatados, levando a resistências à compressão da ordem de 4 MPa. Da análise estatística, nesta ordem de importância, os fatores peso específico aparente seco, teor de vidro moído e teor de cal de carbureto, se mostram significantes para um nível de significância de 5%. Enquanto que o teor de umidade de moldagem se mostrou não-significativo. Por fim, por meio de uma regressão não-linear, é proposta uma otimização de valores para que se possa atingir a máxima resistência desejada.
Clinical Evaluation of Significance of 25(Oh)D (Vitamin D) Status in Swine Flu (H1N1)
Authors: Gupta Bal Kishan , Narula Kashish , Saini Makhan Lal , Baberwal Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Jigyasa
Published: October 2020

Background
Since swine flu has been declared pandemic in 2009 it has become a major challenging public-health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. 25(OH)D deficiency is also pandemic and has been reported to be clinically correlated with decreased immunity and respiratory infections. The possible role of vitamin D in infections is implied from its impact on the innate and adaptive immune responses. This study is planned to evaluate clinical significance of 25(OH)D status on course and outcome in hospitalized cases of swine flu and to compare it with normal healthy subjects living in the same vicinity to evaluate if vitamin D is having any protective effect.

Material & Methods
Present prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 79 RT-PCR confirmed cases of swine flu admitted during recent epidemic. All patients were evaluated thoroughly by clinical history physical examination and laboratory investigations as per Performa and followed-up during hospital stay. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) estimation was done by electro-chemiluminescent Assay in all the cases and it was also done in 36 normal healthy family members of study patients living in the same vicinity (control group).

Results
High prevalence (70.9%) of low (≤30ng/ml) status of 25(OH)D was observed in cases of swine flu as compared to control group. 25(OH)D status was associated with severity of illness. Mean value of 25(OH)D in mechanically ventilated patients was 9.81±6.43 while it was 22.76±11.35 ng/ml in patients who do not required ventilation (p<0.05). Mean 25(OH)D level in patients who stayed in hospital for <5 days was 28.60±8.79 ng/ml, 24.18±11.67 for 6-10 days and 8.23±2.12 for >10 days (p<0.01). Mean value of 25(OH)D in patients who died was 9.59±5.90 ng/ml as compared to 23.13±11.62 ng/ml who survived (p<0.01).

Conclusion
Our study suggests that 25(OH)D may have preventive role for swine flu infection. Low level of 25(OH)D is associated with high morbidity in terms of increase requirement for mechanical ventilation, multiorgan dysfunction and long duration of hospital stay. 25(OH)D deficiency is associated with high mortality in swine flu. 25(OH)D status should be given due consideration in high risk patients especially during winter season.
Use of Microfluidic Assays to Develop Reliable and Economic Nucleic Acid Application Technologies, Employing MicroRNAs for the Diagnostic Screening of Colon Cancer in Human Stool in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Ahmed Farid E. , Gouda Mostafa M. , Ahmed Nancy C.
Published: October 2020

Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
Dynamics of Infections and Number of Vaccines Needed to Avoid Covid-19 in Europe
Authors: Isea Raúl
Published: October 2020

The work analyzes the dynamics of transmission of infections by the new coronavirus in twelve European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Romania, Czech Republic, and Portugal, whose data from contagion were obtained by Johns Hopkins University until September 24, 2020. The study confirmed that this new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) surprised all the countries of the world that had to improve their public health policies to confront this disease according to the results obtained from the calculation of the mantissa. Although the countries were able to improve their policies after the first wave of contagion, Spain and France have the highest proportion of cases that stand out significantly with the rest of the countries in the second wave of infections that the world faces again. Likewise, the beginning of the epidemic outbreak was determined, which could help to track the spread of the disease through European countries (not the first case registered in each country), from which it can be inferred that the outbreak begins in Italy and later the rebound begins in Germany, France, and Spain. Within days, it significantly affects Greece and Austria, reaching Denmark, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Croatia. Finally, the number of people who must be vaccinated to counteract the advance of Covid-19 in these European countries was determined based on the calculation of the Basic Reproductive Number, R0. The number of people that would have to be vaccinated in all these countries to counteract this disease sums up to 206.830.361.
Sistem Informasi Penjualan dan Pemesanan Layanan Berbasis Web dan SMS Gateway di Petshop "PetZone"
Authors: Wati Siska Fadhilah , Rochim Adian Fatchur , Kridalukmana Rinta
Published: October 2020

Dewasa ini teknologi informasi sangat membantu dalam dunia bisnis. Kemudahan yang ditawarkan akan menjaring lebih banyak konsumen. Namun, perusahan tingkat menengah seperti PetZone saat ini masih jarang yang menawarkan kemudahan berbelanja atau pemesanan layanan secara online. Oleh karena itu diperlukan sebuah sistem berbasis web di perusahaan PetZone yang dapat memudahkan pemilik dan karyawan dalam apenjualan, pelayanan, dan pemasaran, serta memudahkan pelanggan dalam jual-beli barang dan jasa. Atas dasar masalah tersebut dibangun Sistem Informasi Penjualan dan Pemesanan Layanan Berbasis Web dan SMS Gateway untuk menunjang proses bisnis yang ada.Sistem informasi dibangun menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP framework Codeigniter, javascript untuk tampilan yang dinamis, dan database MySQL. Proses pembuatan dan pengembangan Sistem Informasi Penjualan ini menggunakan metode air terjun. Metode air terjun meliputi kebutuhan pengguna, analisis, rancangan, implementasi dan pengujian. Pemodelan Sistem Informasi yang dibangun menggunakan metode berorientasi objek UML (Unified Modeling Language) yang terdiri dari Use case  diagram, Class diagram dan Sequence diagram.Hasil pengujian Sistem Informasi Penjualan dan Pemesanan Layanan Berbasis Web dan SMS Gateway menunjukkan bahwa semua fitur yang terdapat baik dalam sistem informasi maupun SMS gateway dapat bekerja dengan baikdengan ratusan sample data, dan server SMS gateway dapat memproses lebih dari satu SMS secara bersamaan. Dalam perkembangan ke depannya nanti, Sistem Informasi Penjualan dan Pemesanan Layanan Berbasis Web dan SMS Gateway masih dapat dikembangkan lagi dengan menambah fitur-fitur pada SMS gateway sehingga lebih memudahkan konsumen.
Pengembangan Simulasi Peternakan Sapi Perah dengan Game Maker Berbasis Windows
Authors: Widyaningrum Prima , Isnanto R. Rizal , Martono Kurniawan Teguh
Published: October 2020

Kebutuhan akan susu sapi segar yang berasal dari sapi perah semakin tinggi. Sedangkan kebutuhan biaya, pengetahuan dan lingkungan untuk mengembangkan sebuah peternakan sapi perah tidaklah murah, sehingga sulit bagi pelajar dan masyarakat pada umumnya untuk dapat mempelajari teknis peternakan sapi perah secara langsung. Salah satu pemanfaatan teknologi untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut adalah dengan pembuatan permainan simulasi peternakan sapi perah.Permainan simulasi dengan tema peternakan sapi perah dibuat dengan menggunakan Game Maker IDE. Tahap perancangan dimulai dengan merancang storyline, skenario, dan antarmuka. Tahap implementasi dilakukan dengan membangun permainan sesuai dengan rancangan. Tahap pengujian dilakukan dengan metode black-box, serta pengujian kepada 30 responden secara acak pada umur 12-22 tahun.Hasil pengujian menunjukkan terealisasinya aplikasi permainan simulasi peternakan sapi perah yang dengan fungsi-fungsi yang sesuai dengan fungsionalitasnya. Berdasarkan hasil penilaian kuesioner, permainan dinilai menarik untuk dimainkan, tampilan antarmuka yang menarik, mudah dioperasikan dan dapat menambah pengetahuan bagi pengguna. Hal ini terlihat pada semua aspek penilaian, yang mendapatkan persentase lebih dari 90%. Permainan ini telah memenuhi tujuan awal penelitian.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Akademik Berbasis Mobile Web Studi Kasus di Program Studi Sistem Komputer Universitas Diponegoro
Authors: Mujab Syariful , Satoto Kodrat Iman , Martono Kurniawan Teguh
Published: October 2020

Sistem informasi akademik berbasis mobile web merupakan sistem informasi yang menyediakan informasi akademik untuk tingkat mahasiswa yang dirancang khusus untuk perangkat bergerak, dengan sistem informasi akademik berbasis mobile web mahasiswa dapat memperoleh informasi yang berhubungan dengan kegiatan akademik yang sedang ditempuh. Desain dari sistem informasi akademik berbasis mobile web dirancang khusus untuk perangkat bergerak yang bertujuan untuk mempermudah mahasiswa dalam pengaksesan sistem informasi melalui pada perangkat bergerak.Sistem informasi akademik berbasis mobile web pada dasarnya adalah refleksi dari sistem informasi akademik program studi sistem komputer, maka dari itu data yang digunakan diambil dari penelitian dan pengamatan dari sistem informasi akademik program studi sistem komputer. Perancangan interface pada tugas akhir ini menggunakan framework Jquery mobile dan untuk penyimpanan data menggunakan basis data MySQL sedangkan bahasa pemrograman di sisi server menggunakan PHP. Pengaksesan sistem informasi akademik berbasis mobile web pada tugas akhir ini menggunakan sebuah aplikasi yang berjalan pada sistem operasi android yang dibuat menggunakan phonegap.Hasil dari perancangan ini adalah sebuah aplikasi sistem informasi akademik berbasis mobile web yang berguna untuk memudahkan mahasiswa dalam mendapatkan informasi akademik melalui perangkat bergerak, dari hasil pengujian blackbox didapatkan hasil bahwa aplikasi sudah dapat memberikan informasi sesuai dengan kebutuhan mahasiswa, seperti informasi KHS dan KRS, informasi jadwal, informasi matakuliah, informasi transkrip nilai. Pengujian juga menguji kompatibelitas dan user interface aplikasi, Pengujian kompatibelitas dan user interface diujikan pada sistem operasi android dari versi 2.2 sampai 4.2. Hasil dari pengujian user interface adalah user interface pada setiap sistem operasi android yang telah diuji tidak ada yang terpotong dan tampilan dapat menyesuaikan layar sedangkan pengujian kompatibelitas untuk android versi 4.0 sampai 4.2 aplikasi dapat terpasang dan fitur yang tersedia dapat berjalan dengan baik, sedangkan android dibawah versi 4.0 aplikasi dapat terpasang namun kopatibelitas kurang baik karna untuk fitur animasi tidak dapat berjalan.
Perancangan Perangkat Lunak untuk Analisis Tingkat Fokus pada Citra Mikroskop Digital Menggunakan Proses Ekstraksi Ciri
Authors: Wicaksono Damar , Isnanto R. Rizal , Nurhayati Oky Dwi
Published: October 2020

Mikroskop Digital merupakan salah satu pengembangan dari mikroskop cahaya yang memungkinkan gambar untuk ditampilkan pada layar monitor komputer. Mikroskop Digital terkini memungkinkan proses pengamatan preparat dilakukan dengan lebih detail. Pengamatan dapat dilakukan secara tidak langsung menggunakan bantuan aktuator mikroskopik untuk mendapatkan susunan elemen-elemen citra dasar yang nantinya akan digabungkan menjadi sebuah citra tunggal dengan resolusi tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang perangkat lunak pada mikrostepper. Perangkat lunak ini bertujuan untuk menentukan citra yang paling fokus dari beberapa dataset citra masukan.Perangkat lunak yang dibuat untuk menentukan fokus citra digital yakni menggunakan Delphi. Tahap perancangan berisi tentang prosedur pengembangan program yang terdiri dari pengumpulan sampel data citra mikroskop digital, pengubahan citra menjadi aras keabuan, ekstraksi fitur citra hingga didapatkan nilai cost function tertinggi.  Algoritma ekstraksi ciri  yang digunakan dalam pencarian nilai cost function (C) citra digital mikroskopik antara lain  Teknik Penurunan Laplacian, Teknik Statistikal Variansi Ternormalisasi, Teknik Histogram Entropi.Tahap implementasi pengambilan sampel citra digital, pengubahan citra menjadi aras keabuan, konvolusi citra digital dan kuantisasi nilai fokus citra.Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa dataset citra masukan dapat diproses dengan benar melalui proses pengubahan citra masukan menjadi aras keabuan, tahapan konvolusi dan nilai cost function mampu didapatkan sesuai dengan teknik pencarian menggunakan ekstraksi fitur. Citra terpilih dapat ditentukan setelah mengetahui perbandingan masing-masing nilai cost function pada citra masukan. Perangkat lunak dapat berjalan baik pada sistem operasi Windows 7. Pada bagian antarmuka, tombol-tombol dan prosedur program telah berfungsi sesuai dengan fungsionalitasnya masing-masing.
Sistem Manajemen Keluhan Mitra Kerjasama Berbasis Framework Code Igniter dan SMS Gateway
Authors: Okviandini Dwiana , Nurhayati Oky Dwi , Windasari Ike Pertiwi
Published: October 2020

Pada Balai IPTEKnet Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT) terdapat sebuah prosedur untuk memanajemen keluhan mitra kerjasama. Sistem ini bertujuan untuk memudahkan mitra kerjasama agar dapat menyampaikan keluhannya serta memudahkan staf Balai IPTEKnet dalam mengelola keluhan yang disampaikan oleh mitra kerjasama. Manajemen ini merupakan salah satu strategi CRM atau manajemen hubungan pelanggan yang ada di Balai IPTEKnet BPPT. Teknologi informasi memainkan peranan penting dan makin luas dalam bisnis. Mengingat berkembangnya dunia teknologi informasi dewasa ini, maka upaya yang akan dilakukan peneliti agar memudahkan pelanggan untuk berinteraksi dengan pegawai Balai IPTEKnet dalam menyampaikan keluhan dan mengefisienkan staf Balai IPTEKnet dalam memanajemen keluhan yaitu dengan membuat sebuah sistem manajemen keluhan mitra kerjasama berbasis web.Perancangan sistem dilakukan setelah data diperoleh dan analisa terhadap data yang didapat telah dilakukan. Sistem yang akan dibuat dirancang berdasarkan metode unified process dan menggunakan diagram UML (Unified Modeling Language). Dilakukan pengujian dengan menggunakan metode black box.