bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Tuberculosis Among HIV Infected Adults in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, West Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Adugna Zelalem Belay , Tolessa Belachew Etana , Yilma Mekdes Tigistu
Published: October 2020

Background: Tuberculosis is a contagious air born disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis species and the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Globally, it causes ill-health among millions of people living with HIV/AIDS each year. Objective: To identify determinants of Tuberculosis among HIV infected adults in public health facilities, in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, 2019. Methods: Unmatched case-control study was conducted among 127 cases and 255 controls which were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by record review and through face to face interview. Then, analysis was done using SPSS version 25.To identify determinants of tuberculosis multivariable logistic regression was employed. Adjusted odds ratio was calculated with 95 % CI to show strength of association and P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Results: - A total of 127 cases and 255 controls were participated into the study with 97.2% response rate. Aged ≥35 years [ AOR= 2.63, 95% CI(1.29,5.36)], alcohol consumption [AOR=3.34,95%CI(1.68,6.99)], Having CD4 cells <200 [AOR=3.67, 95% CI (1.5, 9.1)], Having Haemoglobin <11g/dl [AOR=3.77, 95%CI(1.84,7.72)], Imprisoned in the past 2 years [AOR=4.22, 95%CI(1.56, 11.37)], Living with TB patients in the same house [AOR=14.97, 95% CI(1.99, 21.63)] were factors associated with TB among HIV infected adults. Importantly, using Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis [AOR=0.193, 95% CI(0.81,0.46)] had a protective effect from acquiring TB. Conclusion and Recommendation: Being in old age, alcohol use, Chewing khat, Having CD4cells <200, Advanced WHO clinical stage, Hgb <11g/dl, Imprisoned in the past 2 years, History of previous TB and living with TB patients in the same house were factors associated with TB/HIV co-infection. Using Cotrimoxazole had a protective effect from acquiring TB/HIV co-infection. For most of these determinants interventions can be made at individual and institutional levels, whereas, some factors need societal level integrations.
Association between resting-state functional connectivity of amygdala subregions and peripheral pro-inflammation cytokines levels in bipolar disorder
Authors: Gong Jiaying , Chen Guanmao , Chen Feng , Zhong Shuming , Chen Pan , Zhong Hui , Lai Shunkai , Tang Guixian , Wang Jurong , Luo Zhenye , Qi Zhangzhang , Jia Yanbin , Huang Li , Wang Ying
Published: October 2020

Background: The pathophysiological mechanisms of mood disorders including bipolar disorder (BD) are not completely known, and systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation are considered as risk factors of it. Previous neuroimaging studies have proved metabolic, structural and functional abnormalities of the amygdala in BD patients, suggesting the vital role of amygdala in BD patients. This study aimed to test the underlying neural mechanism of inflammation-induced functional connectivity (FC) in the amygdala subregions of BD patients.Methods: Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) was used to delineate the amygdala FC from two pairs of amygdala seed regions (the bilateral lateral and medial amygdala) in 51 unmedicated BD patients and 69 healthy controls (HCs). The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in the serum. The correlation between abnormal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and FC values were calculated in BD patients.Results: The BD group exhibited decreased FC between the right medial amygdala and bilateral medial frontal cortex (MFC), and decreased FC between the left medial amygdala and the left temporal pole (TP), right orbital inferior frontal gyrus compared with HCs. The BD patients had higher levels of TNF-α than HCs. Correlation analysis showed negative correlation between the TNF-α level and abnormal FC of the right medial amygdala-bilateral MFC; and negative correlation between TNF-α levels and abnormal FC of the left medial amygdala-left TP in BD group.Conclusions: These findings suggest that dysfunctional and immune dysregulation between the amygdala and the frontotemporal circuitry might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of BD.
Chest X-ray interpretation does not complement Xpert MTB/RIF in diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis among TB-HIV co-infected adults in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Nakiyingi Lydia , Bwanika John Mark , Ssengooba Willy , Mubiru Frank , Nakanjako Damalie , Joloba Moses L , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: October 2020

Background: Chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation remains a central component of current World Health Organization recommendations as an adjuvant test in diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis (TB). With its low specificity, high maintenance and operational costs, utility of CXR in diagnosis of smear-negative TB in high HIV/TB burden settings in the Xpert MTB/RIF era remains unpredictable. We evaluated accuracy and additive value of CXR to Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of TB among HIV-positive smear-negative presumptive TB patients. Methods: HIV co-infected presumptive TB patients were recruited from the Infectious Diseases Institute outpatient clinic and in-patient medical wards of Mulago Hospital, Uganda. CXR films were reviewed by two independent radiologists using a standardized evaluation form. CXR interpretation with regard to TB was either positive (consistent with TB) or negative (normal or unlikely TB). Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of CXR and CXR combined with Xpert MTB/RIF for diagnosis of smear-negative TB in HIV-positive patients were calculated using sputum and/or blood mycobacterial culture as reference standard.Results: 366 HIV co-infected smear-negative participants (female, 63.4%; hospitalized, 68.3%) had technically interpretable CXR. Median (IQR) age was 32 (28-39) years and CD4 count 106 (24-308) cells/mm3. Overall, 22% (81/366) were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) on culture; 187/366 (51.1%) had CXR interpreted as consistent with TB, of which 55 (29.4%) had culture-confirmed TB. Sensitivity and specificity of CXR interpretation in diagnosis of culture-positive TB were 67.9% (95%CI 56.6-77.8) and 53.7% (95%CI 47.7-59.6) respectively, while Xpert MTB/RIF sensitivity and specificity were 65.4% (95%CI 54.0-75.7) and 95.8% (95%CI 92.8-97.8) respectively. Addition of CXR to Xpert MTB/RIF had overall sensitivity and specificity of 87.7% (95%CI 78.5-93.9) and 51.6% (95%CI 45.6-57.5) respectively; 86.2% (95%CI 75.3-93.5) and 48.1% (95%CI 40.7-55.6) among inpatients and 93.8% (95%CI 69.8-99.8) and 58.0% (95%CI 47.7-67.8) among outpatients respectively.Conclusion: In this high prevalence TB/HIV setting, CXR interpretation added sensitivity to Xpert MTB/RIF test at the expense of specificity in the diagnosis of culture-positive TB in HIV-positive individuals presenting with TB symptoms and negative smear. CXR interpretation may not add diagnostic value in settings where Xpert MTB/RIF is available as a TB diagnostic tool.
The determination of data collection tools that can measure and document the cooperation of local health care providers in Hungary
Authors: Nagy Beáta Erika , Oláh Róza , Zombor Erika , Boris Péter , Szele Anna Szabina
Published: October 2020

Background

The overall objective of the study is to improve the mental health of the age group below 18 years through the investigation of the intra-and inter-sectoral cooperation between local suppliers and to make the intensity and quality of collaborations measurable. In this paper, based on Hungarian and international literature, we aim at describing the current and future optimal cooperation between the members of the mental health care system and examine the possibilities for documenting and measuring cooperation.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were recorded with the leaders or representatives of 12 public educational institutions, six social and six health institutions involvement of the relevant experts (N = 24) to explore data collection tools that can measure and document the cooperation of local health care providers.
Results

The function of the institutions belonging to these systems, as well as the daily work of the professionals working there, have a significant impact on the mental health of children in either positive or negative directions. After exploring the current situation, the cooperation of local suppliers and inter-institutional relations can highly improve the mental health of the youth.
Conclusion

According to the results, the developing progress can be more effective through organising the different forms of care, sectors and professionals together to achieve a common goal.
The perceived feasibility and acceptability of integrating depression management in non-communicable diseases clinics in Malawi
Authors: Udedi Michael , Pence Brian W. , Stewart Robert C. , Muula Adamson S.
Published: October 2020

Background
Integration of mental health into other health care services is one way of reducing the treatment gap and increasing access to mental health care.
Aim
This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of health workers about the perceived feasibility and acceptability of integrating depression management into diabetes clinics.
Methods
This qualitative study used a descriptive exploratory design; it is the second phase of a mixed methods study aimed at evaluating the effect of integrating depression management into non-communicable diseases (NCD) routine care on patient and service outcomes in Malawi. We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 healthcare workers who provide diabetes care within NCD clinics in three districts in the central region of Malawi. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. An interview guide was used to guide enquiry about perceptions of feasibility and acceptability of integrating depression screening and management. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using deductive and inductive coding in NVivo 12 software.
Results
Depression was acknowledged as a common mental health problem that affects many patients attending NCD clinics. The chronic nature of the diseases seen in the NCD clinics was identified as the cause of depression. All study participants acknowledged the need to screen for and manage depression at the NCD clinics. Additionally, they viewed training and expanding the healthcare workforce involved in NCD care as crucial to effectively integrating depression screening and management in NCD care.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the acceptability to health workers of integrating depression screening and management in NCD clinics in Malawi. It also highlights the importance of building capacity of NCD healthcare workers in depression screening and management through training and workforce expansion.
More severe hypercoagulation status, cytokine storm, and disease progression in coronavirus disease 2019 with persistent RT-PCR negative results: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Du Wei , Shi Guochao , Zhou Min , Liu Yahui , Lan Gelei , Du Xueqing , Huang Chunrong , Dai Ranran , Chen Wei
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Persistent negative results (at least 3 times) of reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from pharyngeal swabs are not rare in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, but their characteristics have not yet been well studied.Methods: PCR confirmed, serum antibody confirmed with persistent negative PCR results, and clinically diagnosed patients hospitalized in two medical centers during February and March 2020 were included. Differences in clinical, imaging and laboratory characteristics as well as factors affecting their prognosis were analyzed.Results: There were 114 PCR confirmed, 17 serology confirmed and 21 clinically diagnosed patients included. Time from onset of disease to the first PCR and admission were similar among the groups. Compared with PCR-confirmed patients, serology-confirmed patients were older and likely to have hypertension, vomiting, or symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea. Regarding imaging manifestations, serology-confirmed patients were more prone to pleural effusion. In addition, higher levels of C-reactive protein, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, total bilirubin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, troponin, interleukin-6 and IL-8 were also found. Although with similar mortality, serology confirmed patients were more likely to have disease progression. High levels of D-dimer and IL-6 were possibly the underlying factors leading to their worse prognosis. On the other hand, clinically diagnosed patients were more similar to PCR-confirmed patients.Conclusion: Serology confirmed COVID-19 patients with at least three negative PCR results had different clinical characteristics and were likely to have disease progression, possibly due to more severe hypercoagulation status and cytokine storm.
Smoking between Young Workers in Healthy Field, Trigger Factors and Reasons of Cessation
Authors: Alduihi Fatima Alhamed
Published: October 2020

Background: Smoking is an important factor correlates with morbidity and mortality all over the world and it still a real challenge according to the promotion of tobacco companies and war conditions. It correlates well with emphysema and cancers of lung and bladder in elderly adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was applied to workers on healthy field and medical students in age (15-45) in Aleppo University Hospital. They were divided into 2 groups (smokers and non-smokers). This study aims to define the relationship between smoking and different variants in young ages.Results: The study included 169 healthy workers (93 males, 76 females). Smokers were 88 (52.07%), 62.5% active and 37.5% passive. Most of them classified as lighter smokers, whereas13.6% were heavy smokers. 37 of smokers (42.53%) smoke shisha. 68 smokers want to stop smoking (77.27%), and 61 of them (69.31%) try that. Only 4 smokers try drugs or electronic cigarette.Promotion is the most common trigger factor for smoking 38.27% followed by war 30.86%. Genders, living with a smoker and awareness of the correlation between shisha and tuberculosis, have a statically significant between the two groups of study (p =0.009, <0.0001, 0.041) respectively. Weight and regular sporting have no significance. Conclusions: Promotion is still the first reason for smoking between young ages. Awareness by the risk of tuberculosis by shisha, living with smoker people and gender correlates well with the smoking and plays a role in this field.
Terapi Fobia Matematika Menggunakan Multimedia “Digimonica” di SMA Islam Hasyim Asy’ari Batu
Authors: Rosikin Ainur , Arianto Yoga Klody , Pramawanda Nanda Amaliah , Fathani Abdul Halim
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to help students who experience mathematical phobia by conducting mathematical therapy. Mathematical therapy was carried out using multimedia "digimonica". This research used quantitative research methods, type of action research. The data sources in this study were 13 students of Class XI of SMA Islam Hasyim Asy'ari Batu who have a mathematical phobia. Data collection method was done by using tests and interviews. The action research process began with the identification of problems, namely the level of students' mathematical phobias. This process was carried out by conducting a pretest, then the researcher conducted a mathematical therapy action with multimedia "digimonica" as an effort to overcome the students' mathematical phobia, then ended with a posttest. Based on the results of the pretest and posttest, the data obtained changes in the level of mathematical phobia of students. In the initial conditions, there were three categories of students who had mathematical phobias (mild, moderate, high), whereas after mathematical therapy, the level of mathematical phobia decreased (mild and moderate). In general, the average student successfully answered more than 2 questions correctly. This proves that therapy using multimedia "digimonica" can help students to reduce the level of mathematical phobia.
Schellingovo samorazumijevanje u povijesti filozofije
Authors: Gradečak Kristijan
Published: October 2020

Schelling svoj položaj u povijesti filozofije shvaća dvostruko: u ranijem razdoblju svog stvaralaštva doprinosio je razvoju negativne filozofije, tj. filozofije apsolutnog identiteta, u svrhu njenog dovršenja i preobrazbe u pozitivnu filozofiju. No usporedno je utemeljivao i razvijao povijesnu filozofiju kao filozofiju objave koja je bila zbiljski sadržaj pozitivne filozofije. Stav o ograničenosti racionalne filozofije može se potvrditi u cjelokupnom Schellingovu djelu, neovisno o razdoblju nastajanja pojedinačnih spisa. Zbog toga je opravdano potvrđivati i u ranijem razdoblju njegova stvaralaštva barem metodičku pripremu za pozitivnu filozofiju. Tako Schelling svoju ulogu u povijesti filozofije vidi u konačnom razrješenju paralelizma između neprevladane negativne i nerealizirane pozitivne filozofije.
Uz pojam »začinjanja-rađanja« u prvoj verziji Razdoblja svijeta
Authors: Šegedin Petar
Published: October 2020

U radu se tematizira Schellingov pojam »začinjanja-rađanja« (Zeugung) u prvoj verziji Razdoblja svijeta. Osnovu Schellingovih promišljanja u više verzija tog nedovršenog spisa čini pokušaj da se pojam vremena liši mehanicističke predodžbe ulančanog slijeda i da se vrijeme tematizira u točki razlikovanja – »rađanja« – prošlosti, sadašnjosti i budućnosti. U tom smislu postanak vremena tumači se u širem kontekstu razvijanja »prabića«, tj. njegove sebe-objave u živoj zbilji na način diferenciranja potencijalne i nezbiljske indiferencije subjekta i objekta. To diferenciranje svoju ključnu točku ima u tomu da se dotična indiferencija rastavlja od same sebe te se prevladava i za sobom ostavlja kao objektivni temelj vlastite žive subjektnosti. Riječ je o prirodi koja je za ono subjektivno njegov uvijek već prošli bitak.
Entropy weight method coupled with an improved DRASTIC model to evaluate the special vulnerability of groundwater in Songnen Plain, Northeastern China
Authors: Wang Bin , Teng Yanguo , Wang Huiqun , Zuo Rui , Zhai Yuanzheng , Yue Weifeng , Yang Jie
Published: October 2020

The Songnen Plain in Northeast China is the only remaining black soil agricultural area in the world and is an important food base for China. The groundwater resources in this area are abundant, but human activities have caused them polluted. This paper established a groundwater vulnerability assessment to characterize the influence of human activities which used an entropy weight method. The index was tested using the nitrate pollution distribution in the groundwater to verify the effectiveness of this method. The results showed that areas with high specific vulnerability were distributed in the northern and eastern parts of the Songnen Plain and were consistent with areas that showed serious nitrate pollution of the groundwater. The correlation coefficient between these areas was 0.2536, which greatly improved the vulnerability assessment without superimposing human activities in the model. The results clearly showed that human activities increased groundwater vulnerability on the Songnen Plain. The evaluation method provided a reference for similar evaluations and a basis for the protection and management of groundwater resources in this region.
Transmembrane Protein 166 and its Significance
Authors: Yang Yanwei , Zhou Lingxue , Xue Fushan , An Lixin , Jin Mu , Li Li
Published: October 2020

Transmembrane protein 166 (TMEM166) is a lysosomal/endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated
protein found in different species where it functions as a regulator of programmed cell
death through autophagy and apoptosis. It is expressed in a variety of normal tissues and organs,
and it is involved in a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes, including cancers,
infection, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies indicated that
TMEM166 is associated with autophagosomal membrane development. TMEM166 can cause lysosomal
membrane permeabilization (LMP) leading to the release of proteolytic enzymes, e.g.,
cathepsins, that may cause potential mitochondrial membrane damage, which triggers several autophagic
and apoptotic events. A low level of TMEM166 expression is also found in tumors, while
high level of TMEM166 is found in brain ischemia. In addition, loss of TMEM166 leads to impaired
NSC self-renewal and differentiation along with a decrease in autophagy. These findings offer
a comprehensive understanding of the pathways involved in the role of TMEM166 in programmed
cell death and treatment of various diseases.
Resveratrol, a Molecule with Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Activities: Natural Product to Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Chang Yu-Chia , Lai Kuei-Hung , Hwang Tsong-Long
Published: October 2020

Background:

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol product, is used in plant defense from fungal and microbial aggression. It is found naturally, especially in plants such as grapes, peanuts, and berries. It has the highest concentrations in blueberries, mulberries, blackberries, and the skin of red grapes. Resveratrol has various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antineoplastic activities.

Methods:

We conducted a literature survey using standard tools such as Google, Reaxys, Scifinder, Scihub, and patent Espacenet to compile the biosynthetic pathways, all organic synthetic methods, and biological activities reported for resveratrol till date.

Results:

More than one hundred research articles and patents were referred to write this review. About twenty-five of them are related to chemical synthesis, and the rests are about the source, pharmacological activity, and other properties of resveratrol. This study reveals that many common pathways are involved in various pharmacological activities, which can be useful for treating various diseases based on the pathways involved. Reactions such as Pfitzner-Moffatt oxidation, Wittig-Horner condensation, Mizoroki–Heck, Perkin, Wittig, etc. have been used in resveratrol synthesis. A structure-activity relationship was also established based on its analogs and derivatives.

Conclusion:

This review examined and reported all the published biological activities and chemical syntheses of resveratrol apart from the biosynthetic pathway. Due to its valuable biological activities, various synthetic approaches have been reported till date. The reported synthetic operations are suitable for large-scale industrial production. Moreover, these comprehensive synthetic procedures could be utilized in the preparation of stilbenes and other related compounds in future endeavors.
Effect of Visnagin on Altered Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis, and Testicular Injury Induced by the Heavy Metal Lead
Authors: Ajarem Jamaan S. , Hegazy Ahmad K. , Allam Gamal A. , Allam Ahmed A. , Maodaa Saleh N. , Mahmoud Ayman M.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant causing serious health problems,
including impairment of reproduction. Visnagin (VIS) is a furanochromone with promising antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its protective efficacy against Pb toxicity has not
been investigated.

Objective:

This study evaluated the protective effect of VIS on Pb reproductive toxicity, impaired
steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Methods:

Rats received VIS (30 or 60 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 3 weeks and blood and testes samples were collected.

Results:

Pb intoxication impaired the pituitary-testicular axis (PTA) manifested by the decreased
serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone. Pb decreased sperm count, motility and viability,
increased sperm abnormalities, and downregulated the steroidogenesis markers StAR, CYP17A1,
3β-HSD and 17β-HSD in the testis of rats. VIS significantly increased serum gonadotropins and testosterone,
alleviated sperm parameters and upregulated steroidogenesis. In addition, VIS decreased
pro-inflammatory cytokines, testicular lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, downregulated
Bax, and enhanced antioxidants and Bcl-2.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate the protective effect of VIS against Pb reproductive toxicity in rats. VIS improved serum gonadotropins and testosterone, enhanced steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, and attenuated oxidative injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, VIS is a promising candidate for the protection against Pb-induced reproduction impairment.
Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Studies and Pharmacodynamic Studies of Standardized Extract of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Fruits) Against Chemically Induced Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Saraswat Nikita , Sachan Neetu , Chandra Phool
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Nowadays, researchers have been attempting to use herbal products as
medicines which have proven to cause lesser side effects. The fruit part of Trachyspermum ammi
(L.) - Ajwain has been an integral part of the Indian medicine system with much importance in
Ayurveda and Unani medicine system and is prescribed by Vaidya gurus and Hakim in raw form
or as a major constituent in the powdered formulations.

Objective:

This research aimed to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity of standardized T. ammi
fruit and its anti-inflammatory property using experimental models.

Methods:

The extract of herbs was spectroscopically analyzed for the estimation of the number of
bioactive compounds. Then acute and sub-acute toxicity analysis of the herbal extract was performed
to ensure the toxic effects, if any. Biochemical parameters like ALT, AST, ALP, etc. and
histopathological analysis were determined to study the toxicity of the extract. Then, the anti-inflammatory
activity of the T. ammi fruit extract employing Carrageenan and formalin-induced edema
model in rats was studied.

Results:

Ajwain seeds have a pungent smell and a characteristic odor. The powder microscopy
clearly showed endosperm, unicellular warty trichomes, striated cuticle in surface view, vittae, endodermis,
and vascular strand. Phytochemical tests reported the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids,
tannins, etc. and characteristic peaks in UV, Mass, NMR, FTIR and HPLC were observed for
the extract. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies did not report any toxicity, and significant anti-inflammatory
action was recorded.

Conclusion:

The spectroscopic and pharmacognostic analysis has shown the strong presence of
flavonoids, mineral matter, protein, phenols, saponins, carbohydrates, volatile oils, fiber, glycosides
and fat. Spectroscopic study interpretations have shown the presence of compounds like thymol,
para-cymene, γ-terpinene, α- and β-pinene, carvone, limonene, saponins,, β-phellandrene,
βfenchyl alcohol, α-thujene, β-phellendrene, α-thujene, etc. No signs of toxicity were recorded in
acute and sub-acute toxicity studies assessing the relative weight and histopathological analysis.
Significant anti-inflammatory potential of T. ammi fruit extract was found and LD50 was found to
be beyond 3000 mg/kg. The results of this study could be useful; in setting the quality parameters
for further identification of the crude herb and preparation of the monograph.
Peripheral Arterial Disease in Persons with Diabetic Foot Ulceration: a Current Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Marco Meloni , Valentina Izzo , Daniele Morosetti , Valerio Da Ros , Andrea Panunzi , Roberto Gandini , Laura Giurato , Luigi Uccioli
Published: October 2020

In developed countries, the prevalence of persons with diabetes and peripheral arterial
disease (PAD) is approximately 50%. The presence of PAD is associated with non-healing ulcers,
major amputation, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. It is estimated that persons with diabetes,
foot ulceration and PAD have 50% of 5-years mortality rate. Therefore, subjects with ischemic
diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) should be considered a special group of patients with specific
clinical characteristics, general health status and prognosis. In persons with ischemic DFUs, an early
diagnosis and treatment are mandatory to reduce the risk of worse outcomes such as major amputation.
Revascularization of occluded lower extremity arteries is the main treatment to restore
blood flow in the foot and promote wound healing. Nonetheless, there are several unmet needs in
the management of diabetic subjects with PAD and foot ulceration as medical therapy, diagnostic
criteria and indications for revascularization, revascularization strategy and technical approach as
well as the management of no-option critical limb ischemia patients. It is a common opinion that
there is an evolution of PAD features in diabetic persons, which seems to present a more aggressive
pattern. This may be related to the frequent presence of concomitant comorbidities such as renal
failure which could influence the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques and their distribution.
The aim of this review is to commence a complete overview and state of the art in the treatment
of patients with diabetes, PAD, and foot ulceration and to describe the current challenges and
future perspectives.
Evaluation on Auto-segmentation of the Clinical Target Volume (CTV) for Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO) with a Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) on CT Images
Authors: Jiang Jialiang , Luo Yong , Wang Feng , Fu Yuchuan , Yu Hang , He Yisong
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and dosimetric effects for auto-
segmentation of the CTV for GO in CT images based on FCN.

Methods:

An FCN-8s network architecture for auto-segmentation was built based on Caffe. CT images
of 121 patients with GO who have received radiotherapy at the West China Hospital of
Sichuan University were randomly selected for training and testing. Two methods were used to segment
the CTV of GO: treating the two-part CTV as a whole anatomical region or considering the
two parts of CTV as two independent regions. Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff
Distance (HD) were used as evaluation criteria. The auto-segmented contours were imported into
the original treatment plan to analyse the dosimetric characteristics.

Results:

The similarity comparison between manual contours and auto-segmental contours showed
an average DSC value of up to 0.83. The max HD values for segmenting two parts of CTV separately
was a little bit smaller than treating CTV with one label (8.23±2.80 vs. 9.03±2.78). The
dosimetric comparison between manual contours and auto-segmental contours showed there was a
significant difference (p<0.05) with the lack of dose for auto-segmental CTV.

Conclusion:

ased on deep learning architecture, the automatic segmentation model for small target
areas can carry out auto contouring tasks well. Treating separate parts of one target as different
anatomic regions can help to improve the auto-contouring quality. The dosimetric evaluation can
provide us with different perspectives for further exploration of automatic sketching tools.
Simulation and Emulation Tools for Fog Computing
Authors: Singh Simar Preet , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Anju , Reddy S. Raji , Vashisht Priyanka
Published: October 2020

Background:

Fog computing paradigm has recently emerged and gained higher attention in present era of Internet of Things. The growth of large number of devices all around, leads to the situation of flow of packets everywhere on the Internet. To overcome this situation and to provide computations at network edge, fog computing is the need of present time that enhances traffic management and avoids critical situations of jam, congestion etc.

Methods:

For research purposes, there are many methods to implement the scenarios of fog computing i.e. real-time implementation, implementation using emulators, implementation using simulators etc. The present study aims to describe the various simulation and emulation tools for implementing fog computing scenarios.

Results:

Review shows that iFogSim is the simulator that most of the researchers use in their research work. Among emulators, EmuFog is being used at higher pace than other available emulators. This might be due to ease of implementation and user-friendly nature of these tools and language these tools are based upon. The use of such tools enhance better research experience and leads to improved quality of service parameters (like bandwidth, network, security etc.).

Conclusion:

There are many fog computing simulators/emulators based on many different platforms that uses different programming languages. The paper concludes that the two main simulation and emulation tools in the area of fog computing are iFogSim and EmuFog. Accessibility of these simulation/emulation tools enhance better research experience and leads to improved quality of service parameters along with the ease of their usage.
The opportunity space in the Lombok’s art of Gendang Beleq and its relevance to the character education
Authors: Azmi Santriawan , Pamadhi Hajar
Published: October 2020

The opportunity space in the Gendang Beleq art of Lombok provides thinking and interpretation for societies who watch the show. The value of opportunity space becomes essential because it influences the social environment and how people view the artwork. The art of Gendang Beleq contains cultural values, morals, and religious values. These three values lead to a domain of character education that sustains Lombok people's life guidelines.
The problem of poor student education: Capital limitation & decision making in higher education
Authors: Kartika Rika
Published: October 2020

This study aims to analyze how poor students learning problems are within the limitations of capital. And then, to explore how the decision making of poor students to continue higher education. The study was conducted at a private high school, East Jakarta, using a qualitative approach and case study method. Data collection techniques with interviews, observation, and study documents. The problem of low student education will continue as long as social class differences exist. The contrast of social class plays a role in almost all aspects of education, like learning achievement and educational choices differences. This study shows poor students' inability to get learning achievement because limited economic capital makes the other money little. Poor students who have low achievement don't pursue higher education. They chose to work early, appearing almost as an "unconscious strategy" to survive in an environment full of restrictions and shortcomings. This confirms the existence of poor student habitus that determines in explaining the disposition to work early. And then, poor students who have high achievements tend to go college but resisted the risk of not choose a favorite public university.
Efecto del extracto de alga Ulva fasciata sobre Pseudocercospora griseola en el cultivo de frijol
Authors: Garcés Fiallos Felipe Rafael , Wordell Filho João Américo , Stadnik Marciel João
Published: October 2020

La mancha angular es una de las enfermedades foliares más comunes del cultivo de frijol en el sur de Brasil. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del extracto de la macroalga Ulva fasciata en la severidad de la mancha angular, los niveles de pigmentos foliares y la productividad de los genotipos de frijol común IPR Uirapuru, CF 22 y Mouro graúdo, durante los años 2005 y 2006. Las plantas tratadas con el extracto de alga o el fungicida azoxistrobina se pulverizaron en los estados fenológicos V3, V5, R6 e R7. Plantas no tratadas se utilizaron como testigos. La severidad (%) de la enfermedad se estimó a partir del estado V3, para un total de seis evaluaciones cada año. Los valores de la severidad se calcularon como área bajo la curva de progreso de la enfermedad (ABCPE). En el 2006 se determinaron los pigmentos foliares (clorofila a, b, total y carotenoides) y en los dos años se evaluó el rendimiento de granos, aunque en el 2005 solamente se evaluó el peso de mil granos. En conclusión, el control que ejerce el extracto de U. fasciata sobre la mancha angular depende de la interacción biológica entre el genotipo de frijol y el ambiente. Por otro lado, el extracto no afectó el contenido de los pigmentos foliares ni la producción de granos.
Predictors and Effects of Usage of an Online Mindfulness Intervention for Distressed Cancer Patients: Usability Study
Authors: Cillessen Linda , van de Ven Monique OM , Compen Félix R , Bisseling Else M , van der Lee Marije L , Speckens Anne EM
Published: October 2020

Background

One in three cancer patients experience high psychological distress. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing psychological distress in this patient group. However, these interventions lack availability and flexibility, which may compromise participation in the intervention for cancer patients experiencing late symptoms like fatigue or pain. Therefore, mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly offered via the internet. However, little is known about the usage of these online mindfulness-based interventions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to (1) predict uptake of and adherence to online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) using baseline patient characteristics (demographic, cancer-related, personality, and psychological variables) and (2) examine the relations between adherence and treatment outcomes in eMBCT for cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 125 cancer patients were assigned to eMBCT in a parent randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT and eMBCT with treatment as usual in distressed cancer patients. Various usage measures of eMBCT were automatically tracked within the online program. Based on activity of use, participants were classified as nonusers, minimal users, low users, and intended users. Questionnaires were used to assess baseline characteristics (preintervention) and outcomes (pre- and postintervention). To answer the research questions, data were analyzed with t tests, χ2 tests, and linear regression models.

Results

Based on weekly activity, participants were classified as nonusers (n=17, 13.6%), who completed no exercises in MBCT; minimal users (n=31, 24.8%), who completed at least one exercise of one to three sessions; low users (n=12, 9.6%), who completed at least one exercise of four to seven sessions; and intended users (n=65, 52.0%), who completed at least one exercise of eight to nine sessions. Nonusers had more fear of cancer recurrence at baseline than users (uptake), and intended users were more conscientious than minimal and low users (adherence). Intended users reported a larger reduction in psychological distress and more improvement of positive mental health (ie, emotional, psychological, and social well-being) after the intervention than other participants.

Conclusions

This study showed that adherence was related to improved patient outcomes. Patients with strong fear of recurrence or low levels of conscientiousness should receive extra attention, as they are less likely to respectively start or complete eMBCT. Future research may focus on the development of flexible and adaptive eMBCT programs to fit individual needs.
Use of a Low-Cost Portable 3D Virtual Reality Simulator for Psychomotor Skill Training in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Task Metrics and Score Validity
Authors: Alvarez-Lopez Fernando , Maina Marcelo Fabián , Arango Fernando , Saigí-Rubió Francesc
Published: October 2020

Background

The high cost and low availability of virtual reality simulators in surgical specialty training programs in low- and middle-income countries make it necessary to develop and obtain sources of validity for new models of low-cost portable simulators that enable ubiquitous learning of psychomotor skills in minimally invasive surgery.

Objective

The aim of this study was to obtain validity evidence for relationships to other variables, internal structure, and consequences of testing for the task scores of a new low-cost portable simulator mediated by gestures for learning basic psychomotor skills in minimally invasive surgery. This new simulator is called SIMISGEST-VR (Simulator of Minimally Invasive Surgery mediated by Gestures - Virtual Reality).

Methods

In this prospective observational validity study, the authors looked for multiple sources of evidence (known group construct validity, prior videogaming experience, internal structure, test-retest reliability, and consequences of testing) for the proposed SIMISGEST-VR tasks. Undergraduate students (n=100, reference group), surgical residents (n=20), and experts in minimally invasive surgery (n=28) took part in the study. After answering a demographic questionnaire and watching a video of the tasks to be performed, they individually repeated each task 10 times with each hand. The simulator provided concurrent, immediate, and terminal feedback and obtained the task metrics (time and score). From the reference group, 29 undergraduate students were randomly selected to perform the tasks 6 months later in order to determine test-retest reliability.

Results

Evidence from multiple sources, including strong intrarater reliability and internal consistency, considerable evidence for the hypothesized consequences of testing, and partial confirmation for relations to other variables, supports the validity of the scores and the metrics used to train and teach basic psychomotor skills for minimally invasive surgery via a new low-cost portable simulator that utilizes interaction technology mediated by gestures.

Conclusions

The results obtained provided multiple sources of evidence to validate SIMISGEST-VR tasks aimed at training novices with no prior experience and enabling them to learn basic psychomotor skills for minimally invasive surgery.
Federated Learning on Clinical Benchmark Data: Performance Assessment
Authors: Lee Geun Hyeong , Shin Soo-Yong
Published: October 2020

Background

Federated learning (FL) is a newly proposed machine-learning method that uses a decentralized dataset. Since data transfer is not necessary for the learning process in FL, there is a significant advantage in protecting personal privacy. Therefore, many studies are being actively conducted in the applications of FL for diverse areas.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and performance of FL using three benchmark datasets, including a clinical benchmark dataset.

Methods

To evaluate FL in a realistic setting, we implemented FL using a client-server architecture with Python. The implemented client-server version of the FL software was deployed to Amazon Web Services. Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST), Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III (MIMIC-III), and electrocardiogram (ECG) datasets were used to evaluate the performance of FL. To test FL in a realistic setting, the MNIST dataset was split into 10 different clients, with one digit for each client. In addition, we conducted four different experiments according to basic, imbalanced, skewed, and a combination of imbalanced and skewed data distributions. We also compared the performance of FL to that of the state-of-the-art method with respect to in-hospital mortality using the MIMIC-III dataset. Likewise, we conducted experiments comparing basic and imbalanced data distributions using MIMIC-III and ECG data.

Results

FL on the basic MNIST dataset with 10 clients achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.997 and an F1-score of 0.946. The experiment with the imbalanced MNIST dataset achieved an AUROC of 0.995 and an F1-score of 0.921. The experiment with the skewed MNIST dataset achieved an AUROC of 0.992 and an F1-score of 0.905. Finally, the combined imbalanced and skewed experiment achieved an AUROC of 0.990 and an F1-score of 0.891. The basic FL on in-hospital mortality using MIMIC-III data achieved an AUROC of 0.850 and an F1-score of 0.944, while the experiment with the imbalanced MIMIC-III dataset achieved an AUROC of 0.850 and an F1-score of 0.943. For ECG classification, the basic FL achieved an AUROC of 0.938 and an F1-score of 0.807, and the imbalanced ECG dataset achieved an AUROC of 0.943 and an F1-score of 0.807.

Conclusions

FL demonstrated comparative performance on different benchmark datasets. In addition, FL demonstrated reliable performance in cases where the distribution was imbalanced, skewed, and extreme, reflecting the real-life scenario in which data distributions from various hospitals are different. FL can achieve high performance while maintaining privacy protection because there is no requirement to centralize the data.
МИЛЛИМЕТРОВЫЕ РАДАРЫ ДЛЯ АВТОМОБИЛЬНОЙ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ
Authors: Мякочин Ю.О.
Published: October 2020

Компанией АО «ПКК Миландр» разработан миллиметровый радар для анализа дорожного трафика. Это решение позволяет анализировать количество автомобилей, пройденных через выбранный участок дороги, среднюю скорость и классификацию пройденного транспорта.
РАЗРАБОТКА И ИНТЕГРАЦИЯ ГАЗОАНАЛИЗАТОРОВ В ИНФОРМАЦИОННЫЕ СИСТЕМЫ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО МОНИТОРИНГА
Authors: Чиненков М.Ю. , Дюжев Н.А. , Переверзев А.Л. , Рябов В.Т.
Published: October 2020

Разработана концепция газоанализатора на основе МЭМС-технологий для применения в составе информационной системы экологического мониторинга. Приведены характеристики разрабатываемого газоанализатора. Предложены способы интеграции газоанализатора в информационную систему экологического мониторинга.
УНИФИЦИРОВАННАЯ СХЕМА ТЕРМОСТАБИЛИЗАЦИИ ТВЕРДОТЕЛЬНЫХ УСИЛИТЕЛЕЙ С ВЫХОДНОЙ МОЩНОСТЬЮ ДО 100 ВТ
Authors: Логунов А.В. , Лось В.О.
Published: October 2020

Предложен принцип построения унифицированной схемы термостабилизации многокаскадных твердотельных усилителей с выходной мощностью до 100 Вт. Рассмотрены схемотехнические решения унифицированной схемы на основе существующей ЭКБ. Приведены требования к электронной компонентной базе (ЭКБ) для решения задачи термокомпенсации.
A Biblioterapia como ferramenta de restabelecimento emocional
Authors: Gusmão Alexandre Oliveira de Meira , Souza Elaine Gleice Jerônimo de
Published: October 2020

Se reflexiona sobre el campo de acción del bibliotecario con énfasis en la efectividad de la biblioterapia para el restablecimiento de individuos que sufren trastornos emocionales. El objetivo general ha sido debatir temas relacionados con los trastornos emocionales, presentando sugerencias biblioterapéuticas como alternativas complementarias. El campo de acción, tanto para el bibliotecario como para cualquier otro profesional, implica darse cuenta de que cada profesión está vinculada a un determinado nivel de conocimientos. La biblioterapia como una práctica de lectura utiliza textos verbales y no verbales como complementos en el tratamiento de personas afectadas por enfermedades físicas o mentales. Se recomienda la biblioterapia para personas que enfrentan trastornos emocionales.
The Ground of All Negative Existential Truths
Authors: De Rizzo Julio
Published: October 2020

A natural proposal for the grounds of negative existential truths, such as that Vulcan does not exist, states that these truths are grounded in the totality truth affirming the existence of every existent thing together with the truth that they are all. In this paper I will put forward three objections to straightforward formulations of this idea, and argue that a change in the usual grammar of grounding claims, allowing for pluralities of sentences to express not only grounds, but also groundees, is effective in making the account immune to the objections raised.