bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF MACHINE LEARNING METHODS IN CLASSIFYING POVERTY IN INDONESIA IN 2018
Authors: Sihombing Pardomuan Robinson , Arsani Ade Marsinta
Published: January 2021

Poverty is still one of the main problems in economic development besides inequality, unemployment, and economic growth. This study aims to model poverty directly using a discrete choice model, namely the machine learning classification method. The data used are imbalanced data where one of the categories is small enough so that the resample of both sampling method is used. In this study, several machine learning methods were applied, including the Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Rotation Forest. The results show that the technique of using resample both samplings provides optimal results for the four machine learning methods. If viewed from the indicators of accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, AUC, and the highest Kappa coefficient produced, the best method is the KNN method. The KNN model has an accuracy value of 0.73 percent, sensitivity of 0.68 percent, specificity of 78 percent, and AUC of 0.73.
Survei Pembelajaran Pendidikan Jasmani, Olahraga dan Kesehatan (PJOK) Materi Bola Voli Mini di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Sujarwo Sujarwo , Widayat Windi
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan pembelajaran bola voli mini di Sekolah Dasar dan metode pembelajaran yang digunakan. Pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani materi bola voli masih bervariasi, sehingga perlu penyesuaian terhadap kondisi anak dan filosofi permainan bola voli agar tujuan pembelajaran tercapai. Metode yang sesuai dengan pendekatan penelitian deskriptif yaitu dengan menggunakan metode survei lapangan.Penelitian ini menggunakan instrumen yang berupa angket yang diisi oleh guru pendidikan jasmani, dan tervalidasi dengan validitas content oleh tiga orang expert dalam bidang pendidikan jasmani. Subjek Penelitian berjumlah 30 orang guru pendidikan jasmani yang termasuk dalam kelompok kerja guru (KKG) di Kecamatan Sewon, Bantul. Teknik analisis data menggunakan teknik persentase berdasarkan jumlah guru yang melakukan metode pembelajaran yang dilakukan dibagi dengan jumlah guru total kemudian dikalikan 100%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: sejumlah 16 orang guru atau 53.3% menggunakan pendekatan teknik dalam pembelajaran bola voli mini, 9 orang guru atau 30% yang menggunakan pendekatan bermain, dan 5 orang guru menggunakan pendekatan TGFU dalam pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani materi bola voli mini di sekolah dasar. Model pembelajaran dengan pendekatan bermain, teknik/drill, maupun taktik (TGFU) memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing dan sangat bergantung dengan kondisi anak, kondisi penunjang pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani yang dimiliki sekolah, juga kondisi pengetahuan termasuk pemahaman guru tentang filosofi dalam materi pembelajaran yang akan disampaikan. Kombinasi antara ketiganya sangat baik dengan modifikasi penyampaian yang menarik.
Hubungan Asupan Zat Besi, Kadar Hb dan Kebugaran Jasmani Remaja Vegetarian di Pusdiklat Buddhis Maitreyawira
Authors: Sitoayu Laras , Yuslaili Nur , Kuswari Mury
Published: January 2021

Orang yang hanya mengonsumsi produk yang berasal dari tumbuhan (nabati) dengan atau tanpa susu dan telur, namun secara keseluruhan menghindari konsumsi daging, unggas dan hewan laut disebut vegetarian. Menurut penelitian, 3% anak dengan rentang usia 8-18 tahun menjadi vegetarian dan 1% nya menjadi vegan.  Hasil penelitian terkait kebugaran di Indonesia menunjukkan kondisi kebugaran remaja sebesar 43.90% masuk dalam kategori kurang. Faktor yang menyebabkan kurangnya kebugaran pada remaja antara lain asupan zat besi dan kadar Hb. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui korelasi asupan zat besi dan kadar Hb dengan kebugaran jasmani remaja vegetarian usia 16-19 tahun di Pusdiklat Buddhis Maitreyawira. Desain penelitian ini cross sectional study, cara pengambilan sampel dengan total random sampling dan menggunakan uji spearman rank. Hasil dari uji statistik didapatkan ada hubungan antara asupan zat besi (p = 0.002) dan kadar Hb (p = 0.014) dan kebugaran jasmani pada remaja vegetarian usia 16-19 tahun di Pusdiklat Buddhis Maitreyawira. Meskipun menjadi remaja vegetarian, namun tetap harus memperhatikan asupan zat besi dan kadar Hb di dalam tubuh agar tetap bugar. Konsumsi asupan zat besi minimal 15 mg untuk remaja laki-laki dan 26 mg untuk remaja perempuan.
Epidemiology of Bovine Mastitis in Selected Major Milk Shade Districts of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Behailu
Published: January 2021

The data for the study on the epidemiology of bovine mastitis were collected fromNovember 2015 to February 2016 to investigate the prevalence of mastitis in administrative towns of three selected districts of Arsi zone, Oromia Regional State, namely Iteya, Sagure, and Asella, Ethiopia; and to analyze the association between the risk factors and mastitis occurrence. Sample cows were selected and examined for clinical mastitis and at the same time, milk samples were evaluated both clinically and using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Some parameters of the cows which have biological relation with this disease together with other potential risk factors were collected along with primary data collection. The analysis of the primary data showed that overall mastitis prevalence in the locations covered by the study was 28.6% of which 83.3% was subclinical, while 16.7% were clinical mastitis cases. Analysis related to the investigation of the existence of an association between risk factors and mastitis revealed that there was a significant association between the occurrence of mastitis and two of the risk factors evaluated, breed and age of the cow. The other risk factors investigated (i.e. parity, location, and lactation stage had no significant association with mastitis occurrence). Since mastitis is a complex disease that results from the interaction of different factors, it may be difficult to limit it to only some given factors. Environment and management factors and their combination may also have an additional impact on the epidemiology of the disease. A prevalence with the indicated magnitude together with the added effect of a lower level of awareness of the society about milk-associated zoonoses implies that this disease causes significant public health problems. In addition, mastitis may cause silent economic loss through unnoticed production loss along with reduced milk yield from subclinical and clinical (e.g. blind teats) cases. Due to a lack of awareness about mastitis and/or negligence, farmers in all corners of the country are suffering from economic and public health problems imposed by mastitis. This lack of awareness about mastitis-associated problems and/or negligence could be a possible reason for the use of raw milk which is a common scenario particularly in pastoral areas and the selling of adulterated milk which is becoming increasingly practiced in Ethiopia which is also true in these specific localities.
Investigating the Gap between Research and Practice in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Bracken Jennifer , Bentley Zachary , Meye James , Miller Erik , Kathryn W. Jablokow , Timothy Simpson , Nicholas Meisel
Published: January 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) provides opportunities to design objects differently than traditional manufacturing methods allow, but only if designers understand the possibilities AM presents. In this study, we examined whether an AM workshop combined with an idea generation session could inspire engineering professionals to use AM solutions to solve current technical problems they face. All subjects were employees at an organization that will be referred to as Company X, a multinational commercial organization based in North America. During the study, we collected ideas for 24 projects generated before and after a training workshop focused on design for AM. In the workshop, we provided three hours of instruction about design for two metal-based AM processes. The participants’ ideas were assessed using four specific metrics: (1) cost, (2) time,(3) completeness of solution, and (4) quality, which was a function of feasibility, usefulness, and novelty. Using these data, we explored whether the workshop was effective in inspiring the participants to use AM methods and techniques from AM research in their concept generation and whether participants’ AM solutions showed improvement in cost, implementation time, and quality over non-AM designs generated before the workshop.
Improved Method for Approximating the Hazard Rate for Convolution Poisson Random Variables
Authors: Volodin Andrei , AL MUTAIRI ALYA
Published: January 2021

In this study, we investigate the performance of the saddlepoint approximation of the probability mass function and the cumulative distribution function for the weighted sum of independent Poisson random variables. The goal is to approximate the hazard rate function for this complicated model. The better performance of this method is shown by numerical simulations and comparison with a performance of other approximation methods.
Skin Involvement in Paediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Passanisi Stefano , Salzano Giuseppina , Lombardo Fortunato
Published: January 2021

Skin involvement is an overlooked aspect in the management of paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. A comprehensive search of published literature using the PubMed database was carried out using the following key terms: “children”, “pediatric/paediatric patients”, “skin”, “skin disorders”, “type 1 diabetes”. Dermatological side effects are frequently observed among diabetic children and adolescents. Insulin-induced lipodystrophies and allergic contact dermatitis caused by insulin pumps or glycaemic sensors are the most common skin reactions in these patients. Furthermore, several diabetes-associated skin diseases such as necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, vitiligo, and bullosis diabeticorum may already be present in paediatric age. Paediatric diabetes specialists should pay attention to their patients’ skin so as to recognize these disorders, identify the potential causes, and choose the most suitable treatment. Finally, the evaluation of skin concentrations of advanced glycation end-products using non-invasive diagnostic techniques may be used to assess the risk of chronic complications of diabetes as early as adolescence.
New prognostic protein markers for intrauterine infections in preterm birth
Authors:   Novokuznetsk State Medical Institute of Postgraduate Education, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation, Renge L.V. , Grigoryeva E.Yu. ,   Novokuznetsk State Medical Institute of Postgraduate Education, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation, Zorina V.N. ,   Institute of Toxicology, Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Vlasenko A.E. ,   Novokuznetsk State Medical Institute of Postgraduate Education, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation
Published: January 2021

Objective. To identify prognostic markers of intrauterine infection (IUI) of the fetus and newborn in maternal serum, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord serum in case of preterm birth. Patients and methods. We examined 93 pregnant women who had preterm birth (PB) from 24 to 33 weeks of gestation. Thirtyfive women delivered babies without any signs of IUI, while 30 women had newborns with mild IUI (conjunctivitis, lymphadenitis, pyoderma) and 28 women had newborns with severe IUI (early neonatal sepsis, advanced herpesvirus infection, chlamydiosis, candidiasis, pneumonia, and meningitis). We measured the levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin (α2-MG) in maternal serum (MS), umbilical cord serum (UCS) using rocket immunoelectrophoresis and in amniotic fluid (AF) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The level of lactoferrin (LF) was assessed using ELISA. MS and UCS levels of albumin (ALB) were measured using biochemical methods, while AF level ALB was evaluated using rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression. Results. We found no association between the concentration of LF in all biological fluids and the condition of newborns. Levels of ALB in MS and UCS also demonstrated no correlation with the condition of newborns. AF ALB in women who delivered babies with IUI (any grade of severity) was significantly higher than that in women who delivered babies without IUI. Women who delivered babies with severe IUI demonstrated the lowest concentration of α2-MG in their serum, whereas women who delivered babies with mild IUI had the highest α2-MG concentration. The AF α2-MG level was 10 to 20 times higher in women who had babies with IUI (any grade of severity) compared to those who had babies without IUI. Conclusion. Low α2-MG level in MS (<2.2 g/L) along with elevated α2-MG level in AF (≥6.0 mg/L) in 86–89% of PB cases indicated generalized fetal IUI and required urgent delivery without prolongation of pregnancy. Key words: albumin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, intrauterine infection, lactoferrin. premature birth
Prediction of placental pathology during the second trimester of pregnancy using a new risk assessment scale and fetal cardiotocography
Authors:   Kazan State Medical Academy, Kazan, Russian Federation, Zamaleeva R.S. , Cherepanova N.A. ,   Volzhsk Central Hospital, Volzhsk, Russian Federation, Frizina A.V. ,   Volzhsk Central Hospital, Volzhsk, Russian Federation, Yupatov E.Yu. ,   Kazan State Medical Academy, Kazan, Russian Federation, Frizin D.V. ,   Volzhsk Central Hospital, Volzhsk, Russian Federation
Published: January 2021

Objective. Рreclinical prognosis of placental pathology (PP) during the second trimester of pregnancy using a new risk assessment scale and fetal cardiotocography (CTG). Patients and methods. This retrospective study included 264 patients who had undergone risk assessment during the first trimester of pregnancy using the conventional scale followed by reassessment on weeks 12–15 using the new scale. There were 102 women with PP and 162 women with normal pregnancy and delivery. We also performed prospective analysis of CTG results obtained during the second trimester. Results. The calculation of the risk for perinatal complications during the first trimester using the conventional scale demonstrated that 31% of women had PP. After recalculating the risks in the beginning of the second trimester, we found that 90% of women had PP; there was a threefold increase in the accuracy of prognosis. Women with pathological variants of CTG and risk of PP were 1.34 times more likely to have delayed fetal growth, 1.8 times more likely to develop preeclampsia, 2.6 times more likely to have preterm birth, 1.2 times more likely to have gestational hypertension, and 1.75 times more likely to have neonatal morbidity compared to women at risk of PP, but with normal CTG variants during the second trimester. Conclusion. Combination of the new risk assessment scale and CTG during the second trimester helps to identify women at risk of gestational pathology and to find and optimal tactics of their management. Key words: CTG, placental pathology, placental insufficiency, risk scale
Evaluasi Kinerja Guru Non PNS di SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan
Authors: Sabatini Wahyu , Wasitohadi Wasitohadi , Dwikurnaningsih Yari
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi kinerja guru non-PNS di SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian evaluatif dengan menggunakan model Penilaian Kinerja Guru (PKG) yang menilai kompetensi pedagogik, kepribadian, sosial dan profesional guru. Subyek penelitian ini adalah 7 guru non-PNS di SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, observasi dan studi dokumen. Data penelitian dianalisis secara deskriptif kualitatif kuantitatif.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Kompetensi pedagogik guru non-PNS SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan memperoleh skor rata-rata 79,88 dalam kategori baik; (2) Kompetensi kepribadian guru non-PNS SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan memperoleh skor rata-rata 84,48 dalam kategori baik; (3) kompetensi sosial guru non-PNS SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan memperoleh skor rata-rata 73,21 dalam kategori cukup baik; (4) Kompetensi sosial guru non-PNS SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan memperoleh skor rata-rata 72,44 dalam kategori cukup baik. Hasil PKG secara keseluruhan memperoleh rata-rata 78,19 yang menyatakan bahwa kompetensi guru non-PNS SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan dalam kategori yang baik.  

Kata Kunci : Evaluasi, Kinerja Guru, Model PKG, SMK Negeri 1 Pabelan
Efektivitas Media Pembelajaran Geogebra dalam Meningkatkan Pemahaman Konsep Geometri Calon Guru Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Latri Latri , Juhari Agusalim , Hermuttaqien Bhakti Prima Findiga , Hartoto Hartoto
Published: January 2021

Tujuan yang akan dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji sejauh mana tingkat efektivitas pemanfaatan media pembelajaran GeoGebra dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep geometri mahasiswa calon guru Sekolah Dasar. Model belajar yang yang digunakan adalah model belajar dalam jaringan (daring) guna mencegah penyebaran Covid 19. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar observasi aktivitas siswa, lembar angket respon siswa, dan tes hasil belajar dalam bentuk online-form. Data aktivitas siswa dan respons siswa dianalisis menggunakan persentase sedangkan data hasil belajar siswa dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis inferensial. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) Rata-rata skor hasil belajar (posttest) mencapai 83,80 dari skor ideal 100 dengan standar deviasi 5,87. Peningkatan hasil belajar berada pada kategori minimal sedang dengan rata-rata mencapai 0,66 dari skor ideal 1, (2) Rata-rata persentase aktivitas mahasiswa calon guru SD berada diatas 80% yakni sebesar 85,45% menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa terlibat aktif selama proses pembelajaran geometri dengan menggunakan Media Pembelajaran GeoGebra, (3) Respons mahasiswa berada pada kategori cenderung positif dengan skor rata-rata siswa mencapai 3,47 dari skor ideal  4, dan (4) Media Pembelajaran GeoGebra efektif dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep Geometri Calon Guru SD.
Soluble P-tau217 reflects amyloid and tau pathology and mediates the association of amyloid with tau
Authors: Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Janelidze Shorena , Bateman Randall , Smith Ruben , Stomrud Erik , Serrano Geidy , Reiman Eric , Palmqvist Sebastian , Dage Jeffrey , Beach Thomas , Hansson Oskar
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Plasma levels of phospho-tau217 (P-tau217) accurately differentiate Alzheimer’s disease dementia from other dementias, but it is unclear to what degree this reflects β-amyloid plaque accumulation, tau tangle accumulation, or both. In a cohort with post-mortem neuropathological data (N=88), both plaque and tangle density contributed independently to higher P-tau217. Several findings were replicated in a cohort with PET imaging (“BioFINDER-2”, N=426), where β-amyloid and tau PET were independently associated to P-tau217. P-tau217 correlated with β-amyloid PET (but not tau PET) in early disease stages, and with both β-amyloid and (more strongly) tau PET in late disease stages. Finally, P-tau217 mediated the association between β-amyloid and tau in both cohorts, especially for tau outside of the medial temporal lobe. These findings support the hypothesis that plasma P-tau217 is increased by both β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles and is congruent with the hypothesis that P-tau is involved in β-amyloid-dependent formation of neocortical tau tangles.
Colo-pancreaticoduodenectomy for Locally Advanced Colon Carcinoma- feasibility in patients manifesting as Acute Abdomen
Authors: Chen Joe-Bin , Luo Shao-Ciao , Chen Chou-Chen , Wu Cheng chung , Yen Yun , Chang Chuan-Hsun , Chen Yun-An , P’eng Fang-Ku
Published: January 2021

BackgroundFor locally advanced colon carcinoma that invades duodenum and/or pancreatic head is en-bloc right hemicolectomy plus pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This procedure may be also named as colo-pancreaticoduodenectomy (cPD). Patients with such carcinoma may abdomen. Emergent PD often leads to high postoperative morbidity and mortality. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of emergent cPD, for patients with advanced colon carcinoma, manifest acute abdomen condition.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed of 4,793 patients of colorectal cancer, receiving curative colectomy, during the period from 1993 and 2017. Among them, 30 had locally advanced right colon cancer and had received cPD. Among them, surgery of 11 patients was performed in emergent conditions (bowel obstruction 6, perforation 3, tumor bleeding 2). Selection criteria for emergent cPD were the following: (1) age £60 years, (2) body mass index <35 kg/m2, (3) no poorly-controlled comorbidities, and (4) perforation time ≤6 hours. Three patients did not meet the above criteria received non-emergent cPD after a life-saving diverting ileostomy, followed by cPD, performed three months later. We analyzed these patients in terms of their clinicopathological characteristics, the early and long-term postoperative outcomes, and compared findings between emergent cPD group (e-group, n=11) and non-emergent cPD group (non-e group, n=19). After cPD, staged pancreaticojejunostomy was performed in all e-group, and on 15 of 19 patients in the non-e group. ResultsThe non-e group was older, and had a higher incidence of associated comorbidities, while other clinicopathological characteristics were, similar between the two groups. None of the patients in the two groups succumbed from cPD. Postoperative complication rate was 63.6% in the e-group, and 42.1% in the non-e group (p=0.449). The 5-year overall survival rate was 15.9% in the e-group, and 52.6% in the non-e-group (p=0.192).ConclusionsEmergent cPD is feasible in highly selected patients if performed by experienced surgeons. The early and long-term positive outcomes of emergent cPD are similar to those after non-emergent cPD in patients with acute abdominal conditions.
Health-related quality of life among cervical cancer survivors at a tertiary hospital in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Antwi Kwabena Amo , Agambire Ramatu , Konney Thomas Opkoti , Nartey Yvonne , Kubi Adu-Appiah , Nguah Samuel Blay , Dassah Edward T. , Akakpo Patrick K. , Opoku Baafour K. , Ankobea Frank , Tawia Augustine , Nti Maxwell K. , Djokoto Rex Mawuli , Peprah Amponsah , Ansah Mavis Bobie , Johnston Carolyn
Published: January 2021

Background: Cervical cancer survivors often experience significant diminution in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the overall HRQoL, determine the role of the stage of disease and type of treatment received on HRQoL, and evaluate predictors of HROoL among cervical cancer survivors in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 153 cervical cancer patients who completed curative treatment between January 2004 and December 2018 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C-30) supplemented with the cervical cancer-specific (EORTC QLQ-CX24) module was used. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine the effect of the stage of cervical cancer and the type of treatment received on mean scores of the different domains of HRQoL. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of HRQoL. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean global health score (GHS) was 79.7 (+/-16.2), and it differed significantly with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, with 84.1 76.2, and 79.9, for stages I, II and III respectively (p=0.012). Financial burden was higher in participants with FIGO stage II compared to stage I disease (45.4 vs 20.8, p=0.012.). The mean GHS scores for surgery, chemoradiation and radiation only were 85.2, 75.9, and 82.1 respectively (p=0.027). Compared to participants who were treated with Chemoradiation, those treated with surgery had lower financial difficulties (12.1 vs 41.6 , p=0.019), better body image (95.7vs 79.5, p =0.039) and better symptom experience (5.9 vs 12.0, p =0.043).The likelihood that survivors’ GHS is affected is decreased with illiteracy (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI=0.09–1.00), and increased with complaints of pain (AOR=5.50, 95%CI=1.68-18.29), loss of appetite (AOR=13.24, 95% CI=2.71– 64.67) and diminution in body image perception (AOR = 6.04, 95% CI=1.67–21.83). Conclusion: Cervical cancer survivors in Kumasi, Ghana have overall satisfactory HRQoL. Surgical treatment is associated with improved HRQoL and less financial burden. Efforts to enhance HRQoL should also be focused on maximizing survivors’ body image and managing pain and loss of appetite. Educating women about expected impacts on their quality of life, and strategies to manage and mitigate these impacts, is essential.
Deploying unsupervised clustering analysis to derive clinical phenotypes and risk factors associated with mortality risk in 2,022 critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Alejandro , Botella Manuel Ruiz , Matín-Loeches Ignacio , Herrera María Jiménez , Solé-Violan Jordi , Gómez Josep , Bodí María , Trefler Sandra , Papiol Elisabeth , Díaz Emili , Suberviola Borja , Vallverdú Montserrat , Mayor-Vázquez Eric , Moreno Antonio Albaya , Berlanga Alfonso Canabal , Sánchez Miguel , Ortíz María del Valle , Ballesteros Juan Carlos , Iglesias Lorena Martín , Marín-Corral Judith , Ramos Esther López , Valverde Virgina Hidalgo , Tello Loreto Vidaur , Chinesta Susana Sancho , de Molina Francisco Javier González , García Sandra Herrero , Perez Carmen Carolina Sena , Laderas Juan Carlos Pozo , García Raquel Rodríguez , Estella Angel , Ferrer Ricard
Published: January 2021

Background: The identification of factors associated with Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality and derived clinical phenotypes in COVID-19 patients could help for a more tailored approach to clinical decision-making that improves prognostic outcomes. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, observational study of critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease and acute respiratory failure admitted from 63 Intensive Care Units(ICU) in Spain. The objective was to utilize an unsupervised clustering analysis to derive clinical COVID-19 phenotypes and to analyze patient’s factors associated with mortality risk. Patient features including demographics and clinical data at ICU admission were analyzed. Generalized linear models were used to determine ICU morality risk factors. The prognostic models were validated and their performance was measured using accuracy test, sensitivity, specificity and ROC curves. Results: The database included a total of 2,022 patients (mean age 64[IQR5-71] years, 1423(70.4%) male, median APACHE II score (13[IQR10-17]) and SOFA score (5[IQR3-7]) points. The ICU mortality rate was 32.6%. Of the 3 derived phenotypes, the A(mild) phenotype (537;26.7%) included older age (<65 years), fewer abnormal laboratory values and less development of complications, B (moderate) phenotype (623,30.8%) had similar characteristics of A phenotype but were more likely to present shock. The C(severe) phenotype was the most common (857;42.5%) and was characterized by the interplay of older age (>65 years), high severity of illness and a higher likelihood of development shock. Crude ICU mortality was 20.3%, 25% and 45.4% for A, B and C phenotype respectively. The ICU mortality risk factors and model performance differed between whole population and phenotype classifications.Conclusion: The presented machine learning model identified three clinical phenotypes that significantly correlated with host-response patterns and ICU mortality. Different risk factors across the whole population and clinical phenotypes were observed which may limit the application of a “one-size-fits-all” model in practice.
Chemical Hybridization of Sulfasalazine and Dihydroartemisinin Promotes Brain Tumor Cell Death 
Authors: Ackermann Annemarie , Çapcı Aysun , Buchfelder Michael , Tsogoeva Svetlana , Savaskan Nicolai
Published: January 2021

Gliomas are primary brain tumors with still poor prognosis for the patients despite a combination of cytoreduction via surgery followed by a radio-chemotherapy. One strategy to find effective treatment is to combine two different compounds to add or at best potentiate their impact on malignant cells. Here, we report on the effects of a newly synthesized covalently bound hybrid of sulfasalazine (SAS) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) called AC254. In previous studies both SAS and DHA have already proved to have anti-tumor properties themselves and to have sensitizing respectively potentiating effects on other treatments against malignant tumors. We investigated the impact of sole SAS and DHA, their 1:1 combination and as a chemical linked hybrid (AC254) on rodent and human glioma cells. In our study SAS showed no or only a mild effect on glioma whereas DHA led to a significant reduction of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Next we compared the efficacy of the hybrid AC254 to the combinational treatment of its parent compounds SAS and DHA. The hybrid was highly efficient in combating glioma cells compared to single treatment strategies regarding cell viability and cell death. Interestingly, AC254 showed a remarkable advantage over the combinatorial treatment of both parent substances in most used concentrations. In addition to its reduction in cell viability and induction of cell death the hybrid AC254 displayed changes in cell cycle and reduction of cell migration. Taken together, these results demonstrate that clinically established compounds as SAS and DHA can be potentiated in their anti-cancer effects by chemical hybridization. Thus, this concept provides the opportunity to provide new chemotherapeutic drugs.
The Influence of an All-Female Healthcare Environment on Mentorship and Empowerment of Female Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Munabi Naikhoba , Auslander Allyn , Xepoleas Meredith D. , Bunker Libby D. , Vangsness Kella L. , Koualla Sara , Magee Kathy S. , Magee William P. , Yao Caroline A.
Published: January 2021

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce help address the need. Women in healthcare historically need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team influences mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home. Conclusion: Our results found that this population of female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs overwhelmingly desired more mentorship than is felt to be available. An all-female healthcare environment appears to provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.
Paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus are essential for arousal promotion and maintenance
Authors: Huang Zhi-Li , Chen Chang-Rui , Zhong Yu-Heng , Jiang Shan , Xu Wei , Wang Zan , Xiao Lei , Qu Wei-Min
Published: January 2021

Adequate wakefulness is fundamental for proper daytime functioning. Clinical observations indicate that the paramedian region of the hypothalamus is a critical node for controlling wakefulness. However, the specific nucleus and neural circuitry for this function remain unknown. Here, we found that inhibition of PVHvglut2 neurons induced 3-h increase of NREM sleep. Chemogenetic activation of PVHvglut2 neurons potently induced 9-h wakefulness, and PVHCRH neuronal activation also exerted wakefulness. Photostimulation of PVHvglut2→parabrachial complex/ventral lateral septum circuits immediately drove transitions from NREM to wakefulness. Furthermore, using in vivo fiber photometry or multichannel electrophysiological recordings in mice, we find arousal-dependent increases in population activity of PVHvglut2 neurons. Most importantly, ablation of PVHvglut2 neurons dramatically led mice to hypersomnia-like behaviors. These results demonstrate that PVHvglut2 neurons are essential for physiologic arousal in the hypothalamus.
Determinants of the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Guinea: Evidence from 2018 Guinean Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Soumah Anne Marie , Baldé Mamadou Diouldé , Tassembedo Mahamadi , OUEDRAOGO Ousmane , Garanet Franck , Ouédraogo Adja Mariam , Yara Aminata , Koulibaly Mamady , Camara Ibrahima , Kouanda Seni
Published: January 2021

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is recognized as one of the key interventions with proven effectiveness in reducing child morbidity and mortality and malnutrition. However, with the current trend in breastfeeding rates in Guinea, the World Health Assembly target of at least 50% by 2025 is likely to be compromised.The objective of this study was to identify the individual and contextual determinants of the practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Guinea.Method: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2018 Guinea Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The study population consisted of women who gave birth between the ages of 15 and 49. Our sample consisted of women who had their last birth six (06) months prior to collection. The enumeration areas were our second level. A multilevel logistic regression was performed using Stata version 15.1 software. Three statistical models were implemented: The final model was obtained using the bottom-up step-by-step method. The intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated.Results: On the 851 women included in our study, 33% reported having exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months of life of their children. After a multivariate analysis, the variables associated with exclusive breastfeeding are : children aged 2-3 months (OR = 0.53 CI95% = [0.36-0.79]) and children aged 4-5 months (OR = 0.23 IC95% = [0.14-0.36] and p= 0.0000), women in the Faranah area (OR = 2.69 IC95% = [1.21-5.94] and p= 0. 014) and those in Mamou (OR = 2.27 IC95% = [1.00-5.94] and p= 0.049), women who gave birth in a health facility (OR = 1.94 IC95% = [1.34-2.80] and p= 0.0000) and women living in polygamous households (OR = 0.68 IC95% = [0.48-0.98] and p= 0.042).Conclusion: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding remains low in Guinea. For the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the improvement of exclusive breastfeeding practices, the individual and contextual determinants identified in this study should be taken into consideration in policies and programmes.
Treatment and Outcomes in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Exploration in Three UK Centres That Provide Different Advice on Low Iodine Diets
Authors: England Clare , Ingarfield-Herbert Kate , Beasley Matthew , Moss Laura , Vinjamuri Sobhan , Haupt-Schott Ingrid , McKane Gail , Hunt Linda , Herbert Georgia , Leary Sam , Ness Andy , Atkinson Charlotte
Published: January 2021

Background International guidelines on the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers promote low iodine diets (LID) before radioiodine remnant ablation. Evidence that the LID ultimately improves treatment success is inconsistent. This study aimed to determine if there is a difference in ablation success rates according to provision of advice to follow a LID.Methods Retrospective study of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine remnant ablation between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2016 in 3 centres advising: no LID (C1: n=108); LID for 1-week before (C2: n=50); LID for 2-weeks before and 48 hours (C3: n=59) after RRA. Response to treatment was determined by adapted American Thyroid Association Dynamic Risk Stratification Score, stratified as excellent, indeterminate, or incomplete response.Results In total, 217 patients were included in the analysis. We found differences in preparation for radioiodine remnant ablation and in the assessment of outcomes between centres. Furthermore, although there was little difference in staging between centres there was a difference in the percentage of patients receiving 1.1GBq vs higher administered activities (15% in C1, 22% in C2 and 44% in C3, p<0.001). An excellent response was recorded for 49% in C1, 48% in C2 and 36% in C3 (p=0.61). With C1 as reference group, the odds ratios (OR) for an excellent response were C2 OR: 0.96 (95% CI 0.46,2.00) and C3 OR: 0.62 (95% CI 0.29,1.30), p=0.40.Conclusions We found no evidence that advice to follow a low iodine diet for 1 or 2 weeks before radioiodine remnant ablation impacts on ablation success but differences between centres means the results should be regarded as exploratory. There is no immediate need to change practice regarding the LID, but a prospective multi-centre study with a more homogenous approach to patient management or a randomised controlled trial will provide more definitive recommendations.
Barriers and Facilitators to Antiretroviral Therapy in Northern Tanzania in the Era of Test and Treat
Authors: Mudasiru Omobola , Hemono Rebecca , Mnyippembe Agatha , Hassan Kassim , Njau Prosper , McCoy Sandra
Published: January 2021

Background Tanzania adopted WHO’s universal test and treat policy in 2016, recommending antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, many individuals continue to confront challenges initiating or continuing ART. The study aims to understand how barriers and facilitators to ART have evolved since Test and Treat policy in Tanzania.Between March and June 2018, 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among PLHIV who were out of care, including PLHIV who never initiated ART and PLHIV who were formerly in care and discontinued ART. Participants were 18-years-old or older, identified from clinic databases at three health facilities and through home-based care providers. Data were coded and interpreted using content analysis and the socio-ecological framework.Results Low HIV literacy, poor quality of health messaging and comprehension, stigma, structural factors, and poverty were identified as main barriers to care. HIV literacy appeared higher among those formerly in care and some misconceptions about ART differed whether or not participants had previously initiated treatment. Participants expressed desire for more information about their health and treatment, including more engagement with their healthcare providers. Conclusions Our results are consistent with the barriers and facilitators to care reported prior to the implementation of the Test and Treat policy. Despite universal access to care, limited progress has been made in addressing the underlying challenges that PLHIV confront in initiating and continuing ART. Efforts such as increase in HIV literacy, improve health messaging, and strengthen healthcare provider-to-patient communication will facilitate access to care. The policy implication of these findings is that the landscape for barriers to ART has not changed drastically, efforts towards engagement to care need to be further refined and tailored to facilitate access to care.
Survival Analysis in The Presence of a Cure Fraction Using Data of Dialysis Patients: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Rafati Shideh , Baneshi Mohammad Reza , Hassani Laleh , Bahrampour Abbas
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the goodness of fit of Bayesian mixture and non-mixture cure models to find the factors affecting dialysis patient’s survival time where a significant proportion of the population has a long-term survival.Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: The data of 252 dialysis patients were used among whom 35 cases died. Since in this study a part of the population had long-term survival, Bayesian cure models were used and evaluated using DIC index. The data were analyzed by R and Openbugs Softwares. Results: Of the 252 dialysis patients, 136(54%) were males and the mean (SD) age was 53.39 (18.09) years. The patient’s follow-up time mean (SD) was 10.93(7.82) years. The 10 and 20-year survival rate of these patients were 87% and 73%, respectively. The findings show that the best fitting belonged to the Bayesian Non-mixture Cure Model (BNCM) with Dagum distribution. The variables of age, Body Mass Index, dialysis duration, frequency of dialysis, age of onset of dialysis, and occupation affected patients' survival based on BNCM with Dagum distribution.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the BNCM with Dagum distribution can be a good selection model to analyze survival data, where there is the possibility of a fraction of cure.
Exposure to Air Pollution and Renal Function - An Underestimated Threat?
Authors: Kuźma Łukasz , Małyszko Jolanta , Gajewska Hanna Bachórzewska- , Dobrzycki Sławomir
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Air pollution contributes to the premature death of approximately 428,000 citizens of Europe every year. The adverse effects of air pollution can be observed not only in respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems but also in renal function.Aim: Our goal was to investigate the hypothesis indicating that we can observe the long-term and also short-term impact of air pollution on kidney function.Methods: We reviewed medical notes of patients hospitalized at Medical University of Bialystok, Poland between 2007-2016. We used linear, log-linear, and logistic regression models to assess the association between renal function and NO2, SO2, and PMs. Results are reported as beta (β) coefficients and odds ratios (OR) for an increase in interquartile range (IQR) concentration with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: 3,554 patients were included into the final analysis. The median age was 66 (IQR 15) and men were in the majority (53.2%, N=1891). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was diagnosed in 21.5% (N=764). The long-term increase in annual average concertation of PM2.5 (OR for IQR increase=1.07; 95% CI 1.01 – 1.15, P=0.037) and NO2 (OR for IQR increase=1.05;95% CI 1.01 – 1.10, P=0.047) resulted in an increased number of patients with CKD. In short-term observation the IQR increase in weekly PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 2% reduction in eGFR (OR=0.98, 95%CI 0.97 – 0.99, P=0.03)Conclusions: The effects of air pollution on renal function were observed. Long- and short–term exposure to elevated air pollution levels was associated with a decrease in eGFR. The main pollutant affecting the kidneys was PM2.5.
Generation of Two Multipotent Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Lines Capable of Osteogenic, Mature Osteocyte, Adipogenic, and Chondrogenic Differentiation
Authors: Prideaux Matthew , Wright Christian , Noonan Megan , Yi Xin , Clinkenbeard Erica , Mevel Elsa , Wheeler Jonathan , Wijenayaka Asiri , Gronthos Stan , Sankar Uma , Byers Sharon , White Kenneth , Atkins Gerald , Thompson William
Published: January 2021

Mesenchymal progenitors differentiate into several tissues including bone, cartilage, and adipose. Targeting these cells in vivo is challenging, making mesenchymal progenitor cell lines valuable tools to study tissue development. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from humans and animals; however, obtaining homogenous, responsive cells in a reproducible fashion is challenging. As such, we developed two mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC) lines, MPC1 and MPC2, generated from bone marrow of male C57BL/6 mice. These cells were immortalized using the temperature sensitive large T-antigen, allowing for thermal control of proliferation and differentiation. Both MPC1 and MPC2 cells are capable of osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Under osteogenic conditions, both lines formed mineralized nodules, and stained for alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase, while expressing osteogenic genes including Sost, Fgf23, and Dmp1. Sost and Dmp1 mRNA levels were drastically reduced with parathyroid hormone, thus recapitulating in vivo responses. MPC cells secreted intact (iFGF23) and C-terminal (cFGF23) forms of the endocrine hormone FGF23, which was upregulated by 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25D). Both lines also rapidly entered the adipogenic lineage, expressing adipose markers after 4 days in adipogenic media. MPC cells were also capable of chondrogenic differentiation, displaying increased expression of cartilage genes including aggrecan, Sox9, and Comp. With the ability to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages and mimic in vivo responses of key regulatory genes/proteins, MPC cells are a valuable model to study factors that regulate mesenchymal lineage allocation as well as the mechanisms that dictate transcription, protein modification, and secretion of these factors.
Identification of Candidate Genomic Regions for Chicken Egg Production Traits Based on Genome Wide Association Study
Authors: Zhao Xiurong , Nie Changsheng , Zhang Jinxin , Li Xinghua , Zhu Tao , Guan Zi , Chen Yu , Wang Liang , Lv XueZe , Yang Weifang , Jia Yaxiong , Ning Zhonghua , Li Haiying , Qu Changqing , Wang Huie , Qu Lujiang
Published: January 2021

Background: Since the domestication of chicken, various chicken breeds have been developed for food production, entertainment, and so on. Compared to indigenous chicken breeds which generally do not show elite production performance, commercial breeds or lines are selected intensely for meat or egg production. In the present study, in order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the dramatic egg yielding differences between commercial egg-type chickens and indigenous chickens, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a mixed linear model. Results: We obtained 148 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with egg production traits or reproductive traits (57 significantly, 91 suggestively). Among them, 18 SNPs overlapped with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL), including 13 for egg production and 5 for reproductive traits. Three SNPs were significantly associated with multiple egg production traits, such as egg number, age at first egg, and egg production rate in chickens. Furthermore, we identified 32 candidate genes based on the function of the screened genes. These genes were found to be mainly involved in regulating hormones, playing a role in the formation, growth, and development of follicles, and in the development of the reproductive system. Some genes such as NELL2, KITLG, GHRHR, NCOA1, ITPR1, GAMT, and CAMK4 deserve our attention and further study since they have been reported to be closely related to reproductive traits. In addition, the most significant genomic region obtained in this study was located at 48.61-48.84Mb on GGA5. In this region, we have repeatedly annotated four genes, in which YY1 and WDR25 have been shown to be related to oocytes and reproductive tissues, respectively, which implies that this region may be a candidate region underlying egg production traits. Conclusion: Our study utilized the genomic information from various chicken breeds or populations differed in egg production to understand the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in reproduction traits. We identified a series of SNPs, candidate genes, or genomic regions that associated with reproductive traits, which could help us in developing egg production in chickens.