bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAKTOR KEJADIAN STUNTING PADA BALITA DI SEBUAH DESA KABUPATEN TASIKMALAYA
Authors: Pratiwi Dessy Putri , Dewanti Linda , Husada Dominicus
Published: July 2021

AbstrakLatar Belakang: Mayoritas kejadian stunting pada balita terjadi pada negara berkembang, salah satunya adalah Indonesia yang mencapai 29,6% pada tahun 2017. Pendidikan orang tua, pendapatan dan jumlah balita dalam keluarga menjadi faktor risiko terjadinya stunting. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari faktor kejadian stunting pada balita di sebuah desa Kabupaten Tasikmalaya. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan analitik observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 120 balita diambil dengan teknik sampling simple random sampling. Variabel independen dalam penelitian ini adalah pendidikan orang tua, jumlah balita, dan pendapatan keluarga. Variabel dependennya adalah stunting. Instrument yang digunakan adalah kuesioner. Untuk mengetahui tingkat signifikasi, data yang terkumpul akan diuji dengan uji statistik spearman rho pada tingkat kemaknaan α=0,05. Hasil: Hasil penelitian diketahui bahwwa 35,8% orang tua responden berpendidikan terakhir SMA, 79,2% keluarga memiliki <2 balita dalam rumah, 84,2% keluarga termasuk pada pendapatan golongan menengah kebawah, dan 30,8% balita mengalami stunting. Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan orang tua memiliki p value=0,489 (ayah) dan 0,926 (ibu), jumlah balita (p value= 0,246), dan pendapatan keluarga (p value=0,548). Kesimpulan: Pada penelitian ini, jumlah balita dalam keluarga merupakan faktor kejadian stunting di sebuah desa Kabupaten Tasikmalaya. AbstractBackground: The majority of stunting occurrences in children occur in developing countries, one of which is Indonesia which reached 29.6% in 2017. Parent education, income amount of children in family are risk factors for stunting. This study aims to study incidence factor of stunting at a village in Jawa Barat. Methods: This study is an observasional analytic research with cross-sectional approach. A total sample is 120 children was taken by simple random sampling technique. The independent variable in this research is parent education, amount of children, and family income, and the dependent variable is stunting. The measuring tool used in this research is the questionnaire. To determine a significant level, the collected data will be tested by spearman rho at significance level α=0,05. Results: The results of the study revealed that 35.8% of the respondents' parents were last high school, 79.2% of the families had <2 toddlers in the home, 84.2% of the families were included in the income of the middle to lower classes, and 30.8% of the children had stunting. The results of bivariate analysis showed that parent education had a p value = 0.489 (father) and 0.926 (mother), the number of children (p value = 0.246), and family income (p value = 0.548). Conclusion: In this study, the number of children in the family was a factor in the incidence of stunting in a Tasikmalaya Districts.
DETERMINAN PERILAKU DETEKSI DINI KANKER SERVIKS METODE INSPEKSI VISUAL ASAM ASETAT (IVA)
Authors: Pusparini Arum Dewi , Hardianto Gatut , Kurniasari Nila
Published: July 2021

AbstrakLatar Belakang: Kanker serviks atau kanker leher rahim merupakan kanker pembunuh nomor dua di dunia. Pemerintah telah berupaya untuk mengatasi kanker serviks dengan metode inspeksi visual asam asetat (IVA). Faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi seseorang untuk melakukan IVA antara lain pengetahuan, sikap, budaya dan dukungan petugas kesehatan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui perbedaan faktor yang mempengaruhi wanita usia subur (WUS) yang pernah melakukan pemeriksaan IVA dan belum pernah tes IVA. Metode: mengguanakan analitik  observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 108 wanita usia subur dengan teknik purposive sampling yang memnuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Untuk mengetahui tingkat signifikan, data yang terkumpul akan diuji statistik Chi-Square dan Fisher Exact Test pada tingkat kemaknaan 0,05. Hasil: faktor yang memiliki perbedaan yang bermakna antara wanita usia subur yang pernah melakukan dan belum pernah melakukan pemeriksaan IVA antara lain pengetahuan (p= 0,002), Budaya (p= 0,021), dukungan petugas kesehatan (p= 0,010). Sedangkan sikap (p= 1,000) tidak terdapat perbedaan yang bermakna. Kesimpulan: perbedaan faktor yang mempengaruhi WUS yang pernah dan belum pernah tes IVA di wilayah puskesmas Sidotopo adalah pengetahuan, budaya dan dukungan petugas kesehatan. AbstractBackground: Cervical cancer is the second leading deathly woman disease in the world. The Indonesian government has been trying through visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA). There are some factors influencing women to undergo VIA such as knowledge, behaviour, culture and the support of medical workers. Thus, this research was aimed at finding significance differences among reproductive women undergoing and not undergoing. Method: This research employed Observational Analytic using cross sectional approach. The sample of this research was 108 women of reproductive age. Purposive sampling was employed as a technique which met inclusion and eksclusion criteria. To be able to find out the significance, the data collected was tested in the statistical test chi square of 0.05 significance level. Result: Factors like knowledge (p= 0,002), culture (p= 0,021), and support of medical workers (p= 0,010) showed significance difference among reproductive women undergoing and not undergoing VIA while behaviour (p= 1,000) showed no significance difference. Conclusion:the differences among reproductive women undergoing and not undergoingVIA in region of puskesmas Sidotopo was knowledge, culture and the support of medical workers.
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENDIDIKAN DENGAN KEPATUHAN ANTENATAL CARE PADA PRIMIGRAVIDA RIWAYAT PERNIKAHAN DINI
Authors: Yanti Nur Indah Dwi , Krisnana Ilya , Lestari Pudji
Published: July 2021

Abstrak Latar Belakang: Pernikahan dini merupakan salah ssatu masalah kesehatan reproduksi di Indonesia. Berdasarkan laporan BPS 2017 angka pernikahan dini di Indonesia mencapai 25,71%, sedangkan di Kabupaten jember 28,66% perempuan menikah di usia dini. Antenatal care yang rutin dapat menurunkan angka kematian ibu.  Berdasarkan Kemenkes 2017 kehamilan pada ibu dibawah usia 20 tahun meningkatkan angka kematian ibu. Remaja perempuan yang telah menikah cenderung 11 kali memiliki pendidikan yang rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan tingkat pendidikan dengan kepatuhan antenatal care pada ibu hamil primigravida dengan riwayat pernikahan dini. Metode: Metode penelitian ini adalah penelitian cross sectional. Instrument yang digunakan adalah kuesioner. Analisis data menggunakan uji chi square dengan α=0,05. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 81,35% ibu hamil dalam kategori usia remaja akhir, 54,2% Ibu hamil memiliki pendidikan terakhir SMP, Ibu hamil yang patuh dalam ANC sebesar 64,4%, ibu hamil dengan pendidikan SMA patuh dalam ANC (70,5%) dan didapatkan nilai p=0,005. Kesimpulan: Data tersebut menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara tingkat pendidikan dengan kepatuhan ANC pada ibu hamil dengan riwayat pernikahan dini di Kecamatan Tanggul Kabupaten Jember.AbstractBackground: Early marriage is one of the reproductive health problems in Indonesia. Based on the BPS report 2017 the rate of early marriage in Indonesia reached 25.71%, while in Kabupaten Jember 28.66% of women married at an early age. Regular antenatal care can reduce maternal mortality. Based on the Ministry of Health 2017 under 20 years of gestation increases maternal mortality. Married girls tend to have 11 times lower education. This study aims to analyze the relationship of education with the agreement of antenatal care in primigravida pregnant women with a collection of early marriage.Method: The method of this study is a cross-sectional study. The instrument used was a questionnaire. Data analysis using chi square test with α = 0.05. Results: The results showed 81.35% of pregnant women in the final adolescent age category, 54.2% of pregnant women had the last junior high school education, 64.4% of obedient pregnant women in the ANC, pregnant women with high school education were obedient in the ANC (70 , 5%) and the value of p = 0.005 is obtained.Conclusion: The data shows that there is a relationship between education level and ANC compliance in pregnant women with a history of early marriage in the Tanggul District of Jember Regency.
Associations Between Self-Reported Sleep, Wellbeing and Physical Activity in Irish Adolescents
Authors: Murphy John , Sweeney Mary Rose , O'Hagan Anna Donnla , McGrane Bronagh
Published: July 2021

Growing evidence suggests sleep plays an important role in the development of healthy adolescents, with increased interest in the associations between sleep and mental health. Higher duration and quality of sleep has been suggested as a mechanism for increased wellbeing in adolescents. Cross sectional data was collected from 5,661 Irish adolescents. 55% of Irish adolescents reported meeting the guidelines for adolescents of 8-10 hours per night. This was found to decrease with age. Higher duration and quality of sleep was positively associated with wellbeing and negatively associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. A higher frequency of physical activity was associated with longer duration and higher quality of sleep. 9-10 hours of sleep was associated with the highest levels of wellbeing and lowest symptoms of anxiety and depression. The relationship between physical activity and increased wellbeing may be impacted by physical activity leading to higher durations and quality of sleep.
USP38 Inhibits Zika Virus Infection by Removing Envelope Protein Ubiquitination
Authors: Wang Yingchong , Li Qi , Hu Dingwen , Gao Daolong , Wang Wenbiao , Wu Kailang , Wu jianguo
Published: July 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, and its infection may cause severe neurodegenerative diseases. The outbreak of ZIKV in 2015 in South American has caused severe human congenital and neurologic disorders. Thus, it is vitally important to figure out inner mechanism of ZIKV infection. Here, our data suggested that the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 38 (USP38) played an important role in host resistance to ZIKV infection, during which ZIKV infection did not affect USP38 expression. Mechanistically, USP38 bound to ZIKV envelope (E) protein through its C-terminal domain and attenuated its K48-linked and K63-linked polyubiquitination, thereby repressed the infection of ZIKV. In addition, we found that the deubiquitinase activity of USP38 was essential to inhibit ZIKV infection, and the mutant that lacked the deubiquitinase activity of USP38 lost ability to inhibit the infection. In conclusion, we found a novel host protein USP38 against ZIKV infection, and this may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of ZIKV infection.
Escape Rooms in Medical Education: Deductive Analysis of Designs, Applications and Implementations
Authors: Neetoo Ahmad , Zary Nabil , Zidoun Youness
Published: July 2021

Background: Serious games are conceptualized as a broad topic and overlap segments of more modern forms of education: e-learning, edutainment, game-based learning, and digital game-based learning. Serious Games aligns with digitalization and the modern era and creates novel opportunities for learning and assessment in medical education. Escape rooms, a type of serious games, merge mental and physical aspects to reinforce critical skills useful in daily life. It challenges logic and reasoning and demands careful analysis of situations to correlate and solve different stages of the escape room under pressurized, timed conditions. Furthermore, it serves as an adequate environment to build problem-solving skills, communication skills, and leadership skills through the collaboration of people to achieve a common goal. The aim of this study was to investigate the applications of escape rooms in Medical Education. Method: This study investigated the applications of escape rooms in medical education. Serious games are expanding in education and have attained great relevance due to their intriguing and intrinsically motivating attributes. Within serious games, we focused on escape rooms in which participants are locked in a room, faced with puzzles that must be solved to ‘escape the room’. Compiling the data from the first 100 hits of medical application of escape rooms, we found 72 cases and categorized them by year, specialty, participants structure, simulation experience, and design. Results: We reported on escape rooms in medical education by the year in which they were reported, the medical specialty, the participant structure, grouped or individual, the experience design; real, hybrid, or digital, and the modality of the delivery. 72% of the escape rooms focused on four main areas: nursing education (25.0%), emergency medicine (22.2%), pharmacy (12.5%), and interprofessional education (12.5%). Most of the escape rooms had a group-based physical design and little attention was given to provide a detailed description of the design considerations, such as the pathway type (linear, semi-linear, open). Conclusion: Escape rooms are applied in a wide range of medical education areas. In Medical Education, group-based on-site escape rooms with a focus on nursing, emergency medicine, pharmacy and interprofessional education dominates the implementation landscape. To further advance the field, stronger emphasis on making explicit the design considerations will advance the research and inform implementations.
Algatika: Mathematics Private Lending Applications As An Effort To Increase Students Learning Interest In Mathematics Learning
Authors: Sari Septi Rahmita , Sidik Amelia T. R. , Yahya Nisky Imansyah
Published: July 2021

In the era of sustainable development, education is a fundamental right for everyone. Education is a process of helping humans develop themselves so that they can face all problems with an open attitude. One way to help students clarify the concepts and understanding of mathematics that is being studied during the learning process is by using teaching aids. Teaching aids serve to facilitate the purpose of implementing learning in schools. However, the fact is that the use of mathematics teaching aids during learning at school is not yet entrenched, especially in areas far from urban areas, many of which do not have teaching aids. This directly impacts students' lack of understanding and learning experience, resulting in low student learning outcomes. This paper will introduce ALGATIKA, an application of lending mathematics teaching aids for elementary and junior high schools which can later solve these problems. The research methodology used is a qualitative descriptive method by deepening the material through literature studies. The result is that the lack of teaching aids in some schools can be overcome by the ALGATIKA application of lending mathematics teaching aids in elementary and junior high schools. Thus this application can help provide the teaching aids needed to build and improve educational facilities and provide an effective learning environment for all. It can develop students' teaching and learning processes and create higher quality education which leads to relevant and effective learning outcomes in accordance with the targets of the SDG's in education.
Students' Conceptual Understanding In Terms Of Gender Differences
Authors: Azizah Nurul , Budiyono Budiyono , Siswanto Siswanto
Published: July 2021

One of the basic skills that students must master to learn mathematics is conceptual understanding. Gender differences have an influence on the disparity level of students' conceptual understanding. This research is qualitative descriptive research that aimed to analyze the students' conceptual understanding in solving set problems in terms of gender differences. The research subjects were 9th-grade students of SMP N 3 Surakarta. The concept understanding ability test was used as a research instrument. The results showed that male students had an excellent conceptual understanding in applying concepts in mathematical calculations and translating images into other forms of interpretation, 2) Female students had a fairly good conceptual understanding in translating images into other forms of interpretation, although female students tend to be weak in determining the right concepts to be used in solving problems and applying concepts in mathematical calculations.
US Guided Management of Undifferentiated Dyspneic Patient in the ED
Authors:   University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Miller Kaleigh
Published: July 2021

Intro: Undifferentiated dyspnea can be a complicated presentation muddled by patient comorbidities and similar symptomology shared among etiologies. Some studies have shown increased mortality and length of stay in the hospital when incorrectly initially diagnosed in the ED. US has been shown more effective at differentiating these causes and improves diagnostic accuracy. This study will implement US exam upon initial exam of patient and chart time to diagnosis/treatment, length of stay in ED, length of stay in hospital admissions versus discharge rates, and 30 day mortality. ADHF and COPD/asthma patient differentiation will be the focus. Methods: Prospective cohort study of more than 18 years that present with the primary complaint of dyspnea with more than one complicating comorbid condition. Initial exam by physician will be accompanied by cardiothoracic US previously verified. Results: Study powered by previous year average of time to diagnosis of institution. Patient characteristics, distribution by diagnostic category, and characteristics found on US in correlation with diagnosis will be included for multivariate analysis. Conclusions: We expect to see a singificant difference in our time to diagnosis/treatment and mortality rate.
The Concept of Peace in the Qur’an: A Socio-Thematic Analysis of Muslims’ Contestation in Salatiga, Indonesia
Authors: Kuswaya Adang , Ali Muhammad
Published: July 2021

This research aims not only to understand the concept of peace in the Qur’an but also analyze Muslims’ contestation in Salatiga to lead to a peaceful life among religious believers. It requires an in-depth examination on dialectical perspectives between the ideal concept of peace in the Quran and the reality of a peaceful culture in the public sphere. Methodologically, this research combines literature review and semi-structured interviews to gather theoretical data based on social responses and literature of contemporary Qur’anic interpretation. The research subjects consist of (1) Muslims living with non-Muslim family members in the same house, (2) Muslims in a non-Muslim neighborhood, (3) religious figures, and (4) non-Muslims with Muslim family members. In order to interpret a special meaning of Qur’anic terms related to peaceful life, this research employs a hermeneutical approach of socio-thematic interpretation of the Qur’an. In conclusion, this research points out that Muslims in Salatiga play a significant role in building a peaceful life where some concepts, such as unity, freedom, honesty, and respect, are principles thriving vividly throughout society. Additionally, tolerance is a foundation of social interaction leading them to cooperate. Besides, several values, namely harmonization, tolerance, and coexistence, can be seen as dominant ideas within the communities, and practices such as cooperation and friendship can also be seen in their daily life. Thus, this research affirms that the Muslim majority can lead to tolerance and accommodate diversity as a way of life.
A Scalable Block Chain Framework for User Identity Management in a Decentralized Network
Authors: R Geetha , Padmavathy T. , Srika G.Umarani
Published: July 2021

In a decentralized network every user makes use of personal identity details at different places for various services and these details are shared with third-parties without their consent and stored at an unknown location. Organizations like government, banks and social platforms are considered to be the weakest point in the current identity management system as they are vulnerable which leads to compromising billions of user identity data. Block chain based User Identity Management is a solution which provides a decentralized environment that manages the user identity data and their related Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documents in a distributed ledger. All the transactions of the network are stored in the block which is a type of a data structure and these blocks are validated using the powerful consensus algorithms and linked to form a block chain. Smart contracts will act as an interface between the client and the block chain network. User’s information cannot be provided to any third party vendors without the explicit consent of the user. This paper proposes a framework for User Identity Management using Block chain technology in a decentralized Network. The proposed framework ensures a high level privacy and security for the personal identity details and the documents. In addition to that the performance analysis of the framework is presented in terms of Transaction, Mining Resource and Difficulty Variation.
Determination of safety factor for rock mass surrounding tunnel by sudden change of equivalent plastic strain in strength reduction method
Authors: Jong Dok Yong , Jang Ui Jun , Ri Yong Nam , Han Un Chol
Published: July 2021

A safety factor of rock mass surrounding the tunnel can be determined using the strength reduction method (SRM), however, it is the most important to solve the criterion of critical state. For the stability estimation of rock mass surrounding tunnel, there is need to discuss that it is preferable to use the same criteria for the slope, such as non-convergence of finite element calculation, penetration of plastic strain and sudden change of horizontal displacement. A safety factor can be determined by sudden change of equivalent plastic strain in relationship between a reduction coefficient of strength parameter and equivalent plastic strain. This method is based on the elasto-plastic FEM and the SRM by ABAQUS and Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion. Simulation results using this method show how a safety factor varies with geometries, friction angles and cohesions for circle and square tunnels. Simulation results also show a safety factor varying with quality change of rock mass, pore water pressure and tunnel depth.
Does the use of a Web-based Collaborative Platform reduces Cognitive Load and influence Project-based Student Engagement?
Authors: Oluwajana Dokun , Adeshola Ibrahim , Clement Seyefar
Published: July 2021

The web-based supported collaborative learning is increasingly used to support student social activities in higher institutions. However, little is known about the factors of collaborative learning in a web-based supported learning environment. Therefore, this study examines the use of a web-based supported collaborative platform to enhance project-based student engagement. This research aims to determine the factors that determine collaborative learning and subsequent student satisfaction. Moreover, this research determines students' cognitive load understanding, social influence, and learner's motivation towards collaborative learning and the resultant impact of the web-based supported collaborative platform on student satisfaction. The data was collected from university post-graduate students who used the TRELLO platform. A total of 115 post-graduate students participated in this study, and the resulting data were analyzed based on partial least squares structural equation modelling statistical approach. The study results suggest that students’ social influence and motivation positively influence collaborative learning; directly and indirectly, students are satisfied with the use of a web-based supported collaborative learning platform to support project-based student engagement.
Nerolidol: a potential approach in rheumatoid arthritis through reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-Kβ, COX-2 and anti-oxidant effect in CFA-induced arthritic model
Authors: Akhter Shanila , Irfan Hafiz Muhammad , Yuchi Alamgeer , Jahan Shah , Shahzad Muhammad , Latif Muhammad Bilal
Published: July 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune infectious disorder, is categorized by inflammation and increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are released by immune cells, macrophages or activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The expression of these cytokines, oxidative free radicals and the activation of COX-2 enzymes are crucial targets for chronic inflammation. On the basis of established anti-inflammatory efficacy of Nerolidol, the primary study was further appraised to determine its efficacy against Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA) rheumatoid model. Arthritis was persuaded by inoculation of 0.1mL CFA injection into left hind footpad of rats. Anti-arthritic potential of nerolidol (at 200, 400 and 800mg/kg doses) was assessed by measuring the paw volume, body weight, serum analysis, histopathological and radio-graphics of ankle joints. Expressions of cytokine’s panels like IL-10, IL-4, COX-2, NF-Kβ, TNF-α, IL-6, PGE-2 and IL-1β were determined by real time qPCR. Antioxidant enzyme analyses was calculated by measuring the SOD, POD and catalase activity from serum and equated with arthritic control group. Nerolidol prevented the body weight loss, stabilized the biochemical and haematological homeostasis and significantly reduced the paw volume. Furthermore, X-ray and histopathological assessment of ankle joints showed an improvement in the joint structure of rats treated with nerolidol. Besides that, over expression of gene pointers like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-Kβ, PGE-2 and COX-2 in CFA treated control rats were also reversed with nerolidol. This anti-arthritic mechanism was further supported by the increased level of IL-10, IL-4 and serum anti-oxidant activity. The present findings demonstrate that nerolidol reduce the adjuvant arthritis by down-regulating the proinflammatory cytokines and up-regulating the aforementioned anti-inflammatory cytokines and may be used as a therapeutic substance for the management of human rheumatoid arthritis.
Gaucher Patient With Bilateral Total Femoral Lytic Lesion Mimicking Malignancy and Review of the Literature Case Report
Authors: ŞAHBAT Yavuz , AKGÜLLE Ahmet Hamdi , BUĞDAYCI Onur , ERBARUT İpek , KESKİN Beyza
Published: July 2021

IntroductionBone involvement in Gaucher disease can affect quality of life. Different bone involvements can be confused with hematological diseases, infections and malignancy.CaseOur patient with bilateral femur involvement presented to us with a pathological fracture. After the pathological fracture was treated with a long leg splint and healed, we performed biopsy on our patient because of suspicious radiological findings. The pathology results reported gaucher disease with bone infiltration, during the time in which conservative follow up was taking place, eventually leading to the patient’s mobilization again.ConclusionThe bone findings of gaucher disease portray a difficult process that requires follow-up and treatment. It is crucial to scan patients periodically for possible vertebral and extremity symptoms. Vertebral and extremity fractures are situations that undoubtly require experience as they can imitate malignant masses.
Dynamic Behavior Analysis of Tethered Satellite System Based on Floquet Theory
Authors: Zhu Guangnan , Lu Kuan , Cao Qingjie , Huang Panfeng , Zhang Kangyu
Published: July 2021

In this paper, an n-star general dynamic model of tethered satellite system with closed-loop configuration is provided. An analytical method for periodic solution stability of the general dynamic model is proposed based on Floquet theory, which proved that the periodic solution stability of the system depends on the maximum modulus for the eigenvalue of a matrix related to the Jacobian matrix. The periodic solution stability of a 3-star system with equilateral triangle as the initial configuration is analyzed as an example based upon the analytical method. The critical stable spin angular velocity of the 3-star system is analyzed when the system spins clockwise, and its numerical simulation is carried out to verify the results. The results show that the analytical method of periodic solution stability can solve the critical stable spin angular velocity accurately of the tethered satellite system, and the 3-star system can guarantee stable spin when the spin angular velocity is about 2.1 times of its revolution angular velocity, otherwise the disturbed system will not be able to re-converge to the initial configuration in finite time.
Home-Based Adaptation to Night-time Non-invasive Ventilation in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial Running Head: Home Adaptation to Non-invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Volpato Eleonora , Vitacca Michele , Ptacinsky Luciana , Lax Agata , D'Ascenzo Salvatore , Bertella Enrica , Paneroni Mara , Grilli Silvia , Banfi Paolo
Published: July 2021

Background: Adaptation to Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is generally implemented in an inpatient or outpatient setting.Aims: To investigate whether adaptation to home-based NIV is as effective as outpatient one in ALS in terms of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) improvement. We also evaluated as secondary outcomes NIV acceptance, adherence and patient/caregiver satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden.Methods: Sixty-six ALS patients with indication for NIV were randomly assigned to two groups: 34 underwent NIV initiation at home (Home Adaptation, HA) and 32 at multiple outpatient visits (Outpatient Adaptation, OA). Respiratory function tests were performed at baseline (T0) together with blood gas analysis, which was repeated at the end of adaptation (T1) and after 2 and 6 months from T1. Overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy was performed at T0, T2, and T3. NIV acceptance (≥5 hours/night for 3 consecutive nights) and patient's and caregiver's expertise to manage NIV by an educational learning test were measured at T1; NIV adherence (≥150 hours/month) was measured at T2 and T3. Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Caregiver burden Inventory (CBI), Caregiver burden scale (CBS) and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) were performed at T0, T2 and T3.Results: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. No significant differences were found between groups in PaCO2 at T1 (p=0.46), T2 (p=0.50) and T3 (p=0.34) as in acceptance (p=0.55) and adherence to NIV at T2 and T3 (p=0.60 and p=0.75, respectively). At T2, the patients’ QoL, assessed with SF-36, was significantly better in HA than OA (p=0.01), but this improvement was not maintained up to T3 (p = 0.17). Conclusions: In ALS, adaptation to NIV in the patient’s home is effective as that performed in an outpatient setting, in terms of PaCO2 , acceptance and adherence. Improvement in quality of life was also found to be greater at home only after adaptation, opening the need for further studies to understand the role of environment with respect to NIV adherence.
Investigation of High Sensitivity Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors for -0.5…+0.5 kPa
Authors: Basov Mikhail , Prigodskiy Denis
Published: July 2021

The investigation of the pressure sensor chip’s design developed for operation in ultralow differential pressure ranges has been conducted. The optimum geometry of a membrane has been defined using available technological resources. The pressure sensor chip with an area of 6.15х6.15 mm has an average sensitivity S of 34.5 mV/кPa/V at nonlinearity 2KNL = 0.81 %FS and thermal hysteresis up to 0.6 %FS was created. Owing to the chip connection with stop elements, the burst pressure reaches 450 кPa.
Development of High-Sensitivity Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors for -0.5…+0.5 kPa
Authors: Basov Mikhail , Prigodskiy Denis
Published: July 2021

A mathematical model of an ultrahigh sensitivity piezoresistive chip of a pressure sensor with a range from -0.5 to 0.5 kPa has been developed. The optimum geometrical dimensions of a specific silicon membrane with a combination of rigid islands to ensure a trade-off relationship between sensitivity (Ssamples = 34.5 mV/kPa/V) and nonlinearity (2KNL samples = 0.81 %FS) have been determined. The paper also studies the range of the membrane deflection and makes recommendations on position of stops limiting diaphragm deflection in both directions; the stops allow for increasing burst pressure Pburst up to 450 кPa. The simulated data has been related to that of experimental samples and their comparative analysis showed the relevance of the mathematical model (estimated sensitivity and nonlinearity errors calculated on the basis of average values are 1.5% and 19%, respectively).
Water Treatment Applications of Eco-Friendly Cationic Maltodextrin-Based Adsorbents
Authors: Costamagna Giulia , Cecone Claudio , Fini Paola , Cosma Pinalysa , Ginepro Marco , Trotta Francesco
Published: July 2021

The anthropogenic environmental pollution generated during the last decades led to significant consequences for the aquatic ecosystems and to potential risks for human health. For this reason, the research has been focused on studying and develop pollutants-removing technologies. Nowadays, despite the presence of performing techniques applied in e.g. the potabilization and waste-water treatments, new strategies aimed to better meet the industrial needs and the environmental requirements are still widely investigated. In this frame, the pollution caused by the presence of anionic species in water, is still not completely solved. For this reason, this work is focused on studying novel cationic maltodextrin-based adsorbents obtained via sustainable approach, for water treatment applications. The adsorption performances towards nitrates-, sulphates- and phosphates-polluted water solutions have been tested and discussed.
Drying Kinetics and Economic Analysis of Bitter Gourd Flakes Drying Inside Hybrid Greenhouse Dryer
Authors: Ahmada Asim , Prakash Om , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2021

In this study, heat storage-based hybrid greenhouse dryer has been developed and analysed for drying bitter gourd flakes under the climatic condition of Ranchi, India. The propose heat storage based hybrid greenhouse dryer consists of a solar air heater with 2.12 m2 area, greenhouse dryer and DC fan to induce and force the air. The significant objective of the present study is to analyse the drying efficiency, drying kinetics, property analysis, economic analysis, embodied energy and CO2 mitigation of the hybrid greenhouse dryer for drying of bitter gourd flakes. An experiment was performed simultaneously on proposed system and open sun drying for the proper comparative analysis. The results show that the mass of crop reduced from 4000g to 458g in 6 hr in proposed dryer and 4000g to 500g in 15 hr for open system. Thus, significant drying time is reduced in proposed system by 8 hours as compared to open system. Environmental impact analysis shows that the EPBT was found to be 0.4907 years only. The cost analysis of the proposed system dryer was 22664.30 INR. The total embodied energy is found to be 1591.07 kWh and earned carbon credit ranges from 16844.76 INR to 67379.05 INR, while CO2 mitigation was 46.28 tonnes for 35 years of expected lifetime. Seven standard mathematical models for drying of bitter gourd flakes were studied. Ahmad and Prakash model was found to be best as compared to other models. The metal contents of dried bitter gourd flakes were also examined. Bitter gourd dried in proposed dryers possesses superior metal content as compared to open system. Impact analysis demonstrates that the hybrid greenhouse dryer is more suitable for reducing post-harvest loss with environmental sustainability.
Myocardial Infarction in Patients with and Without Covid-19: Comparison of Characteristics, Clinical Course and Outcome
Authors: Sheibani Hossein , Hosseini Somayeh Shah , Masroor Mojgan Javedani , Gheshlaghi Mehran , Salman Daliri
Published: July 2021

Background

Covid-19 has quickly become a global health emergency. This infection can cause damage to various organs. Injury to myocardial cells is one of the most important manifestations of Covid-19. The clinical course and outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are influenced by a variety of factors, including comorbidities and concomitant diseases. One of these acute concomitant diseases is Covid-19 which can affect the clinical course and outcome of acute Myocardial Infarction (MI).
Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the clinical course and outcome of MI and some of its effective factors in patients with and without Covid-19 were compared. 180 patients (129 males and 51 females) with the diagnosis of acute MI were included in the study. 80 patients of them had Covid-19 infection at the same time.
Results

Increase rate in creatinine, arrhythmia, and need for CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) was significantly higher in the Covid-19 group (p value in all three cases < 0.001). Although decline in left ventricular EF (Ejection Fraction) was similar in both groups, the incidence of death was significantly higher in the Covid-19 group.
Conclusions

Based on this information, it appears that patients with ACS who are co-infected with Covid-19 infection need more essential care.
Factors Affecting Improvement of Neurologic Status Evaluated by Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score for Patients With Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis After Extended Thymectomy
Authors: Zhu Haoshuai , Zou Jianyong , Yang Lei , Zeng Bo , Xiao Jiefei , Zhang Xin , Su Chunhua
Published: July 2021

Background: The length of time for clinical improvement of patients with thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG) after extended thymectomy is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of time after thymectomy in patients with thymomatous MG to achieve a 3-point reduction of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), and identify variables associated with a failure to achieve the reduction. Methods: The records of patients with thymomatous MG who underwent extended thymectomy from January 2005 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary end point was a reduction of 3 points of QMGs and the secondary end point was another reduction of 3 points of QMGs. Results: A total of 481 patients were included in the analysis, the mean age of the patients was 41.63 ± 8.55 years, and approximately 60% were male. The median time to achieve a 3 point decrease in QMGS was 6 months, and the median time to achieve another 3 point decrease was 30 months. Multivariable analysis indicated that age ≥ 42 years and Masaoka-Koga stage > I were associated with a lower probability of achieving a 3 point decrease in QMGS (HR = 0.55 and 0.65, respectively). Likewise, multivariable analysis indicated that age ≥ 42 years and Masaoka-Koga stage > I were associated with a lower probability of achieving a second 3 point decrease in QMGS (HR = 0.53 and 0.53, respectively).Conclusions: In patients with thymomatous MG who receive thymectomy, age ≥ 42 years and Masaoka-Koga stage > I are associated with a worse prognosis and failure to achieve a 3 point decrease in QMGS.
Optimal Age Group Selection and Development of a Nomogram To Predict Complications in Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: XU Kui-shuai , ZHANG Liang , REN Zhongkai , WANG Tianrui , ZHAO Xia , YU Teng-bo
Published: July 2021

Purpose

By comparing the occurrence of complications at 30 days after Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA) for each age group, the optimal age range of patients receiving SBTKA was determined.An individualized histogram model was established to predict complications within 30 days after SBTKA.
Methods

The general data of 861 patients who received SBTKA in our hospital on January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the age of the patients, they were divided into four ages: less than 60 years old, 60 to 64 years old, 65 to 69 years old and over 70 years old. The incidence of complications in different ages was studied.According to the occurrence of complications, 96 cases were included in the complication group and 765 cases in the non-complication group. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine and screen out the independent risk factors for complications after SBTKA, and then R software was used to construct the prediction model of the nomogram.The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were selected to evaluate the nomogram.
Results

Patients aged 60 to 64 years had the lowest overall postoperative complication rate (7.17%).Five independent predictors were identified by multivariate analysis and were used to establish the nomogram.The AUC of the nomogram was 0.851(95%CI:0.819–0.883).The calibration curve showed that the prediction of nomogram was highly consistent with the actual observation, and DCA showed that nomogram had good clinical usefulness.
Conclusion

The optimal age group for SBTKA is between 60 and 64 years of age, where the incidence of complications is lowest.Older age, lower preoperative hemoglobin levels, higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen(BUN) levels, longer operation time, and ASA grade ≥ III were identified as independent predictors of complications within 30 days after SBTKA.A nomogram containing the above five predictors could accurately predict the risk of complications within 30 days after SBTKA.
The Cardioprotective Effect of Combined Therapy With α-Lipoic Acid Preconditioning and Ischemic Postconditioning Is Mediated by the Improvement of Autophagy Flux and Mitochondrial Function in Myocardial Reperfusion Injury of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Shadbad Mahdi Abdoli , Mokhtari Behnaz , Alihemmati Alireza , Abolhasanpour Nasrin , Javadi Aniseh , Badalzadeh Reza
Published: July 2021

Investigating the interaction of diabetes with ischemic postconditioning (IPostC)-associated cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage is of great clinical importance. The present work was performed to evaluate the combined effects of α-lipoic acid (LA) and IPostC on autophagy flux and mitochondrial function following myocardial I/R damage in type-II diabetic rats. Diabetes with duration of 12 weeks was induced by high-fat diet/low dose of streptozotocin. LA (500 mg/kg/day) was administered orally in diabetic rats for 5 weeks before I/R. The hearts were removed and mounted on Langendorff apparatus. I/R was induced through the ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 35 min and reperfusion for 60 min. IPostC was applied immediately at the onset of the reperfusion. Lastly, myocardial infarct size (IS), autophagy markers at both gene and protein levels, and mitochondrial ROS production and membrane potential were assessed. Combination of LA and IPostC significantly decreased the IS of diabetic hearts (P < 0.05). IPostC alone could not significantly decrease p62 gene and protein expressions, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization in diabetic hearts. However, combination of LA and IPostC more significantly decreased LC3 and p62 gene expressions (P < 0.01), LC3II/LC3I and p62 protein expressions (P < 0.01), and mitochondrial ROS generation and membrane depolarization (P < 0.01) in diabetic hearts. Pretreatment with LA in diabetic rats notably restored cardioprotection by IPostC via modulation of autophagy flux and restoring mitochondrial function. This combined conditioning might be an effective strategy to diminish I/R injury in diabetic hearts.
Recovery of A Native Tree Following Removal of An Invasive Competitor In The Context of Potential Endangered Bird Habitat
Authors: Goetz Alexander , Moffit Ian , Sher Anna A.
Published: July 2021

Invasive species removal is a common focus in restoration ecology, but the ultimate goal of native plant species recovery and habitat recovery is often elusive. Control of invasive Tamarix spp. shrubs in the American Southwest has only sometimes led to increased native species cover; this is of particular concern for the protection of the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax extimus trailii, abbr. SWFL) that nests readily in Tamarix when native Salix canopy is absent. If we can identify the conditions that lead to more native trees as well as habitat protection for the SWFL, we can prioritize restoration efforts more effectively and reduce conflict between conservation goals. To determine whether reduction in the invasive Tamarix led to more Salix cover (and thus no net loss in SWFL habitat), we compiled data on vegetation, soils, and geographic conditions in 260 sites where Tamarix had been subject to control efforts and 132 positive and negative reference sites. We found that (1) reduction in Tamarix only increased Salix cover in wetter sites, and was greater when a particular, low-disturbance removal method was used; however the increase did not typically compensate for the overall losses in canopy cover, and (2) Salix cover was generally highest in locations with low drought stress, as reflected by soil properties, distance to water, and climate. These results suggest that the presence and recovery of Salix is dependent on its relatively narrow environmental niche, in contrast with Tamarix’s broader one. Thus, although abundance of Salix and Tamarix was negatively correlated, this is likely because of Salix’s different niche, as much as or more than direct interspecific competition. Our findings demonstrate that removal of an invasive species does not necessarily lead to reestablishment of the native species they appeared to displace. We suggest that in the case of promoting habitat for SWFL and other birds, outcomes of restoration activity can be improved by focusing Tamarix removal efforts on sites more likely to promote Salix growth based on environmental characteristics.