bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes prediction based on discrete and continuous mean amplitude of glycemic excursions using machine learning
Authors: Syafaah Lailis , Basuki Setio , Dwi Setiawan Sumadi Fauzi , Faruq Amrul , Purnomo Mauridhi Hery
Published: August 2020

Chronic hyperglycemia and acute glucose fluctuations are the two main factors that trigger complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). Continuous and sustainable observation of these factors is significant to be done to reduce the potential of cardiovascular problems in the future by minimizing the occurrence of glycemic variability (GV). At present, observations on GV are based on the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), which is measured based on continuous blood glucose data from patients using particular devices. This study aims to calculate the value of MAGE based on discrete blood glucose observations from 43 volunteer patients to predict the diabetes status of patients. Experiments were carried out by calculating MAGE values from original discrete data and continuous data obtained using Spline Interpolation. This study utilizes the machine learning algorithm, especially k-Nearest Neighbor with dynamic time wrapping (DTW) to measure the distance between time series data. From the classification test, discrete data and continuous data from the interpolation results show precisely the same accuracy value that is equal to 92.85%. Furthermore, there are variations in the MAGE value for each patient where the diabetes class has the most significant difference, followed by the pre-diabetes class, and the typical class.
Small and medium enterprise business solutions using data visualization
Authors: Kamaruddin Norhaslinda , Safiyah Raja Durratun , Wahab Abdul
Published: August 2020

The small and medium enterprise (SME) companies optimize performance using different automated systems to highlight the operations concerns. However, lack of efficient visualization in reporting results in slow feedbacks, difficulties in extracting root cause, and minimal corrective actions. To complicate matters, the data heterogeneity has intensely increased, and it is produced in a fast manner making it unmanageable if the traditional methods of analytics are applied. Hence, we propose the use of a dashboard that can summarize the operational events using real-time data based on the data visualization approach. This proposed solution summarizes the raw data, which allows the user to make informed decisions that can give a positive impact on business performance. An interactive intelligent dashboard for SME (iid-SME) is developed to tackle issues such as measurement of cases completed, the duration of time needed to solve a case, the individual performance of handling cases and other tasks as a proof of concept. From the result, the implementation of the iid-SME approach simplifies the conveyance of the message and helps the SME personnel to make decisions. With the positive feedback obtained, it is envisaged that such a solution can be further employed for SME improvement for better profit and decision making.
Performance evaluation of decision tree classification algorithms using fraud datasets
Authors: B. Palad Eddie Bouy , Burden Mary Jane F. , Torre Christian Ray Dela , C. Uy Rachelle Bea
Published: August 2020

Text mining is one way of extracting knowledge and finding out hidden relationships among data using artificial intelligence methods. Surely, taking advantage of different techniques has been highlighted in previous researches however, the lack of literature focusing on cybercrimes implies the lack of utilization of data mining in facilitating cybercrime investigations in the Philippines. This study therefore classifies computer fraud or online scam data coming from Police incident reports as well as narratives of scam victims as a continuation of a prior study. The dataset consists mainly of unstructured data of 49,822 mainly Filipino words. Further, five (5) decision tree algorithms namely, J48, Hoeffding Tree, Decision Stump, REPTree, and Random Forest were employed and compared in terms of their performance and prediction accuracy. The results show that J48 achieves the highest accuracy and the lowest error rate among other classifiers. Results were validated by Police investigators where J48 was likewise preferred as a potential tool to apply in cybercrime investigations. This indicates the importance of text mining in the field of cybercrime investigation domains in the country. Further work can be carried out in the future using different and more inclusive cybercrime datasets and other classification techniques in Weka or any other data mining tool.
Endovascular Recanalization for Nonacute Intracranial Vertebral Artery Occlusion According to a New Classification
Authors: Gao Feng , Sun Xuan , Zhang Huijun , Ma Ning , Mo Dapeng , Miao Zhongrong
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:

Endovascular recanalization for patients with nonacute intracranial vertebral artery occlusion remains clinically challenging. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of endovascular recanalization for nonacute intracranial vertebral artery occlusion and propose a new angiographic classification.

Methods:

Fifty patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic nonacute intracranial vertebral artery occlusion from January 2015 to December 2019 were analyzed, retrospectively. The rate of recanalization, peri-procedural complications, and follow-up results were evaluated. All patients were divided into 4 groups according to an angiographic classification.

Results:

Among the 50 patients, 38 (76%) achieved successful recanalization. Any stroke or death within 30 days was 4% (2/50). From type I to type IV, the recanalization rate gradually decreased (94.1%, 76.9%, 70%, and 50%, respectively,
P
=0.012), while the perioperative complication rate gradually increased (0.0%, 7.7%, 20%, and 50%, respectively,
P
=0.001).

Conclusions:

Endovascular recanalization may be feasible and safe for carefully selected patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic nonacute intracranial vertebral artery occlusion and, therefore, represents an alternative treatment, especially for type I and type II patients.
Unravelling the complexity of Mexican biogeographical patterns by naturalists in the 19th century: From Alexander von Humboldt (1769—1859) to Francis Sumichrast (1829—1882)

Authors: JUÁREZ-BARRERA FABIOLA , LUNA VEGA ISOLDA , MORRONE JUAN J. , BUENO-HERNÁNDEZ ALFREDO , ESPINOSA DAVID
Published: August 2020

Gonzalo Halffter developed the concept of a transition zone in Mexico during the mid-twentieth century, when he superimposed the distributional patterns of different groups of Coleoptera, finding that some groups share a common biogeographical history. The complexity of the Mexican biogeographical patterns had already caught the eyes of nineteenth-century naturalists, who tried to discern some kind of order within this biotic complexity. Herein, we analyse the original studies of different nineteenth-century authors on the distributional patterns of different Mexican taxa, highlighting the main explanations provided by them. The complexity of the Mexican biota was interpreted by Humboldt as the result of the interaction between northern and southern floras, as a taxonomic peculiarity by Augustin de Candolle, as a strong biotic replacement by Alphonse de Candolle and Sumichrast, and as different dispersal stages by Wallace. Before the theory of evolution was accepted, different biogeographical patterns (endemism, diversity and taxonomic replacement gradients, among others) had coexisted without contradictions. Botanical and zoological regions first acquired a connotation of independent centres of creation, and the wider distributions (mainly disjunct distributions) later became the backbone of hypotheses concerning historical relationships between biotas based on a dispersalist model. Nevertheless, during the 20th century, the explanations of 19th century naturalists such as the limits between regions and biotic transition entered the biogeographical debate again.
Exoasota pursatensis Ko & Bae, new genus and species of the Spilomelinae (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae) from Indochina
Authors: KO JAE-HO , BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , PARK BO-SUN , LEE TAK-GI , CHA YEONG-BIN , JANG CHANG-MOON , LEE JONG KOO , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: August 2020

Exoasota pursatensis Ko & Bae, gen. nov. & sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae) is described from Indochina (Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar). The new genus Exoasota is assigned to Spilomelinae on the basis of the morphological evidence, including the tympanal organs and genitalia. In addition, we provide comparisons with genera Epiparbattia Caradja (Crambidae, Pyraustinae) and Asota Hübner (Erebidae, Aganainae). Illustrations of adults, genitalia, and tympanal characters are provided.
Chronicles from Kashmir
Authors: Dinesh Nandita
Published: August 2020

What is happening in Kashmir?’

Chronicles from Kashmir explores this question through a site-adaptive 24-hour theatrical performance. Developed between 2013 and 2018 by the Ensemble Kashmir Theatre Akademi and Nandita Dinesh, the play uses a durational, promenade format to immerse its audience within a multitude of perspectives on life in Kashmir. From a wedding celebration that is interrupted by curfew, to schoolboys divided by policing strategies, and soldiers struggling with a toxic mixture of boredom and trauma, Chronicles from Kashmir uses performance, installation and collaborative creation to grapple with Kashmir’s conflicts through the lenses of outsiders, insiders, and everyone in between.

Due to varying degrees of censorship and suppression, the play has not been performed live since 2017. This book is, therefore, an attempt to keep Chronicles from Kashmir alive by including filmed scenes, a script, contextual questions, a glossary, and illuminating introductions by Nandita Dinesh and EKTA founder Bhawani Bashir Yasir. A valuable Open Access resource for practitioners, educators and students of performance and conflict, this book is also stimulating reading for anybody who has asked, ‘What is happening in Kashmir?’

This playscript includes:

Twenty filmed scenes of the play in performance

A range of contextual questions to stimulate discussion on staging site-adaptive theatre in places of conflict

A helpful glossary
Summaries and Deconstructions
Authors: Dinesh Nandita
Published: August 2020

The background to the creation of Chronicles from Kashmir.
Scene Two
Authors: Dinesh Nandita
Published: August 2020

This scene centres the experience of a Kashmiri Pandit who has been forced to leave his home.
Unlocking GOES: A Statistical Framework for Quantifying the Evolution of Convective Structure in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: McNeely Trey , Lee Ann B. , Wood Kimberly M. , Hammerling Dorit
Published: August 2020

Tropical cyclones (TCs) rank among the most costly natural disasters in the United States, and accurate forecasts of track and intensity are critical for emergency response. Intensity guidance has improved steadily but slowly, as processes that drive intensity change are not fully understood. Because most TCs develop far from land-based observing networks, geostationary satellite imagery is critical to monitor these storms. However, these complex data can be challenging to analyze in real time, and off-the-shelf machine-learning algorithms have limited applicability on this front because of their “black box” structure. This study presents analytic tools that quantify convective structure patterns in infrared satellite imagery for overocean TCs, yielding lower-dimensional but rich representations that support analysis and visualization of how these patterns evolve during rapid intensity change. The proposed feature suite targets the global organization, radial structure, and bulk morphology (ORB) of TCs. By combining ORB and empirical orthogonal functions, we arrive at an interpretable and rich representation of convective structure patterns that serve as inputs to machine-learning methods. This study uses the logistic lasso, a penalized generalized linear model, to relate predictors to rapid intensity change. Using ORB alone, binary classifiers identifying the presence (vs absence) of such intensity-change events can achieve accuracy comparable to classifiers using environmental predictors alone, with a combined predictor set improving classification accuracy in some settings. More complex nonlinear machine-learning methods did not perform better than the linear logistic lasso model for current data.
A Review of Innovation-Based Methods to Jointly Estimate Model and Observation Error Covariance Matrices in Ensemble Data Assimilation
Authors: Tandeo Pierre , Ailliot Pierre , Bocquet Marc , Carrassi Alberto , Miyoshi Takemasa , Pulido Manuel , Zhen Yicun
Published: August 2020

Data assimilation combines forecasts from a numerical model with observations. Most of the current data assimilation algorithms consider the model and observation error terms as additive Gaussian noise, specified by their covariance matrices and , respectively. These error covariances, and specifically their respective amplitudes, determine the weights given to the background (i.e., the model forecasts) and to the observations in the solution of data assimilation algorithms (i.e., the analysis). Consequently, and matrices significantly impact the accuracy of the analysis. This review aims to present and to discuss, with a unified framework, different methods to jointly estimate the and matrices using ensemble-based data assimilation techniques. Most of the methods developed to date use the innovations, defined as differences between the observations and the projection of the forecasts onto the observation space. These methods are based on two main statistical criteria: 1) the method of moments, in which the theoretical and empirical moments of the innovations are assumed to be equal, and 2) methods that use the likelihood of the observations, themselves contained in the innovations. The reviewed methods assume that innovations are Gaussian random variables, although extension to other distributions is possible for likelihood-based methods. The methods also show some differences in terms of levels of complexity and applicability to high-dimensional systems. The conclusion of the review discusses the key challenges to further develop estimation methods for and . These challenges include taking into account time-varying error covariances, using limited observational coverage, estimating additional deterministic error terms, or accounting for correlated noise.
Comparing the Lasso Predictor-Selection and Regression Method with Classical Approaches of Precipitation Bias Adjustment in Decadal Climate Predictions
Authors: Li Jingmin , Pollinger Felix , Paeth Heiko
Published: August 2020

In this study, we investigate the technical application of the regularized regression method Lasso for identifying systematic biases in decadal precipitation predictions from a high-resolution regional climate model (CCLM) for Europe. The Lasso approach is quite novel in climatological research. We apply Lasso to observed precipitation and a large number of predictors related to precipitation derived from a training simulation, and transfer the trained Lasso regression model to a virtual forecast simulation for testing. Derived predictors from the model include local predictors at a given grid box and EOF predictors that describe large-scale patterns of variability for the same simulated variables. A major added value of the Lasso function is the variation of the so-called shrinkage factor and its ability in eliminating irrelevant predictors and avoiding overfitting. Among 18 different settings, an optimal shrinkage factor is identified that indicates a robust relationship between predictand and predictors. It turned out that large-scale patterns as represented by the EOF predictors outperform local predictors. The bias adjustment using the Lasso approach mainly improves the seasonal cycle of the precipitation prediction and, hence, improves the phase relationship and reduces the root-mean-square error between model prediction and observations. Another goal of the study pertains to the comparison of the Lasso performance with classical model output statistics and with a bivariate bias correction approach. In fact, Lasso is characterized by a similar and regionally higher skill than classical approaches of model bias correction. In addition, it is computationally less expensive. Therefore, we see a large potential for the application of the Lasso algorithm in a wider range of climatological applications when it comes to regression-based statistical transfer functions in statistical downscaling and model bias adjustment.
The development and validation of a marginalization index for inpatient psychiatry
Authors: Rios Sebastian , Meyer Samantha B , Hirdes John , Elliott Susan , Perlman Christopher M
Published: August 2020

Background:

Marginalization is a multidimensional social construct that influences the mental health status of individuals and their use of psychiatric services. However, its conceptualization and measurement are challenging due to inconsistencies in definitions, and the lack of standard data sources to measure this construct.

Aims:

To create an index for screening marginalization based on an existing comprehensive assessment system used in inpatient psychiatry.

Method:

Items anticipated to be indicative of marginalization were identified from the Resident Assessment Instrument-Mental Health (RAI-MH) that is used in all inpatient mental health beds in Ontario, Canada. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis of these items was performed on a sample of 81,232 patients admitted into psychiatric care in Ontario between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016 to identify dimensions being measured. Various weights and scoring methods were tested to assess convergent validity on multiple outcomes of marginalization. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to determine optimal cut-offs for the index by modeling the likelihood of different marginalization outcomes, including homelessness.

Results:

Fifteen items were identified for the development of the Marginalization Index (MI). PCA and cluster analysis identified that the items measured five dimensions. ROC curve analysis among homeless individuals identified an Area Under the Curve of 0.76 and an optimal cut-off of five on the MI. Frequency analysis of the index by different characteristics identified homeless individuals, frequent mental health service users, persons with a history of violence and police intervention, and persons with addictions issues, as groups with the highest scores, confirming the convergent validity of the index.

Conclusion:

The MI is a valid measure of marginalization and is strong predictor of risk of homelessness among psychiatric inpatients. MI provides a resource that can be used for social and health policy, decision-support and evaluation.
Nursing Students’ Experiences With Death and Terminal Patients During Clinical Education
Authors: Gül Şenay , Demir Karabulut Seyhan , Eren Handan , Durmuş İskender Mahinur , Göçmen Baykara Zehra , Keles Şükrü , Yıldız Abdullah , Yalim Neyyire Yasemin
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to explore nursing students’ experiences with death and terminal patients during clinical education. A secondary analysis of qualitative data that were collected through 11 focus group interviews with nursing students was performed. Data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. There were a total of 9 themes across 3 contexts. Data were grouped under the following themes: feelings experienced when encountering death for the first time, reactions to the first encounter with death, factors affecting the reactions to death, involvement in terminal patient care, being informed about the physical process that terminal patients are going through, students’ approach toward terminal patients and their relatives, health professionals’ approach toward terminal/dying patients/their relatives, changes in the ideas about death, and changes in the ideas about terminal/dying patients. The study shows a lack of guidance on the part of teachers who also avoid patients and families who are considered terminally ill.
Serving as a Charitable Trustee in England and Wales: Trends in Volunteering by Birth Cohort
Authors: Clifford David
Published: August 2020

This article examines trends over time in the propensity to volunteer as a charitable trustee in England and Wales. It makes use of unique, newly available administrative data. The results show sizeable, progressive and extensive declines in trusteeship by birth cohort: compared to the 1945 birth cohort, more recent cohorts through to 1980 show successively lower propensities to volunteer. These results represent the strongest empirical evidence to date in support of sociological theory which argues that the nature of volunteering is changing, with a reduction in a ‘collective’ style of volunteering characterised by long-term, regular and intensive commitment. The results also highlight a key challenge for policy: to sustain the voluntary work of trustee boards – which lies at the ‘heart’ of what it means to be a charity – in the context of sizeable cohort declines in the propensity to serve.
Sowing in tears, reaping with joy: The power of joy in missional thinking
Authors: Villacorta Wilmer
Published: August 2020

This chapter offers an invitation to embrace a missiology of joy that reflects the contexts and cultures of emerging missional leaders in the global south. As a way to deconstruct western cultural values of colonial missions, an emerging missiological enterprise from the Latin American context must be liberated from western values of productivity at the expense of relationships and embodied liturgy. A brief introduction to the “sociology of emotions” and participant observation will demonstrate the social nature of joy and how significant it becomes when detached from individualistic connotations, and imposed biases. Thus, a missiology of joy that is embodied in the communal engagement of women and indigenous leaders will open new pathways of missiological thinking and practice ready to challenge the positivism of western missions and, in solidarity, embrace the suffering of the land and its people with the joy of the gospel.
Hydrodesulfurization of benzothiophene on Ni2P surface
Authors: Lin Riyi , Pan Huida , Xu Weidong , Zhang Liqiang , Wang Xinwei , Zhang Jianliang , Chen Kai
Published: August 2020

The study of benzothiophene hydrodesulfurization reaction path contribute to clarifying the mechanism of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of heavy oil. In this work, experiments and simulations were combined to study the reaction pathway of benzothiophene hydrodesulfurization catalyzed by Ni2P. In experimental part, Ni2P catalyst was prepared and characterized. Then, the catalytic property of the catalyst for benzothiophene hydrodesulfurization was evaluated. The substance types and contents in the liquid phase products were detected to verify the accuracy of the simulation results. Dmol3 module of the Materials Studio (MS) simulation software was used to simulate the adsorption and hydrodesulfurization of benzothiophene on the surface of Ni2P catalyst and explore the most probable reaction path. The results showed that the most stable adsorption configuration of benzothiophene on the surface of Ni2P was Ni-hcp. In addition, indirect desulfurization of benzothiophene was more advantageous than direct desulfurization. The most possible path for indirect desulfurization was Benzothiophene (BT) – Dihydrobenzothiophene (DHBT) – C8H9S2 – 2-phenylethyl mercaptan (PET) – Ethylbenzene (EB), while that of direct desulfurization was Benzothiophene (BT) – C8H7S2 – Styrene thiol (CMT) – Styrene (ST) – Ethylbenzene (EB).
Exploring research trends in big data across disciplines: A text mining analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Ehsan , Karami Amir
Published: August 2020

Using big data has been a prevailing research trend in various academic fields. However, no studies have explored the scope and structure of big data across disciplines. In this article, we applied topic modeling and word co-occurrence analysis methods to identify key topics from more than 36,000 big data publications across all academic disciplines between 2012 and 2017. The results revealed several topics associated with the storage, collection and analysis of large datasets; the publications were predominantly published in computational fields. Other identified research topics show the influence of big data methods and techniques in areas beyond computer science, such as education, urban informatics, business, health and medical sciences. In fact, the prevalence of these topics has increased over time. In contrast, some themes like parallel computing, network modeling and big data analytic techniques have lost their popularity in recent years. These results probably reflect the maturity of big data core topics and highlight flourishing new research trends pertinent to big data in new domains, especially in social sciences, health and medicine. Findings of this article can be beneficial for researchers and science policymakers to understand the scope and structure of big data in different academic disciplines.
Varied Factors were Associated with Different Types of Self-Care in Heart Failure
Authors: Heo Seongkum , Moser Debra K. , Lennie Terry A. , Fischer Mary , Kim JinShil , Walsh Mary N. , Thurston Maria Miller , Webster Julie H.
Published: August 2020

Poor self-care is prevalent in patients with heart failure and adversely affects heart failure symptoms, hospitalization, and mortality. Adherence rates to different types of self-care vary in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with medication adherence, dietary sodium adherence, and symptom management in patients with heart failure. Data were collected using questionnaires, Medication Electronic Monitoring System, and 24-hour urine sodium output ( N = 94). In logistic regression analysis, social support, education level, and race were associated with medication adherence ( p = .002). Gender, race, perceived control, and depressive symptoms were associated with dietary sodium adherence ( p = .030). Gender, education level, and depressive symptoms were associated with symptom management ( p = .006). Different factors were associated with each type of self-care. Thus, clinicians need to manage each type of self-care by considering factors associated with it.
Gaps in Training: Misunderstandings of Airway Management in Medical Students and Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Tokarz Ellen , Szymanowski Adam R. , Loree John T. , Muscarella Joseph
Published: August 2020

Objectives

(1) Evaluate baseline airway knowledge of medical students (MSs) and internal medicine (IM) residents. (2) Improve MS and IM resident understanding of airway anatomy, general tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and management of airway emergencies.

Methods

A before‐and‐after survey study was carried out over a single academic year. MS and IM resident knowledge was evaluated before and after an educational, grand rounds–style lecture reviewing airway anatomy, tracheostomy tube components, tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and clinical vignettes. The primary outcome measure was change in pre‐ and postlecture survey scores.

Results

Prelecture surveys were completed by 90 participants, and 83 completed a postlecture assessment. Postlecture scores were statistically improved for all questions on the assessment (P <. 001). Level of training did not confer an improved pre‐ or postlecture survey score.

Discussion

While the majority of participants in our study had previously cared for patients with a tracheostomy or laryngectomy, less than half were able to correctly address basic airway emergencies. Senior IM residents were no more proficient than MSs in addressing airway emergencies. The lack of formal airway training places patients at risk with routine care and in emergencies, demonstrating the need for formal airway education for early medical trainees.

Implications for Practice

Our data demonstrate a serious gap in MS and IM resident knowledge with respect to emergent airway care in patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies. An interdepartmental collaborative curriculum offers a realistic and potentially life‐saving solution for medical trainees.
The Long “Race” to Diversity in Otolaryngology
Authors: Tusty Mahbuba , Flores Brenda , Victor Robert , Fassiotto Magali , Maldonado Yvonne , Howard Javier , Valdez Tulio A.
Published: August 2020

The number of health disparities disproportionately affecting minority communities continue to rise. Thus, it is imperative to assess whether equity within medical school enrollment and along the academic pipeline has mirrored this growth, especially among elite surgical specialties such as otolaryngology. Census and educational data from 2010 and 2018 were used to assess the current otolaryngology, surgery, and internal medicine physician and faculty workforce diversity across each stage of the academic medicine trajectory by race and ethnicity. We found that disparities exist in medical school enrollment for minority students such that Hispanic/Latinx representation was only 30% and Black representation only 50% of their respective proportions in the US population in 2018. Disparities in achieving full professorship were also observed across all 3 specialties but most prominently in otolaryngology, with 1% Black representation among otolaryngology professors in 2018. A collective strategy toward diversifying the otolaryngology workforce should be explored.
The Unseen Global Burden of Disease
Authors: Wiedermann Josh , Klug Theodore , Abhra Tekleweini , Alemayehu Biniam , Sembergman Johanna , Der Carolina
Published: August 2020

Due to geographic‐specific patient and institutional‐related barriers to care, data extrapolation and expert opinion on global burden of disease in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery may under‐ or overestimate the presence and effect of common head and neck conditions. The group of conditions that fail to present to local physicians and/or missed in data extrapolation methods is the unseen burden of disease. This article presents opinions from otolaryngology–head and neck surgery physicians in high‐ and low/middle‐income countries to help explain the contributing factors and ultimately how to use this unseen burden of disease.
Development of “My Experiences Scale” for Children and Adolescents in India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Snigdhasree , Hirisave Uma , Philip Mariamma , Janardhana N.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Experiences that a child or adolescent goes through play a critical role in their development as an individual. To understand the world of adolescents and their mental health and well-being, it would be important to be able to access their experiences. Therefore, an objective measure to assess experiences is necessary. The study aimed to develop a scale to assess experiences and establish their psychometric properties.

Materials and methods:

My Experiences Scale (MES) is a newly developed 50-item, multiple-choice, self-report measure. Various steps involved in developing the MES and establishing its psychometric properties have been elaborated. The study was carried out across four phases, and the sample consisted of 1,260 school-going children and adolescents. The participants were representative of both genders, a wide age range, and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Results:

MES was found to have good internal consistency (Alpha 0.85) and test–retest reliability (0.96). MES was found to have significant correlations with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and global self-worth.

Conclusions:

The newly developed experiences scale shows promising psychometric properties and a wide scope for application.
Glutamic Acid Uptake Inhibition Assay in Cultured Hep G2 Cells as an Alternative Method for Evaluating Potential In Vivo Eye Irritation
Authors: Dierickx Paul J.
Published: August 2020

Glutamic acid (GA) content was measured in cultured Hep G2 cells, after treatment of the cells with test compounds. The results with 37 chemicals were compared with their respective rabbit eye irritation data, of which 17 were determined according to the OECD test, and the other 20 in range-finding studies. The chemicals were mainly organic solvents (alcohols, esters, amines, acids and others). The xenobiotics were applied to the cells for 4 hours at 5 different concentrations. The cells were then incubated for 15 minutes with tritiated GA. GA uptake inhibition was measured by liquid scintillation counting, and the results were expressed as the GI50 value, which is the concentration of test compound required to induce a 50% reduction in GA uptake. A linear correlation coefficient r = 0.66 was found between the log GI50 and the mean corneal opacity scores. This value is comparable to that obtained in total protein and uridine uptake inhibition studies. However, r = 0.81 was found when the log GI50 was compared with range-finding scores, indicating that a closer relationship exists between cytotoxicity and the latter.
Spindle-Inhibiting Effects of Metal Compounds Studied by Chromosome Length Measurement
Authors: Andersen Ole , Rønne Mogens
Published: August 2020

This paper describes an indirect method for assessing spindle-inhibiting effects of chemicals by chromosome length measurement, and the use of this technique for evaluation of the spindle-inhibiting effects of metal compounds in human lymphocytes in vitro. This technique could identify the threshold concentration for spindle-inhibition for several metal compounds. Furthermore partial spindle-inhibition, leading to a high risk of abnormal chromosome segregation, which was observed at the threshold concentration. The results indicate that chromosome length measurements offer an indirect, but sensitive, test for evaluation of spindle-inhibition, able to identify the threshold concentration for effects on the spindle, thus allowing direct study of the induction of aneuploidy at the most relevant concentration.
Determination of ATP Leakage from Cultured Cells in Toxicity Testing: A Two-Step Bioluminescent Assay
Authors: Andersson Marianne , Forsby Anna , Lewan Lillemor
Published: August 2020

The intact plasma membrane of animal cells in culture is considered to be almost impermeable to ATP. Thus, leakage of intracellular ATP to the extracellular medium is indicative of membrane damage. We have developed a rapid and simple method for determination of ATP leakage, using L-1210 and ELD cells incubated with velleral or isovelleral (two terpenes). ATP was determined by a bioluminescent firefly luciferin-luciferase reaction in a two-step assay in the same sample. Extracellular ATP (= leakage) was measured directly in cell suspensions, and total ATP was determined in cell lysate suspensions after addition of a detergent. ATP leakage (% of total ATP) increased after incubation with both terpenes, in a dose-dependent manner.
Cellular Intoxication with Clostridium Difficile Toxin B
Authors: Shoshan Maria Caspar , Åman Pierre , Florin Inger , Thelestam Monica
Published: August 2020

The effects of Clostridium difficile toxin B on some actin-dependent functions of B lymphocytes were studied. A 3-day incubation of B lymphocytes with the toxin resulted in multinucleation in a similar manner to that seen after treatment with the microfilament-disrupting agent, cytochalasin B. The capping of IgM-receptors on U698 and Daudi cells was not inhibited by toxin B, whereas cytochalasin did inhibit capping. Using vimentin-negative Daudi cells, the cellular effects induced by toxin B were shown not to involve vimentin. The results suggest that toxin B inhibits formation of the actin-containing contractile ring needed in cytokinesis. Toxin B is the first bacterial protein toxin known to exert this effect.
Spindle-Inhibiting Effects of Organotin Compounds: Effects of Trimethyltin on Chromosome Length
Authors: Jensen Klaus Gjervig , Andersen Ole , Rønne Mogens
Published: August 2020

Organotin compounds have a number of industrial applications, and human exposures occur in various industrial settings. The present study reports effects of trimethyltin chloride (TMT) on chromosome length in asynchronous human peripheral lymphocyte cultures. The results demonstrate dose-related and exposure time-related reductions in average chromosome length. Induction of supercontraction indicates that TMT is a powerful inhibitor of spindle function. TMT would thus be expected to be able to induce aneuploidy due to non-disjunction. This study indicates the need for more-direct investigations on the spindle-inhibiting effects of TMT and other organotin compounds.
The Medi-Cult® Hybritest for In Vitro Toxicology and Quality Control
Authors: Nielsen Hans Ingolf , Bertheussen Kjell
Published: August 2020

The Medi-Cult® Hybritest is presented as a new, general test for in vitro toxicology and routine quality control for cytotoxicity in a variety of products. The test is based upon the growth rate of a sensitive, anchorage-independent cell line, which proliferates rapidly in a protein-free medium, thereby avoiding neutralisation of toxins by serum proteins.
Microglia Cells in Primary Cultures Exposed to Triethyllead
Authors: Grundt Inger K. , Neskovic Nenad M. , Roussel Guy
Published: August 2020

The effects of triethyllead on the morphology of brain macrophages have been studied in primary cultures of mixed glial cells from newborn rat brain. The cultures were exposed to the lead compound for two weeks at concentrations of 10-6, 10-7, 10-8 and 10-9M. Brain macrophages were studied by phase-contrast microscopy after staining for non-specific esterases and by fluorescence microscopy after immunocytochemical staining with antibody OX-42, which labels microglia cells. Exposure to 10-6 and 10 7M triethyllead caused degeneration of cells and increased the number of large phagocytic cells in the cultures. At lower concentrations of lead, the macrophage populations were very similar in exposed and in control cultures. After double-staining of microglia cells with OX-42 and oligodendroglia cells with anti-CGalT antibodies, no cells were observed to be stained by both antibodies.
A Short-term Bovine Sperm Cell Assay for the Evaluation of the In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Chemicals
Authors: Seibert Hasso , Gosch Ulrich
Published: August 2020

A test procedure is described for the use of ejaculated bovine spermatozoa in evaluating the in vitro cytotoxicity of chemicals. Results from experiments with model substances with known modes of action (inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport, uncouplers of mitochondrial phosphorylation, surfactants, organic solvents) are presented and suggest that specific toxic-response patterns can be defined for the different modes of action. It is concluded that the in vitro toxicity profiles obtained in the assay described can be used for a first qualitative analysis of the cytotoxic action of little studied or new compounds, in addition to a quantitative assessment of their cytotoxic potency.
Multivariate Validation of Cell Toxicity Data: The First Ten MEIC Chemicals
Authors: Hellberg Sven , Bondesson Inger , Ekwall Bjorn , Gómez-Lechón Maria José , Jover Ramiro , Högberg Johan , Ponsoda Xavier , Romert Lennart , Stenberg Kjell , Walum Erik
Published: August 2020

The MEIC project is designed to evaluate the relevance of cytotoxicity data to the prediction of human toxicity. The large number of cytotoxicity tests and endpoints available makes it necessary to apply multivariate data-analytical methods in the evaluation procedure. PLS analysis of the cytotoxicity data collected so far for the first ten MEIC compounds indicate that the data are relevant for human toxicity. However, it was also apparent that the 14 cytotoxicity tests only showed slight differences, indicating that there is a need for other cytotoxicity tests (or endpoints) containing complementary information.
Potential of Human Lung Cells for Predicting Acute Cytotoxicity
Authors: Barile Frank A. , Alexander Dale , Sookhoo Alicia
Published: August 2020

— Human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL1) were studied in culture to evaluate their potential as a screen for cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic concentrations determined in vitro were compared with established human and animal toxicity data. Confluent monolayers were incubated in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of test chemicals for 24 hours, and the MTT assay was used to assess toxicity. Inhibitory concentrations were extrapolated from concentration-effect curves after linear regression analysis. Comparison of the cytotoxicity data with rodent lethal concentrations and human lethal concentrations obtained from the testing of 50 chemicals in human lung cells, suggests that the experimental IC50 values are as accurate as predictors of human toxicity as the equivalent toxic blood concentrations derived from rodent LD50 tests. In addition, evaluation of the first 15 chemicals reveals no significant differences between results from continuous cell lines of human and rodent origin. Together with a related battery of tests, cell culture procedures have the potential to supplement or replace current animal protocols in screening chemicals for human toxicity.
Side-specific Toxic Effects on the Membranes of Cultured Renal Epithelial Cells (A6)
Authors: Bjerregaard Henning F.
Published: August 2020

- A cultured epithelial cell line from toad kidney (A6) was used to investigate side-specific toxicity related to the apical (outer) and basolateral (inner) membranes of epithdia. Well-known inhibitors and stimulators of ion transport were used to show that the ion transport proteins are asymmetrically distributed: the apical membrane contains sodium and chloride channels and the basolateral membrane contains Na+/K+ pumps, Na+/Cl- co-transporters, potassium channels and receptors for antidiuretic hormone The data demonstrate that the cellular toxicity of chemicals decreases when they are added to the apical side, illustrating that the epithelium acts as a functional barrier. However, the side-specific toxicity was more pronounced for ions and water-soluble molecules than for organic solvents, indicating that A6 epitheha can be used to distinguish between drugs that target specific membrane proteins and those that target membrane lipids. Furthermore, the cell line could be used to pick up chemicals that, at low concentrations inhibit sodium absorption and chloride secretion, without having any effect on cellular toxicity.
The Impact of Computer-Based Alternatives on the Use of Animals in Undergraduate Teaching: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dewhurst David , Jenkinson Linda
Published: August 2020

— The impact of computer-assisted learning (CAL) packages on the use of animals in university teaching has been investigated in universities in the UK and abroad. The pilot study has focused on two issues: a) academic staff perceptions of the usability of CAL packages designed to offer an alternative to animal practicals in physiology and pharmacology; and b) whether the use of such programs has led to a reduction in the number of animals used. A questionnaire survey of purchasers of a minimum of three commercially available programs, which offer an alternative approach to traditional laboratory experiments, was conducted. The study found that in most departments the packages were used in a staff-supervised learning situation, to either replace or support a practical class. Their use saved academic and non-academic staff time, and they were considered to be less expensive and an effective and enjoyable mode of student learning. It was also clear that their use had contributed to a significant reduction in animal use.
Preventive effect of trimetazidine on contrast-induced nephropathy undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly moderate and high risk diabetics stratified by mehran score
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Peng , Yang Shicheng , Li Wenyuan , Men Xiuzhen , Fu Naikuan
Published: August 2020

Background:

The aim of this research was to use the Mehran risk score to classify elderly diabetics with coronary heart disease to assess the preventive effect of trimetazidine on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in different risk population.

Methods:

An uncompromised of 760 elderly diabetics that went through PCI were included in this research. The patients were first divided into three groups in the light of MRS: low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk group, then randomized into trimetazidine group and the control group respectively. The first endpoint was the amount of CIN, which is described as a rise in serum creatinine levels by ⩾44.2 μmol/L or ⩾25% ratio within 48 or 72 hours after medication. Second endpoint included differences in creatinine clearance rate (CrCl), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), cystatin-C (Cys-C), and the incidence of major adverse events after administration.

Results:

In the three groups, the incidence of CIN in trimetazidine and control group was 5.0% versus 4.9%(χ2 = 0.005, p > 0.05), 8.0% versus 18.0% (χ2 = 7.685, p < 0.05), 10.4% versus 27.1% (χ2 = 4.376, p < 0.05), respectively. The multivariable logistic regression result demonstrated that trimetazidine intervention was a profitable element of CIN in moderate and high-risk groups (OR = 0.294, 95% CI 0.094-0.920, p = 0.035).

Conclusion:

Our study confirmed that trimetazidine can be considered for preventive treatment of CIN occurrence in elderly diabetics with moderate and high-risk population, while there is no obvious advantage compared with hydration therapy in low-risk patients.
Predictive value of cardiopulmonary fitness parameters in the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Niu Suping , Wang Fei , Yang Shenghua , Jin Zongxue , Han Xuejie , Zou Shangzhi , Guo Danjie , Guo Caixia
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We aimed to determine the predictive value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including patients who underwent CPX within 1 year of PCI between September 2012 and October 2017. Patients were followed-up until the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) or administrative censoring (September 2019). A Cox regression model was used to identify significant predictors of a MACE. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration (calibration-in-the-large).

Results

In total, 184 patients were included and followed-up for a median 51 months (interquartile range: 36–67 months) and 32 events occurred. Multivariable analysis revealed that body mass index and Gensini score were significant predictors of a MACE. Four CPX-related variables were found to be predictive of a MACE: premature CPX termination, peak oxygen uptake, heart rate reserve, and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide slope. The final prediction model had a C-statistic of 0.92 and calibration-in-the-large 0.58%.

Conclusion

CPX-related parameters may have high predictive value for poor outcomes in patients with ACS who undergo PCI, indicating a need for appropriate treatment and timely management.