bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fighting the COVID-19 Infodemic in News articles and False Publications: The NeoNet Text Classifier, a Supervised Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Abdeen Mohammad AR , Hamed Ahmed Abdeen , Wu Xindong
Published: July 2021

The spread of the Coronavirus pandemic has been accompanied by an infodemic. The false information that is embedded in the infodemic affects people’s ability to have access to safety information and follow proper procedures to mitigate the risks. This research aims to target the falsehood part of the infodemic, which prominently proliferates in news articles and false medical publications. Here, we present NeoNet, a novel supervised machine learning text mining algorithm that analyzes the content of a document (news article, a medical publication) and assigns a label to it. The algorithm is trained by TFIDF bigram features which contribute a network training model. The algorithm is tested on two different real-world datasets from the CBC news network and Covid-19 publications. In five different fold comparisons, the algorithm predicted a label of an article with a precision of 97-99 %. When compared with prominent algorithms such as Neural Networks, SVM, and Random Forests NeoNet surpassed them. The analysis highlighted the promise of NeoNet in detecting disputed online contents which may contribute negatively to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application of COPERNICUS Data for Climate-Relevant Urban Planning Using the Example of Water, Heat, and Vegetation
Authors: Bühler Michael Max , Sebald Christoph , Rechid Diana , Baier Eberhard , Michalski Alexander , Rothstein Benno , Nübel Konrad , Metzner Martin , Schwieger Volker , Jacob Daniela , Köhler Lothar , in het Panhuis Gunnar , Tejeda Raymundo , Herrmann Michael , Buziek Gerd
Published: July 2021

Specific climate adaptation and resilience measures can be efficiently designed and implemented at the regional and local level. Climate and environmental databases are of critical importance to achieving sustainability goals (SDGs) and for the efficient planning and implementation of suitable mitigation measures: Available databases can serve municipalities as a vital starting points to determine requirements, prioritize resources and allocate investments under consideration of commonly tight budget restrictions. High-quality geo, climate and environmental data are now available – data from remote sensing, i.e. Copernicus services will be of crucial importance. Forward-looking approaches exist to using such data to derive forecasts for urban planning process optimization for municipal administrations. On municipal level, however, the existing data have so far only been used to a limited extent, since there are no practical tools for urban planning that can be used to merge and meaningfully combine remote sensing data with local data and to further process and apply in municipal planning processes. Therefore, our project CoKLIMAx aims at the development of new digital products, advanced urban services and procedures, such as the development of practice-oriented technical tools that acquire various remote sensing and in-situ data sets for validation and further processing.
Mid-Latitude Mesospheric Zonal Wave 1 and Wave 2 in Winter 2020–2021
Authors: Shi Yu , Evtushevsky Oleksandr , Shulga Valerii , Milinevsky Gennadi , Klekociuk Andrew , Andrienko Yulia , Han Wei
Published: July 2021

Planetary waves in the mesosphere are studied using observational data and models to establish their origin, as there are indications of their generation independently of waves in the stratosphere. The quantitative relationships between zonal wave numbers m = 1 (wave 1) and m = 2 (wave 2) were studied with a focus on the mid-latitude mesosphere at 50N latitude. Aura Microwave Limb Sounder measurements were used to estimate wave amplitudes in geopotential height during the 2020–2021 winter major sudden stratospheric warming. The moving correlation between the wave amplitudes shows that, in comparison with the anticorrelation in the stratosphere, wave 2 positively correlates with wave 1 and propagates ahead of it in the mesosphere. A positive correlation r = 0.5–0.6, statistically significant at the 95% confidence level, is observed at 1–5-day time lag and in the 75–91 km altitude range, which is the upper mesosphere–mesopause region. Wavelet analysis shows a clear 8-day period in waves 1 and 2 in the mesosphere at 0.01 hPa (80 km), while in the stratosphere–lower mesosphere the period is twice as long at 16-days; this is statistically significant only in wave 2. Possible sources of mesospheric planetary waves are discussed.
Five Years Prospective Study on Implant Failure and Marginal Bone Remodeling Expected Using Bone Level Implants with Sandblasted/Acid-Etched Surface and Conical Connection
Authors: Tallarico Marco , Lumbau Aurea Immacolata , Meloni Silvio Mario , Ieria Irene , Park Chang-Joo , Zadrożny Łukasz , Xhanari Erta , Pisano Milena
Published: July 2021

Aim: the purpose of the present prospective, case series study were to report implant survival rate and marginal bone remodeling expected five years after loading using dental implants placed in in the daily practice. Material and Methods: this research was designed as an open-cohort, prospective case series study. Any completely or partially edentulous patients scheduled to receive at least one bone leve were considered eligible for this study. Primary outcomes were: cumulative implant (ISR) and prosthetic (PSR) survival rates, and any complications experienced up the five years follow-up. Secondary outcomes were: marginal bone remodeling, implant insertion torque, implant stability quotient (ISQ), and thickness of gingival biotype. Results: ninety consecutive patients (34 males and 56 females; mean age 53.2±15.4 years; range of 24–81 years), 243 implants were placed and followed for at least five years after loading (mean of 65.4±3.1 months; range of 60–72 months). The mean implant insertion torque was 42.9±4.8 Ncm (range from 15 to 45 Ncm). Overall, 83.5% of the implants (n=203) were placed with an insertion torque between 35 and 45 Ncm. At the one year follow-up, no drop-outs were recorded, but 17 patients (18.9%) with 18 restorations (12.6%) delivered on 34 implants (14%) were lost at the five years examination. At the five-year examination, six implants failed in six patients, resulting in a cumulative ISR of 97.5%. At the five-year follow-up, four prostheses failed (2.8%) resulting in a cumulative PSR of 97.2%. At the five-year examination, five complications were reported by five different patients, resulting in a prosthetic success rate of 96.5%, measured at patient level. Five years after loading, mean MBL was 0.41 ± 0.30 mm (95% CI: 0.26–0.34). Difference from the one year data was 0.04 ± 0.19 mm (95% CI: 0.01–0.07). The mean ISQ value at implant placement was 71.6 ± 5.5 (range of 45–88). Six months later, the mean ISQ was 76.7 ± 4.4 (range of 66–89). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.0001). Statistically significant higher MBL was found for smokers, and patient with thin gingival biotype. Conclusions: High implant survival and success rates could be expected with stable marginal bone remodeling up to five years after loading. Smoking and thin tissue biotype were the most important variabilities associated with higher MBL. Further research are needed to confirm these results.
Detection and Attribution of Lake Victoria’s Water-Level Fluctuations in a Changing Climate
Authors: Ogega Obed M. , Mbugua James , Misiani Herbert O. , Nyadawa Maurice , Scoccimarro Enrico , Endris Hussen S.
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the influence of land-use and precipitation change and variability on Lake Victoria’s water-level fluctuations. Extreme precipitation events, corresponding to extreme water-levels, over the lake and its catchment area were identified and their return periods estimated by fitting them into a generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Using general circulation models from the 6th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6)’s Detection & Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP), an assessment of the potential contribution of human-induced climate change on the observed precipitation patterns over the study area was done. The greatest precipitation anomalies for the period 1900-2020 were recorded in 1961’s October-December (OND) season and 2019’s June-August (JJA) and OND seasons, corresponding to the period when the highest water-levels were recorded in Lake Victoria. While land-use change in the study domain was observed, extended and unusually heavy June to December 2019 precipitation bore the greatest responsibility for the 2019/2020 high water-levels in Lake Victoria. The OND precipitation event of 2019 was a 1-in-52-year event compared to the 1961’s 1-in-693 years. Differences in return periods at various parts of the lake imply a high spatial climate variability within the lake itself. An analysis of the fraction of attributable risk (FAR) showed natural variability to have a greater influence on the JJA and OND precipitation patterns over Lake Victoria than human-induced climate change. However, variability over the land area of the study domain was mainly driven by human-induced climate change rather than natural variability, implying a unique climate system over Lake Victoria. Findings from the current study enhance the understanding of Lake Victoria’s water budget and motivate for further research to inform effective strategies on the planning and use of Lake Victoria’s water resources in a changing climate.
Glassy Polymers – Diffusion, Sorption, Aging, and Applications
Authors: Arya Raj Kumar , Thapliyal Devyani , Sharma Jyoti , Verros G. D.
Published: July 2021

For the past few decades, researchers have been intrigued with glassy polymers, which have applications ranging from gas separations to corrosion protection to drug delivery systems. The techniques employed to examine the sorption and diffusion of small molecules in glassy polymers are the subject of this review. Diffusion models in glassy polymers are regulated by Fickian and non-Fickian diffusion, with non-Fickian diffusion being more prevalent. The characteristics of glassy polymers are determined by sorption isotherms, and different models have been proposed in the literature to explain sorption in glassy polymers during the last few years. This review also includes the applications of glassy polymer. Despite having so many applications, current researchers still have difficulty in implementing coating challenges due to issues like as physical ageing, which is briefly discussed in the review.
Future Precipitation Patterns in the Lake Victoria Basin Using CMIP6 Projections
Authors: Ogega Obed M. , Scoccimarro Enrico , Endris Hussen S. , Nyadawa Maurice , Mbugua James , Misiani Herbert
Published: July 2021

In late/early 2019/2020, unprecedented high-water-levels were observed in Lake Victoria causing massive flooding in the low-lying lake-adjacent areas and disrupting human and natural systems in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). The high lake water-level coincided with unusually heavy and prolonged 2019 June to December precipitation in the LVB. The current study estimates future precipitation patterns over the LVB using HighResMIP and ScenarioMIP general circulation model (GCM) simulations from the 6th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Results show that HighResMIP and ScenarioMIP simulations can adequately reproduce LVB’s precipitation patterns – albeit with location-specific biases. Generally, the GCM simulations tend to over-estimate precipitation patterns over Lake Victoria while under-estimating precipitation patterns over the lake-adjacent areas. Projections show significant future precipitation changes over the LVB relative to the 1970-1999 baseline, with more pronounced changes over the lake than in lake-adjacent areas. Overall, mean annual precipitation is projected to increase by about 18% and 31% by the end of the century, under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. Additionally, mean daily precipitation intensity (SDII) is projected to increase by up-to 14% while the maximum 5-day precipitation values (RX5Day) increase by up-to 71% under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Heavy precipitation events, represented by the width of the right tail distribution of precipitation (99p-90p), are projected to increase by 50% and 94% under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively. Given that direct precipitation accounts for about 80% of Lake Victoria’s water budget, the lake’s future water-level fluctuations are likely to be more rampant and unpredictable under the changing climate. Hence, enhanced production and use of climate services is recommended to minimize the risk posed by potentially high water-level fluctuations in Lake Victoria and, ultimately, enhance the socio-economic safety of communities in the LVB.
Association Analysis of Genetic Variants of Sodium Taurocholate Co-Transporting Polypeptide NTCP Gene (SLC10A1) and HBV Infection Status in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients
Authors: El Raziky Maissa El Said , Zayed Naglaa Ali , Ibrahim Yasmin Saad , Elrashdy Fatma , Shahin Rasha Mohamad Hosny , Hassany Mohamed , El Serafy Magdy , Doss Wahid , Uversky Vladimir N. , Yosry Ayman , Eldeen Hadeel Gamal
Published: July 2021

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC10A1 gene, coding for a functional receptor of hepatitis B virus (HBV), sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), may influence the susceptibility, the outcome, and disease course of HBV infection in some populations. Aim: to determine the prevalence of SNPs of NTCP gene, rs2296651 and rs943277, and their relationship with chronic HBV infection in a group of Egyptian patients. Methods: 137 patients with HBV and 65 healthy controls were enrolled, and the patients were divided into two groups; group I chronic HBV infection (68 patients with normal ALT and minimal or no liver necroinflammation or fibrosis) and group II chronic hepatitis B (69 patients with elevated ALT and moderate or severe liver necroinflammation). They were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasound, and liver stiffness measurement using both Echosens® Fibroscan and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI). Real time PCR TaqMan 5’ allelic discrimination assay was applied to detect the SNPs in NTCP gene, rs2296651 and rs943277. Results: On studying the rs2296651 variant, all controls and patients had genotype GG without any significant association with HBV infection or disease progression. However, the rs943277 variant in all controls and 98% of patients had genotype GA, except for two chronic HBV infection patients who had genotype AA, but no significant difference between patients and controls was found. The non-invasive methods for liver fibrosis assessment ARFI, AST/platelet's ratio (APRI), and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) could predict the stages of fibrosis in agreement with Fibroscan with AUCOR 0.8, 0.79, and 0.76, respectively. Conclusion: These findings may suggest that there is no relation between these SNPs of the NTCP gene and susceptibility or chronicity of HBV infection in the Egyptian population. We also suggest that the use of the non-invasive methods for liver fibrosis assessment, ARFI, FIB-4, and APRI may decrease the need for liver biopsies in prediction of significant hepatic fibrosis in chronic HBV patients.
Socioeconomic Impact of Academic Research and Higher Education on Peripheral Development: the Case of Israel
Authors: Degani Gad , Levanon Dan , Din Gregory Yom
Published: July 2021

MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute is a regional R&D center in the northeast peripheral region of Israel. An internationally recognized applied research institute, MIGAL specializes in biotechnology and computational sciences, plant sciences, precision agriculture and environmental sciences, as well as food, nutrition and health. Most of MIGAL’s researchers serve as the core faculty at Tel Hai Academic College (TH). Despite the country’s small surface area, socioeconomic inequality in Israel is high by OECD standards, with wage differences between rich and poor regions reaching up to 400%. The aims of this study are to identify possible socioeconomic impacts of MIGAL–TH on the peripheral northeast’s development. We discuss the effects of academic research and institutions of higher education on mitigating differences between the center and periphery of the country. Data for MIGAL, TH and the northeastern peripheral region were collected from the yearly reports of the two institutions and the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. MIGAL was found to serve as a link between research, academic teaching and socioeconomic development in the northeast periphery. Several variables related to this link and describing MIGAL–TH and northeastern periphery development were analyzed over time: MIGAL’s budget, total number of employees and number of employees with PhDs; number of TH graduate students; socioeconomic index (SEI) of the northeastern periphery and its position on the Israeli list of regional SEIs. The signs and significance levels of their trends indicate a potential socioeconomic impact of academic research and higher education on peripheral development in the northeast of the country. Research budgets and the creation of jobs for academics living in the region are just a few examples of this impact.
The Protein-Protein Interaction Network of First Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia Reveals Possible Trigger Factors and New Drug Targets among Intracellular Signal Transduction Pathways and Neurotoxicity Processes
Authors: Maes Michael , Plaimas Kitiporn , Suratanee Apichat , Noto Cristiano , Kanchanatawan Buranee
Published: July 2021

There is evidence that schizophrenia is characterized by activation of the immune-inflammatory response (IRS) and compensatory immune-regulatory (CIRS) systems and lowered neuroprotection. Studies performed on antipsychotic-naïve first episode psychosis (AF-FEP) and schizophrenia (FES) patients are important as they may disclose the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the interactome of FEP/FES is not well delineated. The aim of the current study was to delineate the characteristics of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of AN-FEP and its transition to FES and the biological functions, pathways, and molecular patterns, which are over-represented in FEP/FES. PPI network analysis shows that FEP and FEP/FES are strongly associated with a response to a bacterium, TNF, NFκB, RELA, SP1, JAK-STAT, death receptor and TLR4 signaling, and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT proteins. Specific molecular complexes of the peripheral immune response are associated with microglial activation, neuroinflammation and gliogenesis. FEP/FES is accompanied by lowered protection against inflammation in part attributable to dysfunctional miRNA maturation, deficits in neurotrophin/Trk, RTK and Wnt/catenin signaling and adherens junction organization. Lowered neuroprotection due to reduced neurotrophin/Trk and Wnt/catenin signaling, and DISC1 expression and multiple interactions between lowered BDNF, CDH1, CTNNB, and DISC1 expression, increase the vulnerability to the neurotoxic effects of immune products including cytokines and complement factors. All pathways or molecular patterns enriched in the interactome of FEP/FES are directly or indirectly affected by LPS. In summary: FEP appears to be triggered by a biotic stimulus (e.g. Gram-negative bacteria) which may induce neuro-immune toxicity cascades especially when anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic protections are deficient.
Uma análise espacial dos arranjos domiciliares da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (1991-2010)
Authors: Becceneri Leandro Blanque , Pedroso de Lima Brusse Gustavo , Alejandro Prieto Aparicio Cimar
Published: July 2021

As mudanças no comportamento das componentes demográficas e no padrão da nupcialidade estão diretamente associadas às transformações da estrutura e da composição das famílias e domicílios. Apesar desta forte relação, a distribuição espacial dos arranjos domiciliares se insere em um contexto multifacetado da dinâmica intraurbana que reflete a complexa estrutura social das metrópoles. A formação dos domicílios e a sua localização no território são dadas pelas necessidades e preferências dos arranjos domiciliares, dentro de uma estrutura de oportunidades. Utilizando a distribuição etária da população conforme os diferentes tipos de arranjos domiciliares e agrupamentos espaciais (análise de clusters), o trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as principais mudanças de tendências dos arranjos domiciliares da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP) e a sua organização espacial nesse espaço metropolitano, com base em dados dos Censos Demográficos de 1991 a 2010. Os resultados sugerem que, apesar de a distribuição dos arranjos domiciliares para o total da população não apresentar mudanças radicais nas últimas décadas, importantes alterações ocorreram no nível da distribuição etária e na composição das áreas centrais e periféricas da RMSP, segundo a tipologia de arranjos domiciliares.
Segregação ocupacional e diferenciais de renda por gênero e raça no Brasil: uma análise de grupos etários
Authors: Souza Silveira Leonardo , Siqueira Leão Natália
Published: July 2021

Nos últimos 30 anos, o Brasil consolidou aspectos da mudança estrutural no mercado de trabalho referentes à modernização ocupacional, participação feminina e expansão do ensino superior. Nesse sentido, coortes mais jovens se inserem em um contexto distinto daqueles presenciados em décadas passadas. Logo, este artigo tem como objetivo medir a variação da segregação ocupacional e a disparidade salarial por gênero e raça em três grupos etários. Assim, questiona-se: a segregação ocupacional por gênero e raça é menor entre os mais jovens? Isso se reflete em menor desigualdade salarial? Tais perguntas são analisadas por meio de índices de segregação e decomposições salariais com base na PNAD 2015 para uma amostra de pessoas com ensino superior completo. Os resultados apontam menor desigualdade entre os mais jovens, mas ainda deixam dúvidas se são efeitos de idade ou coorte. Para isso, uma segunda análise compara os índices de segregação da coorte entre 26 e 35 anos em 2015 com o mesmo intervalo nos anos de 1995 e 2005, com o intuito de separar os efeitos de coorte e de idade. Ao final, indica-se que a idade é mais associada ao aumento da desigualdade do que a coorte, embora entre os mais jovens haja menor segregação por raça.
Efficacy of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C in children
Authors:   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Churbakova O.V. , Pechkurov D.V. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Zhilyakova T.A. ,   N.A.Semashko Samara Clinical Hospital No 2, Samara, Russian Federation, Akimkin V.G. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

Objective. To analyze the efficacy of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in children. Patients and methods. This study included 58 children aged between 3 and 17 years who had never received antiviral therapy (AVT) before and were treated in the Pediatric Department for Infectious Diseases, N.A.Semashko City Clinical Hospital No 2 (Samara). The inclusion criteria were as follows: confirmed CHC diagnosis and follow-up for at least one year. We analyzed treatment outcomes during an 8-year period, as well as the dynamics of clinical and biochemical parameters in children with HCV depending on their response to AVT. Results. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 19 out of 58 children (32.8%) after 24 weeks of therapy and 30 out of 58 children (51.7%) after 48 weeks of therapy. In these children, viral genotypes were distributed as follows: 1b genotype in 19 participants (32.7%), 2a genotype in 4 participants (6.9%), and 3a genotype in 7 participants (12.1%). Twenty-eight patients (71.8%) remained HCV RNA positive, including 1 child with 2a genotype (2.6%), 3 children with 3a genotype (7.7%), and 24 children with 1b genotype (61.5%). Three years after treatment completion, 25 out of 58 patients (43.1%) had SVR. During 8 years of follow-up, 17 out of 30 children (56.7%) maintained SVR. Conclusion. Five out of 58 study participants (8.6%) developed F1–F2 liber fibrosis (METAVIR scale) over 8 years of follow-up. Two out of 58 children with HCV (3,5%) were found to have liver cirrhosis 6.6 ± 1.15 years after the disease onset (minimum – 4 years; maximum – 8 years). New drugs and treatment regimens are needed to increase the SVR rate in children. Key words: children, outcomes, sustained virologic response, chronic hepatitis C
Favorable outcome of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in an HIV-infected patient
Authors:   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Samotolkina E.A. , Pokrovskaya A.V. ,   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Moscow, Russian Federation, Samotolkina E.S. ,   Infectious Diseases Hospital No 2 Moscow Health Department, Moscow, Russian Federation, Popova D.M. ,   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation,   Infectious Diseases Hospital No 2 Moscow Health Department, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

In this article, we report a case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in an HIV-infected patient receiving antiretroviral therapy. The case is interesting because of its favorable outcome despite severe clinical manifestations of the disease. Key words: HIV infection, case report, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Comparison of spray capacities of throat sprays containing hexethidine
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Gribanova S.V. , Yankova V.G. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Udyanskaya I.L. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Grigoryeva V.Yu. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Slonskaya T.K. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Zhukova A.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Parfenov I.D. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

We compared two metered-dose local sprays containing hexethidine: Maxicold LOR and StopanginTeva. We evaluated the parameters reflecting spray quality, including reproducibility of the dose mass and the irrigation area on planar simulation models. Both sprays demonstrated almost equal high reproducibility of the dose mass. The spray width of Maxicold LOR was larger than that of StopanginTeva, while the spray patterns and reproducibility of print area on the simulation model were similar for both sprays. Key words: hexetidine, metered-dose local sprays, sore throat, simulation model, reproducibility of the dose mass, irrigation area
Combined oral contraceptives and treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19): aspects of drug interactions
Authors:   Ivanovo State Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation, Limanova O.A. , Fedotova L.E. ,   Ivanovo State Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation, Gromova O.A. ,   Institute of Pharmacoinformatics, Federal Research Center “Informatics and Management”, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

This article discusses the problem of drug interactions between combined oral contraceptives on the example of Belara® (30 μg of ethinyl estradiol + 2 mg of chlormadinone acetate; Gedeon Richter, Hungary) and medications recommended for the treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and concomitant disorders at the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic levels with an assessment of the efficacy and safety of therapy for females. We described safe, potentially dangerous, and dangerous combinations of these drugs. Key words: new coronavirus infection (CAVID-19), combined oral contraceptives, antiviral drugs, antibacterial drugs, antiinflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, migraine drugs, antihypertensive drugs, oral hypoglycemic drugs, essential micronutrients, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions
The lung-gut axis and COVID-19
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novikova V.P. , Khavkin A.I. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Polunina A.V. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Gorelov A.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

This review summarizes relevant scientific literature analyzing the lung-gut axis and its association with coronavirus infection (COVID-19), lesions to the gastrointestinal tract caused by this infection, and state of the microbiome. Approximately 20%–50% of COVID-19 patients have such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in their feces. Therefore, investigation of the virus effect on the gastrointestinal tract and its commensal flora is important not only for research purposes, but for clinical practice, since patients with COVID-19 demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative changes in their microbiome. The latter may serve as a basis for the development of additional probiotic therapy for gastrointestinal lesions in COVID-19 patients. Despite the existing evidence, it is still necessary to clarify the effect of the intestinal microbiome on the pathogenesis of coronavirus infection and the disease course. Key words: COVID-19, coronavirus infection, microbiome, intestinal microbiota, SARS-CoV-2, probiotics, probiotic therapy
The Unrecognized Mortality Burden of Genetic Disorders in Infancy
Authors: Wojcik Monica H. , Stadelmaier Rachel , Heinke Dominique , Holm Ingrid A. , Tan Wen-Hann , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: July 2021

Objectives. To determine how deaths of infants with genetic diagnoses are described in national mortality statistics.

Methods. We present a retrospective cohort study of mortality data, obtained from the National Death Index (NDI), and clinical data for 517 infants born from 2011 to 2017 who died before 1 year of age in the United States.

Results. Although 115 of 517 deceased infants (22%) had a confirmed diagnosis of a genetic disorder, only 61 of 115 deaths (53%) were attributed to International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes representing congenital anomalies or genetic disorders (Q00-Q99) as the underlying cause of death because of inconsistencies in death reporting. Infants with genetic diagnoses whose underlying causes of death were coded as Q00-Q99 were more likely to have chromosomal disorders than monogenic conditions (43/61 [70%] vs 18/61 [30%]; P < .001), which reflects the need for improved accounting for monogenic disorders in mortality statistics.

Conclusions. Genetic disorders, although a leading cause of infant mortality, are not accurately captured by vital statistics.

Public Health Implications. Expanded access to genetic testing and further clarity in death reporting are needed to describe properly the contribution of genetic disorders to infant mortality.
Identifying Disparities in Health Outcomes and Mortality for American Indian and Alaska Native Populations Using Tribally Disaggregated Vital Statistics and Health Survey Data
Authors: Small-Rodriguez Desi , Akee Randall
Published: July 2021

Objectives. To determine the impact of disaggregated mortality and health surveillance data on the ability to identify health disparities for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) subpopulations.

Methods. We conducted a systematic review of reporting categories for AI/AN decedents on official death certificates for all 50 US states. Using public data from the 2017–2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess disparities in health conditions and outcomes for tribally enrolled and non‒tribally enrolled AI/AN persons compared with non-Hispanic Whites.

Results. There was no standard for the collection of tribal enrollment data or AI/AN race on death certificates across all 50 states. There were stark differences in the incidence and prevalence of various health risk factors and chronic diseases for the tribally enrolled AI/AN subpopulation, non‒tribally enrolled AI/AN subpopulation, and non-Hispanic White comparison group.

Conclusions. The collection of tribal enrollment data in vital statistics and health surveillance systems is necessary to identify and respond to health disparities among AI/AN subpopulations. These efforts must be conducted in partnership with tribal nations and consider Indigenous data sovereignty.
Comparing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Renal Transplant Recipients to Patients on Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Douglas Scott J. , Pervaiz Sahir S. , Sax Oliver C. , Mohamed Nequesha S. , Delanois Ronald E. , Johnson Aaron J.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Renal transplants are the most commonly performed solid-organ transplants worldwide. It is unclear whether a kidney transplant is associated with reduced postoperative complications in comparison with patients on dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The purpose of this study was to utilize a national database to compare readmissions, complications, and costs associated with primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) between matched renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and patients on dialysis for ESRD.

Methods:

Patients with a renal transplant (N = 1,401) and those on dialysis for ESRD (without a transplant) (N = 1,463) prior to being treated with a THA from 2010 to 2019 were identified within the PearlDiver database. RTRs and patients on renal dialysis were frequency-matched 1:1 on the basis of 9 patient characteristics, resulting in 582 patients in each group. Length of hospital stay, readmissions, complication rates up to 2 years, and total costs up to 1 year were compared between the groups using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

Patients on renal dialysis had an increased mean length of stay (6.3 days) compared with RTRs (4.6 days, p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, tobacco use, and diabetes, patients on renal dialysis were more likely to be readmitted by 90 days (OR = 1.59; CI = 1.11 to 2.29, p < 0.01) and have mechanical complications (OR = 2.13; CI = 1.08 to 4.45, p = 0.03) and revisions (OR = 2.14; CI = 1.14 to 4.01, p = 0.01) by 2 years. Patients on renal dialysis were also more likely to have periprosthetic joint infections at 1 year (OR = 1.91; CI = 1.02 to 3.71, p = 0.04). Patients on dialysis incurred 14% higher costs at 1 year (p = 0.11).

Conclusions:

Patients on renal dialysis had more readmissions, complications, and costs after THA when compared with RTRs. Specifically, patients on renal dialysis were more likely to have longer index lengths of stay, more readmissions by 90 days, and more mechanical complications and revision surgery by 2 years. Patients on dialysis also incurred higher costs and had greater odds of PJI. These results suggest that joint surgeons may consider delaying THA in suitable patients until after renal transplantation to reduce postoperative complications and costs.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Analyzing student inquiry in online and offline classes during the Covid-19 pandemic through momentum and impulse worksheets
Authors: Baihaqi Habibah Khusna , Jumadi Jumadi , Mardiani Annisaa’ , Religia Racy
Published: July 2021

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it is necessary to develop an effective physics learning media used in a short learning time. This study aims to develop a package of worksheets based on an inquiry learning model that is integrated with traditional games. This research is a research and development using 4D model which is carried out at the define, design and develop stages. Validation was carried out by 3 experts and the worksheets were tested on 45 students of class X consisting of online and offline classes. The results of the development show that the momentum practicum worksheet is 3.68 in the valid range, the law of conservation momentum practicum worksheet is 3.66 in the valid and very good range, the coefficient of restitution and type of collision practicum worksheets are 3.74 and 3.73 in the valid and very good range, also the worksheet package scored 3.67 which means valid and very good. The implementation of learning is 98.21% and the readability questionnaire shows that 82.27% of students agree that the worksheet developed is very interesting and easy to use. The achievement of the inquiry process in the online class is 86.10 while in the offline class is 93.84. The results show that this worksheet is effective in optimizing the inquiry process both online and offline so that it can be used to investigate the topic of momentum and impulse by class X science students during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Developing authentic assessment instrument based on multiple representations to measure students' critical thinking skills
Authors: Chusni Muhammad Minan , Suherman Suherman
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to produce an instruments test used to measure students' critical thinking skills in natural science learning. This research uses a 4-D development model (define, design, develop, and disseminate) involving 118 students at the develop stage and 60 students at the disseminate stage. The instrument developed was an essay test based on multiple representations. Validity was proved by using CVI, and reliability was estimated by using the Item Response Theory. The results showed that the instrument had a very good foreign exchange value. This is reflected in the Aiken V scores on the aspects of substance, construct, language and appearance, respectively, about 1.00, 1.00, 1.00, and 1.00. According to Rasch analysis, the instruments has meet the assumption test for 14 items which is unidimensional, the local independence assumption test, and the parameter invariance assumption test. According to OUTFIT MNSQ Value, the items are fit with PCM 1-PL which functions normally in making measurements. Reliability estimated for items shows a very high consistency of measurement of 0.97 and for person shows a high consistency of measurement of 0.86. The results of the student's CTS measurement showed that the average score was 65.50, with a distribution of high, medium, and low abilities, respectively, about 16.67%, 63.33%, and 20.00%. Thus, according to these results, an authentic assessment based on multiple representations is suitable to measure students' critical thinking skills.
A Systematic Overview of Blockchain Research
Authors: Wang Guizhou , Zhang Si , Yu Tao , Ning Yu
Published: July 2021

Blockchain has been receiving growing attention from both academia and practices. This paper aims to investigate the research status of blockchain-related studies and to analyze the development and evolution of this latest hot area via bibliometric analysis. We selected and explored 2451 papers published between 2013 and 2019 from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The analysis considers different dimensions, including annual publications and citation trends, author distribution, popular research themes, collaboration of countries (regions) and institutions, top papers, major publication journals (conferences), supportive funding agencies, and emerging research trends. The results show that the number of blockchain literature is still increasing, and the research priorities in blockchain-related research shift during the observation period from bitcoin, cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contract, internet of thing, to the distributed ledger, and challenge and the inefficiency of blockchain. The findings of this research deliver a holistic picture of blockchain research, which illuminates the future direction of research, and provides implications for both academic research and enterprise practice.
Research on Distributed Data Sharing System based on Internet of Things and Blockchain
Authors: Sun Enchang , Meng Kang , Yang Ruizhe , Zhang Yanhua , Li Meng
Published: July 2021

Aiming at the problems of the traditional centralized data sharing platform, such as poor data privacy protection ability, insufficient scalability of the system and poor interaction ability, this paper proposes a distributed data sharing system architecture based on the Internet of Things and blockchain technology. In this system, the distributed consensus mechanism of blockchain and the distributed storage technology are employed to manage the access and storage of Internet of Things data in a secure manner. Up to the physical topology of the network, a hierarchical blockchain network architecture is proposed for local network data storage and global network data sharing, which reduces networking complexity and improves the scalability of the system. In addition, smart contract and distributed machine learning are adopted to design automatic processing functions for different types of data (public or private) and supervise the data sharing process, improving both the security and interactive ability of the system.
Blockchain or Not? Optimal Decisions for Food Retailers Considering Consumer Expertise
Authors: Hu Linyuan , Ding Jinzhi , Yang Xiying
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the benefit of the blockchain food traceability system (BFTS). Based on game theory and the willingness-to-pay model, pricing models are formulated considering important factors like the proportion of consumer with high expertise in traceability, risk attitude to doubtful traceability information and perceived convenience of traceability information checking. By compared the optimal total welfare under the BFTS and that under the traditional food traceability system in valuation analysis, conditions where applying the BFTS is more valuable than applying the TFTS are figured out. Finally, insightful management implications are given.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Advanced HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer Treated With Trastuzumab-Based Chemotherapy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Marshall Shoko , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takahari Daisuke , Matsushima Tomohiro , Ishizuka Naoki , Nakayama Izuma , Osumi Hiroki , Ogura Mariko , Ichimura Takashi , Shinozaki Eiji , Chin Keisho , Yamaguchi Kensei
Published: July 2021

Background: Prognostic factors for the survival of patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy remain controversial. The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical factors that predict prognosis in this patient population.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HER2-positive gastric cancer patients treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy in our institution. Clinical features and laboratory test results considered prognostic factors were re-examined. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, univariate analysis was performed with the log-rank test, and multivariate analysis using Cox’s proportional hazard regression model.Results: A total of 133 patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer were enrolled. The median OS in this cohort was 18.7 months. Four prognostic factors: visceral metastasis (lung or liver), and levels of haemoglobin (Hb) (< 11.6 g/dL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (> 222 mg/dL), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (> 0.14 mg/dl) were identified as independent prognostic factors. After classifying the patients in three groups according to their number of prognostic factors, namely low (0,1), moderate (2,3), and high (4) risk, OS curves were separated into three categories with median OS of 32.0, 18.7, and 10.1 months, respectively (p=0.00025). Compared to the low-risk group, hazard ratios for the moderate- and high-risk groups were 1.75 (95% CI: 1.05–2.93) and 3.49 (95% CI: 1.81–6.71), respectively.Conclusion: Visceral metastasis and abnormal Hb, LDH, and CRP test results were associated with unfavourable OS. These findings are helpful for the management of advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy.
Prognostic factors in patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy: a cohort study
Authors: Marshall Shoko , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takahari Daisuke , Matsushima Tomohiro , Ishizuka Naoki , Nakayama Izuma , Osumi Hiroki , Ogura Mariko , Ichimura Takashi , Shinozaki Eiji , Chin Keisho , Yamaguchi Kensei
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Prognostic factors for the survival of patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy remain controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors that predict prognosis in patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HER2-positive gastric cancer patients treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy at our institution. Clinical features and laboratory test results that considered prognostic factors were re-examined. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed with the log-rank test and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox’s proportional hazard regression model.
Results
A total of 133 patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer were enrolled. The median OS in this cohort was 18.7 months. Four prognostic factors: visceral metastasis (lung or liver), levels of haemoglobin (Hb) (< 11.6 g/dL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (> 222 mg/dL), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (> 0.14 mg/dl) were identified as independent prognostic factors. The patients were placed into three groups according to their number of prognostic factors. These included low (0,1), moderate (2,3), and high (4) risk factors. The OS was separated into three categories with a median OS of 32.0, 18.7 and 10.1 months respectively. Compared to the low-risk group, hazard ratios for the moderate- and high-risk groups were 1.75 and 3.49, respectively.
Conclusion
Visceral metastasis and abnormal Hb, LDH, and CRP levels were associated with unfavorable OS. These findings may be beneficial for the management of advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy.