bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIDANA MATI MENURUT HUKUM ISLAM DAN HUKUM POSITIF DI INDONESIA
Authors: . Muhammadiah
Published: July 2020

Kita semua sadar kematian menanti kita, persoalannya disini adalah kapan dan bagaimana kita dijemput oleh kematian itu sendiri bagi sebagian besar manusia kematian merupakan suatu peristiwa yang sangat menakutkan, namun ada juga dijemput kematian dalam keadaan tenang dan damai. Bagaimana dengan mereka yang kematiannya dipituskan oleh sesama  manusia hal ini yang selalu menjadi perbedaan dikalangan masyarakat pada umumnya dan dikalangan para sarjana pada khususnya. Dari tahun ketahun bahkan sampai sekarang pembahasan mengenai pro dan kontra terhadap penjatuhan pidana mati terus menjadi pembahasan yang tidak  ada habisnya. Di satu sisi, hukuman mati dianggap akan efektif membuat jera pelaku, namun bagi pihak lain pelaksanaan hukuman mati seperti merampas kewenangan pencipta. Riska Alfiyaa Sarjana Universitas Pancasila tahun angkatan 2004 mengatakan memang belum ada bukti stastisik bahwa kejahatan akan menurun jika hukuman mati diterapkan didalam suatu Negara. Sebaliknya tidak diterapkan juga belum terbukti di suatu Negara kejahatan semakin meningkat.
DAKWAH DAN PERDEBATAN SOAL PLURALISME
Authors: Thaib Erwin Jusuf , Kango Andries
Published: July 2020

Da'wah is basically a social activity that allows people to meet with various social backgrounds in it. Because of its nature as a social activity, plurality becomes a necessity in da'wah. Nevertheless, pluralism as a reality sometimes becomes a problem in society. This article aims to describe the problem between da'wah and pluralism with the subject of the meaning of pluralism, its reality in the history of Islamic da'wah, and the attitude that must be developed in responding to it. The study showed that pluralism is generally interpreted as diversity in various aspects of life, including religion, which is believed to originate from one source even though this causes controversy. Historically Islam recognized the reality of religious pluralism. This fact shows that in Islam differences of belief are not obstacles to managing social life together as a form of acceptance of religious pluralism. Some attitudes that must be developed to be able to accept the reality of religious pluralism in daily life include interfaith dialogue, conducting "passing over" and "coming back" activities, or making efforts to increase multiculturalism insight to all elements of society. All of this can be done through the Islamic da’wah, with its various approaches, has become a massive Islamic religious social movement and is able to reach all aspects of Islamic society life.
KONFLIK SOSIAL DALAM KONSTRUKSI MEDIA CETAK : Analisis Wacana Kritis Refleksi Terhadap Pemberitaan Konflik Di Kota Bima Pada Harian Lombok Post
Authors: Irhamdi Muhamad , Rosanti Laela
Published: July 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana konflik sosial dalam konstruksi pemberitaan Lombok Post dan bagaimana kognisi mental jurnalis dalam pemberitaan konflik. Peneliti menggunakan kajian keilmuan analisis wacana kritis dengan pendekatan Van Dijk. Van Dijk dalam mengamati pemberitaan identik dengan beberapa item: konteks, kognisi sosial, dan teks. Dalam penelitian ini peneliti memfokuskan analisis pada teks berita konflik. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang sudah dilakukan terkait konstruksi pemberitaannya, Peneliti menemukan adanya penguasaan yang diberikan jurnalis Lombok Post kepada beberapa kelompok. Seperti, penguasaan dalam mengangkat sumber berita, mengangkat 1 narasumber dalam beberapa berita serta terdapat pelanggaran Kode Etik Jurnalistik. Dalam konteks kognisi sosial sendiri, dalam mengambil sudut pandang peristiwa konflik tersebut jurnalis lebih terfokus pada hal-hal yang bersifat anarkis seperti, insident pembakaran post polisi, dan korban penembakan.
The interaction between hyaluronidase and hyaluronic acid gel fillers - a review of the literature and comparative analysis
Authors: Paap Michael K. , Silkiss Rona Z.
Published: July 2020

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most common component of aesthetic fillers. Many formulations exist, each exhibiting properties that are manifestations of individual molecular modifications. The enzyme hyaluronidase degrades hyaluronic acid and can therefore be injected into soft tissue to reduce suboptimally placed HA fillers or to reverse local ischemic complications. The clinically available varieties of hyaluronidase may be derived from crude animal extracts or genetically engineered from recombinant human DNA. Different HA fillers are not uniformly dissolved by a single source hyaluronidase, and hyaluronidase from different sources may have varying efficacy in the degradation of HA. Previous studies of subsets of HA fillers and hyaluronidases have provided limited and often conflicting data regarding these differences, and a more comprehensive scientific study is needed. In this review, the authors describe commonly available formulations of HA and hyaluronidase and review all studies of HA-hyaluronidase interaction available via a PubMed and Google Scholar search from 2005 to present, exploring trends in the data. Factors determined to confer increased resistance to degradation included higher concentration of HA, higher crosslinking density, and status as monophasic versus biphasic. Fillers of the Juvéderm family were generally found to be more resistant to degradation than members of the Restylane family. Results are less consistent for Belotero Balance. No variety of hyaluronidase was consistently superior at dissolving any variety of HA filler. More research is needed to clarify these clinically relevant relationships.
Equality in cleft and craniofacial care
Authors: Sharratt Nicholas D. , Agius Jean Calleja , Davies Gareth , Mehendale Felicity V. , Hagell Peter , Persson Martin
Published: July 2020

This review examines the issue of equality of care amongst those with cleft lip and/or palate in the European Union (EU) and beyond. Issues of equality both between and within national populations are considered, and it is argued that those from countries with smaller healthcare expenditure and who are from marginalised groups are at the greatest risk of, and affected most severely by, healthcare inequalities. The socioeconomic impact of inequality is also discussed. Having reviewed these topics, the goals and activities of the European Cleft and Craniofacial Initiative for Equality in Care Action, formed pursuant to an award from the EU’s European Cooperation in Science and Technology, are introduced. Constituted of an open network of clinicians and researchers committed to exploring and reducing such inequalities, the ongoing Action is formed of multiple working groups examining these issues within the EU and has organised training schools, conferences and short-term scientific missions concerned with these issues. These activities are discussed along with the future directions of the Action, the impact it has had to date and the benefits of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology award.
LA COMPOSICIÓN POÉTICA DE LOS PERSONAJES INDÍGENAS FEMENINOS EN LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA
Authors: González Leila Shaí Del Pozo , Baca Francisco Lima
Published: July 2020

Este estudio presenta el personaje femenino de extracción histórica Malinche, o doña Marina, y la puramente ficcional Teutila, en Xicoténcatl (1826) – obra cuya autoría todavía es discutida por muchos estudiosos – y el personaje femenino protagonista de Iracema (1865), de José de Alencar – obra que se encuadrada dentro de las producciones del romanticismo brasileño – con el objetivo de establecer paralelos y diferencias adjudicados a estos personajes dentro de las literaturas en formación: Brasil y México, como literaturas base generadoras de la idea de nación en sus respectivos contextos.
MULHERES NA COLONIZAÇÃO BRASILEIRA
Authors: Uber Beatrice , Oliveira `Patrícia de
Published: July 2020

As obras híbridas de história e ficção Desmundo (1996), de Ana Miranda, e A mãe da mãe da sua mãe e suas filhas (2002), de Maria José Silveira, evidenciam o prisma de personagens femininas protagonistas que atuam em diferentes episódios ao longo do período da colonização brasileira. Outrora, já foram mulheres depreciadas, agora, pelo discurso ficcional, ganham a oportunidade de redefinir o imaginário do processo de colonização do Brasil por meio da escrita de autoria feminina contemporânea. Esse estudo conta com o suporte teórico de perspectivas evidenciadas nos estudos de Branco (1991), Fleck (2007; 2017), e Zolin (2009), entre outros.
DAS ESPERTEZAS DE JOÃO GRILO ÀS ARTIMANHAS DE CANÇÃO DO FOGO
Authors: Cardoso Silva Anderson , Da Silva Marcelo Medeiros
Published: July 2020

O presente trabalho trata de um conjunto de ações didáticas a partir da leitura de cordéis sobre a temática da esperteza com alunos do 6º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública no cariri paraibano. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios, uma vez que, através da leitura efetiva do texto literário, pudemos expandir as práticas de leitura na turma em que atuamos, como também fazer com que o gênero cordel circulasse e fosse conhecido, mais amiúde, pelos alunos, assim como levamos os discentes à reflexão crítica acerca do que é ser esperto em nosso país.
Fluorescent Labeling of Helminth Extracellular Vesicles Using an In Vivo Whole Organism Approach
Authors: Boysen Anders Toftegaard , Whitehead Bradley , Stensballe Allan , Carnerup Anna , Nylander Tommy , Nejsum Peter
Published: July 2020

In the last two decades, extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the three domains of life, archae, bacteria and eukaryota, have gained increasing scientific attention. As such, the role of EVs in host-pathogen communication and immune modulation are being intensely investigated. Pivotal to EV research is the determination of how and where EVs are taken up by recipient cells and organs in vivo, which requires suitable tracking strategies including labelling. Labelling of EVs is often performed post-isolation which increases risks of non-specific labelling and the introduction of labelling artefacts. Here we exploited the inability of helminths to de novo synthesise fatty acids to enable labelling of EVs by whole organism uptake of fluorescent lipid analogues and the subsequent incorporation in EVs. We showed uptake of DOPE-Rhodamine in Anisakis spp. and Trichuris suis larvae. EVs isolated from supernatant of Anisakis spp. labelled with DOPE-Rhodamine were characterised to assess effects of labelling on size, structure and fluorescence of EVs. Fluorescent EVs were successfully taken up by the human macrophage cell line THP-1. This study therefore presents a novel staining method that can be utilized by the EV field in parasitology and potentially across multiple species.
A Quadruped Robot with the Wooden Body for Static Locomotion in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal
Published: July 2020

We present the design and overall development of an eight degrees of freedom (DOF) based Bioinspired Quadruped Robot (BiQR). The robot is designed with a skeleton made of cedar wood. The wooden skeleton is based on exploring the potential of cedar wood to be a choice for legged robots’ design. With a total weight of 1.19 kg, the robot uses eight servo motors that run the position control. Relying on the inverse kinematics, the control design enables the robot to perform the walk gait-based locomotion in a controlled environment. The robot has two main aspects: 1) the initial wooden skeleton development of the robot showing it to be an acceptable choice for robot design, 2) the robot’s applicability as a low-cost legged platform to test the locomotion in a laboratory or a classroom setting.
Magnetic Nanoparticles of Fe3O4 Biosynthesized by Cnicus Benedictus Extract: Photocatalytic Study of Organic Dye Degradation and Antibacterial Behavior
Authors: Ruíz-Baltazar Álvaro de Jesús , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny , Larrañaga-Ordáz Daniel , Méndez-Lozano Nestor , Zamora-Antuñano Marco Antonio , Perez Ramiro
Published: July 2020

Currently, the use of sustainable chemistry as an ecological alternative for the generation of products or processes, free of polluting substance has assumed a preponderant role. The aim of this work is propose a bioinspired, facile, at low cost, non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to obtaining magnetic nanoparticles whit a majority phase of magnetite (Fe3O4). Is important to empathize that the synthesis was based on the chemical reduction through the Cnicus Benedictus extract, whose use as reducing agent has not been reported in the synthesis of iron oxides nanoparticles. In addition, the Cnicus Benedictus is abundant endemic plant in Mexico, with several medicinal properties and a large number of natural antioxidants. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited significant magnetic and antibacterial properties and an enhanced photocatalytic activity. The crystallite size of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NP’s) was calculated by Williamson-Hall method. The photocatalytic properties of the Fe3O4 NP´s were studied by kinetics absorptions models in the Congo red (CR) degradation. Finally the antibacterial effect of the Fe3O4 NP´s were evaluated mediated the Kirby-Bauer method against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. This route offers a green alternative to obtain Fe3O4 NP´s with remarkable magnetic, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties.
Outsiders: The Definition and Critical Analysis
Authors: Klebanov Lev B. , Shevlyakov Georgy L.
Published: July 2020

A critical analysis of the classical definition of outsiders is given. Some examples show that this notion is not universal and has at least two drawbacks. Particularly, the set of outsiders may have the probability arbitrary close to one half. On the other hand, the deleting of the set of outsiders may dramatically change the value of the median.
Application of Multiblock Analysis on Small Metabolomic Multi-Tissue Dataset
Authors: Torell Frida , Skotare Tomas , Trygg Johan
Published: July 2020

Data integration has been proven to provide valuable information. The information extracted using data integration in the form of multiblock analysis can pinpoint both common and unique trends in the different blocks. When working with small multiblock datasets the number of possible integration methods is drastically reduced. To investigate the application of multiblock analysis in cases where one has few number of samples, we studied a small metabolomic multiblock dataset containing six blocks (i.e. tissue types), only including common metabolites. We used a single model multiblock analysis method called Joint and unique multiblock analysis (JUMBA) and compare it to a commonly used method, concatenated PCA. These methods were used to detect trends in the dataset and identify underlying factors responsible for metabolic variations. Using JUMBA, we were able to interpret the extracted components and link them to relevant biological properties. JUMBA shows how the observations are related to one another, the stability of these relationships and to what extent each of the blocks contribute to the components. These results indicate that multiblock methods can be useful even with a small number of samples.
Identifying Information Superspreaders of COVID-19 from Arabic Tweets
Authors: Alqurashi Sarah , Alashaikh Abdulaziz , Alanazi Eisa
Published: July 2020

Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19, information was spreading in large amounts over social media platforms. Information spreading about the COVID-19 pandemic can strongly influence people’s behavior. Therefore, identifying information superspreaders (or influencers) during the COVID-19 pandemic is an im- portant step towards understanding public reactions and information dissemination. In this work, we present an analysis over a large Arabic tweets collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The presented study con- struct a network from users’ behaviors to identify information superspreaders during the month of March, 2020. We employed both HITS and PageRank algorithms to analyze the influence of information spreading, and compared the ranking of the users. The results show that both HITS and PageRank discovered a similar subset of superspreaders with 40% were found to be verified Twitter accounts.
Microwave Extraction vs. Other Techniques for Industrial Scale Cannabis Extraction
Authors: Radoiu Marilena , Kaur Harmandeep , Bakowska-Barczak Anna , Splinter Steven
Published: July 2020

Cannabis is a flowering plant that has long been used for medicinal, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. Cannabis contains more than 500 different compounds, including a unique class of terpeno-phenolic compounds known as cannabinoids; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most prevalent cannabinoids and have been associated with the therapeutic and medicinal properties of the cannabis plant. In this paper, continuous flow microwave assisted extraction (MAE) is presented and compared with other methods for commercial cannabis extraction. The practical issues of each extraction method are discussed. The main advantages of MAE are: continuous-flow method which allows for higher volumes of biomass to be processed in less time than existing extraction methods, improved extraction efficiency leading to increased final product yields, improved extract consistency and quality because the process does not require stopping and restarting material flows, and ease of scale-up to industrial scale without the use of pressurised batch vessels. Moreover, due to the flexibility of changing the operation conditions, MAE eliminates additional steps required in most extraction methods, such as biomass decarboxylation, winterisation, which typically adds at least a half day to the extraction process. Another factor that sets MAE apart is the ability to achieve high extraction efficiency even at the industrial scale. Whereas the typical recovery of active compounds using supercritical CO¬2 remains around 70-80%, via MAE up to 95% of the active compounds from cannabis biomass can be recovered at the industrial scale.
Independent Component Analysis Data Processing Framework for Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Vasile Gabriel
Published: July 2020

The Independent Component Analysis (ICA) has been recently introduced as a reliable alternative to identify canonical scattering mechanisms within Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) images. This manuscript addresses two important aspects when applying such methods on real data, namely speckle filtering and statistical classification with ICA. A novel PolSAR data processing framework is introduced by adjusting the Lee's sigma filter to the particular nature of the Touzi's polarimetric decomposition. In its current form, it allows the use of the ICA mixing matrix in the derived speckle filter. An extension of the Fromont at al. iterative segmentation is introduced, equally. This proposed framework is tested using P band airborne PolSAR data acquired for the ESA campaign TropiSAR campaign.
Spatial Variability and Detection Levels for Chlorophyll-A Estimates in High Latitude Lakes Using Landsat Imagery
Authors: Lisboa Filipe , Brotas Vanda , Santos Filipe Duarte , Kuikka Sakari , Kaikkonen Laura , Maeda Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Monitoring lakes in high-latitude areas can provide a better understanding of freshwater systems sensitivity and accrete knowledge on climate change impacts. Phytoplankton are sensitive to various conditions: warmer temperatures, earlier ice-melt and changing nutrient sources. Satellite imagery can monitor algae biomass over large areas. The detection of chlorophyll a (chl-a) concentrations in small lakes is hindered by the low spatial resolution of conventional ocean colour satellites. The short time-series of the newest generation of space-borne sensors (e.g. Sentinel-2) is a bottleneck for assessing long-term trends. Although previous studies have evaluated the use of high-resolution sensors for assessing lakes' chl-a, it is still unclear how the spatial and temporal variability of chl-a concentration affect the performance of satellite estimates. We discuss the suitability of Landsat (LT) 30-m resolution imagery to assess lakes' chl-a concentrations under varying trophic conditions, across extensive high-latitude areas in Finland. We use in situ data obtained from field campaigns in 19 lakes and generate remote sensing estimates of chl-a, taking advantage of the long-time span of the LT 5 and 7 archives, from 1984 to 2017. Our results show that linear models based on LT data can explain approximately 50 % of the chl-a interannual variability. However, we demonstrate that the accuracy of the estimates is dependent on the lake's trophic state, with models performing in average twice as better in lakes with higher chl-a concentration (> 20 µg/l) in comparison with less eutrophic lakes. Finally, we demonstrate that linear models based on LT data can achieve high accuracy (R2 = 0.9; p-value < 0.05) in determining lakes' annual mean chl-a concentration, allowing the mapping of the trophic state of lakes across large regions. Given the long time-series and high spatial resolution, LT-based estimates of chl-a provide a tool for assessing the impacts of environmental change.
Immunophenotyping of Circulating Leukocytes Reveal Non-specific Activation of Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems in Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome of Childhood Temporally Associated with SARS-Cov-2 Infection: Descriptive Cohort Study
Authors: J. Carter Michael , Fish Matthew , Jennings Aislinn , Doores Katie J. , Wellman Paul , Seow Jeffrey , Acors Sam , Timms Emma , Kenny Julia , Neil Stuart , H. Malim Michael , Tibby Shane M. , Shankar-Hari Manu
Published: July 2020

We describe the innate and adaptive immune system trajectory in Multi-system inflammatory syndrome of childhood (MIS-C), at acute(within 72 hours of hospitalization), resolution (at clinical improvement) and convalescent phase. In our cohort, in the acute phase, 68% of the children were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive, with hypercytokinenemia (high interleukin(IL)-1beta,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-17, interferon gamma), procoagulant state, myocardial dysfunction, activated neutrophils and monocytes; differential T and B cell subset lymphopenia; activated chemokine receptor type-7 positive and gamma-delta T cell subsets; antigen presenting cells had reduced HLA-DR expression; and B-cell class-switch responses occurred with illness resolution. MIS-C is an immunopathogenic illness associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections in children.
Trace Element, Immune and Opioid Biomarkers of Unstable Angina, Increased Atherogenicity and Insulin Resistance: Results of Machine Learning
Authors: Qazmooz Hassan Abbas , Smeism Hassan Najah , Mousa Rana Fadhil , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Maes Michael
Published: July 2020

Background: Aberrations in endothelial cells, immune and oxidative pathways are associated with atherosclerosis (ATS) and unstable angina (UA). The role of trace elements, minerals, and the endogenous opioid system (EOS) in UA are less well established. Methods: We measured lipid, insulin resistance (IR), and immune, trace element (copper and zinc), mineral (magnesium, calcium), EOS (β-endorphin and mu-opioid receptor (MOR)) and antioxidant (vitamin D3) biomarkers in patients with ATS (n=60) and UA (n=60) and healthy controls (n=58). Results: ATS patients showed increased atherogenic and IR indices, IL-6, IL-10, β-endorphin, copper and magnesium, and lower zinc than healthy controls. Logistic regression showed that UA was significantly discriminated from ATS without UA with an accuracy of 85.5% using calcium, IL-10, β-endorphin, MOR, triglycerides, IR (all positively), and copper and vitamin D3 (inversely). Neural networks showed that UA was discriminated from ATS without UA with an area under the ROC curve of 0.942 using MOR, β-endorphin, calcium, insulin resistance, vitamin D3 and copper as input variables. We found that 50.0% of the variance in IR was explained by the regression on copper, IL-10, IL-6 (all positively), and zinc (inversely), while 32.9% of the variance in the atherogenic index of plasma was explained by copper, IL-10 (both positively), and magnesium (inversely). Conclusion: UA is not only mediated by insulin resistance, atherogenicity, and immune disorders, but also by aberrations in the endogenous opioid system and trace elements as well as lowered antioxidant levels. Copper appears to play a key role in IR and atherogenicity.
Simulation of mTBI Utilizing White Matter Properties from MRE
Authors: Madhukar Amit , Ostoja-Starzewski Martin
Published: July 2020

We extend our high-resolution MRI-based Finite Element (FE) head model, previously presented and validated in [1–3], by considering the heterogeneities of the white matter structures captured through the use of Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). This approach imparts more sophistication to our numerical model and yields results that more closely match experimental results. It is found that the peak pressure more closely matches the experiments as compared to the heterogeneous case. Qualitatively, we find differences in stress wave propagation near the corpus callosum and the corona radiata, which are stiffer on average than the global white matter. We are able to study the effects of these stiff structures on transient stress wave propagation within the cerebrum, something that cannot be done with a homogenized material model.
Understanding variation in departmental adoption of Electronic Health Records: an embedded case study
Authors: Offenbeek Marjolein van , Boonstra Albert , Vos Janita F.J.
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Basic epidemiological parameter values from data of real-world in mega-cities: the characteristics of COVID-19 in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Pan Yang , Zhang Daitao , Chen Lijuan , Jia Lei , Li Xinyu , Yang Peng , Wang Quanyi , Macintyre C. Raina
Published: July 2020

Background. With the spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, understanding the basic epidemiological parameter values of COVID-19 from real-world data in mega-cities is essential for disease prevention and control. Methods. To investigate the epidemiological parameters in SARS-CoV-2 infected cases in Beijing, we studied all confirmed cases and close contacts in Beijing from Jan 1st to Apr 3rd 2020. The epidemiological and virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed.Results. A total of 602 cases were positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 585 confirmed patients and 17 asymptomatic infections. The imported cases were mainly from Wuhan initially and then from abroad. Among 585 confirmed case-patients, the median age was 39 years old. The mean incubation period was 6.3 days. The secondary attack rate among households was higher than social contacts (15.6 vs 4.6%). The secondary attack rate of healthcare workers (HCWs) was higher than non-HCWs’ (7.3 vs 4.2%). The basic reproduction number was 2.0, and the average serial interval was 7.6 days. No significant genetic variant was identified.Conclusions. The transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 was relatively high, especially among households and from HCWs, which draws specific public health attention. So far, no evidence of widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in communities in Beijing was found.
Does Sars-Cov-2 threaten our dreams? Effect of Quarantine on Sleep Quality and Body Mass Index
Authors: Barrea Luigi , Pugliese Gabriella , Framondi Lydia , Matteo Rossana Di , Laudisio Daniela , Savastano Silvia , Colao Annamaria , Muscogiuri Giovanna
Published: July 2020

Background: COVID 19- related quarantine led to a sudden and radical lifestyle changes, in particular in eating habits. Objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of quarantine on sleep quality (SQ) and body mass index (BMI), and if change in SQ was related to working modalities.Materials: We enrolled 121 adults (age 44.9±13.3 years and 35.5% males). Anthropometric parameters, working modalities and physical activity were studied. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. At baseline, the enrolled subjects were assessed in outpatient clinic and after 40 days of quarantine/lockdown by phone interview. Results: Overall, 49.6% of the subjects were good sleepers (PSQI < 5) at the baseline and significantly decreased after quarantine (p<0.001). In detail, sleep onset latency (p<0.001), sleep efficiency (p=0.03), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), and daytime dysfunction (p<0.001) significantly worsened. There was also a significant increase in BMI values in normal weight (p=0.023), in subjects grade I (p=0.027) and II obesity (p=0.020). In all cohort, physical activity was significantly decreased (p=0.004). However, analyzing the data according gender difference, males significantly decreased physical activity as well as females in which there was only a trend without reaching statistical significance (53.5% vs 25.6%; p=0.015 and 50.0% vs 35.9%, p=0.106; in males and females, respectively). In addition, smart working activity resulted in a significant worsening of SQ, particularly in males (p<0.001). Conclusions: Quarantine was associated to a worsening of SQ, particularly in males doing smart working, and to an increase in BMI values.
Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M5 Involved in Spermatogenesis through the Modification of Cell-Cell Junctions
Authors: Zhao Yong , Han Xiao , Zhang Pengfei , Shen Wei , Zhang Hongfu , Zhang Cong , Xiong Bohui , Yin Shen , Ge Zhaojia
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
The Effect of High-fat Diet and Exercise on KISS-1/GPR54 Expression in Testis of Growing Rats
Authors: FENG Junpeng , XU Rui , LI Yafei , ZHOU Qishu , SONG Ge , DENG Yimin , Yi YAN
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To find the expression of KISS-1 and GPR54 in rats testis from PND 21st to 56th. Method: 128 three-week-old weaned rats underwent high-fat diet and exercise (60%–70% VO2max, 1 h/day, 5 days/week) intervention and were randomly divided into group C, CE, HC, or HE. Sample time points were set on the PND 21st, 35th, 43rd, and 56th. The testicular testosterone and the mRNA content, and protein content of KISS-1 and GPR54 in testis tissue were detected by ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. Result: (1) The protein of KISS-1 and GPR54 increased gradually during the growing period. KISS-1 mRNA peaked at 35D and GPR54 peaked at 43D. (2) High-fat diet affected the expression of the KISS-1/GPR54 system in rat testis and reduced the expression level of KISS-1 protein. (3) 60%–70% VO2max exercise decreased the KISS-1/GPR54 expression level. Exercise intervention improved testicular development in rats with a high-fat diet.Conclusion: The expression of KISS-1/GPR54 increased during the growing period. High-fat diet can downregulate the protein and gene expression of KISS-1/GPR54 and change the expression trend. 60%–70% VO2max exercise decreased the expression of KISS-1/GPR54, which may be involved in the effects of exercise on high-fat dietary sex hormone disorders.
Examination of Mortality Due to Diabetes and Assessment of Diabetes-Related Healthcare Services in Rural Western Kenya
Authors: Purdy Alyssa F , Sifuna Peter , Otieno Lucas , Omolo Kenedy O , Larsen David A , Shaw Andrea V
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing in low-and middle- income countries, due to the adoption of a western diet and decreased physical activity. Diabetes is often underdiagnosed, and the management of the disease is resource intensive. In this paper, we examine the burden of diabetes on a rural population in western, Kenya and assess the ability of the health care system to diagnose, manage, and treat diabetes. MethodsWe utilized verbal autopsies from the Kombewa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural western Kenya from 2011-2018 to measure the burden of diabetes among the deceased. We classified deaths as either primarily caused by diabetes according to verbal autopsy or as a death of any cause that reported having a previous diagnosis of diabetes. We also conducted a survey of health facilities to measure the capacity of the health system to prevent, diagnose, and manage diabetes.ResultsFrom 2011-2018, 85 people died with diabetes as the verbal autopsy reported primary cause in the region (1.8% of verbal autopsies). An additional 4.6% of verbal autopsies indicated the deceased had a previous known diagnosis of diabetes. Deaths with diabetes as the primary cause of death increased with age and were more likely among men than women. Of the 23 surveyed health facilities, 26% regularly screened for diabetes and 39% managed diabetes in their patients. We found a lack of screening and resources to consistently treat patients with diabetes. All facilities reported not having the full range of medications indicated by the Kenya Essential Medication List to treat diabetes. ConclusionsOur results suggest that the undetected burden of diabetes may be greater in rural Western Kenya than previous country-wide studies suggested. Additionally, our results demonstrate that most health facilities in the region do not have the capacity to screen for diabetes nor do they have stocks of the medications to treat diabetes. This lack of care results in patients being referred to larger hospitals for treatment. As the prevalence of diabetes increases in Kenya, and other low- and middle-income countries, improved detection and treatment of diabetes will be important to limiting the deleterious chronic damage caused by undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes.
Maternal near miss and Potentially Life-Threatening Condition Determinants in Patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a University Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil: A Retrospective Study.
Authors: MORAIS LUIZA RUSSO , PATZ BEATRIZ , CAMPANHARO FELIPE FAVORETTE , DUALIB PATRICIA , Sun Sue , MATTAR ROSIANE
Published: July 2020

Background: To date, the rates of potentially life-threatening condition (PTLC), maternal near miss (MNM) and maternal deaths in pregnant patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and variables associated to it have not been studied. Methods: This study was as a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at São Paulo Hospital of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, a tertiary hospital that provides public medical care through the Brazilian unified health system to high-risk pregnancies. Inclusion criteria were T1DM pregnant women who delivered from January 2005 to December 2015. Three groups were established by the World Heath Organization criteria and associations were assessed using the chi-square test in between MNM and no morbidity or PLTC and no morbidity. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The final sample included 137 patients, 8 MNM cases (5.84%), 51 PLTC (37.23%), no cases of maternal deaths and 78 patients (56.93%) did not present any complication. Moreover, there were 122 live births, resulting in a near miss rate of 65.5 per 1.000 live births in patients with T1DM. Two of the MNM cases were for clinical criteria (uncontrollable fit in both) and laboratory criteria for the other six: one patient with severe acute azotemia (creatinine >300 μmol/ml), one patient with severe hypoperfusion (lactate >5 mmol/L) and four of them with loss of consciousness and the presence of glucose and ketoacids in urine. PLTC criteria were studied in MNM and PLTC cases. Prolonged hospital stay was the most prevalent PLTC criteria in both groups (100% of MNM cases and 96% of PLTC), followed by renal failure in 50% of MNM cases and severe preeclampsia in 22% of PLTC cases. This study could not find any association between prenatal factors or sociodemographic characteristics with maternal morbidity. Conclusions: MNM rate in T1DM was extremely high, and determined by complications of the primary disease or hypertensive disorders. No sociodemographic variables studied were related to maternal morbidity; therefore, we could not predict what increases MNM and PLTC in this specific population.
Host and viral determinants for efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human lung
Authors: Chu Hin , Hu Bingjie , Huang Xiner , Chai Yue , Wang Yixin , Shuai Huiping , Yang Dong , Hou Yuxin , Zhang Xi , Yuen Terrence Tsz-Tai , Cai Jian-Piao , Zhang Anna Jinxia , Zhou Jie , Yuan Shuofeng , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Chan Ivy Hau-Yee , Sit Ko-Yung , Foo Dominic Chi-Chun , Wong Ian Yu-Hong , Ng Ada Tsui-Lin , Cheung Tan To , Law Simon Ying-Kit , Au Wing-Kuk , Kok Kin-Hang , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: July 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has affected over 9 million patients with more than 460,000 deaths in about 6 months. Understanding the factors that contribute to efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells, which are not previously reported, may provide insights on SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility and pathogenesis, and reveal targets of intervention. Here, we reported key host and viral determinants that were essential for efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human lung. First, we identified heparan sulfate as an important attachment factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Second, we demonstrated that while cell surface sialic acids significantly restricted SARS-CoV infection, SARS-CoV-2 could largely overcome sialic acid-mediated restriction in both human lung epithelial cells and ex vivo human lung tissue explants. Third, we demonstrated that the inserted furin-like cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 spike was required for efficient virus replication in human lung but not intestine tissues. Overall, these findings contributed to our understanding on efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lungs.
Long-term drug treatment of a giant liver hydatid cyst in a child
Authors: Velev Valeri , Donkov George , Mitova-Mineva Yordanka
Published: July 2020

BackgroundCystic еchinococcosis is a chronic parasitosis caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Humans act as intermediate hosts and the larvae can affect any organ in the form of cysts. They are most often found incidentally by diagnostic imaging, where they have become large in size, with treatment being primarily invasive. Conservative treatment with albendazole is one of the appropriate treatment options, but it features a low success rate in cysts over 5 cm.Case presentationWe describe a case of an 14-year-old girl with an active 12 cm cyst in the liver. Two consecutive courses with albendazole, with duration 3 months each, were conducted. The cyst reached a safe inactive stage and no relapses have been observed for 1 year since the last administration of the medication.ConclusionsOur experience shows that with large cysts albendazole courses may be extended including in childhood. Ultrasonography has clearly demonstrated its ability to follow-up patient in a cost effective manner and avoiding ionizing radiations.
Frictional Properties of Anorthite (feldspar): Implications for the Lower Boundary of the Seismogenic Zone
Authors: Masuda Koji
Published: July 2020

Earthquake magnitude is closely related to the depth extent of the seismogenic zone, and higher magnitude earthquakes occur where the seismogenic zone is thicker. The frictional properties of the dominant mineral constituents of the crust, such as feldspar group minerals, control the depth extent of the seismogenic zone. Here, the velocity dependence of the steady-state friction of anorthite, a member of the feldspar mineral series, was measured at temperatures from 20 to 600 °C, pore pressures of 0 (“dry”) and 50 MPa (“wet”), and an effective pressure of 150 MPa. The results support previous findings that the frictional properties of feldspar play a dominant role in limiting the depth extent of the seismogenic zone. This evidence suggests that brittle deformation of anorthite may be responsible for brittle fault movements in the brittle–plastic transition zone.
Increasing Trends in the Prevalence of Prior Cancer in Newly Diagnosed Lung, Stomach, Colorectal, Breast, and Uterine Cancer Patients: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Sato Akira , Matsubayashi Keisuke , Morishima Toshitaka , Nakata Kayo , Kawakami Koji , Miyashiro Isao
Published: July 2020

Background: Cancer survivors are frequently excluded from clinical research, resulting in their omission from the development of many cancer treatment strategies. Quantifying the prevalence of prior cancer in newly diagnosed cancer patients can inform research and clinical practice. This study aimed to describe the prevalence, characteristics, and trends of prior cancer in newly diagnosed cancer patients in Japan.Methods: Using Osaka Cancer Registry data, we examined the prevalence, characteristics, and time trends of prior cancer in patients who received new diagnoses of lung, stomach, colorectal, female breast, or uterine cancer between 2004 and 2015. Site-specific prior cancers were examined for a maximum of 15 years before the new cancer was diagnosed. Time trends were evaluated using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.Results: Among 275,895 newly diagnosed cancer patients, 21,757 (7.9%) had prior cancer. The prevalence of prior cancer ranged from 3.3% (breast cancer) to 11.1% (lung cancer). In both sexes, the age-adjusted prevalence of prior cancer had increased in recent years (P values for trend < 0.001), especially in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. The proportion of smoking-related prior cancers exceeded 50% in patients with newly diagnosed lung, stomach, colorectal, and breast cancer.Conclusions: The prevalence of prior cancer in newly diagnosed cancer patients is relatively high, and has increased in recent years. Our findings suggest that a deeper understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of prior cancer in cancer patients is needed to promote more inclusive clinical research and support the expansion of treatment options.
Contribution to The Peripheral Vasculopathy and Endothelial Cell Dysfunction by CXCL4 in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Jiang Zhixing , Chen Chen , Wang Lingbiao , Zhu Xiaoxia , Xue Yu , Kong Ning , Wan Weiguo , He Hang , Zou Hejian , Liang Minrui
Published: July 2020

Objective CXCL4, a chemokine with antiangiogenic property, is reported to be involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We investigated the contribution of CXCL4 to SSc development by focusing on the correlation of circulatory CXCL4 levels with their peripheral vasculopathy, as well as the effect of CXCL4 on endothelial cell dysfunction and angiogenesis disturbance in SSc and the potential signaling.Methods We measured the serum CXCL4 levels in 58 patients with SSc, 10 patients with the very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS), and 80 healthy controls. Then, CXCL4 levels were correlated with their clinical features, especially the peripheral vasculopathy. These observations were further validated in an additional cohort including 50 SSc patients, 12 VEDOSS patients, and 80 healthy controls. Moreover, we studied the anti-angiogenesis effects and the underlying signaling of CXCL4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Results Circulating levels of the CXCL4 were 103.62% higher in patients with SSc and 201.51 % higher in patients with VEDOSS than matched HCs, and these observations were confirmed in two independent cohorts. CXCL4 levels were closely associated with digital ulcers (DU) and nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) abnormalities in SSc. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs were significantly inhibited by recombinant human CXCL4 or SSc derived serum, which reversed by CXCL4 neutralizing antibody, but not CXCR3 inhibitor. CXCL4 downregulated the transcription factor Friend leukaemia integration factor‐1 (Fli-1) via c-Abl signaling. Furthermore, CXCL4 blocked the transforming growth factor (TGF) -β or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced cell proliferation of HUVECs. Conclusions CXCL4 may contribute to peripheral vasculopathy in SSc by downregulating Fli-1 via c-Abl signaling in endothelial cells and interfering angiogenesis.
Halal Industry in Indonesia; Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mubarok Ferry Khusnul , Imam Muhammad Khoirul
Published: July 2020

The global halal industry has shown significant development, and Indonesia has become one of the countries with great potential. This study aims to identify opportunities and challenges in developing the halal industry in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach. Data sources used in the form of secondary data, which comes from library sources—technical analysis of data using the SWOT analysis approach. The results showed that the development of the halal industry in Indonesia included several sectors, namely the food and beverage sector, tourism, fashion, media and recreation, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and renewable energy. Based on SWOT analysis, it was found that there are strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges in developing the halal industry in Indonesia. Thus, in the future, to improve the halal industry in Indonesia, it is necessary to optimize the synergy of various elements ranging from the community, industry players, government, financial institutions, associations, academics, and educational institutions, as well as other related parties.
Müzik Destekli Matematik Öğretiminin Erişi ve Tutuma Etkisi
Authors: Işıtan Selin , Doğan Mevlüde
Published: July 2020

Bu araştırma, müzik teorisi ile ilişkilendirilen matematik öğretiminin kesirler ve oran konusunda erişi ve tutuma etkisini belirlemek amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu amaçla; 5. Sınıf “Kesirlerle İşlemler” alt öğrenme alanında bulunan kazanımlara ait etkinlik ve çalışma yaprakları hazırlanmıştır. Deney ve kontrol grubunda 23 er katılımcısı olan bu çalışmada yarı deneysel yöntem kullanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamındaki verilerin toplanması için araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilmiş Matematik Erişi Testi, ayrıca Nazlıçiçek-Erktin'in 2002 yılında geliştirdikleri Kısaltılmış Matematik Tutum Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Deney ve kontrol grubundaki tüm öğrencilere ölçme araçlarının her ikisi de ön test ve son test olarak uygulanmıştır. Matematik Erişi Testinden elde edilen veriler bağımlı ve bağımsız gruplar t-testi ile analiz edilmiş, Matematik Erişi Testindeki kısa cevaplı soruların analizinde ise frekans kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın bulgularına göre, müzik teorisi ile ilişkilendirilmiş matematik öğretiminin öğrencilerin matematik erişisini arttırdığı, bununla birlikte öğrencilerin matematik tutumlarını kontrol grubuna göre daha olumlu etkilendiği sonucuna varılmıştır.