bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy of Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Infections Caused by Carbapenem Resistant Gram-Negatives. A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
Authors: Savoldi Alessia , CARRARA Elena , Piddock Laura JV , FRANCESCHI Francois , ELLIS Sally , CHIAMENTI Margherita , BRAGANTINI Damiano , RIGHI Elda , TACCONELLI Evelina
Published: March 2021

Background: The combination of antibiotics has become the clinicians’ preferred strategy for the treatment of sepsis due to carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) although the evidence supporting its use is weak. This systematic review aimed at critically evaluating all available antibiotic options for CR-GNB sepsis with particular focus on combination. Methods: Comparative and non-comparative observational studies, randomized control trials (RCTs) and case series were considered eligible with no language restriction. Studies were included if reporting microbiologically-confirmed sepsis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacterales/Klebsiella spp., or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reporting at least one of the study outcome and targeted antibiotic treatment. Carbapenem-resistance was defined as phenotypically-detected in vitro resistance to at least one of the following carbapenems: doripenem, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem. Primary outcomes were 30-day and attributable mortality. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) approach was selected to explore feasibility of pooling data on antibiotic regimens. Results: A total of 6306 records were retrieved and 134 studies (11546 patients) were included [54 studies on Acinetobacter, 52 on Enterobacterales/Klebsiella, 21 on mixed Gram-negative, and 7 on Pseudomonas]. Nine (7%) were RCTs; 19 prospective cohorts (14%), 89 (66%) retrospective and 17 (13%) case series. Forty-one studies (31%) were multicentric. Ninety-two distinct regimens were identified with 47 (51%, 5863 patients) not reporting any details on combination. 30-day mortality was assessed in 65 (48%) studies while attributable mortality was reported only in 19 (14%).The NMAs were not applicable for any of selected outcomes given the presence of too many disconnected components. Conclusion: The existing evidence is too weak for allowing formulating any evidence-based therapeutic recommendation for combination of antibiotics to treat CR-GNB sepsis. Future studies must clearly define number, type, dosages, and in vitro activity of each antibiotic included in the regimen to drive recommendations for using combination of antibiotics that might be reliably applied into clinical practice.
The Changing Landscape of Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus Aureus Infections in Children.
Authors: Tsirigotaki Maria , Giormezis Nikolaos , Maraki Sofia , Spiliopoulou Iris , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: March 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents. Aim of this study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from children and adolescents.Methods: All S. aureus isolates recovered from patients aged < 18 years, admitted to a referral hospital, with culture-proven invasive or non-invasive, community-associated or community-onset healthcare-associated or hospital-associated infections during the 4-year period from January 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST).Results: Among 139 S. aureus clinical isolates, 16 (11.5%) were methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 123 (88.5%) methicillin-susceptible (MSSA). MSSA infections increased significantly over time (2017-2018 vs. 2015-2016, 0R 3.32; 95%CI 1.18-8.96; p 0.03) along with increasing resistance to fusidic acid (OR 2.38; 95%CI 1.14-5.12; p 0.02) and in staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome prevalence (OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.10-8.36; p 0.03). A total of five sequence types (ST) were identified among 58 isolates that were analyzed by MLST. By PFGE typing, 22 pulsotypes were identified, whereas, PFGE type 1 classified as ST121 clone was the predominant (40/58,68.9%). MRSA were distributed into four pulsotypes and PFGE type C- ST80 was the most frequent. ST121 strains carried fnbA (40/40), eta/etb genes (29/40) and lukF/S-PVL genes in 3/40 cases. All ST121 exhibited high resistance percentage to fusidic acid and were increasingly resistant to mupirocin. Conclusion: In our population, a CA-MSSA clone emerged, resistant to fusidic acid and increasingly resistant to mupirocin which belonged to the PFGE type 1, ST121 clone, harbored exfoliative toxins genes and was associated with rising trends of SSSS.
A Critical Analysis of Risk Factors for Selected Tropical Diseases
Authors: Uzoka Faith-Michael , Akwaowo Christie , Okoli Chinyere Nwafor , Ekpin Victory , Nwokoro Chukwudi , Hussein Mohamed El , Osuji Joseph , Aladi Flora , Akinnuwesi Boluwaji , Akpelishi Temitope Funmilola
Published: March 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of different (non-clinical) risk factors on the populations’ predisposition to tropical diseases specifically Malaria, yellow fever, typhoid fever, chicken pox, measles, hepatitis B and UTI.Subject and Methods: Data for this study was obtained through patient diagnosis forms, distributed to physicians in Nigeria. A total of 2199 patient consultation forms were returned by 102 (out of 125) physicians, and considered useful for analysis. Demographic data of patients, physicians, and diagnosis outcomes were analysed descriptively through frequency distributions, aggregate analysis, and graphs, while the influence of risk factors on the disease manifestations (diagnosis outcomes) were determined using regression analysis.Results: Findings from our study demonstrated that the difficulty in diagnosing tropical disease was associated with significant increase in morbidity and mortality especially in patients with malaria, UTI and typhoid fever. Factors such as contact with an infected person and poor personal hygiene posed significant risk, while urbanization and homelessness, posed very low risks across all the diseases. Conclusion: The risk factors identified in our study exert differential and discriminating influences in the causation, predisposition, and transmission of these conditions, understanding the individual risk factors for each condition have significant socio-economic implications for people living in tropical and endemic regions, especially with respect to management and prevention of these conditions.
Effects of Pyruvate Supplementation on High-intensity Interval Exercise Induced Metabolic Acidosis and Repeated Sprint Exercise Performance of College Soccer Athletes
Authors: yang yanping , Qiu Junqiang , Wang Mengyue , Feng Lin , Luo Dan , Gao Ruirui
Published: March 2021

Background: The effects of pyruvate on metabolic acidosis and oxidative metabolism had been studied. The ability to attenuate acidosis and improve oxidative system contribution are critical to the performance of team sport athletes during perform multiple high-intensity exercise over a limited period of time. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pyruvate supplementation on energy metabolism and metabolic acidosis during high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), as well as to evaluate its role on repeated sprint exercise (RSE) performance.Methods: 14 well-trained male college soccer athletes (age: 20 ± 2 years, body fat: 13.11 ± 3.50 %) were studied in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. The participants ingested either 0.1g/kg/d of pyruvate or a placebo for 1-week. Metabolic acidosis was induced by HIIE after the supplement period, and RSE ability in the acidosis state was assessed. Venous blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and base excess (BE) were measured at baseline, pre-HIIE, post-HIIE, pre-RSE and post-RSE. Finger-stick blood lactate were collected at baseline, immediately after each bout of HIIE and 3, 5, 7, 10 min after HIIE. The energy systems contribution during HIIE were estimated. Results: Blood pH, HCO3- and BE were significantly lower than baseline after HIIE (p < 0.01) in both pyruvate group (PYR) and placebo group (PLA). Compared to PLA, the blood pH, HCO3- and BE were significantly improved in PYR at pre-HIIE (p < 0.01), post-HIIE (p < 0.01) and pre-RSE (p < 0.01). Furthermore, blood BE remained higher in PYR than PLA till end of RSE (p < 0.05). The contribution of oxidative system in the fourth bout of HIIE was higher in PYR than PLA (p < 0.05). In PLA, the ratio of total anaerobic energy contribution during HIIE was higher than that of aerobic (oxidative) (p < 0.01), but not in PYR (p > 0.05). Relative peak power (RPP) of first, fifth sprint, relative average power (RAP) of fifth sprint, the average of RPP and RAP during RSE were significantly improved in PYR compared with PLA (p < 0.05). While no significant changes in the PD% of each bout (p > 0.05) or average PD% (p > 0.05) were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Pyruvate supplementation for 1-week enhances oxidative system energy contribution and buffers metabolic acidosis during HIIE, and improves RSE performance in acidosis.
The Prevalence and Types of Advance Care Planning Use in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Retrospective Single-Centre Perspective, Australia
Authors: Veltre Arron S. , Broadbent Andrew , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Marshall Amy , Hamiduzzaman Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Background: Advance Care Planning (ACP) has been reported to be of value in maintaining patients’ autonomy and dignity; reducing patient and family anxiety; improving end-of-life care and reducing futile interventions. But in Australia participation rate in advance care directives is 14%, and research is limited on ACP invitations and uptake among the patients with advanced cancer (PwAC). This study identifies the prevalence and types of documented ACP discussions in PwAC who died within two or four weeks of receiving chemotherapy.
Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted in Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia, and the records of 339 patients were examined and 320 patients were found eligible. Descriptive statistics were calculated in SPSS. The difference in ACP invitation and utilisation between three groups [control, <2-weeks, and –4 weeks] was measured by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square (or Fisher-Exact) test. Post-hoc follow-up pair-wise comparisons were performed. Adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using two logistic regression models, and the significance of the coefficients was assessed using Wald test.
Results: Of the 320 PwAC [male: 55%; median age: 65 years], 227 (71%) received ACP invitation, and among the invited patients, 89% used Acute Resuscitation Plan; 54% used Enduring Power-of-Attorney; and 20% completed Advance Health Directive. From 7.5% [n=24] of the patients who received chemotherapy in their last 2-weeks of life, 42% had not received an ACP invitation, 29% didn’t have Acute Resuscitation Plan and only 4% completed Advance Health Directive. There were significant differences among the Control, <2-weeks, and 2–4 weeks groups in completing Acute Resuscitation Plan (p=0.003) and Advance Health Directives (p=0.045). A significant difference was also observed between control and <2-weeks groups in number of days since Acute Resuscitation Plan used. Completing an Acute Resuscitation Plan was associated with a lower risk of dying within two-weeks of chemotherapy (OR=0.246; p=0.008).
Conclusions: The low rates of ACP invitation and use in PwAC, especially who received chemotherapy in 2-weeks of dying confirm a need of embedding and regular revisiting the ACP framework in cancer care and educating staff, patients, and their family caregivers to increase the uptake.
Common Microcirculatory Framework for Monitoring Integrated Microcirculation
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Bing , Li Bingwei , Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Xueting , Wang Qin , Liu Mingming , Zhang Jian , Zhang Honggang , Xiu Ruijuan
Published: March 2021

Wide variation in magnitudes, units, and ranges of the microcirculatory variables brings hindrance in describing and evaluating the integrated microcirculatory function of tissues. We designed to establish common microcirculatory framework that contains microhemodynamic and microcirculatory oxygen parameters. To integrate microcirculatory information, demo microcirculatory permutations were generated by a computer algorithm based on microcirculatory characteristics. Four dimensionless methods (Z-score, Min-max, L2, and median scaling) were applied to transform microcirculatory data set into the dimensionless form. Three-dimensional (3-D) common microcirculatory framework was constructed and visualized by using Python and Apache ECharts. The performance of the four dimensionless methods in the pre-processing of multiple microcirculatory variables and the establishment of the common microcirculatory framework were compared. Microhemodynamic and microcirculatory oxygen parameters were embedded in the common microcirculatory framework. After processing by Min-max normalization, the transformed multiple microcirculatory values remained positive with fixed range mapping within [0, 1] and maintained the identity property of microcirculation both of microhemodynamic and microcirculatory oxygen variables in the common microcirculatory framework. Conclusively, Min-max normalization displays preferable integration efficiency, compatibility, and adaptability in the establishment of the 3-D visualized multiparametric common microcirculatory framework.
ROMA HUKUKUNDA DEVLETİN MİRASÇILIĞI
Authors: AKSARAY ERKMAN Buse
Published: March 2021

Roma hukukunda mirasçılar, miras bırakanın vasiyetname ile mirasçı ataması yoluyla belirlenmiştir. Bunun yapılmadığı durumlarda kanuni mirasçıların kimler olacağı ius civile mirasçılığı ile düzenlenmiş, zaman içinde uygulamada oluşan boşluklar praetor mirasçılığına ilişkin düzenlemelerle giderilmiştir. Iustinianus Dönemi’nde ise kan hısımlığına bağlı mirasçılığın esas kabul edildiği görülmektedir. Bu gelişim sürecinin içinde devletin mirasçılığı kurumuna ilişkin düzenlemelere günümüz Türk hukukundaki şekliyle rastlanmamaktadır. Buna rağmen atanmış mirasçının ya da kanuni mirasçının bulunmadığı ya da mirasçıların mirası iktisap etmelerinin hukuka uygun olmadığı durumlarda miras bona vacantia yani sahipsiz miras olarak nitelendirilmiş ve hukuki düzenlemelerle devlet hazinesi tarafından iktisap edileceği kabul edilmiştir. Sahipsiz mirasın devlet hazinesine intikalinin ilk kez düzenlendiği kanunlar, İmparator Augustus tarafından çıkarılan Lex Iulia de Maritandis Ordinibus ve Lex Iulia et Papia Poppaea olmuştur. Bu kanunların uygulamada Lex Caducaria olarak da adlandırılan düzenlemeleri ile evli olmayanların ve evli olup çocuksuz olanların mirasçı olma ehliyetleri kısıtlanmış ve bu kişiler yerine belirli koşullarla devlet hazinesinin mirası iktisap edeceği kabul edilmiştir. Bunun dışında mirastan mahrumiyet, vasiyetnamenin değiştirilmesi, vasiyetnameye itiraz edilmesi durumlarında mirasın devlet hazinesine intikalini kabul eden düzenlemeler bulunmaktadır.
ESTRATÉGIAS PARA A SÍNTESE DO ÁCIDO LISÉRGICO
Authors: Silva Tamiris , Raminelli Cristiano
Published: March 2021

STRATEGIES FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF LYSERGIC ACID. (+)-Lysergic acid [(+)-1] is a precursor of several substances with well-established pharmacological properties, including some drugs approved and commercialized around the world. Thus, the importance of (+)-1 as a synthetic target becomes undoubted and various strategies for the synthesis of its tetracyclic core have been reported in the literature. Therefore, in this review article we will address in chronological order the total and formal syntheses of lysergic acid (1), separating them into racemic and chiral/asymmetric syntheses. Until now, there are 24 syntheses described in the literature, namely, 11 total and 13 formal syntheses. Considering all the syntheses accomplished, 15 were planned to produce (±)-lysergic acid [(±)-1] and 9 presented routes to eventually provide (+)-lysergic acid [(+)-1]. A significant evolution regarding approaches and efficiency may be observed since the first synthesis of (±)-1 until the last asymmetric synthesis of (+)-1.
Effect of Islamic-based repentance therapy on the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Authors: Uyun Qurotul , Jaufalaily Nahdhata , Witruk Evelin , Kurniawan Irwan Nuryana
Published: March 2021

This research is based on the tragedy of a road traffic accident that led to a student's death. Her classmates felt lost and experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of repentance and istighfar therapy to prevent PTSD. The research was based on a quasi-experimental design that consisted of six sessions in three meetings and homework for four weeks. The study participants were 14 students who experienced PTSD symptoms. They completed a scale before the intervention (pre-test), after completion of the intervention (post-test), and three weeks after the post-test. The paired sample test analysis results show that there were significant differences in the trauma scores pre-therapy and post-therapy. The effect size estimation results show that the effect of repentance and istighfar therapy was in the large effect size category; that is, 80.9% of the trauma variations could be explained (caused) by repentance therapy and istighfar. The research implies that such therapy can be predicted to be effective in reducing psychological disorders, as long as they are willing to be seriously involved in each stage of the therapy process that has been determined.
Russian Agriculture: Global Positions, Structural Proportions, and Development Trends
Authors: Patsala Sergey , Goroshko Nadezhda
Published: March 2021

Russians still see national agriculture as a rearguard branch of the economy associated with stagnation and inefficiency. However, the agriculture has undergone significant positive changes over the past decade as a result of large-scale state support programs, import substitution policy, food embargo, depreciation of the ruble, etc. Russian agriculture requires a comprehensive assessment of its current state and position in the global agricultural market. Based on statistical and comparative analyses, the authors assessed the current state of Russian agriculture, as well as showed its place in the national economy and the country's position on the global agricultural market. The research revealed the vector of these changes in 2000–2018 and the main problems of the agricultural development at the present stage. A SWOT analysis shows that Russia has overcome the crisis in the transition to the market economy; the main economic and financial indicators are getting better, together with the most important production segments. Russian agriculture improves as production volumes keep growing and profitability is increasing. The number of unprofitable enterprises has been reduced by half, and the share of individual farms has fallen.
The Cantatas by Pierre Boulez in the Context of the Main Trends in the Development of Choral Composition of the 20th Century
Authors:   Gnesins’ Russian Academy of Music, Ryzhinskii Aleksandr S.
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on Pierre Boulez’s choral style in the cantatas “Le visage nuptial” and “Le soleil des eaux”. The versions of these works, created over the course of almost 40 years (from 1951 to 1989), represent a complex of techniques in regard to texture and timbre, which, on the one hand, are a continuation of experiments by composers of the New Vienna School (A. Schönberg, A. Webern), and on the other hand, they preface a number of innovations in the choral style of Boulez’s contemporaries (L. Nono, L. Berio, K. Stockhausen, I. Xenakis). Evidence is provided in favor of the idea that Boulez’s choral works were the logical link between the vocal and choral opuses of the composers of the first and second Western European avant-garde. The article examines the peculiarities of the interaction between the verbal and musical series, the specifics of the textural organization of Boulez’s works, and systematizes the information about the timbre techniques used. Links are identified between the heterophonic presentation typical of Boulez’s choral works and the use of quarter tone notation, glissando reception, and various variants of speech singing (Sprechgesang). The connections between stereophonic effects in the music of Boulez and Nono are traced. An important place is occupied by the study of vocal sound recovery or “vocal emission” technologies (as defined by Boulez). The significance of Schönberg and Webern’s experience in the formulation of the technical foundations of Boulez’s choral timbres is stressed. Special attention is paid to the problem of “work in progress” as one of the defining features of the composer’s choral heritage. Comparing the works by Nono, Maderna, and Bulez, the author concludes the different reasons for which composers came to the concept of “opera aperta” (U. Eco).
Coffee residue-based activated carbons for phenol removal
Authors: Palanisami Hemavathy , Azmi Mohamad Rafiuddin Mohd , Zaini Muhammad Abbas Ahmad , Zakaria Zainul Akmar , Alam Muhd Nazrul Hisham Zainal , Yunus Mohd Azizi Che
Published: March 2021

This work was aimed to evaluate the adsorptive properties of activated carbons from coffee residue for phenol removal. The coffee residue was activated using H3PO4 and KOH, and the resultant activated carbons were characterized for surface area and functional groups. The values of surface area were recorded as 1,030 m2/g and 399 m2/g for H3PO4- and KOH-activated carbons, respectively. The maximum capacity for phenol removal is comparable for both activated carbons at 43 mg/g. The pores might be inaccessible due to electrostatic repulsion by surface functional groups and hydroxyl anions. The second stage in a two-stage adsorber design is necessary to accomplish the process with high performance and minimum dosage of activated carbon. Coffee residue is a promising activated carbon precursor for phenol removal.
Cost-effective method of benzene-containing wastewater treatment using floating electro-Fenton system
Authors: Qiao Hui , He Mingqi , Wang Qiushi , Han Shuaishuai , Zhao Haiqian , Wang Zhonghua
Published: March 2021

Traditional electro-Fenton systems must continuously supply oxygen to the cathode, which leads to extensive volatilisation of benzene in solutions. In this study, we adopted a floating cathode electro-Fenton system without bubbling oxygen into the solution to treat benzene-containing wastewater. The effects of the floating cathode position and main reaction parameters on benzene degradation were analysed, and the degradation cost was estimated. The results indicated that the electro-Fenton system with floating cathode could effectively degrade benzene in solutions. For the cathode, the complete utilisation of air and oxygen released from the anode was crucial. The benzene degradation rate increased with an increase in benzene concentrations. Additionally, pH mainly affected the existing ionic state of iron and production ratio of active substances. The current intensity significantly influenced the reaction activity. Using the floating cathode electro-Fenton method, the benzene removal ratio in the solution could reach 74.80% after 60 min under the optimum reaction conditions. For the floating cathode electro-Fenton system, the cost of treating benzene-containing sewage per cubic metre was $1.2187, which is significantly lower than that for traditional electro-Fenton technology ($1.4000). Hence, the floating cathode electro-Fenton system is an economical and efficient method for benzene degradation in solutions.
The Theology of Similarity in the Teaching of the Synod of Ancyra (358)
Authors: Wołyniec Włodzimierz
Published: March 2021

Recent research has addressed the problem of the orthodoxy of the teaching of the Synod of Ancyra, but has not dealt directly with the theology of similarity, which is not identical to the theology of the image, although it is close to it. The Synod focused on the similarity of the Son in God’s inner Trinitarian life, claiming that the Son is similar to the Father κατ’ οὐσίαν. It also mentioned the Son’s similarity to us. However, it did not take up the subject of the similarity between man and God or between man and man. The article shows the biblical basis of the synodal theology of similarity and its basic propositions. The difficult expression κατ’ οὐσίαν, defining the similarity of the Son to the Father, is the key to the understanding of the synodal theology. It means the similarity of a person to a person and the unity of persons on the level of substance.
Anatomia e histoquímica do caule de espécies conhecidas como quebra-pedra das famílias Euphorbiaceae e Phyllanthaceae
Authors: Luena de Oliveira da Conceição  , Elisa Mitsuko Aoyama  , Marcos Roberto Furlan  , Cynthia Hering-Rinnert
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo teve por objetivo fornecer informações estruturais e histoquímicas sobre o caule de espécies conhecidas popularmente como “quebrapedra”, encontradas no município de São Mateus (ES). As espécies analisadas foram Euphorbia prostrata Aiton., Euphorbia hyssopifolia L., Phyllanthus amarusSchumach. & Thonn e Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. Exemplares foram coletados no campus da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo e no bairro Sernamby. Paraas análises, realizaram-se seções transversais entre o 2.º e 5.º nós, para descrição do crescimento primário, e entre o 9.º e 10.º nós, para crescimento secundário.Efetuaram-se testes para detecção de amido, composição química de cristais, lipídios totais, látex, compostos fenólicos não estruturais e lignina. Quanto àsanálises anatômicas, apenas E. prostrata apresentou tricomas, os quais são do tipo tector. Somente nas espécies de Phyllanthus foram observados cristais. Asespécies de Euphorbia diferenciam-se pela presença de canais laticíferos. Os testes histoquímicos revelaram acúmulo de grãos de amido, deixando evidentes a bainha amilífera de P. amarus e compostos fenólicos apenas na epiderme de E. prostrata. Os estudos anatômicos e histoquímicos são de grande relevância para o conhecimento e a diferenciação das espécies conhecidas por quebra-pedra, podendo auxiliar na identificação de outras espécies com o mesmo nome popular.
Drugs Used in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis During COVID-19
Pandemic: A Critical Viewpoint
Authors: Alborghetti Marika , Bellucci Gianmarco , Gentile Antonietta , Calderoni Chiara , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Capra Ruggero , Salvetti Marco , Centonze Diego
Published: March 2021

:

Since COVID-19 has emerged as a word public health problem, attention has been focused on how immune suppressive drugs used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders influence the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here we discuss the disease-modifying agents approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) within this context. Interferon (IFN)-1a and -1b, which display antiviral activity, could be protective in the early stage of COVID-19 infection, although SARS-CoV-2 may have developed resistance to IFNs. However, in the hyper inflammation stage, IFNs may become detrimental by facilitating macrophage invasion in the lung and other organs. Glatiramer acetate and its analogues should not interfere with the development of COVID-19 and may be considered safe. Teriflunomide, a first-line oral drug used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) may display antiviral activity by depleting cellular nucleotides necessary for viral replication. The other first-line drug, dimethyl fumarate, may afford protection against SARS-CoV-2 by activating the Nrf-2 pathway and reinforcing the cellular defences against oxidative stress. Concern has been raised on the use of second-line treatments for MS during COVID-19 pandemic. However, this concern is not always justified. For example, fingolimod, might be highly beneficial during the hyperinflammatory stage of COVID-19 for a number of mechanisms including the reinforcement of the endothelial barrier. Caution is suggested for the use of natalizumab, cladribine, alemtuzumab, and ocrelizumab, although MS disease recurrence after discontinuation of these drugs may overcome a potential risk for COVID-19 infection.
Infection, Infectious Agents and Vascular Disease
Authors: Ielapi Nicola , Caprino Francesco , Malizia Biagio , Sisinni Antonio , Ssempijja Lwanga , Andreucci Michele , Licastro Noemi , Serra Raffaele
Published: March 2021

Background:

Infectious agents may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular disease
and related complications. The aim of this review is to analyze the most relevant information on
the common infections related to vascular disease, discussing the main pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods:

In the current review, the most important evidence on the issue of infections and vascular
disease is searched on Medline, Scopus, and ScienceDirect database.

Results:

Among infectious agents, herpesviruses, parvovirus B19, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency
virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, treponema pallidum, mycobacterium
tuberculosis, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, and candida albicans seem
to particularly related to vascular disease.

Conclusion:

Infectious agents may affect vessel’s homeostasis and functionality, both on the arterial
and venous side, by means of several pathophysiological mechanisms such as dysregulation in
vasomotor function, thromboembolic complications, initiation and progression of atherosclerosis,
alteration of perivascular adipose tissue, recruiting inflammatory cells and molecules.
The Effect of Additional Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) as Coating Fe3O4 for Magnetic Nanofluid Applications
Authors: Antarnusa Ganesha , Denny Yus Rama , Suherman Andri , Utami Indri Sari , Saefullah Asep
Published: March 2021

Background & Objective:

Magnetic nanofluid is a special class of nanofluid that exhibits
both magnetic and fluid properties. The main purpose of using magnetic nanofluid as a
heat transfer medium is the possibility of controlling the flow and the heat transfer process
through an external magnetic field. This research aims at identifying the effect of
adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles for magnetic
nanofluid applications.

Method:

The nanofluid was prepared by synthesizing Fe3O4 nanoparticles using the
chemical precipitation method and then dispersing them in distilled water using a sonicator.

Results:

The result of XRD is that nanoparticles had inverse spinel structures, and the
smallest crystallite size is found in the Fe3O4@PEG-6000 samples. FE-SEM and TEM
show that the addition of PEG can reduce the Fe3O4 agglomeration, and the smallest particle
size is found in the Fe3O4@PEG-6000 samples. The result of FT-IR shows that
there is a surface modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and PEG polymer. The result of
VSM shows the coercivity value is small; hence, the sample is a superparamagnetic material.
The addition of PEG increases the thermal conductivity of Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Conclusion:

The addition of PEG makes particle size smaller, reduce the agglomeration and increases the thermal conductivity, so that it is potential for magnetic nanofluid applications.
DILI Cases in Registries and Databases: An Analysis of Quality
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Danan Gaby
Published: March 2021

:

Data quality of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI) cases is insufficient in the
US LiverTox database due to the lack of a robust causality assessment method such as the Roussel
Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM), not allowing for appropriate use of included cases
by physicians. Despite some shortcomings, case quality is much better in national DILI registries using
the prospective RUCAM, with a few exemptions.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DURATION OF UNTREATED PSYCHOSIS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS USING MODIFIED SCORS (SCHIZOPHRENIA COGNITION RATING SCALE) IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS IN SAIFUL ANWAR GENERAL HOSPITAL
Authors:   Department Psychiatry Brawijaya University, Yudhantara Dearisa , Muliawati Laksmi ,   Internal Medicine Department Brawijaya University, Afif Zamroni ,   Neurology Department Brawijaya University
Published: March 2021

Mental health is a significant health problem in the world, including Indonesia. Lack of understanding and concern for the community, limitations and unequal distribution of mental health service provider also contribute to obstacles to increase public understanding and concern for mental health. This problem will give an impact on the difficulty of patients in accessing care and treatment. The emergence of the phenomenon of Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) or untreated psychosis in society contributes to the worsening of the disease course of schizophrenic patients. One of the main clinical manifestations seen in schizophrenic patients is a decline in cognitive function. SCoRS is present as an easy and effective instrument in quantitatively measuring cognitive function. In the study used a modified SCoRS instrument that was more adapted to Indonesian’s culture. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the duration of untreated psychosis and cognitive function using modified SCoRS, especially in schizophrenic patients at Saiful Anwar General Hospital. The research method used observational analytic with cross-sectional approach. Selection of research subjects based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then do the appropriate history taking and psychiatric examination. Correlation analysis using Spearman to determine the relationship of variable duration of psychosis without therapy and cognitive function assessed using SCoRS modification (p <0.05). The results prove that there is a significant relationship between the variable duration of therapy without therapy and cognitive function variables assessed using SCoRS modification with a weak correlation level (correlation coefficient 0.340).
THE PREVALENCE OF BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER WITH A TENDENCY TO ANOREXIA NERVOSA IN ADOLESCENTS
Authors:   Medical Faculty Brawijaya University, Wahyuni Diona
Published: March 2021

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are severe body image disorders that severely interfere with the daily functioning of the individual. They are separate but overlapping nosologically entities. There is a study on the tendency of wrong eating behaviour in adolescents with specifications for anorexia nervosa in Jakarta 11.6% and there is also a study at High School in Jakarta 88.5% of adolescents experience wrong eating behaviour with the specifications of anorexia nervosa. And the two largest epidemiological surveys regarding BDD, there were 2.5% women and 2.2% men. With a fairly high number of these two events, this has the potential to have a negative impact on someone’s health. This study aims to discuss the impact of anorexia nervosa. Methods: The researcher used several literature and scientific journals, which was based on 15 journals and literature, discussing a tendency to anorexia nervosa with the incidence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and its medical emergencies. Conclusion: There is a correlation of anorexia nervosa among teenager especially girl teenage
The impact of managerial and firm characteristics on barriers in export businesses
Authors:   Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Malacca, Malaysia, Kuppusamy Jayanty , Anantharaman R. N. ,   Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Malacca, Malaysia
Published: March 2021

The growth of export in many countries all over the world signifies it as the most important mode of internationalization. However, some exporters face difficulties in managing export due to the barriers they face. It is, therefore, important to identify the factors that might influence export barriers. The study attempts to identify the relationship between demographic factors and export barriers which has not been much researched. Demographic factors are represented by managerial or executives’ characteristics as well as firm characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted where a total of one thousand and four hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were sent to the exporters. The respondents include executives who were in charge of exporting. Two hundred and twelve responses were found to be usable which formed the basis for the analysis. The response rate was 14.9%. The export barriers include marketing barriers, financial barriers, government barriers, informational barriers, administrative barriers, production barriers, and external barriers. Correlation analysis was used to conduct the analysis and it is found that age of executives, age of firms, size of firms, and export experience of firms have a negative relationship with some of the export barriers. On the other hand, there was no relationship between the employee experience and export barriers. This finding contributes to the limited knowledge on the relationship between demographic characteristics with export barriers. Thus, it provides support for the resource-based view. From a practical perspective, it essential for business to accumulate knowledge, expertise and experience in order to reduce the export barriers.
ZEMİNLERİN KIVAM VE KOMPAKSİYON ÖZELLİKLERİNİN TAHMİNİNDE RASTGELE ORMAN REGRESYONU YÖNTEMİNİN UYGULANABİLİRLİĞİ
Authors: NURAY Said Enes , GENÇDAL Hazal Berrak , AKBAY ARAMA Zülal
Published: March 2021

Bu makalede, yüksek plastisiteli kil zeminlerin kıvam limitleri ve kompaksiyon karakteristikleri arasındaki ilişki basit regresyon ve karar ağaçları tabanlı Rastgele Orman regresyon (RO) yöntemlerinin karşılaştırmalı olarak analiz edilmesi yoluyla irdelenmiştir. Zeminlerin kompaksiyon parametrelerini oluşturan maksimum kuru birim hacim ağırlık ve optimum su muhtevası değerlerinin doğrudan belirlenmesinde kullanılan standart laboratuvar deneylerin zorluğu ve uzun numune hazırlama-bekleme süreçleri içermesi nedeni ile göreceli olarak daha pratik deneyler kullanılarak bu parametrelerin tahmin edilmesi günümüzde sıklıkla uygulanılan bir yöntemdir. Ayrıca, kıvam limiti deneylerinden likit limit, tüm geoteknik mühendisliği tasarımlarında uygulanan ve tatminkar sonuçlar veren bir deneydir. Bu çalışmada, yüksek plastisiteli kil zeminlere ait literatürde sunulan 387 adet kıvam limiti ve 59 kompaksiyon-kıvam limiti test çiftinin kullanılması ile oluşturulan bir veri tabanı kullanılarak iki aşamalı bir tahmin süreci yürütülmüştür. Birinci aşamada plastisite indisinin doğrudan likit limit değerinden, ikinci aşamada ise kompaksiyon parametrelerinin plastisite indisinden tahmin olasılığı araştırılmıştır. Aynı zamanda, laboratuvar deneylerinden elde edilen gerçek verilerin tutarsızlık durumları ve bu verilerin belirli bir eğilim izlememesi sebebi ile genel regresyon çalışmalarında oluşan doğruluk oranı düşüklüğüne dikkat çekilerek, bu doğruluk oranlarının Rastgele Orman regresyonu yöntemi ile nasıl yükseltilebileceği de incelenmektedir. Sonuçlarda, Rastgele Orman regresyonu yönteminin yüksek plastisiteli kil zeminlerin kıvam ve kompaksiyon özelliklerinin tahmininde başarılı olduğu ve kullanılabilir nitelikte sonuçlar sunduğu gösterilmektedir.
GÜRBÜZ YÜZ TANIMA İÇİN ÇOK-KİPLİ ÖZNİTELİK FÜZYONU
Authors: TOPAL Cihan , CIVIR Cevdet
Published: March 2021

Yüz tanıma çok sayıda uygulama alanı olan popüler bir bilgisayarla görü problemidir. Farklı ışık koşulları ve değişen yüz ifadeleri yüz tanıma problemini zorlaştıran etkenlerdir. Yüz tanıma işlemi için çeşitli yöntemlerle elde edilen öznitelikler yüze ait farklı karakteristik özellikleri yansıtır. Bu karakteristik özelliklerden faydalanılarak yüz tanıma işlemi gerçekleştirilir. Bu çalışmada, örüntü ve doku tanımada sıklıkla kullanılan Yerel İkili Örüntü ve Felzenszwalb Yönelimli Gradyan Histogram özniteliklerinin birleştirilmesi ile yüz tanıma problemine çok kipli bir çözüm sunulmuştur. Yüz imgesi bölgelere ayrılarak, her iki yöntem ile bölgelerden öznitelik vektörleri elde edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte elde edilen vektörlere öznitelik seçim yöntemleri uygulanarak hem vektör boyutu azaltılmış hem de başarım arttırılmıştır. Öznitelik seçimi sonucu her iki yöntem için seçilen öznitelik alt kümeleri birleştirilerek uzamsal ve spektral öznitelikleri içeren tek bir öznitelik vektörü haline getirilmiştir. Seçilen öznitelikler Ki-kare sınıflandırıcısı kullanılarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Önerilen yöntemin başarımı FERET veri setinde ölçülmüş, %89.45 yüz doğrulama ve %94.55 yüz tanıma başarımı elde edilmiştir.
ŞAŞIRTMALI MAHMUZLARIN ÜÇ BOYUTLU SAYISAL ANALİZİ
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Oğuz , GÜMÜŞ Veysel , ÖZLÜK Abdulkadir
Published: March 2021

Mahmuzlar, kıyıda katı madde hareketini engelleyerek, kıyıların mevcut durumunu korumak üzere inşa edilirler. Dalga hareketlerinin mevsimsel farklılık göstermesi, kıyıların değişimine neden olabilmektedir. Kıyıları korumak adına inşa edilen mahmuzlarla etkileşim halinde olan akımın hareketinin analiz edilmesi, kıyıların korunması açısından alınacak önemleri daha etkili kılacaktır. Bu çalışmada, farklı akım durumlarında deneysel olarak incelenen şaşırtmalı mahmuzların üç boyutlu sayısal modellemesi yapılmıştır. Sayısal modellemelerde, akımın hareketini tanımlayan, Navier Stokes ve süreklilik denklemleri, sonlu hacimler yöntemi kullanılarak çözülmüştür. Sayısal modellemelerde, türbülans viskozitesinin hesabında, Ayrılmış Girdap Simülasyon (Detached Eddy Simulation-DES) modeli ve su-hava arakesitinin belirlenmesinde ise akışkan hacimleri yöntemi kullanılmıştır. DES modeli kullanılarak elde edilen sayısal model sonuçları deneysel bulgularla karşılaştırılmış ve karşılaştırma sonucunda sayısal model sonuçlarının deneysel bulgularla oldukça uyumlu olduğu görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak, sayısal modelleme tekniklerinin şaşırtmalı mahmuz yapılarıyla etkileşimde bulunan akım problemlerinin çözümünde başarılı olduğu, farklı akım ve yapı koşullarında tekrar edilebilme imkânı sunmasından dolayı tercih edilebileceği belirlenmiştir.
Online interventions for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress among adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Noh Dabok , Kim Hyunlye
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

As the coronavirus 2019 disease pandemic has emerged as a threat to mental health, demand is increasing for online interventions that can replace face-to-face programs to prevent mental health problems. Adolescents not only have willingness to use an online mental health intervention, but also have generally positive perceptions of online intervention. However, there is still no general agreement regarding the effects of online interventions on adolescent mental health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of online interventions for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress among adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic search of studies was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used for assessing risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCT). We performed meta-analyses to synthesize effect sizes of the included studies, which were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 16 studies that reported sufficient numerical data were used for quantitative data synthesis. Regarding prevention level in the included interventions, universal prevention for general adolescents and selective prevention for vulnerable adolescents were conducted by 12 and seven studies, respectively. Among the interventions in this review, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and family-based interventions were most often used. In the result of a meta-analysis, online interventions have shown beneficial effect on reducing depression (SMD, -0.096; 95% CI. -0.175 to -0.017). Subgroup meta-analyses by preventive level found a significant effect of universal prevention on reducing depression (SMD, -0.102; 95% CI, -0.197 to -0.008) but no statistically significant effect of selective prevention on reducing depression (SMD, -0.082; 95% CI, -0.224 to 0.061). The effects of online interventions in reducing anxiety (SMD, -0.107; 95% CI, -0.231 to 0.018) and stress (SMD, -0.071; 95% CI, -0.157 to 0.016) among adolescents were not statistically significant in meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of meta-analyses showed that online interventions significantly reduced depression among adolescents, and especially that universal prevention interventions significantly reduced depression. However, there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of online interventions for reducing anxiety and stress among adolescents. We suggest further RCTs regarding effectiveness of online intervention for adolescent anxiety and stress.
Improving Phoneme to Viseme Mapping for Indonesian Language
Authors: Rachman Anung , Hidayat Risanuri , Nugroho Hanung Adi
Published: March 2021

The lip synchronization technology of animation can run automatically through the phoneme-to-viseme map. Since the complexity of facial muscles causes the shape of the mouth to vary greatly, phoneme-to-viseme mapping always has challenging problems. One of them is the allophone vowel problem. The resemblance makes many researchers clustering them into one class. This paper discusses the certainty of allophone vowels as a variable of the phoneme-to-viseme map. Vowel allophones pre-processing as a proposed method is carried out through formant frequency feature extraction methods and then compared by t-test to find out the significance of the difference. The results of pre-processing are then used to reference the initial data when building phoneme-to-viseme maps. This research was conducted on maps and allophones of the Indonesian language. Maps that have been built are then compared with other maps using the HMM method in the value of word correctness and accuracy. The results show that viseme mapping preceded by allophonic pre-processing makes map performance more accurate when compared to other maps.
Design of Web-Based Cashier and Spare Part Warehouse Application Display (Case Study at Surya Motor Shop)
Authors: Permana Putra Muhammad Esa , Adji Teguh Bharata , Permanasari Adhistya Erna
Published: March 2021

A cashier and spare parts warehouse application is an information system facilitating financial reporting and items inventory systems. This has become a necessity in almost all fields of large and small-scale businesses in every country. The information system that belongs to Surya Motor Shop does not have a display that can facilitate users in operating the company's financial and transaction systems in accordance with company needs. This information system uses Bootstrap with HTML, CSS, and Javascript programming languages. In this paper, an interactive display was developed, so as to be able to accommodate web users' responses, by developing a prototype using Bootstrap at the Surya Motor Shop. This was carried out to digitize the transaction system, making it easier to report the items inventory and financial reporting of the company. The prototype development was developed using the The Elements of User Experience method, a user-centered design process. After developing the prototype, a test was carried out to determine the quality of the user experience. The test employed the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) method. UEQ testing shown that the prototype interface developed had a positive level of user experience. Compared with the benchmarks set by UEQ, the test results were above the mean benchmark, except for the pull factor which was still below the benchmark average.